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7-Day Tanzania Safari Tours

There are many options for a Tanzanian 7-day safari. Each of its parks and reserves is unique and offers a different experience. Many people come to see the wildebeest migration. This yearly spectacle is a sight to behold, and a 7-day safari gives a fantastic opportunity to witness it. Wherever you go in the country, you’ll have quality wildlife sightings. While the northern parks have the highest densities of animals, the southern parks are highly recommended for an off-the-beaten-track experience. Fewer visitors get out here, and there are many 7-day packages to Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), the main park and reserve in this circuit.

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1-20 of 545 7-day itineraries, trips, holidays, packages & vacations to Tanzania

5 Questions About 7-Day Tanzania Safaris

 
 

5 Questions About 7-Day Tanzania Safaris

Answered by Ariadne van Zandbergen

Is 7 days a good length for a safari in Tanzania?

“A 7-day safari in Tanzania gives you enough time to immerse yourself in the experience, as long as you don’t have expectations of visiting a lot of parks. It also gives you enough time to get away from the busiest places, mostly visited on shorter safaris. Tanzania is an incredible wildlife destination. Almost a third of its surface area falls into a protected area of some kind. There are many parks and reserves, and each one is different, so you won’t be able to visit all the highlights in one trip. Seven days gives you a reasonable time to explore one of Tanzania’s three safari circuits. Even then, you’ll have to make choices. It is a common mistake to try and cram too much into a holiday. Don’t forget, it should be a holiday, not a military operation. I prefer to give myself enough time to soak in the atmosphere of a place instead of rushing from park to park. Even if you repeat a drive, you’ll see different action. Sometimes, it pays to follow up on a sighting. Go back to a lion kill; hyenas might have arrived later on. Every day is different.”

1

What can I fit in during a 7-day safari in Tanzania?

“There are lots of different itineraries available for a 7-day safari in Tanzania, so choosing what you can fit in can be challenging. Most tours focus on one of two safari circuits. Most popular is the Northern circuit, which is centered on the vast Serengeti, and also includes the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. With seven days, you can also easily include a night or two in Lake Manyara National Park or Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is most rewarding in the Dry season months, when elephant congregate around the river for which it is named. But just because you can fit all that in a 1-week safari, don’t feel that you have to. An equally good option would be to spend more time exploring the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and to leave out Manyara and Tarangire. The Southern circuit offers quite a different kind of safari. The parks and reserves in the south are more low-key. With only a limited number of small lodges and tented camps in a vast area, you’ll get a very authentic wilderness experience here. Some of the best guides work in Ruaha National Park and additional activities such as boating and walking are offered in both Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) and Ruaha. You could visit Mikumi National Park en route. This is, in fact, the most convenient stopover on a road safari to the south. If you would like to stretch your legs, you might want to make a small side trip to Udzungwa Mountains National Park. You can hike in pristine rainforest, and witness Sanje waterfall tumbling down the escarpment.”

2

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

“There are many types of accommodation available when going on a safari in Tanzania. If you’re on a tight budget or you love camping, look no further. Camping safaris are very popular and usually the most budget-friendly option. Many operators specialize in camping safaris, and they tend to run a very professional operation. A reputable company will kit you out with high-quality tents and everything else you’ll need. Most camping safaris include a dedicated chef, and guests usually rave about the freshly prepared food. If you’re on a budget but camping isn’t your thing, you can stay in no-frills lodgings, usually located just outside the parks. A wide range of accommodation is available inside the parks too. Mid-range lodges offer all the mod cons, and while they sometimes lack character, the great locations often give way to spectacular views. Top of the range are the luxury lodges. These are usually small and exclusive, with some limited to six to eight units. They can be solidly built, but many opt for the tented-camp theme. Either way, luxury lodges are usually booked on a fly-in safari. The service, food and guiding are of the highest standard.”

3

Which animals can I expect to see?

“You’ll be surprised at how much wildlife you’ll be able to see on a 7-day safari in Tanzania. Many of the Tanzanian parks have incredible animal densities. You’ll see something special on every drive. If you are keen to see the Big Five, you can’t go wrong in the Northern safari circuit. You’ll see plenty of elephant and buffalo. Even lion are ridiculously easy to see, but leopard sightings are more hit-and-miss. Having said that, your chances of seeing one of these elusive cats are quite good on a 1-week safari. Black rhino sightings are almost guaranteed in the Ngorongoro Crater, but if you miss them there, you might not get another chance. The best time to visit the Serengeti is during the annual wildebeest migration. You could try to coincide your stay with a river crossing, although the timing of that is not precise. Aside from the Big Five, favorites include giraffe and zebra, and other predators such as cheetah and black-backed jackal. You might even be lucky to see a rare nocturnal carnivore, such as a honey badger or serval. The southern parks have their own appeal. Although they offer less of a thrill a minute, you can see some animals here that are rare to see elsewhere. Most sought-after are the endangered wild dog. Seeing a pack hunting or interacting is a very special experience.”

4

How much will this safari cost?

“There is a wide range of prices for a Tanzanian 7-day safari. At the budget end, you can find 7-day safaris advertised from about US$1,250 to US$2,500 per person. Mid-range tours range between US$2,500 and US$3,000 per person, while luxury tours generally range between US$3,000 and US$4,500 per person. The sky is the limit though when it comes to top-end safaris; some are much pricier. Many variables determine the cost of a 7-day safari. Accommodation is a big factor. There are basic budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels and top-end luxury designer lodges and tented camps. Private tours are generally slightly pricier than shared tours and this is even more so for single travelers. If you don’t mind spending some time on bumpy roads driving between parks, a road safari is a good choice. It gives you a chance to see a bit more of the country. Fly-in safaris are generally more expensive. However, they are convenient and comfortable, but most of all you’ll save valuable time. Prices also fluctuate throughout the year. You could consider saving some money by traveling in the off season or the shoulder months. Rain is common in the low season, but it is rarely continuous for days and there are many positives to traveling at this time. The scenery is lush and green, and there is an abundance of baby animals around. Most of all, lodges are quieter and there are fewer vehicles out on game drives.”

5

Tanzania Reviews

4.8/5 1,757 Reviews
Expert
Sue Watt  –  
United Kingdom UK

Sue is an award-winning writer who specializes in African travel and conservation. She writes for national newspapers, magazines, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet.

The perfect safari destination
5/5

With almost a quarter of this vast country dedicated to wildlife reserves and national parks, Tanzania is justifiably regarded as Africa’s premier safari destination. It’s one of my favourite countries, not just for the bush, beaches...

Full Review

Expert
Anthony Ham  –  
Australia AU

Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.

Tanzania: The Great Abundance
5/5

Tanzania belongs among the elite of African safari destinations, and its northern safari circuit in particular is one of the best places on the planet to see wildlife. The northern parks are rich in everything there is to love about Africa...

Full Review

John Nielsen  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Dec 16, 2024
The beautiful cradle of humanity
5/5

Tanzania was a fantastic experience - the safari on the Serengeti, in Ngorongoro Crater and by Lake Manyara. The people we met were friendly and accommodating, and with very good reason proud of their country. We have visited both Zanzibar...

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Luciano  –  
Spain ES
Reviewed: Dec 12, 2024
Awesome
5/5

My recent trip to Tanzania was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. I started with a thrilling safari in Serengeti National Park and Gorongoro where I was immediately awed by the vast landscapes and abundant wildlife. The highlight...

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Jackie M  –  
Canada CA
Reviewed: Dec 11, 2024
incredible
5/5

Tanzania was amazing start to finish. The people were friendly, it was easy to travel into and out of the country. I felt really safe, although I was with my tour operator the entire time. The food was great and most fruits/vegetables are...

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Laura & Marc  –  
Germany DE
Reviewed: Dec 10, 2024
Incredible safari experience from Zanzibar to Tanzania
5/5

We had an incredible honeymoon safari experience in Tanzania! Despite the short rainy season at the end of November, we had almost only sunshine and just a few rain showers. A special highlight was our driver Simon, whose expertise and...

Full Review