This 5-day Big Five safari Tanzania takes you through the best of Northern Tanzania—Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Track lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo while enjoying expert-guided game drives, scenic landscapes, and flexible travel options.
To begin, assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five safari tanzania by starting in Arusha, where you’ll be picked up by your safari guide. After a short briefing, drive towards Tarangire National Park, a gem known for its elephant herds. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of Maasai villages and acacia-dotted landscapes. Your game drive in Tarangire will introduce you to elephants, lions, and giant baobab trees. Have lunch in the park and continue exploring until late afternoon. Assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five Tanzania safari with a cozy overnight stay near the park.
Continue to assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five safari tanzania with a drive to Lake Manyara National Park, only about an hour away. Famous for its flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and hippos, this park is small but full of life. Enjoy a morning game drive in the lush groundwater forest and along the lake shore. Stop for a picnic lunch inside the park before heading out. You’ll drive to Karatu in the late afternoon, nestled in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five Tanzania safari with a relaxing evening at a charming lodge.
Assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five safari tanzania by traveling from Karatu toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park. You’ll pass through the lush Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you can stop for photos and incredible views. Descend into the vast plains of the Serengeti by afternoon, with wildlife spotting all along the way. The Serengeti is prime territory for lions, leopards, elephants, and massive herds of wildebeest. Enjoy a thrilling game drive en route to your lodge or tented camp. Assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five Tanzania safari with an overnight deep in the wild.
Assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five safari Tanzania with a full-day game drive in the heart of the Serengeti. Start early to catch predators in action during the golden sunrise hours. Explore the Seronera Valley or depending on the season, head to areas where the Great Migration is active. With luck, you’ll see all of the Big Five today, including elusive leopards and rhinos. Enjoy a packed lunch in the bush surrounded by wildlife. Assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five Tanzania safari with an evening under the stars.
Assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five safari Tanzania with a final journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend 600 meters into the crater floor, a haven for black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, and hippos. Your morning game drive here offers a strong chance to complete the Big Five checklist. Enjoy lunch near the hippo pool before starting your drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be dropped at your hotel or airport. Assist me the itinerary for the 5 days Big Five Tanzania safari with memories that will last forever.
Why it's great: Wildlife is easiest to spot—animals gather around waterholes and rivers. Best for: Big Five sightings, clear skies, fewer mosquitoes. Highlights: Great Migration river crossings (July–September, Northern Serengeti). Parks to visit: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara. Note: It's peak season, so book early and expect higher prices.
Why it's great: Fewer tourists, lower prices, dramatic landscapes. Best for: Calving season (Jan–Feb), especially in the Southern Serengeti. Highlights: Predator action during wildebeest births. Downsides: Occasional showers, but usually short-lived.
Why not ideal: Some lodges close, roads can be muddy, heavy rains. But: If you don’t mind the rain, it’s stunningly green and very quiet. Good for: Budget travelers and photographers who want moody, dramatic skies.
The best time to go on a Big Five safari Tanzania is from June to October for dry weather and easier wildlife viewing. For fewer crowds and lush landscapes, consider January to March during the calving season.
For your first night on the 5 days Big Five safari Tanzania , stay near Tarangire National Park. Great midrange choices include Tarangire Simba Lodge or Sangaiwe Tented Lodge. If you prefer a luxury feel, consider staying at Tarangire Treetops by Elewana. Budget travelers can opt for Whistling Thorn Tented Camp for a rustic experience. All options offer proximity to the park, with views of elephants and baobab trees. You’ll be well-rested and ready for Lake Manyara the next day.
After your game drive in Lake Manyara, head to the cool highlands of Karatu. Recommended midrange options include Marera Valley Lodge and Eileen’s Trees Inn. For a luxury stay, The Manor at Ngorongoro offers an upscale colonial vibe. Budget-friendly options like Flamingo Safari Lodge give you comfort at a great price. All lodges are within easy reach of both Manyara and Ngorongoro. It’s a great place to unwind before your Serengeti adventure.
Spend two unforgettable nights in the Serengeti surrounded by raw wilderness. Midrange choices like Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp and Serengeti Tortilis Camp are popular. For luxury, check out Melia Serengeti Lodge or Lemala Nanyukie. Budget travelers can go for Serengeti Heritage Camp or Into Wild Africa. All camps offer excellent access to wildlife and daily game drives. These nights are all about immersion in the heart of the safari experience.
After your Ngorongoro Crater game drive, you’ll head back to Arusha. If staying overnight before your flight, Arusha Planet Lodge is a great midrange choice. Luxury travelers may enjoy the peaceful Arusha Coffee Lodge. Budget-friendly options include Green Mountain Hotel or Outpost Lodge. Most hotels offer airport transfers and relaxing post-safari settings. A perfect way to end your 5 days Big Five Tanzania safari journey.
The 5 days Big Five safari Tanzania is designed to be flexible based on your preferences. You can adjust the starting point to begin in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or even from a domestic airport. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the itinerary can be customized easily. If you want to spend more time in Serengeti or add cultural experiences, that’s totally possible. You also have the option to upgrade accommodations mid-safari if you wish. Your safari guide will work with you daily to meet your personal interests.
The 5 days Big Five safari Tanzania lets you tailor game drives to your pace and interests. Want early sunrise drives or prefer a more relaxed start? You get to decide each day. Some travelers enjoy full-day drives with picnic lunches, while others prefer morning and evening splits. Bird watchers, photographers, or big cat lovers can all have tailored routes. Flexibility also means taking detours if there's a rare sighting nearby. Each day is a new adventure shaped by your preferences.
The 5 days Big Five safari Tanzania route is adaptable depending on season and interest. During wet months, your guide may adjust the route to avoid muddy or closed trails. You can also swap Lake Manyara for an extra day in Serengeti or add a visit to a Maasai village. Some guests choose to fly out of the Serengeti instead of driving back to Arusha. This saves time and adds convenience for those on tight schedules. Safari planning is personal, and flexibility ensures the best experience.