5 Days Tanzania Big Five & Beyond Safari

Tour Overview

This 5-day safari takes you through some of Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes, offering a unique opportunity to experience the region’s breathtaking wildlife. From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater and the vibrant ecosystem of Lake Manyara, each day promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and stunning natural beauty.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport

Your adventure begins as you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Rising to 5,895 meters, this iconic peak is Africa’s tallest, and if the weather is clear, its snowy summit will be visible from the plane.
Meet and Greet: Upon landing, you’ll be welcomed by your guide, who will escort you on a scenic drive through the vibrant landscapes of northern Tanzania. Passing by traditional villages and rolling fields, you’ll see glimpses of daily Tanzanian life.
Accommodation: Settle into your hotel in Karatu, a lush, highland town known for its coffee plantations and close proximity to several wildlife areas. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the local surroundings.

Day 2: Karatu to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, pack up for an exciting journey into Tanzania’s renowned wilderness. You’ll travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where sweeping highland plains are dotted with Maasai villages and herds of cattle, often mingling with wild animals like zebra and giraffe.
Lunch & Arrival in Serengeti: Following a packed lunch en route, you’ll enter Serengeti National Park at Naabi Hill Gate. The vast, seemingly endless plains reveal a glimpse of the incredible wildlife that awaits.
Safari Introduction: Known as one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth, Serengeti is famed for its seasonal Great Migration and the largest population of predators in Africa. Keep your camera ready for the “Big Five” as well as giraffes, hippos, and countless antelopes.
Dinner & Overnight: As the day winds down, arrive at your lodge or camp in the heart of Serengeti. Savor a delicious meal under the stars and relax, with the sounds of the wild as your lullaby.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Wake up to a hearty breakfast, then embark on a full-day game drive to explore Serengeti’s incredible diversity. Early mornings are the best time to spot big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they hunt on the open plains.
Exploration and Lunch: Your guide will take you deeper into the park, where you’ll encounter diverse habitats and animals. The open savannah teems with Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, and the towering giraffes. You’ll also find hippos cooling off in pools and elephants grazing peacefully.
Bird Watching: The Serengeti is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 500 species. Spot eagles, secretary birds, ostriches, and the vividly colorful lilac-breasted roller.
Optional Extensions:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti: Experience a breathtaking balloon safari over the Serengeti for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the plains and wildlife below.

Return to Lodge: After a memorable day of wildlife encounters, return to your camp or lodge for dinner and an evening of relaxation.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Begin your day with an early game drive as you make your way southward toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This drive doubles as one last opportunity to spot wildlife across Serengeti’s breathtaking plains.
Scenic Ngorongoro Drive: The landscape transforms as you approach the highlands, and you’ll pass Maasai communities with herds of cattle. The drive up to Ngorongoro Crater is stunning, offering a panoramic view of the caldera below.
Descent into the Crater: After a brief stop at the crater’s edge, descend 600 meters to the crater floor, where you’ll encounter diverse habitats: savannahs, forests, lakes, and marshlands.
Crater Safari: Ngorongoro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to around 30,000 animals, including some of the last remaining black rhinos. The compact size of the crater makes it easy to spot elephants, lions, zebras, and wildebeests all in one place.
Lunch in the Crater: Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the stunning surroundings of this ancient volcanic caldera before heading back up the crater rim for an overnight stay in Karatu.

Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park & Departure

After breakfast, set out for Lake Manyara National Park, a unique destination known for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Safari & Scenic Lake Views: This relatively small park is nestled against the dramatic cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, providing a lush environment for wildlife. Lake Manyara itself often attracts large flocks of flamingos, as well as pelicans and other water birds, creating a pink hue along the shoreline.
Wildlife Spotting: With luck, you might witness Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions. The park is also home to elephants, baboons, hippos, and a variety of antelopes.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport: After a late lunch and your final wildlife sightings, you’ll be driven back to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight or onward travel to Zanzibar if continuing your Tanzanian adventure.