Tanzania Big 5 safari
This five-day trip plan to Tanzania involves exploring the three northern circuit parks.
- Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater.
Overview.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Kilitop Safaris on a Tanzania Big 5 Safari, where every day is filled with breathtaking encounters and the awe of witnessing Africa’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitats. Known for its incredible wildlife diversity, Tanzania is the ultimate destination to experience the majestic Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Kilitop Safaris combines luxury, sustainability, and expert guiding to create an immersive safari experience that brings you face-to-face with nature’s grandeur.
Highlights of the Big 5 Safari Adventure with Kilitop Safari:
Tarangire National Park
Begin your journey in Tarangire, famed for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Watch elephants gather by the riverbanks and cross open plains, while giraffes and zebras graze nearby. The park is also home to lions, leopards, and a wealth of bird species, making it a perfect start to your Big 5 adventures.
Ngorongoro Crater
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is a vast caldera that hosts an incredible density of wildlife, including all members of the Big 5. This is one of the best places to spot the endangered black rhino, often seen grazing in the crater floor’s lush grasslands. Safarhino’s knowledgeable guides bring this unique landscape to life with insights into the crater’s ecosystem, making each sighting a richer experience.
Serengeti National Park
Witness the iconic Serengeti, where endless plains stretch toward the horizon, teeming with wildlife. Known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, Serengeti is also prime territory for spotting lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Safarhino’s game drives here are timed to maximize wildlife sightings, giving you a chance to see predators in action and appreciate the intricate balance of life on the savannah.
Lake Manyara National Park
Known for its tree-climbing lions and stunning birdlife, Lake Manyara offers a diverse range of habitats in a compact area. It’s an excellent destination to spot elephants, buffalo, and leopards. The lake itself attracts thousands of flamingos, creating a vibrant spectacle that adds to the safari’s scenic beauty.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Tarangire National Park
Activities:
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by your Kilitop Safaris guide and briefed on your safari.
- Begin your safari with a drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse birdlife.
- Enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, buffalo, and perhaps even a pride of lions lounging in the shade.
- Evening relaxation at a luxury lodge inside or near the park.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
Activities:
- After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
- Descend into the crater for a half-day game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot all members of the Big 5—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the elusive black rhino.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
- Ascend from the crater and head to your accommodations.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park – Central Serengeti
Activities:
- Depart for the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most famous parks, known for its sweeping savannas and abundant predators.
- Arrive in Central Serengeti, where you’ll enjoy a thrilling afternoon game drive. Watch for lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as large herds of wildebeest and zebras.
- Settle in for an evening in the heart of the Serengeti, with a sunset over the plains.
Day 4: Full-Day Safari in the Serengeti
Activities:
- Embark on an early morning game drive to catch predators as they hunt or patrol their territories.
- Spend the day exploring various regions of the Serengeti, following the migration routes (seasonally) or tracking the Big 5.
- Break for a scenic picnic lunch and resume your exploration in the afternoon, when wildlife is most active.
- Return to camp in the evening, enjoying a starlit dinner and reflections on the day.
Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park & Departure
Activities:
- After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, and striking pink-hued flamingos.
- Take a game drive to spot elephants, buffalo, and unique bird species along the lake’s shores.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch before returning to Arusha for your onward flight.
Include and Not- Included
Included in the 5-Day Tanzania Big 5 Safari Adventure:
- Accommodation: 4 nights in carefully selected luxury lodges or tented camps, as per the itinerary.
- Meals: All meals mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing and photography.
- Professional Guide: An experienced, English-speaking safari guide from Safarhino Adventures.
- Park Fees: Entrance fees to all national parks visited, including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara.
- Ngorongoro Crater Transit Fee: Fee for descending into the crater.
- Game Drives: Daily game drives as outlined in the itinerary.
- Drinking Water: Bottled water available during game drives.
- Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Not Included in the 5-Day Tanzania Big 5 Safari Adventure:
- International Flights: Round-trip airfare to and from Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended, covering trip cancellation, medical, and evacuation.
- Visa Fees: Tanzania tourist visa fees.
- Optional Activities: Balloon safari, cultural visits, or any activities not specified in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic & Soft Drinks: Drinks not included in meals at lodges and camps.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and camp/lodge staff.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, and other personal purchases.
With Kilitop Safaris, every detail is thoughtfully planned to ensure a luxurious and comfortable experience. Accommodations range from luxury lodges to intimate tented camps, placing you close to nature without sacrificing comfort. Their team of experienced guides shares their in-depth knowledge of Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife, making each game drive informative and engaging.
Whether you’re watching lions bask in the sun, tracking elusive leopards, or marveling at a family of elephants, this safari adventure with Kilitop is a journey of wonder.