A five-day Tanzania Big Five safari itinerary offers the finest opportunity to see as much as possible with limited time, striking the perfect balance between attractions and time. Over five days, you'll experience unparalleled game viewing, showcasing the best of Africa, as you visit three major parks in the northern circuit: Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and your choice of either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park.

For those who wish to add a cultural safari element, you can visit a Maasai boma and/or the historic Oldupai Gorge Museum, in addition to witnessing the Big Five and breathtaking vistas.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park OR

After breakfast, depart from Arusha and travel approximately two hours to Tarangire National Park. Along the way, you'll encounter vibrant Masai settlements and vast open grasslands that epitomize Africa. Upon reaching Tarangire, embark on a game drive through the picturesque savannah surrounding the Tarangire River. This river, a vital water source for local wildlife during the dry season, attracts numerous elephants, zebras, and antelopes due to its abundance of acacia and Baobab trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, but beware of the mischievous monkey population attempting to join your meal! During the park drive, you'll have the chance to spot lions, leopards, Cape buffalo, various antelope species, and even threatened animals like the Greater Kudu or the Fringe-Eared Oryx. End the day at your chosen accommodation.

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart from Arusha on a two-hour journey to Lake Manyara National Park, passing through the bustling market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. The market, known for its agricultural produce and fresh vegetables, offers a glimpse of regional cultures and is a treasure trove for souvenir seekers. Upon reaching Lake Manyara National Park, known for its outstanding game viewing opportunities and a paradise for photographers, you'll encounter a wide array of Africa's iconic wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions. The park is a haven for birdwatchers as well, with diverse bird species such as large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the vibrantly colored lilac-breasted roller. Afterward, you'll head to your chosen lodging for dinner and a restful night.

Day 2: Olduvai Gorge - Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you’ll take a bush lunch with you as you continue to the spectacular Serengeti, It will take approximately 4 hours to drive to reach the Ngorongoro Conservation

Area. Your journey will take you to the Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakeys excavated the Zinjanthropus skull. You will then continue into the Serengeti for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Serengeti - Full Game Drive

After morning breakfast, you’ll leave along with your packed lunch in lunch boxes and head to the plains of Serengeti for the morning game drive in search of more animals and birds. Our professional safari guide will be communicating with other safari guides via VHF radio to locate the best sides of the day. You will expect to see several animals in the Serengeti, including the Big Five like leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes, but also other wild animals like hartebeests, topis, zebras, and giraffes, as well as predators like cheetahs and the silverback jackals. Later, the driver goes back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater

After early wakeup, you’ll opt to do a morning game drive, and then after breakfast, you’re off with a packed lunch in lunch boxes as you drive out towards Naabi Gate to head out to Serengeti National Park with a game drive en route. Later afternoon, you will arrive at your tented camp or lodge near Ngorongoro Crater for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha

After morning breakfast, you’ll descend as early as 6.00 hours to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater before the crowds to have better chances of seeing animals, both diurnal and nocturnal species. You’ll spend this day on the crater floor, where you might be able to spot all five big wild animals. You’ll have your bush lunch at a picnic site, and then later in the afternoon, you will drive back to Arusha, which marks the end of your five days of Tanzania wildlife safari with us.