Big Five Safari Tanzania
Experience the animals up close
Arusha – Arusha National Park – Tarangire National Park – Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park
Duration: |
3 – 14 days |
Travel Period: |
whole year |
Location: |
Northern Tanzania |
Minimum age: |
no restrictions |
Group: |
none (private safari) |
Discover the animals up close during your Big Five Safari Tanzania!
Locals will accompany you on your journey!
The Big Five Safari Tanzania – with lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – can be experienced in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.
During your Big Five Safari Tanzania, you will not only visit these world-famous national parks, but also follow the world’s most famous animal migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes from the south to the north of the Serengeti and back again (UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site). With the help of the monthly migration overview, you can see when you want to book your trip and where the millions of animals are at that moment. You will experience an unforgettable trip, for example visiting the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site), getting to know nature and Tanzanian culture and spotting many wild animals.
The birthplace of the animals takes place in the period from January to March in the south of the Serengeti. Almost 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes are in the southern Serengeti – the Ndutu area – during this period, along with many other animals such as lions, cheetahs and leopards. Births of 8,000 animals per day take place in January and February, after which the migration starts in March going northwards. Off-road safaris are permitted in the Ndutu area.
In the period from April to June, animal migration has moved further north, and millions of animals migrate towards the centre and west of the Serengeti.
From July to September the migration continues northward, with millions of wildebeest, zebras and other animals having to cross a large river, the worldwide-famous “river crossing”. If you would like to book your trip during this period, then after a certain point the order of the trip will be different than in the period from January to July. This is stated below in the travel programme.
In the period from October to December the migratory herd moves back south.
Please contact us for further information.
Detailed travel schedule December – March
Safari specials: hiking safari, bike safari, golf & safari, horse riding safari, honeymoon safari or accompanied by a professional photographer – you can make your safari programme even more exciting. Find out more under the safari options. Would you like a 7-day, a 10-day or a 14-day Big Five Safari in Tanzania? We offer tailor-made tours in Tanzania. Contact us, we will be happy to help you!
Day 1
You will be picked up by us from Kilimanjaro Airport and driven to your first lodge. Here you can relax from your trip and enjoy the Tanzanian atmosphere. Would you like additional interesting tours in the afternoon or early morning? Please take a look at the list of additional activities that are available. Overnight stay at Mount Meru Game Lodge (***) or Onsea House (****).
Mount Meru Game Lodge is one of the oldest lodges in Tanzania. It was purchased in 1959 by Dr. Andreas Von Nagy. He was a passionate animal lover and quickly turned his house into an orphanage for animals. He eventually founded the Mount Meru Game Reserve to protect wildlife in the Mount Meru area. This area is now part of Arusha National Park. Together with the government, he founded a Wildlife College. Students are trained there in dealing with wild animals. His passion for wildlife became known worldwide, rooms were added, and the current lodge was created. After Dr Von Nagy retired in 1980, no more animals were taken in. Mount Meru Game Lodge is still family-owned today.Day 2:
In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, you will meet your private guide. He will discuss the entire programme with you. Afterwards you will visit Arusha National Park. First, you will explore the park on foot with a ranger (approximately two hours). You will see buffalo and giraffes up close, and you will have beautiful views of Mount Meru. In the afternoon you will take a drive through the national park, where – with a bit of luck – you will also see the colobus monkeys. Overnight stay at Mount Meru Game Lodge (***) or Onsea House (****).Additional activities:
(Prices on request! Please note that some activities require an additional overnight stay.)
- A city tour of Arusha (approx. 2 hours)
- A hike to the Napuru waterfall: Hike through a beautiful rainforest at the foot of Mount Meru to a stunning waterfall. You will discover monkeys, extraordinary birds, chameleons and many butterflies (approx. 2 hours)
- By canoe on Lake Duluti or Lake Momella, Arusha National Park (2.5 hours): On the water in a canoe there are many extraordinary birds to discover, such as kingfishers, ospreys, hundreds of cattle egrets, the snake bird, flamingos and many more.
- Hiking tours up to Mount Meru (one day or 3-4 days with porters)
- Arusha Coffee Plantage Tour (half day): You will visit a small coffee plantation of a local farmer. You will be shown the process of making a fair-trade coffee. All topped off with a local lunch and of course a delicious cup of coffee
- Mount Meru Waterfall Walk (3-4 hours)
Please specify any additional activities you would like when requesting a quote!
Day 3
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your private guide and driven to Tarangire National Park (approximately two hours). You will cross the national park, known for its large herds of elephants, from north to south. You have the option of visiting the Tanzanian Elephant Foundation research centre (price on request). Overnight stay at Chem Chem Lodge (eco-lodge*****), Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (***) or Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (****).
