7-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

7 Days 6 Nights

Elephants, Flamingos, Migration & Crater Big Five

Seven days let the story of northern Tanzania unfold at a natural pace. Begin among Tarangire's elephant herds and towering baobabs, continue to Lake Manyara where flamingos stripe the soda lake and forests shelter elephants and tree-lounging lions, then spend generous time in Serengeti's predator rich plains.
Finish with a descent into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's best places to seek the Big Five. With our locally owned JoyTrekking team, you travel with guides who grew up in these landscapes, connecting wildlife encounters to culture, conservation, and community.

Seven days across northern Tanzania’s icons

See Tarangire's massive elephant herds and ancient baobab landscapes
Explore Lake Manyara’s groundwater forests, birdlife and seasonal flamingos
Spend two to three full days on the Serengeti plains, tracking predators and, seasonally, the Great Migration
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for exceptional Big Five opportunities
Travel with local expert guides who share ecological insight and community context

Itinerary

Day
One
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Morning pickup in Arusha.
- Drive to Tarangire for game drives along the river and baobab dotted plains.
- Picnic lunch in the park.
- Sunset arrival at your lodge near Tarangire.
Day
Two
Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park to Karatu
- Short transfer to Lake Manyara.
- Explore groundwater forest, acacia woodlands and lakeshore for elephants, hippos, prolific birdlife and, with luck, tree climbing lions.
- Picnic lunch in the park.
- Late afternoon continue to Karatu for overnight.
Day
Three
Karatu to Serengeti National Park
- Scenic drive across the Ngorongoro Highlands into Serengeti.
- Afternoon game drive on the central plains focusing on lions, cheetahs and herds.
- Overnight in a Serengeti lodge or tented camp.
Day
Four
Serengeti National Park, Full Day
- Dawn and late afternoon game drives to catch peak wildlife activity and the best light for photography.
- Depending on season, follow the Great Migration or work predator territories and kopjes.
- Overnight in Serengeti.
Day
Five
Serengeti National Park, Full Day
- Second full day to explore different sectors, from river lines to open plains, maximizing variety and sightings.
- Optional balloon safari at sunrise, advance booking required.
- Overnight in Serengeti.
Day
Six
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu
- Early drive toward Ngorongoro. Descend into the crater for a focused Big Five game drive, with picnic lunch by the hippo pools.
- Afternoon ascent and short transfer to Karatu for overnight.
Day
Seven
Karatu to Arusha, optional cultural stop
- Leisurely breakfast and return to Arusha.
- Time permitting, optional stop in Mto wa Mbu for a market and farm visit hosted by our community partners, or a quick crafts stop in Karatu.

Cost Includes

Professional local safari guide
4x4 safari vehicle with open roof
All park entry fees
Accommodation: 6 nights (Tarangire area x1, Karatu x2, Serengeti x3)
Meals: full board
Drinking water during safari
Airport/hotel transfers (Arusha)

Cost Excludes

International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks beyond water)
Tips for guide and lodge staff
Optional balloon safari
Optional cultural visits (add-ons available)

FAQs

How many days are in Serengeti on this itinerary?

Three overnights with two full days of game drives, plus arrival and transfer windows.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?

Generally December to July in Serengeti, moving seasonally. We adjust daily routes to current herd locations.

Can we fly to or from Serengeti to shorten transfers?

Yes, light aircraft flights can replace some drives. Ask about drive in, fly out options.

Is Ngorongoro good for rhino sightings?

It offers your best chance in northern Tanzania, although sightings are never guaranteed.

What level of accommodation is included?

Comfortable mid range lodges and tented camps, with options to upgrade to premium or luxury.

Are cultural visits included?

An optional Mto wa Mbu visit can be added on Day 7, and Maasai led experiences can be integrated depending on timing.

At JoyTrekking Tours & Safaris, we are on a mission to curate extraordinary journeys and forge lifelong memories. Our commitment to delivering top-tier adventure experiences, coupled with a deep respect for the natural and cultural wonders of Kilimanjaro and its surroundings, defines our essence.

See it online https://joytrekking.com/trip/7-day-tarangire-manyara-serengeti-ngorongoro/

Elephants, Flamingos, Migration & Crater Big Five

Seven days across northern Tanzania’s icons

Itinerary

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park to Karatu

Karatu to Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, Full Day