Tanzania 7-Day Safari Itinerary: Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti With Time to Spare

A week in Tanzania suits travellers who want the Serengeti to be the centrepiece rather than a quick stop. This plan moves west in stages, builds up through lake and crater, and then gives you the time on the plains that the Serengeti deserves.

For the southern alternative see the southern circuit 7-day itinerary. This one follows the northern circuit.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Day-by-Day Outline

Lake Manyara and the Rim

Lake Manyara is small but varied, with groundwater forest, the alkaline lake and an escarpment. Monkeys, baboons, elephants, hippos and birds are common, and the park makes a gentle introduction. Afterwards, the road climbs to the Ngorongoro rim, where the air is cooler and views over the crater are spectacular. See the Lake Manyara wildlife guide and Arusha to Lake Manyara.

The Crater at Dawn

The crater visit is time-limited and best done early. The floor holds rhinos, lions, elephants and large herds, plus a soda lake that attracts birds. Plan your descent for first light, bring a packed breakfast and keep layers handy. After your morning, continue across the highlands, with a possible stop at a viewpoint, to the Serengeti. Read the crater wildlife guide and where to stay near Ngorongoro.

Three Nights in the Serengeti

Spend the first full day around Seronera or a quieter region depending on season, then use the second to explore farther. Animal movements vary through the year; ask your guide where the herds are. Read the Serengeti wildlife guide and the Serengeti best-time guide. A balloon flight is a good use of one morning; see Serengeti ballooning.

Flights and Return Options

The return can be a flight from a Serengeti airstrip to Arusha or Kilimanjaro, saving a long road day. Check baggage limits and connections; see how to get to the Serengeti. If you drive back, break the journey with a night near Ngorongoro or Manyara.

Pacing and Customisation

• Replace Manyara with Tarangire if elephants matter more; see Tarangire itineraries.
• Add a night at Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe; see the Lake Eyasi guide.
• Add Zanzibar at the end for a beach extension; see safari and Zanzibar combinations.
• Reduce Serengeti to two nights if you prefer a slower start.

Best Season

Dry months, June to October, make driving easier and wildlife easier to find. January to March brings calving in the south and fewer visitors in other areas. April and May are wetter, and some lodges close. See best time to visit Tanzania and the migration calendar.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team