Quick answer
Land at Kilimanjaro airport and rest in Arusha, spend a day in Tarangire, cross to the central Serengeti for two nights, then descend into Ngorongoro Crater before returning to Arusha. Add three nights in Zanzibar if you have time. Mid-range land costs start at about ₹2,10,000 per person, with all park fees and a private safari vehicle.
The route
- Delhi
- Kilimanjaro
- Arusha
- Tarangire
- Karatu
- Serengeti
- Ngorongoro
- Arusha
- Delhi (optional Zanzibar)
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Arrive at Kilimanjaro, transfer to Arusha
Morning: Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport after a connection in Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa or Nairobi.
Afternoon: Transfer to Arusha, about one hour, and rest.
Evening: Safari briefing with your guide; check the vehicle and repack into soft bags.
Stay: Arusha
Change a little money into shillings for small purchases; tips and most extras can be paid in US dollars.
- 2
Day 2
Tarangire National Park
Morning: Drive about two hours to Tarangire for a full-day game drive.
Afternoon: Elephant herds and baobabs along the Tarangire River, with a picnic lunch in the park.
Evening: Drive to Karatu in the highlands near Ngorongoro.
Stay: Karatu
- 3
Day 3
Into the Serengeti
Morning: Drive up to the Ngorongoro rim viewpoint, then down through Maasai country.
Afternoon: Short stop at Olduvai Gorge, then enter the Serengeti at Naabi Hill and game drive to Seronera.
Evening: Sundowner near camp.
Stay: Central Serengeti
Today is long, five to six hours with stops. Carry snacks and motion-sickness tablets for children.
- 4
Day 4
Full day in the Serengeti
Morning: Optional dawn hot-air balloon flight, or an early game drive when cats are most active.
Afternoon: Full-day drive with a packed lunch, following the Seronera River for leopards.
Evening: Back at camp by the park's evening cut-off.
Stay: Central Serengeti
From July to September, ask your operator about a northern Serengeti night for the river crossings.
- 5
Day 5
Serengeti to the Ngorongoro rim
Morning: Final morning game drive in the Serengeti.
Afternoon: Drive back to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Evening: Dinner at your lodge; nights on the rim are cold.
Stay: Ngorongoro rim or Karatu
- 6
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater, then Arusha
Morning: Descend into the crater at gate opening for black rhino, lions and hippos.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch by the hippo pool, climb out and drive to Arusha, about three hours.
Evening: Farewell dinner in Arusha.
Stay: Arusha
For Zanzibar, fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro the next morning; the flight takes about 1–1.5 hours.
- 7
Day 7
Fly home or continue to Zanzibar
Morning: Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport, or to Arusha airport for a Zanzibar flight.
Afternoon: Flight home via a Gulf or African hub, or arrive in Zanzibar for a three-night extension.
Evening: Overnight flight to India, or sunset at Nungwi.
Is 7 days enough for a Tanzania safari?
Seven days gives you five full safari days on the classic northern circuit: Tarangire for elephants, two nights in the central Serengeti for big cats, and Ngorongoro Crater for rhino. The first and last days are travel days, so do not try to squeeze more parks in.
Why two nights in the Serengeti?
The drive into the Serengeti takes most of a day. Staying two nights gives you one complete day of game drives with no long transfer, which is where the best sightings usually happen. In July to September, consider swapping one central night for the northern Serengeti for the Mara River crossings.
What will it cost?
Mid-range land costs start at about ₹2,10,000 per person, twin sharing. That covers six nights in mid-range lodges with full board, a private 4x4 with a pop-up roof shared by four, a driver-guide, all park and crater fees and airport transfers, excluding international flights. Couples in a vehicle of their own pay more. Our Tanzania trip cost page has the full breakdown.
Adding Zanzibar
Three nights on Zanzibar suits families and honeymooners after the early starts of a safari. Spend one night in Stone Town and two on the beach at Nungwi or Kendwa. Flights from Arusha take about an hour.
You need a Tanzania e-visa before you fly. Apply online at least two weeks ahead; see our Tanzania visa guide.
For timing, see the best time to visit Tanzania, and read our food guide on vegetarian meals in safari lodges.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add Zanzibar to a 7-day Tanzania safari?
Is this safari itinerary suitable for children and elderly parents?
Should I fly or drive between the parks?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
