Big 5 Encounter Safari

Tour Overview

We start the moment you land. Whether you arrive at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, we are there to meet you, get you settled at your hotel, and make sure your first evening in Tanzania feels like an arrival, not just a stopover.

From there, we take you through four of Tanzania’s finest parks in seven days. Lake Manyara opens the journey with something that still surprises our guests: lions that climb trees. Then the Serengeti takes over, and the scale of it hits you in a way no photograph ever captures. Lions, elephants, cheetahs, all moving through open plains with nowhere to hide.

Ngorongoro Crater comes next. You descend into it, and suddenly the Big Five are right there. We close in Tarangire, where the elephants gather in numbers that feel almost unreal. And if you are not ready to leave Tanzania just yet, we can add Zanzibar. Most of our guests wish they had.

Highlights & Activities

Quick Facts

6 Days | 5 Nights

Destinations

Nearest Airports

Perfect for: First-time safari travelers, photographers and enthusiasts who want to see the best of Tanzania in 1 week.

Gallery

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our friendly driver will meet you with a personalized welcome sign and a warm greeting. You’ll then be transferred comfortably to the Salinero Hotel or a similar accommodation.

Later in the day, join our experienced safari coordinators for a pre-safari briefing, where you’ll learn more about the exciting adventures ahead. Unwind and relax in the peaceful surroundings of the hotel, which features amenities like a swimming pool, lush gardens, a bar, and a restaurant. It’s the perfect start to your unforgettable Tanzanian journey!

After breakfast, begin your journey to the scenic Lake Manyara National Park. This park is a gem for nature lovers, offering a variety of ecosystems and stunning landscapes. It’s well-known for its rare tree-climbing lions and diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos. Around the lake, you may spot large herds of baboons, playful blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys.

Bird enthusiasts will delight in the sight of flamingos, brightly colored lilac-breasted rollers, and birds of prey soaring overhead. After an enriching day of game viewing, head to Karatu in the afternoon for an overnight stay, preparing for the adventures ahead.

After breakfast, you’ll head to Serengeti, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. The scenic drive takes you through breathtaking landscapes, transitioning into the Serengeti’s vast plains. Along the way, enjoy a game drive where you might spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos, often referred to as the “Big Five.”

Cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and many other species add to the thrill of exploring the Serengeti’s rich biodiversity. By evening, you’ll reach the Serengeti Safari Lodge or similar accommodations, where you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on the day’s wildlife adventures and prepare for the next.

After breakfast, you’ll spend the day exploring Serengeti National Park. Enjoy an exciting full-day game drive, where you can spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and many more animals in their natural habitat. Watch for unique wildlife behaviours, like predator-prey interactions, and take in the park’s stunning landscapes.

By evening, you’ll return to your accommodation at Serengeti Safari Lodge or a similar camp, surrounded by the park’s beauty, to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

After breakfast, you’ll leave the Serengeti and enjoy a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an exciting game drive. This area is home to a wide array of wildlife, including lions, rhinos, elephants, and flamingos, offering an unforgettable safari experience.

The crater’s diverse ecosystems provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, making it one of the top destinations in the world for animal sightings. After a full day of exploration, you’ll head to Karatu for a restful overnight stay.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Karatu and head to Tarangire National Park, famous for its exceptional wildlife sightings, especially during the dry season when large herds gather near the Tarangire River.

As you explore the park’s varied landscapes, including vast savannas and the iconic baobab trees, you’ll encounter a wide range of animals, including elephants, zebras, buffalo, and lions.

The park is also a paradise for bird watchers, with numerous species inhabiting its diverse environments. After a thrilling day of wildlife exploration, you’ll make your way to the Salinero Hotel for a peaceful evening.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you’d like to extend your adventure, consider adding a day trip to explore nearby attractions or immerse yourself in local culture. For more information, visit our Day Trip page.

Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a trip to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re looking to relax on its pristine beaches or explore its vibrant culture, Zanzibar has something for every traveler. Check out our Zanzibar page to find the perfect package for your next getaway.

Tour price includes

Tour price excludes

Send us a free inquiry

Melia Ngorongoro

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.