6-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari from Nairobi or Arusha

6 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Serengeti National Park across its iconic plains with scenic game drives
02 Discover the Ngorongoro Crater's diverse wildlife, including black rhinos and big predators
03 Enjoy a memorable picnic lunch by the hippo pool in the Ngorongoro Crater
04 Visit Tarangire National Park to see massive herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees

Join us on an exciting six-day journey from Nairobi or Arusha through Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes, with game drives across the iconic plains of Serengeti National Park, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Along the way, enjoy scenic viewpoints, picnic lunches in the bush, and the chance to spot black rhinos, big predators, massive herds of elephants, and ancient baobab trees. Optional experiences such as a hot-air balloon safari, a visit to Morukopjes, and the Olduvai Gorge Museum can add even more depth to your adventure.

Book this 6-day Tanzania Big Five Safari from Nairobi or Arusha with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a licensed Tanzania tour operator based in Arusha since 2017. Every itinerary can be tailor-made to your travel dates, budget and interests, and combined with Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs or Zanzibar beach stays.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Nairobi, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer from Nairobi to Arusha

Early in the morning, our driver will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you to the bus terminal. Travel either by bus or air from Nairobi to Arusha, a journey that takes you through scenic landscapes. You will depart in the morning between 5 and 6 am. It is a 4-hour drive to Arusha.
If you choose to fly in, we will pick you up at Arusha Airport.
Upon arrival, you can either relax at your accommodation or go on a city tour, where you will learn about Arusha and visit the Maasai market.
After the day's exploration, return to your hotel to prepare for the upcoming safari.

Day 02

Journey to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, we will begin our journey from Arusha to Serengeti National Park. Our guide will ensure your comfort during the drive to Naabi Hill Gate.
Along the way, we will pause for 15 to 20 minutes at the Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint to admire the stunning view. Bathrooms are also available at this location.
You can also visit the Olduvai Gorge Museum at an additional cost.
Once we reach Naabi Hill Gate, the first entrance to the Serengeti, we will have lunch at a picnic site. You can stretch your legs and enjoy views of the vast plains while having lunch.
After lunch, we will proceed with a game drive towards Central Serengeti for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Morning Game Drive in Serengeti and Transfer to Ngorongoro

You will have breakfast and then proceed with a morning game drive. You have the option to do a balloon safari or visit the Morukopjes, where black rhinos can be seen. These are optional activities at an extra cost.
In the afternoon, we will continue with the game drive and make our way to Naabi Hill Gate for lunch.
After lunch, we will check out of the Serengeti plains, and our safari will continue with en-route game viewing to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will spend the night.

Day 04

Wildlife Viewing in Ngorongoro Crater

Our day starts early as we leave the camping grounds after breakfast and head to the Ngorongoro Crater. The earlier we go, the higher the chances of encountering black rhinos. It is an excellent spot to see big predators such as lions, hyenas, and leopards, as well as permanent residents like zebras and wildebeests.
In the afternoon, we will stop for a picnic lunch at a hippo pool. You will have lunch near the most dangerous animal in Africa, while lovely birds singing nearby provide a soothing background as you enjoy your meal.
We will continue with the game drive and leave the Ngorongoro Crater in the late afternoon, heading to Mto wa Mbu for accommodation.

Day 05

Tarangire National Park and Return to Arusha

We will leave Mto wa Mbu after breakfast and drive to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is widely known for its large population of elephants and iconic baobab trees that have aged over 5,000 years, creating a stunning and photogenic landscape. In the afternoon, we will pause for a picnic lunch by the river's edge, where you can enjoy your meal while surrounded by curious wildlife. In the evening, we will drive to Arusha, which marks the end of your safari adventure.

Day 06

Departure from Arusha

You will have breakfast and then proceed with some last-minute shopping before leaving Tanzania. We will drive you to Arusha Airport for your flight home.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nairobi 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All accommodations
All activities, unless indicated as optional
All transportation, unless labeled as optional
Meals, as specified in the day-by-day section
Taxes / VAT
Bath towels
All transport by road
Camping equipment
Park fees
Professional guide
Sleeping bags
Drinking water on all days
Government-imposed increases of taxes and/or park fees
Budget lodges
All meals on safaris
Quality safari jeep
Guide wages
Airport pickup
Airport pickup in Zanzibar
Air-conditioned cars

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
International flights
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)

What to bring

Luggage
Clothes
Shoes
Sun protection
First aid
Photography & electrical equipment

Know before you go

Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained. Guides carry radios to stay in contact where there is no internet, including with park rangers, and you can reach our Arusha office at any time by WhatsApp or phone call.

Our representative will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation in Arusha for the night.
We are happy to book accommodation before and after your safari if needed.
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you arrive on an international flight, clearing immigration can be lengthy.
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shillings. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills printed before 2006.
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM. Visa and Maestro cards are best.
We recommend informing your bank that you will use your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. ATMs are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
We advise you to arrive in Arusha at least one day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon or evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Ensure your passport will not expire within six months of your trip and that it has at least three clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we cannot give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are generally recommended for Tanzania: Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Yellow Fever, and Malaria. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory when you enter Tanzania from a country with yellow fever.
Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
In some areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must know that whatever malaria tablets you take only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten - the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so you should wear long sleeves and trousers from this time. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'Deet' applied to them.
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation coverage.
Tanzania has a well-established tipping culture.
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person daily.