7 Day Best Tanzania Safari with Great Migration and Chimps Trekking
This 7-day best Tanzania safari commbines chimp trekking in Mahale with the Great Migration in Serengeti. Each day offers movement, wildlife, and well-timed transitions. From forests to savannahs to crater views, the itinerary balances activity with rest.
The 7-day best Tanzania safari blends two of East Africa’s most powerful wildlife experiences chimp trekking in Mahale Mountains and the Great Migration in Serengeti. It’s designed for travelers who want variety, movement, and meaningful stops across forest, lake, savannah, and crater landscapes. Starting in Mahale offers rare access to wild chimpanzees and the calm waters of Lake Tanganyika, setting a quiet but active tone. From there, the itinerary shifts to Serengeti’s open plains, where thousands of wildebeest and zebra move through predator-filled corridors. Each day is paced to maximize sightings while allowing time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the setting.
The second half of the best Tanzania safari includes game drives in Seronera Valley, sunset moments in the bush, and a full crater experience in Ngorongoro. You’ll track rhinos, watch lions hunt, and see elephants graze all within well-managed parks that prioritize conservation and visitor safety. Transitions between destinations are smooth, with flights or road transfers arranged to match your schedule. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, this itinerary offers a complete safari experience without rushing. It’s a well-balanced plan that combines primates, migration, and classic game viewing into one seamless week
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania, Transfer to Mahale National Park
Day 2: Chimps Trekking with Kayaking and Water Adventures
Day 3: Continue to Serengeti National Park
Day 4: Witness the Migration into Serengeti Regions
Day 5: Game Drives in Seronera Valley and Sundowners
Day 6: Proceed to Ngorongoro for Crater Experiences
Day 7: Track the Rhinos and Departure
Price Includes:
- All airport pick up and transfers in private car
- Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser
- Services of a professional English speaking safari guide
- Drinking water
- Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority
Price Excludes:
- International Flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff ( please tip separately)
- Travel insurance if needed
- Visa fee ( 50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Tanzania, Transfer to Mahale National Park
Your best Tanzania safari begins with arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport, followed by a domestic flight or charter to Mahale National Park. This remote park on Lake Tanganyika is known for its wild chimpanzee population and untouched forest. After arrival, you’ll settle into your lodge and get briefed on the next day’s activities. The park’s location means fewer crowds and a more personal experience. Starting your best Tanzania safari in Mahale sets the tone for a week of wildlife, movement, and well-planned transitions. It’s important to arrive early to allow time for transfers and to adjust before the trekking begins
- Day2Chimps Trekking with Kayaking and Water Adventures
Day two of your best Tanzania safari focuses on chimp trekking in Mahale’s forested hills. Guided by trackers, you’ll hike through dense terrain to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The trek requires moderate fitness and offers real-time wildlife viewing. After the trek, enjoy kayaking or swimming in Lake Tanganyika’s clear waters. These water activities add variety and help you relax after the hike. Combining forest trekking with lake adventures makes this day a strong highlight of your best Tanzania safari, offering both movement and downtime in one of Africa’s most remote parks
- Day3Continue to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you’ll fly or transfer to Serengeti National Park, the centerpiece of your best Tanzania safari. The shift from forest to savannah brings a new rhythm, with wide plains and open skies. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy a short afternoon drive to get a feel for the landscape. The Serengeti is known for its wildlife density and seasonal movements. Starting here early allows you to position yourself for the migration. This transition day is key to keeping your best Tanzania safari well-paced and aligned with wildlife movement across regions
- Day4Witness the Migration into Serengeti Regions
Today’s focus is the Great Migration, a major highlight of your best Tanzania safari. Depending on the season, you’ll track wildebeest and zebra herds as they move through the Serengeti’s northern or western corridors. Your guide will position you near river crossings or grazing zones where predator-prey interactions are common. The migration is dynamic, so timing and location matter. Witnessing this movement adds depth to your best Tanzania safari, showing nature’s patterns in real time. You’ll spend most of the day in the field, with breaks for meals and photography
- Day5Game Drives in Seronera Valley and Sundowners
The Seronera Valley offers rich wildlife viewing, making it a key stop in your best Tanzania safari. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal lions, leopards, elephants, and hyenas in action. The valley’s water sources attract animals year-round, so sightings are frequent. Your guide will help track movement and explain behavior. In the evening, enjoy a sundowner a drink served in the bush as the sun sets. This moment adds calm and reflection to your best Tanzania safari, balancing the day’s activity with quiet time in nature. It’s a simple but memorable way to close the day
- Day6Proceed to Ngorongoro for Crater Experiences
After breakfast, drive or fly to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. This shift adds geological interest to your best Tanzania safari. Upon arrival, descend into the crater for a half-day game drive. The crater floor hosts rhinos, lions, buffalo, and flamingos in a compact area, making it ideal for photography and short drives. The views from the rim are wide and open, offering a different feel from Serengeti’s plains. Including Ngorongoro in your best Tanzania safari adds variety and helps round out your wildlife experience with a unique setting
- Day7Track the Rhinos and Departure
Your final day of the best Tanzania safari begins with an early morning drive in Ngorongoro Crater to track endangered black rhinos. These animals are elusive, and early hours offer the best chance to spot them. Your guide will focus on known areas and help you understand their behavior. After the drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and prepare for your transfer to the airport. Whether flying from Arusha or Kilimanjaro, timing is coordinated to match your departure. Ending your best Tanzania safari with rhino tracking adds a strong finish to a week of wildlife and movement