7 Days Tanzania Safari with Sopa Lodges (Costed Itinerary)
Discover Tanzania’s Wildlife Wonders with the Comfort of Sopa Lodges
A Tanzania safari is one of Africa’s most rewarding travel experiences, combining spectacular wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences. For travelers seeking comfort, excellent service, and strategic safari locations, Sopa Lodges provide an ideal accommodation choice throughout Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit.
This 7 Days Tanzania Safari with Sopa Lodges takes you through some of East Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. Along the way, you’ll stay in comfortable safari lodges that offer spacious rooms, excellent dining, swimming pools, and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or solo adventurer, this safari itinerary offers the perfect balance of wildlife viewing, relaxation, and unforgettable African experiences.
Why Choose a Tanzania Safari with Sopa Lodges?
Sopa Lodges have built a strong reputation over several decades as one of East Africa’s leading safari accommodation brands. Their properties are carefully positioned within or near major wildlife areas, allowing guests to maximize their safari experience while enjoying comfortable facilities.
Benefits of staying at Sopa Lodges include:
- Spacious rooms and suites
- Beautiful natural settings
- Swimming pools
- Excellent restaurants and bars
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Reliable service standards
- Spectacular wildlife viewing locations
- Great value for money
Unlike many safari camps that focus on luxury exclusivity, Sopa Lodges provide comfort and accessibility while maintaining a genuine safari atmosphere.
Safari Overview
Duration:
7 Days / 6 Nights
Safari Destinations:
- Arusha
- Tarangire National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation:
- Tarangire Sopa Lodge
- Serengeti Sopa Lodge
- Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
- Selected Arusha and Lake Manyara accommodations
Safari Vehicle:
Private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Best Time to Travel:
Year-round
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
Arusha is often referred to as Tanzania’s safari capital. Nestled beneath the towering slopes of Mount Meru, the city serves as the starting point for most Northern Circuit safaris.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to:
- Relax at the hotel
- Explore local markets
- Visit cultural centers
- Enjoy views of Mount Meru
- Prepare for your safari briefing
After a restful evening, you’ll be ready for the exciting wildlife adventures ahead.
Accommodation:
Arusha Planet Lodge or similar
Meals:
Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive toward Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations.
Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant populations and ancient baobab trees that dominate the landscape. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the primary water source for wildlife, attracting thousands of animals.
The park covers approximately 2,850 square kilometers and supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife.
Wildlife You May See
- African elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Wildebeests
- Elands
- Impalas
- Warthogs
- Ostriches
Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy spotting over 550 bird species recorded within the park.
As you explore the park on your first game drive, you’ll quickly appreciate why Tarangire is considered one of Tanzania’s hidden safari gems.
Accommodation:
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Located within the park, Tarangire Sopa Lodge enjoys an elevated position overlooking the vast wilderness.
The lodge blends naturally into its surroundings while offering modern comforts.
Features Include:
- Large ensuite rooms
- Private verandas
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Beautiful gardens
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Guests often spot elephants, antelopes, and various bird species directly from the lodge grounds.
Watching the sunset over Tarangire from the lodge is a memorable experience that perfectly captures the magic of the African bush.
Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, continue your journey toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park.
The route passes through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, offering spectacular views of rolling hills, traditional Maasai settlements, and expansive valleys.
As you enter Serengeti National Park, the landscape transforms dramatically into endless golden plains stretching toward the horizon.
The name “Serengeti” originates from the Maasai word “Siringet,” meaning “endless plains.”
The Serengeti ecosystem covers approximately 30,000 square kilometers and supports one of the largest concentrations of wildlife on Earth.
Upon arrival, enjoy your first game drive in the park.
The Magic of Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is synonymous with African safaris.
This iconic destination is home to:
- More than 3,000 lions
- Thousands of elephants
- Large buffalo herds
- Cheetahs
- Leopards
- Hyenas
- Jackals
- Crocodiles
- Hippos
- Countless antelope species
The park’s incredible biodiversity and vast landscapes create unforgettable safari experiences throughout the year.
Accommodation:
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is strategically positioned on the slopes of Nyarboro Hills, offering panoramic views across the surrounding plains.
Its location allows guests to enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets while remaining close to important wildlife viewing areas.
Lodge Highlights
- Spacious rooms
- Private balconies
- Swimming pool
- Fine dining restaurant
- Lounge bar
- Scenic viewpoints
The lodge’s elevated setting provides excellent opportunities to appreciate the immense scale of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti.
