Tanzania Unveiled: Plan Your Tanzania 7 Day Itinerary

If you’ve ever daydreamed about a week packed with thrilling safaris and serene natural wonders, then you’ve landed in the right place. I hope you’ve got your safari hats and adventure spirit ready because I’m diving into a Tanzania 7 day itinerary that will take you through the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife wonders of this stunning country.

From the calming waters of Kikuletwa Hot Springs to the wild wonders of Tarangire National Park, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the iconic Serengeti National Park, this itinerary is a masterclass in squeezing the most out of your precious vacation days. And guess what? You won’t need to pull a “sick day” to make this epic Tanzanian escapade a reality. So, grab your cutest safari attire, because we’re about to dive into a week of adventure, luxury, and unforgettable memories!

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Overview: Tanzania 7 Day Itinerary

For easy reference, here is your Tanzania 7 day itinerary (not including travel days). I get into plenty of detail in the post, but keep this list as a quick cheat sheet!

Day 0: Arrive in Tanzania (Arusha)
Day 1: Day Tour to Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 4-7: Serengeti National Park
Day 8: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport and flight home

Day 1: Kikuletwa Hot Springs

After a long flight that seemed to stretch on forever, we found ourselves touching down at Kilimanjaro airport well into the evening (Day 0). The perfect way to kickstart our Tanzanian adventure the next day? A leisurely day at Kikuletwa Hot Springs! These springs are an absolute gem, though it is important to note that depsite the name, they’re not actually hot. These springs are the absolute perfect start to a Tanzania 7 day itinerary.

As we arrived, we noticed locals offering inflatable tubes, and initially, we thought, “We’re decent swimmers; we don’t need those.” However, once we dipped our toes into the crystal-clear waters, we quickly changed our minds and snagged a couple of tubes. You see, the lagoon is deceptively deep, and the current can be surprisingly strong. The tubes turned out to be a game-changer, allowing us to float effortlessly while soaking in the stunning surroundings.

And if that’s not enough aquatic excitement for you, there’s even a rope swing for the daring souls in the group. Kikuletwa Hot Springs – where relaxation and adventure meet in perfect harmony.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

On the dawn of day two of our Tanzania 7 day itinerary, we left Arusha behind and embarked on our drive to Tarangire National Park, which took about 2.5 hours. This was going to be our very first game drive of the trip, and let me tell you – I was bouncing off the walls with excitement!

The magic of Tarangire didn’t keep us waiting for long. With each passing moment, we were treated to incredible wildlife sightings. From majestic elephants meandering beneath ancient trees to mischievous monkeys breaking into safari vehicles and throwing eggs (yes, this was real and thankfully not our car) , it felt like we had stepped into a real-life nature documentary.

Tarangire National Park’s natural beauty and wildlife spectacle had us completely enthralled, setting the stage for the remarkable adventures yet to come. One of our favorite sightings was seeing all of the animals congregate at the watering hole. Watching a giraffe awkwardly crouch down to drink was something I never knew I needed to see, but was one of the highlights of our trip!

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

The following day of our Tanzania 7 day itinerary, our journey led us to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. We arrived bright and early, greeted by a serene blanket of morning fog. As the mist began to lift, the crater revealed its breathtaking views. The crater was the location where we spotted our first lion pride, which sent literal shivers down our spines. We watched the lions stalk down from a rocky outcropping and it was one of the coolest experiences of the trip.

But the surprises didn’t end there. The crater’s rich ecosystem offered us a mesmerizing array of wildlife sightings, from the haunting presence of hippos to the graceful flamingos adorning the shores of the lake.

And then, the real treat – a caracal and serval, two elusive and remarkable creatures that added a touch of intrigue to our Ngorongoro experience. It was a day that left us in awe of the natural world’s wonders.

Day 4-7: Serengeti National Park

Our Tanzania 7 day itinerary continued as we next moved to the legendary Serengeti. The journey began with a short transfer to Manyara Airstrip, where we hopped aboard a quick1-hour flight on a bush plane to the Northern Serengeti. Touching down early that morning in the Serengeti, we were met with our epic safari guide for the next few days.

With an entire day at our disposal, we dove headfirst into the wild, spending approximately 8 awe-inspiring hours on safari before heading to our luxury tented safari camp. We stayed at Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp in the Northern Serengeti, which I would definitely recommend. Over the next three days, we embraced the rhythm of the Serengeti, rising with the sun to start our explorations at the break of day.

During this time, we were treated to some of nature’s most magnificent spectacles. Witnessing a wildebeest crossing with over 5000 wildebeest was nothing short of epic, a sight that left us humbled by the sheer scale of the Great Migration.

We chose to spend an extended time on the Serengeti on our Tanzania 7 day itinerary because unlike the more confined spaces of Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti’s expansive plains allow for a more immersive and dynamic safari experience. With four days in the Serengeti, we had the opportunity to explore different areas and follow the Great Migration, witnessing a wide range of animal behaviors and stunning landscapes.

And let’s not forget the lion prides we encountered, who I could not stop taking photos of…and how could you not with an adorable face like this? It felt like an ever-unfolding adventure that we simply couldn’t get enough of, making the Serengeti the top highlight of our Tanzanian journey.

Mother Nature also treated us to some of her most unique performances. Witnessing giraffes locked in a fierce battle was a true spectacle, a reminder that even the gentle giants of the Serengeti have their moments of rivalry (and yes, it was a fight over a lady giraffe). Amidst the dramatic scenes, we stumbled upon the adorable sight of baby warthogs, their tiny frames darting through the grasslands. These heartwarming moments added an extra layer of charm to our Serengeti adventure, reminding us that the wild is not just about grandeur, but also about the little delights that make every day in the wilderness truly special.

Day 8: Transfers

On our final day in the Serengeti, we made our way to Kogatende airstrip for our bush plane journey back to Kilimanjaro airport. What made this last day truly special was the surprise it had in store. As we headed towards the airport, nature truly put on a show and we witnessed a spectacular sunrise. It was a moment of pure serendipity, a reminder that the Serengeti had one more dazzling display to offer before bidding us farewell.

A few hours at Kilimanjaro airport allowed us to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past week and to begin sorting through the approximately 10,000 photos I had taken. And as we boarded our international flight home, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the privilege of experiencing the wild wonders of Tanzania, a place where every sunrise brought a new adventure and every sunset left us in awe.

Read More:

For some more travel inspiration and information on safaris, check out some of the posts below!

Safari Tips for First-Timers: 20 Top Things to Know Before Going on Your First Safari
Safari Photography Camera Settings: Best Camera Settings for Safari Photography
Safari Photography: 14 Outstanding African Safari Photography Tips
Safari Outfits: What to Wear on Safari for Women: 10 Cute Outfit Ideas
Tented Safari Camps: Top 13 Things You Always Wanted to Know
Tanzania: Kikuletwa Hot Springs: 14+ Things to Know Before You Go

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