Best Private Safari in 7-Day Ngorongoro & Serengeti (2025–2026)

Introduction to the Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari Experience:

This 7-day wildlife safari takes you on an extraordinary journey through two of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations: the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and the vast, untamed wilderness of the Serengeti National Park.

The Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is a natural amphitheater of life, offering unmatched wildlife density within its volcanic walls. Meanwhile, the Serengeti, home to the legendary Great Migration and boundless savannah plains offers breathtaking encounters with lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest herds, and much more.

This carefully designed 7-day itinerary blends immersive wildlife viewing, stunning landscapes, and authentic cultural interactions, creating a safari experience that is both unforgettable and deeply enriching.

7-Day Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha / Moshi – Safari Briefing

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Macpace Tours & Safaris. After a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, you’ll receive a detailed safari briefing from your expert guide, ensuring you are well-prepared for the adventure ahead.

• Overnight stay in Arusha/Moshi (mid-range lodge or luxury hotel).

• Meals included: Dinner.

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, your safari begins with a drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its towering baobab trees and large elephant herds. The park also boasts diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and over 500 bird species.

Game drives here offer excellent photography opportunities, particularly during the dry season when wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River.

• Morning and afternoon game drives in Tarangire.

• Overnight stay at a tented camp/lodge near the park.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)

Today, journey through the Ngorongoro highlands into the heart of the Serengeti. En route, enjoy scenic views of Maasai villages and the sweeping savannah. Enter Serengeti National Park, where vast plains stretch endlessly under the African sky.

Game drives begin immediately upon arrival, offering a chance to see lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, as well as herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing across the open plains.

• Evening game drive en route to your lodge/tented camp.

• Overnight stay in Central Serengeti.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park, one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves in the world. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration with millions of wildebeest and zebras on their annual journey across the plains in search of fresh grazing.

Even outside the migration, Serengeti never disappoints: expect close encounters with predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and countless antelope species.

• Morning and afternoon game drives with a picnic lunch.

• Overnight stay in Serengeti (central or northern area depending on season).

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands

After an early game drive and breakfast, depart Serengeti and travel back through the park toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, you may stop at Olduvai Gorge, known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” where some of the earliest human fossils were discovered.

Arrive in the Ngorongoro Highlands by late afternoon. Enjoy sweeping views over the crater rim as you settle into your lodge for the evening.

• Optional cultural visit to a Maasai boma.

• Overnight stay on the crater rim or in nearby Karatu.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 6: Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive inside this unique ecosystem. The crater floor is home to over 25,000 large animals, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, and hippos. The open grasslands and acacia woodlands make game viewing easy and rewarding.

Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool, with magnificent views of the crater floor. Continue your game drive until late afternoon before ascending to the crater rim.

• Overnight stay in Karatu or on the crater rim.

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 7: Karatu – Lake Manyara – Arusha Departure

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions, lush groundwater forests, and vibrant birdlife. The soda lake often shimmers pink with thousands of flamingos.

Enjoy a final game drive before returning to Arusha. Depending on your onward travel plans, you’ll be transferred either to your hotel or directly to the airport for departure.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch.

✅ Safari Inclusions

• Private/Luxury Accommodation: 6 nights in carefully selected lodges/tented camps.

• Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.

• Certified English-speaking guide.

• Park fees and crater descent fees.

• Bottled drinking water.

• Airport transfers.

❌ Safari Exclusions

• International flights & visas.

• Travel/medical insurance (mandatory).

• Tips & gratuities.

• Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari in Serengeti, Maasai village visit).

• Alcoholic beverages & personal expenses.

📅 Best Time to Visit

• June – October (Dry Season): Best for predator sightings and large herds.

• December – March: Best for the Great Migration calving season in the southern Serengeti.

• April – May: Green season with lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Why Choose Macpace Tours & Safaris for This Adventure?

• Local Tanzanian Expertise: Born and raised in Tanzania, we bring insider knowledge of the parks and cultures.

• Tailored Experiences: Each itinerary is fully customizable to your interests and budget.

• Professional Guides: Our certified guides are passionate conservationists with years of experience.

• Sustainable Travel: We promote eco-friendly safaris that respect wildlife and support local communities.

• Seamless Service: From airport pick-up to drop-off, we handle all the details, so you can focus on your safari.

Book Your 7-Day Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari (2025–2026)

This safari is designed for travelers who want a private and deep, immersive experience of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. With seven days of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable moments, it’s the perfect blend of adventure and comfort.

👉 Contact Macpace Tours & Safaris today to secure your 7-Day Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari and begin the journey of a lifetime into the heart of Africa.