After an early breakfast, depart for a full day of game drives across various habitats including:
- Open grasslands
- River systems
- Rocky kopjes
- Woodlands
- Seasonal wetlands
Your experienced guide will help track wildlife while sharing fascinating insights into animal behavior and ecosystem dynamics.
Big Five Opportunities
The Serengeti offers excellent chances to spot the famous Big Five:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Rhinoceros
While rhinos are relatively rare in the Serengeti, the other four members of the Big Five are commonly encountered.
Witnessing the Great Migration
One of the Serengeti’s most remarkable natural events is the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Each year, more than two million animals move across the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.
The migration includes:
- Wildebeests
- Zebras
- Gazelles
Predators closely follow these massive herds, creating dramatic wildlife encounters.
Depending on your travel dates, you may witness:
- River crossings
- Calving season
- Predator hunts
- Large migratory herds
The Great Migration is often described as the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth.
Accommodation:
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy an early morning game drive before leaving the Serengeti.
Morning hours often provide excellent opportunities to observe predators before temperatures rise.
Afterward, travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
As you ascend the crater highlands, temperatures become cooler and the scenery changes dramatically.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is unique because it successfully balances wildlife conservation with traditional Maasai pastoralism.
Eventually, you’ll reach the crater rim where breathtaking views await.
Looking down into the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most unforgettable safari moments.
Accommodation:
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Perched on the eastern rim of the crater, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge enjoys one of the most spectacular locations in Tanzania.
Many rooms offer direct views into the crater below.
Lodge Features
- Spacious guestrooms
- Private balconies
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge areas
- Crater-view dining
Cool mountain air and stunning scenery create a relaxing atmosphere after several days of game viewing.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Lake Manyara
Today’s adventure begins with an early descent into the Ngorongoro Crater.
The crater was formed approximately two million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed inward.
Today it is recognized as one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife habitats.
The crater floor covers approximately 260 square kilometers and supports an estimated 25,000 large animals.
Wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater
The crater offers some of the highest wildlife densities in Africa.
Common sightings include:
- Black rhinos
- Lions
- Buffaloes
- Zebras
- Hippos
- Hyenas
- Wildebeests
- Gazelles
- Jackals
- Flamingos
Because wildlife remains within the crater year-round, game viewing is consistently excellent.
Many visitors consider Ngorongoro Crater the highlight of their Tanzania safari.
After a picnic lunch, continue toward the Lake Manyara area.
Accommodation:
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge or similar
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park and Return to Arusha
Your final safari day begins with a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.
Although smaller than other parks on the Northern Circuit, Lake Manyara offers remarkable ecological diversity.
The park features:
- Groundwater forests
- Acacia woodlands
- Open grasslands
- Lakeshore habitats
- Marshlands
These varied environments support a wide range of wildlife.
Notable Wildlife
- Tree-climbing lions
- Elephants
- Hippos
- Buffaloes
- Baboons
- Blue monkeys
- Giraffes
- Flamingos
- Pelicans
Lake Manyara is especially popular among birdwatchers due to its rich avian diversity.
After your final game drive, return to Arusha for lunch before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Cost of the 7 Days Tanzania Safari with Sopa Lodges
The following prices are estimates based on private safari arrangements.
| Number of Travelers | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 People | USD 3,250 |
| 4 People | USD 2,650 |
| 6 People | USD 2,350 |
Prices may vary depending on:
- Travel season
- Accommodation availability
- Group size
- Special offers
- Park fee changes
What’s Included?
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional safari guide
- All national park fees
- Ngorongoro Crater fee
- Accommodation as specified
- Full-board meals during safari
- Airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water
- Government taxes and VAT
What’s Excluded?
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional excursions
- Balloon safari
Best Time for This Safari
This itinerary operates year-round, but different seasons offer unique experiences.
June to October
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Dry season conditions
- Peak safari season
January to March
- Calving season in Serengeti
- Excellent predator activity
- Fewer crowds
November to December
- Green landscapes
- Good birdwatching
- Attractive photography conditions
April to May
- Lower rates
- Lush scenery
- Fewer visitors
Why This Safari Is Perfect for First-Time Visitors
This 7-day Tanzania Safari with Sopa Lodges combines the country’s most famous attractions into one seamless journey.
You’ll experience:
- Four iconic wildlife destinations
- Comfortable accommodations
- Professional guiding
- Diverse landscapes
- Exceptional wildlife encounters
- The possibility of seeing the Big Five
- Outstanding photographic opportunities
Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, family vacation, anniversary, or bucket-list adventure, this itinerary provides an unforgettable introduction to Tanzania’s extraordinary natural heritage.
Book your Tanzania safari with Sopa Lodges today and discover why Tanzania remains one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.