Big Five Safari Adventure
5 days—Experience Tanzania’s wildlife on a 5-day safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras in Tarangir
$3270-3320 USD
pp
Safari summary
Experience Tanzania’s wildlife on a 5-day safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras in Tarangire’s iconic landscapes. Explore the vast Serengeti plains, home to Big Cats and wildebeests, with optional hot air balloon rides. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to see rhinos, hippos, and abundant wildlife in a breathtaking setting. Enjoy scenic drives, optional Maasai village visits, and comfortable lodge or camp stays. An unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s most famous parks.
Day 1: Arrival & Tarangire National Park
Morning:
Your safari begins with pickup from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2–3 hours). The route passes through the beautiful Rift Valley, offering stunning vistas of rolling hills, small villages, and farmland.
Afternoon Game Drive:
Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds, unique baobab trees, and diverse bird species. On your first game drive, look out for lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. The park’s seasonal swamps attract abundant wildlife, making for excellent photographic opportunities.
Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
Morning:
Begin with an early morning game drive in Tarangire to catch wildlife during their most active hours. Enjoy the fresh morning light and the sounds of the savannah.
Midday Drive:
Depart Tarangire for the Serengeti National Park (approx. 5–6 hours). The journey passes through the Ngorongoro Highlands, offering breathtaking panoramas. Stop at a Maasai village for a cultural visit and to learn about traditional customs, attire, and lifestyle.
Evening Game Drive (Optional):
Arrive at your Serengeti lodge or camp in time for a short afternoon/evening game drive. Witness grazing wildebeests and zebras, and spot predators in the fading light.
Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Morning Game Drive:
Wake early for a full-day safari in the Serengeti. Your guide will take you through different ecosystems, from open plains to riverine forests, maximizing your wildlife sightings.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari:
Experience the Serengeti from above with a sunrise hot air balloon ride (additional cost). Watch elephants, lions, and wildebeests from a unique perspective, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Afternoon Game Drive:
Continue game drives in search of the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. The Serengeti’s vastness ensures diverse wildlife encounters and excellent photo opportunities.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Morning:
Optional early game drive in the Serengeti before departing to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 3–4 hours). The drive offers scenic views of the Rift Valley escarpments and fertile highlands.
Midday Stop:
Visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Learn about human evolution and see fossil exhibits at the onsite museum.
Evening:
Arrive at your lodge or camp on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Enjoy panoramic views of the crater at sunset, followed by dinner.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Departure
Morning:
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts dense wildlife populations, including:
Black rhinos
Hippos in the crater lakes
Lions, zebras, and elephants
The crater floor’s varied habitats – grasslands, swamps, and forests – make for excellent wildlife viewing and photography.
Midday:
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater (optional), then begin the drive back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | Game drives | |
| Activity level | Easy activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks | ||
| Accesibility |
This tour is modifiable for those with limited mobility.
|
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
- Photography safari—with professional guide
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
Itinerary
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire
Arrive in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its majestic elephant herds and towering baobab trees. On your first game drive, watch giraffes browsing the acacia trees, lions lazing in the shade, and zebras grazing peacefully. The park’s seasonal rivers attract countless birds, creating a vibrant, natural soundtrack. Spend the evening at a lodge or camp nearby, enjoying dinner under the stars while reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters
Maramboi Tented Lodge
Tarangire to Serengeti
Serengeti
Start the morning with an optional early game drive in Tarangire, catching the wildlife at their most active. Then, journey across rolling hills and scenic landscapes of the Rift Valley toward the legendary Serengeti National Park. Along the way, visit a Maasai village to experience traditional life, colorful clothing, and local customs.
Narudi Serengeti
Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Serengeti
Spend the day exploring the Serengeti’s endless plains. Early morning game drives maximize sightings of predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs stalking their prey. Herds of wildebeest and zebras move across the golden grasslands, creating perfect photography opportunities. Optional hot air balloon rides offer a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the park, followed by a bush breakfast.
Narudi Serengeti
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Depart the Serengeti and drive through scenic landscapes to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, a significant archaeological site, and learn about human evolution. Arrive at a lodge perched on the crater rim, offering panoramic views of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Watch the sunset paint the crater walls in golden hues while enjoying a relaxing evening meal.
Ngorongoro rhino
Ngorongoro Crater & Departure
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day safari. The crater floor is a wildlife haven, home to rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos in its lakes. Experience close encounters with Africa’s incredible biodiversity in a single location. After a picnic lunch, begin the journey back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for departure, concluding your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure
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