7-Day Big Five Safari in Northern Tanzania National Parks from Arusha
Highlights
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Locations Covered
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
nature, safari, Wildlife
Private Tour
7 Days
Easy
English
Description
Embark on a thrilling 7-day safari through Tanzania’s premier national parks, offering the ultimate chance to witness the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the elusive black rhino. Begin in Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds, and then explore the diverse landscapes of Lake Manyara. Spend three days in the iconic Serengeti, where vast plains teem with predators and prey. Conclude your adventure in the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife haven where spotting the Big Five in a single day is highly possible.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arusha - Tarangire National Park
- Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
- As you enter the park, you will experience the raw beauty of the African wilderness.
- Spend the day on a game drive, searching for the Big Five and other wildlife like zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest that roam the vast savannah. The Tarangire River, the park's lifeline, attracts various animals, especially during the dry season.
- Keep an eye out for lions lounging in the shade and leopards hiding in the trees.
- In the evening, retreat to your comfortable lodge for a relaxing dinner under the African sky.
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Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park
- After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, nestled between the Great Rift Valley and the alkaline lake of the same name. The park is known for its unique tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife, especially the flamingos that gather along the lake's shores.
- As you venture into the park, you pass through dense groundwater forests, where baboons and blue monkeys swing from the trees.
- Continue your game drive through the open grasslands and along the lake’s edge, spotting hippos, elephants, and giraffes.
- After a day of wildlife exploration, return to your lodge to unwind and enjoy a tranquil evening.
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Day 3: Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)
- Journey to the Serengeti, Tanzania's most iconic national park. Central Serengeti, known as Seronera, is teeming with wildlife year-round.
- As you traverse the park's golden plains, you’ll be greeted by massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, especially during migration season. The Seronera River attracts many predators, making it a prime spot for observing lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
- Spend the day on game drives, where you will likely witness the dramatic interactions between predator and prey.
- In the evening, settle into your camp or lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
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Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Full Day)
- Dedicate your fourth day to exploring the Serengeti further. With its vast landscapes, the Serengeti offers endless opportunities for wildlife sightings, from elephants and giraffes to the swift and elusive cheetah.
- Rise early for a sunrise game drive, where the cool morning air brings heightened animal activity.
- Your guide will take you through different habitats, from riverine forests to grassy plains, ensuring a rich diversity of encounters.
- If visiting during migration season, seeing thousands of animals moving in unison is truly awe-inspiring.
- After a day filled with adventure, relax at your accommodation.
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Day 5: Serengeti National Park (Western Corridor or Northern Serengeti)
- For your final day in the Serengeti, venture into a different park region, such as the Western Corridor or Northern Serengeti, depending on the season. The Western Corridor is home to the dramatic Grumeti River, where crocodiles wait for migrating herds. Northern Serengeti offers a more remote experience, with fewer visitors but equally abundant wildlife.
- Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive black rhino or perhaps a pride of lions stalking their prey.
- As the sun sets, reflecting hues of orange and pink across the plains, you will retire to your lodge, ending another thrilling day in the Serengeti.
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Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
- Leave the Serengeti behind and travel to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater floor is a wildlife haven, with nearly every species found in East Africa residing within its steep walls. Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive, where you can see the Big Five, including the rare black rhino. The dense population of animals within the crater makes for spectacular viewing, with predators like lions and hyenas often on the prowl.
- In the afternoon, visit the soda lake to see flamingos and other birdlife before heading to your nearby lodge for a restful night.
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Day 7: Transfer to Arusha
- After breakfast, depart from Ngorongoro and enjoy a scenic drive back to Arusha. Take in the stunning landscapes along the way, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters you have experienced.
- Upon arriving in Arusha, you may explore the vibrant city or simply relax before travelling.
- Whether heading to the airport for your departure or continuing your adventure elsewhere, this day marks the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian safari.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
Adult | |
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1 to 2 | /person |
3 to 4 | /person |
5 to 6 | /person |
Child | |
1 to 2 | /person |
3 to 4 | /person |
5 to 6 | /person |
This is a private tour |