7-Day Tanzania Family Safari Package — Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park
Tour Overview
If you have one week, this safari covers everything that makes Tanzania special. You’ll start in Tarangire, home to some of the largest elephant herds in Africa, move through the bird-rich shores of Lake Manyara, descend into the wildlife-packed floor of Ngorongoro Crater, and finish with open game drives across the Serengeti. Four parks, six nights, and more wildlife than most people see in a lifetime — all designed around families travelling with kids.
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Starts & ends: Arusha (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Parks: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
- Accommodation: Mid-range lodges & tented camps
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Vehicle: Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Best for: Families with children of all ages
Want an extra day in the wild? Our 8-Day Tanzania Family Safari gives you more time in the Serengeti. Or pair this trip with a Zanzibar beach stay for a complete Tanzania family holiday.
Best Time for Your 7-Day Tanzania Family Safari
Tanzania’s northern parks are open year-round, so there’s no bad time to visit, but some months do deliver better game viewing than others. The dry season from June to October is when wildlife is easiest to spot, as animals concentrate around rivers and waterholes. Game drives are predictable, roads are in good condition, and the kids are far more likely to see a kill.
January to March is another good window — the short dry spell brings quieter parks, greener scenery, and excellent big cat sightings in the Serengeti.
If seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration is a priority, target July to September when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest cross the Mara River in the northern Serengeti.
For a full month-by-month guide, visit our Tanzania Travel Guide. Or if you’re ready to plan, get in touch and we’ll help you pick the best dates for your family.
Tour Map Overview
🗺 7-Day Tanzania Family Safari
7 stops| Day | Destination | Accommodation | Country / Area | Nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arusha | Mateves Boutique Lodge | Tanzania — Start/End | 1 |
| Day 2 | Tarangire NP | Tarangire Sopa Lodge | Tanzania | 1 |
| Day 3 | Lake Manyara NP | Karatu Simba Lodge | Tanzania | 1 |
| Day 4–5 | Serengeti NP | Moyo Tented Camp | Tanzania | 2 |
| Day 6 | Ngorongoro Crater | Karatu Simba Lodge | Tanzania | 1 |
| Transit | Arusha | Not specified | Tanzania — Start/End | — |
| Depart | Kilimanjaro Airport | Not specified | Tanzania | — |
Full Day-by-Day Itinerary
One of our representatives will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport. No stress — we handle your bags, your transfer, and your check-in. Arusha is a friendly town at the foot of Mount Meru. In the evening your guide sits with you to explain the plan for the whole trip. This is a good time to ask any questions. Dinner is at the hotel.
Activities: Airport pickup · Hotel check-in · Safari briefing with your guide · Dinner
After breakfast you drive about 2.5 hours to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for huge numbers of elephants, you will see dozens of them, sometimes right next to your vehicle. The park also has big baobab trees, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest. You spend the afternoon on a game drive. You sleep inside the park in a tented camp, a real tent, but with a proper bed, shower, and everything you need.
Activities: Elephant herds up close · Giraffes and zebras · Afternoon game drive · Sleep inside the park
In the morning you do one more game drive in Tarangire. Then you drive about 1.5 hours to Lake Manyara National Park. This is a small but very beautiful park. The lake is pink because of thousands of flamingos standing in the water. You will also see hippos, baboons, and sometimes lions resting in the trees — Lake Manyara is one of the few places in the world where lions do this. Your lodge sits on the edge of the Rift Valley with views over the lake.
Activities: Thousands of flamingos · Tree-climbing lions · Hippos · Baboons and buffaloes · Rift Valley views
This morning you drive from Ngorongoro into the Serengeti—about 3 hours. As you get closer, the land opens up into huge, flat, golden plains. This is the Serengeti. You will start seeing animals very quickly—lions, cheetahs, and large herds of wildebeest are common here. You arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and still have time for a late game drive before dinner.
Activities: First Serengeti game drive · Lions on the open plains · Cheetah sightings · Large wildebeest herds · Sundowner drink at sunset
Today you spend the whole day in the Serengeti. You leave camp early — this is when lions and leopards are most active. Depending on the time of year you may see the Great Wildebeest Migration — more than 1.5 million wildebeest moving across the plains together. It is one of the greatest wildlife events on Earth. Your guide brings a packed lunch so you can stay in the bush all day and not miss anything.
