Overview
A 7-day Big Five safari in Tanzania is an exciting adventure that will allow you to visit some of the country’s most iconic parks, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park, all while searching for the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino).
Where you'll go
- Serengeti
- Ngorongoro
- Tarangire
- Lake Manyara
- Arusha
- Kilimanjaro
Day by Day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Morning: Arrive in Arusha (or Kilimanjaro International Airport ). Your safari driver-guide will meet you at the airport. Start your journey to Tarangire National Park (about a 2-3 hour drive from Arusha). After checking in to your lodge or campsite, enjoy a game drive in Tarangire National Park . You’ll have the chance to see large elephant herds , giraffes , zebras , buffaloes , and the occasional lion . The park is also famous for its baobab trees and birdwatching. The iconic baobab trees , and large herds of elephants that congregate around the Tarangire River. After a game drive you will go back to the lodge for Overnight stay in Tarangire.
- 2
Day 2: Tarangire National Park to Serengeti National Park
Early Morning you will get Breakfast and depart for Serengeti National Park (approx. 4-5 hours by road). Enjoy the scenic drive and a quick stop at Ngorongoro Crater for a break and check inn. After all continue your journey heading to serengeti. Arrive in the Serengeti by afternoon, stop for a delicious picnic lunch and mineral water plus fruits, then continue enjoy a game drive in the park's vast plains. The Serengeti is famous for its large populations of lions , cheetahs , and leopards and families of antelopes . you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration . After your game drive in the middle of serengeti plains heading back to your lodge or tented for overnight stay in the breathtaking stunning place.
- 3
Day 3: Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
Early Morning: begin s unrise game drive in the heart of the Serengeti. Early morning is one of the best times to see predators such as lions , cheetahs , and leopards as they are more active. Early morning game drives often provide opportunities to witness incredible chases and kills. A successful hunt may result in the predator feeding, and your guide will typically share fascinating details about the hunting behaviors. Also t he soft morning light provides excellent conditions for capturing photos of predators in action, from stalking to the actual chase. Sometimes you’ll hear the sounds of predators before you see them. A lion’s roar or the sound of a cheetah’s chase may signal a nearby hunt. Continue your game drive through the Serengeti’s Seronera Valley , famous for its big cat sightings and a great spot for viewing elephants , wildebeests , zebras , and gazelles . In afternoon return to the lodge for a heavy meal and mineral water for cooling down body temperature as well as relaxation for waitng late afternoon game drive. In late afternoon begin another game drive to explore different areas of Serengeti and keeping your eyes busy searching for the favourite species you have not seen. Then after a full day game drive in serengeti going back to the lodge for overnight stay prepare for another exploration day in ngorongoro crater.
- 4
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast in serengeti again , depart Serengeti and head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 3-4 hours by road). And arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater by midday and descend into the crater for an afternoon game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a variety of animals, including the Big Five (especially black rhinos ). It’s one of the few places where you can see all five species in a relatively small area. The Ngorongoro Crater itself, a natural amphitheater, offers a unique and diverse wildlife experience with a mix of forest, lakes, and plains. You’ll also see hippos , wildebeests , zebras , buffaloes , and various birds species. After halfday game drive in sunset hours take you to the lodge for overnight on the crater rim for stunning views.
- 5
Day 5: Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, head back into the crater for a full-day game drive . Spend the day exploring different areas of the crater floor, watching animals as they interact in this incredible ecosystem. You’ll see lions , elephants , buffaloes , and many species of birds. The rhino is often seen here, making it a great opportunity to check off all five species. In the afternoon enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor then continue with your game drive until the day winds down. Return to your lodge for an overnight stay.
- 6
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park (approximately 2-3 hours drive). Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions , and you’ll also spot elephants , giraffes , zebras , and buffaloes . The park is also home to flamingos and other bird species, making it an excellent stop for birdwatching. The tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos along the lake, which add a different dimension to your safari experience. Stay overnight at a lodge near Lake Manyara.
- 7
Day 7: Lake Manyara to Arusha & Departure
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before departing for Arusha . Depending on your departure time, you can visit the Maasai market in Arusha or have a relaxing time before heading to the airport. If you have time, do a short tour around Arusha or visit local attractions. Head to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your onward flight.
Gallery
A taste of the landscapes and wildlife on this kind of trip.
What's included
- ✓4WD Safari vehicle with pop up roof
- ✓Professional English-speaking safari-guide
- ✓Accommodations
- ✓Meals
- ✓Mineral water during safari (unlimited)
- ✓Airport transfers (Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro Airport)
- ✓National Park fees
Not included
- –Visa paid on arrival at the airport
- –International and Domestic Flights
- –Tips for the crew: US $ 20-35 per person per day
- –Any additional fees/ individual costs (items of personal nature)
- –Travel Insurance (Flying Doctors insurance available for US $ 40)
Good to Know
Best time to visit+
The safari is available year-round, with June to march being the ideal time for wildlife viewing during the dry season.
What to pack+
Bring comfortable, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so a light jacket is recommended.
Visas and travel documents+
A valid passport and tourist visa are required for entry into Tanzania. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining, and consider applying for a visa in advance.
Meals+
Meals include local and international dishes, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
Booking policy+
A deposit is required to confirm the booking; terms provided upon inquiry.
When to travel
When to travel
Best game viewing, dry and cool. Book well ahead; prices peak.
Fewer vehicles, decent game, variable weather. Good value.
Lush and quiet, newborn animals and birds, some camps close. Lowest prices, occasional heavy rain.
Common questions
Common questions
Is this a private safari or a group tour?
Private by default — your own 4×4, your own driver-guide, and an itinerary we shape around you. We also run a few set-date small-group departures if you'd rather share costs.
What's included in the price?
Park and crater fees, a private 4×4 with a professional driver-guide, accommodation, meals as listed, airport transfers and drinking water on game drives. International flights, visa and travel insurance are not included.
Will I see the Big Five?
Lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard are seen on most northern-circuit trips. Rhino are only reliably seen in the Ngorongoro Crater and are never guaranteed.
How much driving is there?
Park roads are rough and the legs between parks are long — see the driving-times table. Flights between the far parks can be added to cut the longest transfers.
Why book this with Sereta Safaris
A local team
Born and based in Arusha, at the gateway to the northern parks and Mount Kilimanjaro.
11 years on the ground
Guiding safaris, treks and Zanzibar trips since 2013.
Registered operator
A registered Tanzanian tour operator — verify us on the public BRELA business register.
Direct, not a middleman
You plan with the same team that runs your trip. No call centres, no resale.
