Tanzania · Safari

7-Day Big Five Safari in Northern Tanzania with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

7 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy a Big Five game drive in Tarangire National Park
02 Visit Lake Manyara National Park for tree-climbing lions and flamingos
03 Explore the Serengeti's Central, Western Corridor, or Northern regions
04 Witness the Great Migration and predator-prey interactions in the Serengeti
05 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater to spot the Big Five and rare black rhino

Embark on a thrilling 7-day safari through Tanzania's premier national parks for an exceptional chance to witness the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the elusive black rhino. Explore Tarangire National Park's large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, discover the diverse landscapes of Lake Manyara, and spend three days in the iconic Serengeti, where vast plains teem with predators and prey. Your journey concludes at Ngorongoro Crater, a remarkable wildlife haven where spotting the Big Five in a single day is highly possible.

Embark on a thrilling 7-day safari through Tanzania's premier national parks for an exceptional chance to witness the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and the elusive black rhino.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Tarangire National Park Safari

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 such as 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.

Day 02

Lake Manyara Wildlife Exploration

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 will 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.

Day 03

Journey to 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 will 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.

Day 04

Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives

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, when 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.

Day 05

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.

Day 06

Ngorongoro Crater Big Five Safari

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.

Day 07

Scenic Return 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.