7-Day Tanzania Safari

Northern Tanzania

7-Day Tanzania Safari

Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, two of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders.

7 days Northern Tanzania Best · Year-round Private departureFrom $2,650 per person
Overview

What this journey holds.

A remarkable week through Tanzania's legendary national parks. Explore the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti, home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, which holds the highest concentration of wildlife on the continent, all in a private 4×4 with a professional guide.

Group size
Private departure, 2–6 guests
Vehicle
Custom 4×4 Land Cruiser, pop-up roof
Guide
Licensed English-speaking driver-guide
Pace
Moderate, early starts, unhurried sightings
Fitness
Easy; no walking required
Start / end
Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK)
Moments to photograph

Three that we build the days around.

01

Tree-climbing lions and flamingos at Lake Manyara

02

Two full days in the Serengeti heartland

03

A full crater tour of Ngorongoro

Day by day

A rhythm, not a rigid schedule.

Every day bends around the animals, the light, and how you like to travel. This is our starting shape.

  1. 01
    Arrival · Kilimanjaro or Arusha

    Warm welcome, meet your private guide, transfer to your lodge. Overnight Zondela House.

  2. 02
    Lake Manyara

    Groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, flamingos, elephants, hippos and giraffe. Overnight Nyota Rift Valley.

  3. 03
    Serengeti (central)

    Into the endless golden plains, lions, leopards, cheetahs and vast grazing herds. Overnight Banagi Safari Lodge.

  4. 04
    Serengeti heartland

    A full day through valleys, kopjes and sweeping grasslands for dramatic wildlife interactions.

  5. 05
    Ngorongoro Crater

    A full crater tour among lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and black rhino. Overnight Endoro Lodge.

  6. 06
    Return to Arusha

    Scenic drive with optional cultural stops and local markets. Overnight Africa Safari Arusha.

  7. 07
    Departure

    Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your outbound flight.

What's included

Nothing on the day of the shoot but the shoot itself.

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle and professional guide
  • Hand-selected lodges and camps
  • All park and conservation fees
  • Full-board dining on safari
  • Airport transfers
Not included
  • International flights and visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Optional activities (balloon safari, walking safari, cultural visits)
  • Tips for your guide and lodge staff
  • Personal items, laundry and telephone charges
Best time to travel

Tanzania, month by month.

This journey runs year-round. Here is how the year reads across the northern circuit.

Jan

Calving season in Ndutu

Feb

Peak calving, predator action

Mar

Green season, fewer vehicles

Apr

Long rains, lush and quiet

May

Rains ease, low season value

Jun

Dry season opens, herds move north

Jul

River crossings begin

Aug

Peak crossings, prime game viewing

Sep

Dry, concentrated wildlife

Oct

Excellent predator sightings

Nov

Short rains, dramatic skies

Dec

Herds return south to Ndutu

From the field

Photos from this trip.

7-Day Tanzania Safari safari photography 1
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7-Day Tanzania Safari safari photography 6
Travel style

Midrange Lodge

Comfortable lodges and tented camps with a hot shower at the end of every game drive, from around US$270 per person per day.

Explore this style

A midrange lodge safari is the balance most travellers are looking for, real beds, hot water, a swimming pool at the end of a dusty day, and the same private vehicle and guide as our luxury departures.

  • Midrange lodges and permanent tented camps
  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Full board, drinking water throughout
  • All park and conservation fees
  • Airport pick-up, drop-off and 24/7 service
Reviews
Traveling to Africa for the first time felt overwhelming, but Collin made the entire planning process seamless. Ilmaasai is a family-owned business, which made the experience even more special, Christian and Loth no longer felt like tour guides, they felt like family.

Angel S. · TripAdvisor · February 2026

How booking works

From first note to first game drive.

Four steps, no pressure, and a human on the other end of every message.

01

Tell us your dates

Share travel dates, group size and what you most want to see. We reply within 24 hours.

02

We shape the route

A tailored itinerary with camp options at three price points, and honest advice on season and pacing.

03

Confirm and prepare

A 30% deposit secures camps and park permits. We send packing, camera and health notes.

04

Arrive and travel

Met at the airport, driven by your own guide, supported on the ground for the whole journey.

Questions

Before you ask.

How many people share a vehicle?
Every departure is private. Your party has the whole 4×4 to itself with a guaranteed window seat and pop-up roof for each guest.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes, every route here is a starting shape. We regularly extend nights, swap camps, add Zanzibar or restructure days around photography light.
What does the price depend on?
Season, group size and camp category. The quoted rate is a per-person guide for two travellers sharing in mid-season; we confirm exact pricing with your dates.
What is the payment schedule?
A 30% deposit confirms the booking, with the balance due 45 days before arrival. Bank transfer and card payments are both accepted.
Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
Yes. We adjust drive lengths, road transfers and lodge choices to suit families and to keep travel comfortable at any age.
What should I pack for photography?
A long lens (400mm+), a wide zoom, spare cards and batteries. We supply bean bags in every vehicle and can arrange charging in the field.
Ready to travel

Let's shape this journey around you.

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