Ultimate 7-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari

Description of the 7-day Tanzania Big Five Safari

Embark on the ultimate 7-day Tanzania Big Five Safari, a journey that captures the very essence of African wilderness and wildlife. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you deep into three of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations like Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Each offering a unique landscape and extraordinary wildlife encounters. From the lush forests and flamingo-lined shores of Lake Manyara to the sweeping golden plains of the Serengeti and the prehistoric basin of the Ngorongoro Crater, this safari is a masterclass in biodiversity and natural wonder.

Tailored for discerning travelers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts, this safari offers the chance to spot the Big Five including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino in their natural habitats, guided by expert driver-guides in private 4×4 vehicles. You’ll follow the rhythm of the wild, from thrilling early morning game drives to golden sunsets silhouetting acacia trees, and stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps that balance comfort, authenticity, and exceptional service.

Whether you’re witnessing the Great Migration, sharing stories around a campfire, or enjoying a bush breakfast surrounded by nature, every moment is designed to leave a lasting impression. With dramatic landscapes, rich Maasai culture, and endless opportunities for wildlife photography, this Tanzania Big Five Safari promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of East Africa’s untamed beauty.

• Safari Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
• Destinations: Lake Manyara | Serengeti National Park | Ngorongoro Crater
• Ideal For: Couples, families, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts
• Best Time to Visit: June–October (Dry season) or December–March (Calving season in Serengeti)

7-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the Safari
• Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
• Day 3: Journey to the Serengeti – Into the Wild
• Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
• Day 5: Serengeti Adventure Continues
• Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
• Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Return to Arusha

Accommodation Plan

7-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the Safari

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Set against the backdrop of Mount Meru, Arusha is the perfect starting point for your Tanzanian adventure. After check-in, relax and recover from your journey, or, time permitting, explore the town’s cultural sites and markets. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its lush groundwater forest and abundant wildlife. Embark on a thrilling game drive where you might spot elephants, baboons, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, along with flamingos lining the lake shore. In the late afternoon, continue to your lodge in the nearby town of Karatu, nestled in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Enjoy dinner and relax in the cool, serene surroundings.

Day 3: Journey to the Serengeti – Into the Wild

Today, travel from Karatu to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, passing through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey itself offers game viewing opportunities along the way, and you’ll arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the vast Serengeti plains. As you venture deeper into the park, watch for giraffes, herds of zebras, and predators like lions and cheetahs. Settle into your tented camp or lodge in the heart of the Serengeti for a night under the stars.

Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Spend a full day exploring the endless savannah of the Serengeti, home to one of the most concentrated wildlife populations in the world. Whether you’re tracking the Great Migration (depending on the season) or observing solitary leopards in the trees, each drive is a chance to witness nature at its most raw and beautiful. Your guide will tailor the day to maximize wildlife viewing, with a break for a picnic lunch in the bush. Return to camp in the evening and gather around the fire to share stories from the day.

Day 5: Serengeti Adventure Continues

Another day in the Serengeti allows for deeper immersion into this extraordinary ecosystem. Head out at dawn for a morning game drive, when predators are most active. Optional activities include a sunrise hot air balloon safari followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush—an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, explore new areas of the park, possibly heading to the central or northern regions depending on animal movement. Return to camp for your final night in the wild.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

After a morning game drive and breakfast, begin your journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, consider stopping at Olduvai Gorge, a key archaeological site where early human fossils were discovered. Arrive at your lodge perched on the crater rim, offering panoramic views of the world’s largest intact caldera. Spend the evening relaxing and soaking in the dramatic scenery before a delicious dinner with views over the crater floor.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Return to Arusha

Rise early for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife haven often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden.” This natural amphitheater supports a wide range of animals, including rhinos, lions, elephants, and an abundance of birds. Enjoy a morning game drive followed by a picnic lunch on the crater floor. Afterward, ascend the crater walls and begin your drive back to Arusha. Depending on your departure schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or your Arusha accommodation, marking the end of your unforgettable safari journey.