The Chem Chem – Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) has a wildlife sanctuary of 20,000 hectares. This area became a protected area because there is a large animal migration between Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park.Day 4:
After breakfast, you will be driven to the village of Mto wa Mbu, where you will hike along the Great Rift Valley, including a visit to a banana plantation and the market in Mto wa Mbu. During your hike, you will discover various species of monkeys, birds, medicinal plants, as well as some of the "Small Five". In addition, during this hike you will pass through the middle of a banana plantation! Your walk continues through the village of Mto wa Mbu, where 120 different tribes live together, and the local market with lots of wonderful fruits and fresh vegetables. At the end of the tour, the local women will prepare delicious Tanzanian dishes for you. In the afternoon you will then have a game drive through Lake Manyara National Park. Overnight stay at Foresight Eco Lodge (***), Marera Mountain View Lodge (****) or Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge (***).
Day 5:
After breakfast you will visit the STWWC bee project. You will receive background information about the elephant corridors and can see directly which beehive was donated in your name. Afterwards you will enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will have an incredible view of the entire crater at the Ngorongoro viewpoint.
After the Ngorongoro viewpoint, you will reach the Ndutu area via the less tourist-oriented Endulen route. Along the way you are very likely to spot large groups of giraffes. Overnight stay at Ndutu Safari Lodge (***) or Lake Masek Tented Lodge (****).
Day 6:
You spend the day in the Ndutu area, where you go on a game drive all day long. Overnight stay at Ndutu Safari Lodge (***) or Lake Masek Tented Lodge (****).
Ndutu Safari Lodge supports the Serengeti Cheetah Project, a project that has been running in the Serengeti for 30 years. Tourists help the researchers with their cheetah pictures so that the number of cheetahs and their migration can be followed. Each cheetah can be identified based on an individually recognizable pattern. You can send your pictures of the cheetahs you have spotted to the Serengeti Cheetah Project, along with information about when and where you saw the cheetahs. If the cheetah is known to the researcher, you will receive additional information about the animal you have spotted. In addition, Ndutu Safari Lodge supports Endulen Hospital, Makao School and the families of the lodge's employees.Day 7:
After breakfast you will drive to the centre of the Serengeti, following the migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes. Overnight stay at the luxury Siringit Serengeti Camp (****), Safari View Camp (***) or Serena Lodge Serengeti (****).Serena Lodge Serengeti is very involved in wildlife conservation, education and local community projects. They work with organizations such as Soap of Hope, the Serengeti National Park authorities, the Sea Turtle Conservation Project and many more.
Day 8:
You will be on the game drive all day long. Overnight stay at the luxury Siringit Serengeti Camp (****), Safari View Camp (***) or Serena Lodge Serengeti (****).Day 9:
You have another full day safari in the Serengeti. Overnight stay at the luxury Siringit Serengeti Camp (****), Safari View Camp (***) or Serena Lodge Serengeti (****).Day 10:
Today you will leave the Serengeti and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During lunchtime you will arrive at your lodge, where you will have a breathtaking view of the Ngorongoro Crater. In the afternoon you hike along the crater rim with a ranger. Overnight stay at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (****) or Rhino Lodge (***).Day 11:
Today you will go down into the crater! It's an adventure you won't forget! You will drive steeply down into the crater and see the enormous density of wildlife at the bottom of the crater. You will spend the whole day in the crater. Overnight stay at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (****) or Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge (outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area).
Day 12:
This morning you will drive back to Arusha (approximately 3-4 hours). Either extend your holiday with a few days on Zanzibar or fly back home.
We can extend this trip with an offer to Zanzibar. There are several eco-lodges in Zanzibar, such as Sunshine Marine Lodge (****) and the Chumbe Island eco-lodge (*****). Your booking directly supports the preservation of the ecosystem and educational projects on site.Additional activities
(Prices on request! Some activities require an additional overnight stay.)
Day 2:
- A city tour of Arusha with a visit to the Maasai Market and the Cultural Heritage Centre (half day)
- The Napuru waterfall trail: Hike through a beautiful rainforest at the foot of Mount Meru to a stunning waterfall. You will discover monkeys, extraordinary birds, chameleons, and many butterflies (approx. 2 hours)
- By canoe on Lake Duluti or Lake Momella, Arusha National Park (2.5 hours): On the water in a canoe there are many extraordinary birds to discover, such as kingfishers, ospreys, hundreds of cattle egrets, the snake bird, flamingos and many more
- Hiking tours up to Mount Meru (day tour or 3-4 days with porters)
- Arusha Coffee Plantation Tour (half day): You will visit a small coffee plantation owned by a local farmer. You will be shown the entire process of fair-trade coffee production. You will also receive a local meal and of course a delicious cup of coffee
- Mount Meru waterfall hike (3-4 hours)
Day 3:
- Safari hike with a ranger (1.5 to 2 hours)
- Visit to the Tanzanian Elephant Foundation Research Center with a lecture on elephant conservation
- Night safari
Day 4:
These tours can be done by bike, on foot or by tuk tuk.
- Visit to the rice fields near Mto wa Mbu
- Bike ride to Lake Manyara. Along the way you may see wildlife or meet local fishermen at the lake
- Mto wa Mbu Village Tour: This tour shows you how the 120 different tribes live together. You will visit the Chagga Chagga tribes, where you can taste banana beer, and the Makonde tribe from Mozambique will show you how they process wood
Day 5:
- On the way to the Ndutu area we can stop at a Maasai village. You can sit together outside with the Maasai, talk to them and see how they live
- Visit the Hadzabe – one of the last nomadic people on earth. You can spend the whole day with the Hadzabe, hunt with them and join their daily activities! An extra day has to be planned for this incredible experience because – instead of entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – you first drive towards Lake Eyasi, where the Hadzabe usually stay
Day 6:
- Hot air balloon flight
- Night safari
- Hike with a ranger in the Ndutu area
Day 8:
- Hot air balloon flight
- Night safari
Day 11:
- Hike into the Empakaai Crater (an additional day is required)
Please specify any additional activities you would like when requesting a quote!
Safari special options:
Combine your trip with walking safaris, bike safaris, golf adventures, horse riding safaris, romantic honeymoon experiences or the company of a professional photographer. Your safari, perfectly tailored to you!
Prices
7 days per person starting from EUR 4.500
Please note that the prices shown are indicative and are valid only for a 7-day period in low season. Prices may be influenced by additional requests, activities, alternative accommodation or travel period. For an exact, non-binding quote, simply contact us.
What is included in the price?
- Pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and transfer to accommodation
- All nights in the hotels / lodges / tented camps
- Full board, excl. beverages
- Game drives through the national parks
- Private open roof 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser specifically designed for safari game drives
- Private guide in your local language for the duration of your safari
- Parking fees for all national parks listed
- Drinking water, coffee, tea and snacks in our safari vehicle
What is not included in the price?
- Intercontinental flights (bookings of intercontinental flights are possible on request)
- Additional activities (price on request)
- Visa fees (USD 50 per person)
- Drinks in the hotels, lodges and tented camps
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Insurance (e.g. travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance)
- Any vaccinations and AMREF Flying Doctors
- Flight to Zanzibar, overnight stays and activities in Zanzibar (prices on request)
Please specify any additional activities or changes you would like when requesting a quote!
Detailed travel programme June – October
Safari specials: hiking safari, bike safari, golf & safari, horse riding safari, honeymoon safari or accompanied by a professional photographer – you can make your safari programme even more exciting. Find out more under the safari options.
Day 1:
You will be picked up by us from Kilimanjaro Airport and driven to your first lodge. Here you can relax from your trip and enjoy the Tanzanian atmosphere. Would you like some activities in the afternoon or early morning? Please look at the list of additional activities that are available. Overnight stay at Mount Meru Game Lodge (***) or Onsea House (****).
Mount Meru Game Lodge is one of the oldest lodges in Tanzania. It was purchased in 1959 by Dr. Andreas Von Nagy. He was a passionate animal lover and quickly turned his house into an orphanage for animals. He eventually founded the Mount Meru Game Reserve to protect wildlife in the Mount Meru area. This area is now part of Arusha National Park. Together with the government, he founded a Wildlife College. Students are trained here in dealing with wild animals. His passion for wildlife became known worldwide, rooms were added, and the current lodge was created. After Dr Von Nagy retired in 1980, no more animals were taken in. Mount Meru Game Lodge is still family-owned today.Day 2:
Additional activities:
(Prices on request! Please note that some activities require an additional overnight stay.)
- A city tour of Arusha (approx. 2 hours)
- A hike to the Napuru waterfall: Hike through a beautiful rainforest at the foot of Mount Meru to a stunning waterfall. You will discover monkeys, extraordinary birds, chameleons and many butterflies (approx. 2 hours)
- By canoe on Lake Duluti or Lake Momella, Arusha National Park (2.5 hours): On the water in a canoe there are many extraordinary birds to discover, such as kingfishers, ospreys, hundreds of cattle egrets, the snake bird, flamingos and many more.
- Hiking tours up to Mount Meru (one day or 3-4 days with porters)
- Arusha Coffee Plantage Tour (half day): You will visit a small coffee plantation of a local farmer. You will be shown the process of making a fair-trade coffee. All topped off with a local lunch and of course a delicious cup of coffee
- Mount Meru Waterfall Walk (3-4 hours)
Please specify any additional activities you would like when requesting a quote!
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 6:
Day 7:
Serena Lodge Serengeti is very involved in wildlife conservation, education and local community projects. They work with organizations such as Soap of Hope, the Serengeti National Park authorities, the Sea Turtle Conservation Project and many more.
Day 8:
Day 9:
You will spend a full day in the north of the Serengeti! Overnight stay in the Mara Mara Tented Lodge (****), Serengeti River Camp (****) or Tanzania Bush Camp (a mobile tented camp that follows the animal migration, ***).Day 10:
In the morning, we will take you to the northern airstrip (Kogatende airstrip), from where you will fly back to Arusha, or you can extend your holiday with a direct flight to Zanzibar. Another option is to leave the Serengeti through the northern gate and drive back to Arusha via Lake Natron. Lake Natron is very alkaline and as a result you will see an incredible number of flamingos there. Overnight stay at Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge (***).
The Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge is located at the foot of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai and close to Lake Natron. The local population near the lodge is mostly Maasai. At the lodge you can meet the Maasai and discover their way of life. Part of the lodge's income is invested to support the local population. To reduce the impact on the environment, solar panels and water filters are used, the use of plastic is minimized, and trees are planted.Day 11:
After breakfast you can choose from two activities, both of which start at Maasai Lodge. You can take a guided hike to the flamingo breeding area (approximately 1-2 hours), or you can walk to the waterfalls where you can also go swimming (2-3 hours). Or would you rather climb the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano (on request)? Overnight stay at Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge (***).Day 12:
This morning you will drive back to Arusha (approximately 3-4 hours). Either extend your holiday with a few days on Zanzibar or fly back home.
Additional activities
(Prices on request! Some activities require an additional overnight stay.)
Day 2:
- A city tour of Arusha with a visit to the Maasai Market and the Cultural Heritage Centre (half day)
- The Napuru waterfall trail: Hike through a beautiful rainforest at the foot of Mount Meru to a stunning waterfall. You will discover monkeys, extraordinary birds, chameleons, and many butterflies (approx. 2 hours)
- By canoe on Lake Duluti or Lake Momella, Arusha National Park (2.5 hours): On the water in a canoe there are many extraordinary birds to discover, such as kingfishers, ospreys, hundreds of cattle egrets, the snake bird, flamingos and many more
- Hiking tours up to Mount Meru (day tour or 3-4 days with porters)
- Arusha Coffee Plantation Tour (half day): You will visit a small coffee plantation owned by a local farmer. You will be shown the entire process of fair-trade coffee production. You will also receive a local meal and of course a delicious cup of coffee
- Mount Meru waterfall hike (3-4 hours)
Day 3:
- Safari hike with a ranger (1.5 to 2 hours)
- Visit to the Tanzanian Elephant Foundation Research Center with a lecture on elephant conservation
- Night safari
Day 4:
These tours can be done by bike, on foot or by tuk tuk.
- Visit to the rice fields near Mto wa Mbu
- Bike ride to Lake Manyara. Along the way you may see wildlife or meet local fishermen at the lake
- Mto wa Mbu Village Tour: This tour shows you how the 120 different tribes live together. You will visit the Chagga Chagga tribes, where you can taste banana beer, and the Makonde tribe from Mozambique will show you how they process wood
Day 11:
- Hike to the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano
Please specify any additional activities you would like when requesting a quote!
Safari special options:
Combine your trip with walking safaris, bike safaris, golf adventures, horse riding safaris, romantic honeymoon experiences or the company of a professional photographer. Your safari, perfectly tailored to you!
Prices
7 days per person starting from EUR 4.500
Please note that the prices shown are indicative and are valid only for a 7-day period in low season. Prices may be influenced by additional requests, activities, alternative accommodation or travel period. For an exact, non-binding quote, simply contact us.
What is included in the price?
- Pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and transfer to accommodation
- All nights in the hotels / lodges / tented camps
- Full board, excl. beverages
- Game drives through the national parks
- Private open roof 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser specifically designed for safari game drives
- Private guide in your local language for the duration of your safari
- Parking fees for all national parks listed
- Drinking water, coffee, tea and snacks in our safari vehicle
What is not included in the price?
- Intercontinental flights (bookings of intercontinental flights are possible on request)
- Additional activities (price on request)
- Visa fees (USD 50 per person)
- Drinks in the hotels, lodges and tented camps
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Insurance (e.g. travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance)
- Any vaccinations and AMREF Flying Doctors
- Flight to Zanzibar, overnight stays and activities in Zanzibar (prices on request)
Please specify any additional activities or changes you would like when requesting a quote!
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