Activities: Great Wildebeest Migration · Full day game drive · Leopards in acacia trees · Crocodiles at river crossings · Bush picnic lunch · Hyenas and jackals
You drive from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater — about 3 hours. After lunch at your lodge on the rim, you descend into the crater for an afternoon game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater is a massive bowl in the earth, 20 kilometres wide, with its own wildlife living inside. Lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, and hyenas all share this space. It is one of the best places in the world to see the Big Five in one day. You may also spot the rare black rhino. You sleep on the rim tonight — the views at sunset are stunning.
Activities: Drive from Serengeti · Descend into the crater · Big Five in one place · Black rhino sighting (possible) · Sunset views from the rim
Transfer: Ngorongoro → Arusha → Kilimanjaro Airport
Your last morning. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for a short walk near the lodge or a final look at the crater before leaving. Then you drive back to Arusha — about 3 hours. Your guide drops you at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You go home with photos, great memories, and probably are already planning your next Tanzania trip.
Activities: Optional morning walk · Drive back to Arusha · Airport drop-off · Optional Zanzibar extension (ask us)
Inclusions/Exclusions
What's Included in the Price
- Park fees and government taxes
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Soft Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Airport Transfers All transfers to and from Arusha Airport are included.
- Emergency evacuation cover by AMREF Flying Doctors during the safari period
What's Not Included in the Price
- International flights (From/to your home country)
- Tips for your guide, cook and crew.
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra accommodation before and after tour
- Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary
Optional Safari Add-Ons (Extra Charges Apply)
All add-ons are optional and available at extra cost. Just tell us what you’d like, and we’ll make it happen.
- Lodge or Tented Camp Upgrade - Stay in a higher-end lodge or luxury tented camp
- Special Occasion Setup - Surprise setup for birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons
- Maasai Village Visit - Visit a traditional Maasai village and learn about their culture
- Child-Friendly Safari Activities - Fun extras for kids games, guides, and family-friendly options
- Bush Breakfast or Bush Lunch - Enjoy a meal in the wild, surrounded by nature
- Extra Park Visit - Add another national park to your trip (e.g., Ruaha NP or Nyerere NP)
- Extra Night Before or After Safari - Stay in Arusha/Moshi before or after your safari
- Safari Video Package - Edited video of your safari experience to keep or share
- Travel Essentials Kit - Includes sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, and a refillable water bottle
- Professional Photographer - A local photographer joins your trip to capture beautiful safari moments
Why Travel With Us
- 100% Tailor-Made Tours
- Private or group departures available
- In-Depth Expert Knowledge
- Reliable and Trusted Service
- Professional & Experienced Guides
- Best Price Guarantee
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Hidden Booking Fees
- 100% Secure & Safe Travel
Tour Highlights
- This is a mid-luxury safari
- This tour can be customized
- This is a private tour
- This tour can start any day
- Activities - game drives
- Safari vehicle: 4x4 with open roof
- Luxury accommodation
Request a Quote
Contact Information
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Tanzania Travel Guide
Explore More Tanzania Family Safari Packages
Not sure this is the right fit? Browse our other Tanzania family safari packages and find the one that matches your travel dates, group size, and budget. Every safari we offer is carefully planned to give your family the best of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes.
8-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari: Witness the Mara River Crossing
5-Day Ndutu Southern Serengeti Migration Safari: Calving Season (Dec–Apr)
5-Day Ultimate Tanzania Safari, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
7-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari – Serengeti & Mara River crossings
Are you looking for a private safari for your dates? Speak to our Tanzania safari specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday safari for your dates!
Send your inquiry now and our safari experts will reach out within 24 hours! Let’s begin planning your Tanzania safari!
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania Safaris
FAQ: GET ANSWERS
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth — a year-round circular journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles moving between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grass and water. What makes it truly remarkable is the sheer scale, drama, and unpredictability — especially the legendary Mara River crossings where massive herds plunge into crocodile-infested waters. No two days are the same, making every sighting unique.
The most dramatic Mara River crossings happen between July and October, when herds move into the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area) and attempt to cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara. August and September are widely considered the peak months for river crossings. However, the migration is a year-round event — the calving season (January–March) in Southern Serengeti is equally spectacular, with thousands of baby wildebeest born each day, attracting lions and cheetahs.
This safari covers three of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Tarangire National Park (famous for giant baobab trees and large elephant herds), Ngorongoro Crater (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Big Five, including rare black rhinos), and both Central Serengeti (Seronera area — prime big cat territory) and Northern Serengeti (Kogatende area — the heart of the Mara River crossing action). You get the full Tanzania safari experience in one trip.
Yes — 7 days is the ideal duration for a complete migration safari experience. This itinerary dedicates two full days in Northern Serengeti near the Mara River, which maximizes your chances of witnessing a crossing. You also spend quality time in Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire — making this a well-rounded Tanzania wildlife safari rather than just a migration-focused trip. Most experienced travellers agree that 7 days offers the perfect balance.
No safari company can guarantee a river crossing — this is wildlife in its natural, wild state and crossings happen entirely on the animals’ own terms. However, this itinerary is specifically designed to maximize your chances: you spend two full days at the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, guided by experienced driver-guides who know the crossing points and monitor herd movements daily. Many guests do witness crossings; patience and a good guide make all the difference.
This itinerary delivers exceptional wildlife variety. In Tarangire, expect massive elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species. In Ngorongoro Crater, you have excellent chances of seeing all Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino. In the Serengeti, big cat sightings (lions, cheetahs, leopards) are a highlight, alongside hippos and crocodiles at the Mara River, hyenas, and vast herds of plains game. Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round.
This is a mid-luxury safari with carefully selected lodges and tented camps. You’ll stay at Fun Retreat Hotel in Arusha (Day 1), Farm of Dreams Lodge in Karatu (Day 2), and Moyo Camp in both Central and Northern Serengeti (Days 3–6). Moyo Camp is a comfortable tented camp located inside Serengeti National Park — meaning wildlife can walk past your tent at night. All accommodations include meals as specified in the itinerary and are chosen for their proximity to prime wildlife areas.
FAQ: GET ANSWERS
The price includes all park fees and government taxes, all game drives and activities listed in the itinerary, all accommodation, a professional private driver-guide, all ground transportation in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, meals as specified per day, soft drinks, and round-trip airport transfers. Not included: international flights, guide gratuities, personal items (visa fees, travel insurance, souvenirs), government-imposed tax increases, and optional add-ons such as a hot air balloon ride or lodge upgrades.
You will travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof — the gold standard for wildlife viewing in East Africa. The pop-up roof allows you to stand and photograph wildlife at eye level with a full 360-degree view, essential for game drives and photography. This is a private tour exclusively for your party. You will never share your vehicle with strangers from other bookings, which means more flexibility on timing, stops, and game drive routes.
Absolutely — a hot air balloon safari is one of the most popular optional add-ons for this trip. Floating above the Serengeti plains at sunrise while watching the migration herds below is a true bucket-list experience. Balloon rides can be arranged over the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park at an additional cost. Simply mention it when requesting your quote and the team will incorporate it into your personalized programme.
Day 7 involves a long overland return from Northern Serengeti to Arusha — approximately 300 km and 7–8 hours of driving after a final morning game drive. For travelers who prefer to minimize road time or have an early international connection, a domestic flight from Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) can be arranged at an additional cost. This is worth considering, especially if you plan to continue to Zanzibar or have a tight departure schedule.
Yes — this itinerary is an excellent choice for first-timers. The day-by-day structure is well-paced, the accommodations are comfortable, and your professional driver-guide handles all wildlife tracking, park logistics, and meal arrangements. The combination of Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti means you experience Tanzania’s greatest highlights in a single trip. A detailed safari briefing on Day 1 in Arusha ensures you arrive fully prepared and know exactly what to expect.
Yes — the itinerary is 100% tailor-made and can be adjusted to suit your preferences and budget. Popular customizations include adding a Zanzibar beach extension after the safari (a very popular combination), upgrading to luxury lodges or fly-in safari options, including a Maasai village cultural visit, or extending to additional parks such as Ruaha or Nyerere (Selous). The safari can also start on any date that suits your schedule — there are no fixed departure dates.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige — avoid bright colors that can startle wildlife). Essentials include a wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, a camera with a zoom lens or binoculars, comfortable closed-toe shoes or safari boots, and a light fleece or jacket for cold early morning game drives. A power bank is useful since charging opportunities vary by camp. Don’t forget your visa documents, travel insurance, and any personal medications prescribed before travel.
Booking is straightforward. Fill out the quote request form on the tour page, or reach the team directly via WhatsApp at +255 766 633 052 or by email at info@exceptionaltravelexpert.com. A Tanzania safari specialist will respond within 24 hours with a personalized proposal based on your travel dates, group size, and preferences. Once confirmed, they will guide you through the full booking process, visa requirements, pre-departure preparation, and any customizations. The team provides 24/7 customer support from inquiry through to your return home.
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