5-Days Serengeti Big Five Safari Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. Arusha lies at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the gateway to the northern safari circuit.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at your lodge or take a short city tour to explore Arusha’s vibrant local markets, handicraft centers, or the Cultural Heritage Centre. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely dinner at your hotel restaurant, where you can sample local and international cuisine while your guide briefs you about the upcoming safari adventure.

This is also a great time to prepare your gear, charge your cameras, and ensure you have everything you need for the days ahead. Arusha’s comfortable climate and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal place to rest before venturing into the wild. The night sounds, gentle breezes, and anticipation of the safari create a sense of excitement for what’s to come, the start of your journey into Tanzania’s pristine wilderness.

Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, an approximately 2.5-hour drive through picturesque landscapes dotted with Maasai villages and farmlands. Upon arrival, you will enter one of Tanzania’s most underrated yet spectacular parks, famous for its large elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and scenic beauty.

Tarangire’s ecosystem is defined by the Tarangire River, a vital water source that attracts wildlife year-round. During your game drive, you may encounter elephants cooling off in the river, lions resting under acacia trees, giraffes nibbling on leaves, and even leopards stealthily moving through the bush. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 500 recorded species, from colorful lovebirds to the impressive kori bustard, Africa’s heaviest flying bird.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the park while taking in the breathtaking views of the savannah and river valley. Continue your afternoon game drive, exploring various habitats ranging from open grasslands to swamps where you may spot buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, and warthogs.

As the day winds down, you will exit the park and drive to your overnight lodge in the Karatu area, where you can unwind with a warm shower and a hearty dinner. The evening offers time to relax around the campfire, share stories, and listen to the night sounds of the African bush.

Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

After an early breakfast, set out for the legendary Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel and one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. The drive takes you through the highlands of Ngorongoro, offering spectacular vistas over the crater before descending onto the vast plains of the Serengeti.

The word “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plains,” and as you enter, the panorama seems to stretch infinitely. The park is home to the Great Migration, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle moving across the plains in search of fresh grazing. Along with these herds, predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are ever-present, offering one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch before embarking on a game drive deep into the park. Depending on the season, you may witness thrilling predator-prey interactions or observe elephants, giraffes, and buffalo moving across the plains. In the evening, arrive at your lodge or tented camp located inside the park. Relax as the sun sets over the Serengeti, painting the sky with shades of gold and crimson, and listen to the distant roar of lions — a soundtrack only Africa can provide.

Accommodation: Tented Camp or Lodge in Serengeti
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Start your day early with a morning game drive in the Serengeti. This is the best time to see predators in action as lions and cheetahs hunt during the cool hours. The golden morning light makes for stunning photography, and the crisp air adds a sense of tranquility.

After breakfast, continue exploring different parts of the park, visiting areas known for specific wildlife concentrations. Later, begin your journey toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with an en-route game drive offering one last chance to witness Serengeti’s magic. Stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy panoramic views of the plains before ascending into the Ngorongoro highlands.

Arrive at your lodge situated on the crater rim by late afternoon. From here, you’ll have spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Spend the evening at leisure, relaxing by the fireplace or enjoying dinner as mist drifts over the crater rim. The cool highland air and sense of peace make this one of Tanzania’s most memorable overnight experiences.

Accommodation: Lodge on Crater Rim or in Karatu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha

Today marks another highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater — the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater’s enclosed ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and numerous antelope species.

Your game drive inside the crater offers close encounters with animals often seen at remarkable proximity. You may witness lions resting in the grasslands, herds of wildebeest grazing peacefully, or flamingos decorating the shallow soda lake. The scenery is dramatic and ever-changing, from acacia forests to open plains and marshlands, making this one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Tanzania.

In the afternoon, ascend from the crater and begin your drive back to Arusha, where you will arrive by evening. You may be dropped off at your hotel or transferred directly to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch