Tanzania Big Five

Tanzania Tour Highlights:

• Lake Manyara N.P.  a breathtaking gem in Tanzania’s wildlife-rich landscape. Renowned for its diverse ecosystems where you can spot tree-climbing lions and thousands of pink flamingos against the backdrop of the shimmering lake. The park offers a unique blend of game drives, birdwatching expeditions, and walking safaris, providing enthusiasts with an enthralling safari experience.
• Tarangire N.P.  the sixth largest park in Tanzania and home to massive herds of elephants, wildebeest, and zebra. It is also well-known for its iconic baobab trees. Visitors can embark on thrilling game drives, witness the magnificent Tarangire River, and participate in an extraordinary bird-watching experience.
• Serengeti N.P.  a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans over 14,000 square kilometers. Home to the iconic Great Migration, the park offers visitors a front-row seat to the incredible annual display of millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the vast plains. More than 500 bird species also roam the park’s skies.
• The Great Wildebeest Migration  one of the most spectacular wildlife phenomena on the planet is the annual journey of over two million wildebeest and zebras across the vast plains of East Africa. This natural spectacle spans from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Witnessing this epic migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Ngorongoro Crater  UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania with unparalleled biodiversity that is a haven for the ‘Big Five’ wildlife species (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos). Here you can also explore archaeological sites, experience unbelievable birding.

Sample Itinerary (Subject to Change)

Day 1: Arrive Arusha, Tanzania

Welcome to northern Tanzania, on arrival you will be met at Arusha Airport and transferred to your boutique hotel in the heart of Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you will have an opportunity to explore the lodge grounds, go for a dip in the swimming pool or take one of the optional activities available (activities this day, additional expense). Distance travelled today is approximately 250km.

Accommodation: African Tulip Hotel or similar
Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Manyara

Today your safari begins, the first stop is Arusha town, for any last minute purchases before heading off . Arrive in  Tarangire National Park for lunch and an the head off on an exciting afternoon game drive. Tarangire forms the centre of an annual migratory cycle that includes up to 3000 elephant, 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebra is well known for its huge elephant population and baobab trees.   Distance travelled today is approximately 250km / 4-5 hours.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Manyara National Park

Today kicks off with an early morning game drive in the spectacular Lake Manyara National Park . Located at the north-western corner of Lake Manyara, a hallow soda lake, Manyara NP is not only known for its large flocks of flamingos, but also for the elusive tree climbing lions. Distance travelled today is approximately 120km / 3-4 hours.

Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Manyara – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive up the Rift Valley escarpment towards the world famous Ngorongoro Crater. For many, this wildlife spectacle is the pinnacle of their safari experience. The Ngorongoro Crater boasts all of the ‘Big 5’, including a small population of endangered black rhino. This afternoon, head towards the Serengeti through the stunning southern plains. This is the area that the Serengeti is best known for – the endless, undulating grass savannah with rocky outcrops that serve as wildlife refuges.  Distance travelled today is approximately 400km / 6-7 hours.

Accommodation: Kisura Serengeti Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Spend a fully day game driving around the Seronera area of the Serengeti. The Serengeti is divided into three main areas: Seronera is the most central and accessible region and where the Park HQ is based. This part of the Serengeti is characterised by open plains of grassland, packed with animals. The Seronera River is the lifeblood of the Serengeti and this area is renowned for great game viewing all year round. It is also particularly good for lion and cheetah sightings, as well as the most elusive of all big cats, the leopard.

Accommodation: Kisura Serengeti Camp or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Lake Manyara

Enjoy a morning game drive through the Serengeti before we continuing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, visiting Olduvai Gorge. Distance travelled today is approximately 200km / 5-6 hours.

Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Lake Manyara – Arusha

Explore the colourful town of Mto-wa-Mbu for some last minute pictures and curio shopping, then travel to Arusha where the tour will end. Distance travelled today is approximately 250km / 3-4 hours.

Accommodation: Karatu Simba Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch