What You Need to Know: The 7-day safari costs from US$3,680 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level (US$2,645 budget, US$5,965 luxury), with Tarangire, three nights and two full days in the central Serengeti, a night on the Ngorongoro crater rim and a crater game drive. It suits travelers who want time to follow the wildlife rather than tick off parks.
Is the 7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari Right for You?
Choose this if the Serengeti is the heart of your trip. Two full Serengeti days let your guide move towards the herds in season or follow the cats, instead of driving between parks. It doesn't include Lake Manyara; the 6-day safari does.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| You want time in the Serengeti | You want all four parks: the 6-day safari |
| You want to follow the season | You want even more Serengeti: the 10-day safari |
| You like a slower pace | You want Lake Natron and Lake Eyasi: the 8-day safari |
The 7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari Route at a Glance
Arusha – Tarangire – Karatu – central Serengeti (3 nights) – Ngorongoro crater rim – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu – Arusha.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – Tarangire – Karatu | About 2.5 hours, then 2 hours | Karatu |
| 2 | Karatu – central Serengeti | About 7 hours with stops | Central Serengeti |
| 3 | Full day in the Serengeti | Game drives only | Central Serengeti |
| 4 | Another full Serengeti day | Game drives only | Central Serengeti |
| 5 | Serengeti – crater rim | About 4 hours after a morning drive | Crater rim |
| 6 | Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu | Short drive | Karatu |
| 7 | Karatu – Arusha | About 2.5–3 hours | — |
7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
The middle of the trip is unhurried: two full Serengeti days and a relaxed afternoon in Karatu after the crater.
-
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire, then Karatu
Tarangire game drives with your lunch box, then on to Karatu.
Elephants and baobabsTarangireLunch box, dinner -
Day 2: Karatu to the central Serengeti
Through the highlands and into the Serengeti, with a game drive to your lodge.
Into the SerengetiHighlands, SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Full day in the Serengeti
Game drives around Seronera and the kopjes, out early for the cats.
A full game-drive dayCentral SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Another full Serengeti day
Time to follow the best sightings, or head for an area that suits the season, such as the herds moving through in May–June or November–December.
Follow the seasonSerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 5: Serengeti to the Ngorongoro crater rim
A morning game drive, then about 4 hours to the crater rim.
Last Serengeti driveSerengeti, crater rimBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater, then Karatu
An early crater game drive and picnic lunch, then a relaxed afternoon in Karatu, perhaps a walk among the coffee farms.
The crater floorNgorongoroBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 7: Karatu to Arusha
A slow morning and the drive back to Arusha, in time for an afternoon flight or a night in town.
ReturnHighlandsBreakfast
Where You Stay and What You Eat on the 7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari
| Night | Area | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karatu | Crater Rim Inn, Country Lodge Karatu | Karatu Tented Lodge, Pamoja Farm Villas | Gibbs' Farm, Acacia Farm Lodge |
| 2 | Central Serengeti | Maboresho Tented Camp, Nyani Campsite | Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge, Serengeti Classic View Camp | Serengeti Serena Lodge, Four Seasons Serengeti |
| 3 | Central Serengeti | Maboresho Tented Camp, Nyani Campsite | Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge, Serengeti Classic View Camp | Serengeti Serena Lodge, Four Seasons Serengeti |
| 4 | Central Serengeti | Maboresho Tented Camp, Nyani Campsite | Mberesero Serengeti Central Lodge, Serengeti Classic View Camp | Serengeti Serena Lodge, Four Seasons Serengeti |
| 5 | Ngorongoro crater rim | Ngorongoro Wild Camp, Simba Campsite | Ngorongoro Safari Lodge, Ang'ata Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Lion's Paw |
| 6 | Karatu | Crater Rim Inn, Country Lodge Karatu | Karatu Tented Lodge, Pamoja Farm Villas | Gibbs' Farm, Acacia Farm Lodge |
How Much Does the 7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari Cost?
The 7-day safari costs from US$3,680 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, US$2,645 on a budget basis and US$5,965 at luxury level. Three nights inside the Serengeti make up most of the cost.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$4,010 | US$5,225 | US$8,170 |
| 2 | US$2,645 | US$3,680 | US$5,965 |
| 3 | US$2,115 | US$3,200 | US$5,440 |
| 4 | US$2,110 | US$3,150 | US$5,430 |
| 5 | US$1,900 | US$2,965 | US$5,220 |
| 6 | US$1,935 | US$2,970 | US$5,250 |
Park fees on this route
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tarangire National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| Serengeti National Park | US$82.60 per person per 24 hours |
| Serengeti concession fee (nights inside the park) | Per person per night, by season |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (also charged when you drive through) | US$70.80 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro crater service fee | US$295 per vehicle per descent |
What the 7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari Price Includes
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide
- All park fees and the Ngorongoro crater service fee
- 6 nights' accommodation at the level you choose
- Lunch box on Day 1; other meals at your lodges
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance, including medical evacuation
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges and personal items
- Arusha hotel nights and airport transfers, which we can add
- Optional activities such as a Serengeti balloon flight
Tips are the main extra. We suggest US$10–25 per person per day for your driver-guide, or US$40–60 per vehicle per day for a group, plus US$5–10 per guest per night for lodge staff. For this 7-day safari that is about US$70–175 per person for the guide. See our safari tipping guide.
When Is the Best Time for the 7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari?
Any month from June to October gives the best general game viewing, with dry roads and animals gathered near water; January and February are also excellent. We don't recommend the long rains of April and May for road safaris: roads slow down and some camps close. With two full Serengeti days, your guide can plan around where the herds are in your month; see the migration by month.
5, 6 or 7 Days?
The extra days go to Lake Manyara and the Serengeti.
| 5-day | 6-day | 7-day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti nights | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Lake Manyara | Short visit | Full day | No |
| Night on the crater rim | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$2,630 | US$3,190 | US$3,680 |
See the 6-day and 10-day safaris.
How to Book the 7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
This page covers what is particular to the 7-Day Safari. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Serengeti National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Ngorongoro Crater guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Tarangire National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Our safari vehicles: the Land Cruisers we use, pop-up roofs, charging and who drives.
- Airport transfers and nights in Arusha: getting from Kilimanjaro airport to the start of your safari.
- Zanzibar beach holidays: adding a few days on the coast after the safari.
- Safari safety tips: how game drives, camps and walks are kept safe.
- Vaccinations and travel health: malaria, yellow fever and what to ask your doctor.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 7-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire Safari
Why three nights in the Serengeti?
It gives you two full days there, enough to reach the best sightings without long drives every day.
Is the safari private?
Yes. Your vehicle and guide are for your group only.
Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
Yes, and charging points, though the signal is patchy in remote parts of the parks.
The Bottom Line
Seven days is for travelers who want the Serengeti to be the main event: three nights, two full days and a crater morning at the end.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team will reply with a written quotation.