What parks are included in the 5-day Big Five Safari?

You will visit Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater—three of Tanzania's most famous and wildlife-rich parks.

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes, the itinerary is designed to be beginner-friendly while still delivering a deep, immersive experience with professional guides and support.

Can I see all Big Five animals on this safari?

Yes, this safari is optimized to give you the best chance to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo with the help of expert trackers.

What is included in the package price?

The $2,330 price includes all accommodations, meals, park fees, game drives, an expert guide, transportation, and emergency evacuation insurance.

Are the accommodations comfortable and safe?

Yes, you'll stay in high-quality lodges and tented camps with private bathrooms, great food, friendly service, and secure environments.

How do I book this safari?

You can book directly through our website or contact our customer service. A deposit secures your place, and the balance is due before the tour.

What makes this safari unique?

This safari is crafted for Big Five sightings, scenic beauty, and cultural richness. It includes personalized service, Wi-Fi, and Flying Doctors coverage.

Is it possible to join a group safari or book private?

Yes, you can choose between a group safari or private tour, depending on your preference and budget.

When is the best time to go on this safari?

The best times are June–October for dry season game viewing and January–March for calving season. However, it runs year-round.

Is this safari suitable for children or older adults?

Absolutely. It’s designed for all ages with comfortable accommodations, manageable travel distances, and experienced guides.

5-Day Big Five Safari Itinerary in Tanzania

Name: 5-Day Big Five Safari Tanzania
Brand: Gnade Safaris
Price: 2330 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (500 reviews)

Get Free Quote

5 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary For The Big Five Experience

Discover the ultimate Big Five safari in just five exhilarating days! This immersive journey takes you deep into Tanzania’s legendary Northern Safari Circuit—covering Tarangire National Park, the endless plains of the Serengeti, and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater. Each destination offers world-class opportunities to spot Africa’s famed Big Five: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino.

Led by expert guides in custom 4x4 vehicles, you’ll experience thrilling game drives at sunrise and sunset, stay in handpicked lodges and tented camps, and capture stunning landscapes teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or seasoned explorer, Gnade Safaris guarantees a seamless and unforgettable adventure through Tanzania’s top parks—perfect for couples, families, photographers, or solo travelers.

📌 Quick Itinerary Snapshot

🗓️ Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

🗓️ Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
🗓️ Day 3: Full Day Game Drive Serengeti

🗓️ Day 4: Serengeti Game Drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro

🗓️ Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour + Return to Arusha

🧳 Perfect For

Wildlife lovers focused on the Big Five experience
Couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a balanced, scenic adventure
Photographers wanting diverse terrain and animal encounters
Travelers combining safari with a Zanzibar beach extension or Kilimanjaro climb
Honeymooners seeking romance, thrill, and comfort in the wild

📅 When to Go?

This 5-day safari is available year-round, but the best months for wildlife action include:

June to October – Peak dry season: best game viewing, fewer insects, clearer roads
January to March – Calving season in the Serengeti: dramatic predator-prey moments
April to May & November – Quieter seasons with lush green scenery and fewer crowds

🌟 What Makes This Safari Special?

Three of Tanzania’s Premier Parks – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro in one seamless itinerary
Big Five Safari Focus – Spot all five legendary animals with expert trackers and guides
Exclusive 4x4 Safari Vehicles – With pop-up roofs for panoramic views and epic photos
Top-Rated Local Guides – Deep park knowledge, storytelling, and tracking expertise
All-Inclusive Comfort – Accommodations, meals, park fees, and activities all covered
Emergency Evacuation Coverage – Flying Doctors service included for your safety
Perfect for All Travelers – Private or group-friendly, great for couples, solo travelers, and families
Welcome Safari Gift + Free 16GB Wi-Fi – Thoughtful extras for a smoother trip

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your adventure begins with a morning departure from Arusha, heading directly to the legendary Tarangire National Park. Famed for its huge elephant populations, towering baobab trees, and over 500 bird species, Tarangire offers a breathtaking introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife wonders.

Upon entering the park, enjoy a leisurely afternoon game drive, where you may encounter zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and perhaps even elusive big cats like leopards and lions. The landscape here is dotted with iconic baobabs and the Tarangire River, a vital water source that attracts large herds during the dry season.

📍 Activities: Afternoon game drive, wildlife viewing
🌟 Highlights: Elephant herds, baobab trees, giraffes, diverse birdlife
🏨 Overnight: Fanaka Safari Lodge or Bougainvillea Safari Lodge (Karatu)

Day 2

Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, journey onward through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands, passing picturesque farmlands and traditional Maasai villages along the way. Keep your eyes open for wildlife en route—zebras, antelopes, and baboons are often seen crossing the road.

By midday, you’ll reach the legendary Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Great Migration. After a brief rest at the gate or picnic area, enjoy your first game drive across the vast acacia-studded plains as you search for predators and prey in their natural habitat.

📍 Activities: Scenic transfer with wildlife spotting, afternoon safari
🌟 Highlights: Big cats (lions, cheetahs, leopards), wildebeest herds, open savannah
🏨 Overnight: Tanzania Bush Camp or Thorn Tree Camp (Central Serengeti)

Day 3

Full Game Drive Seremgeti

Today is devoted entirely to exploring the Serengeti’s endless wilderness. Begin with an early morning game drive, when predators are most active. Spot lions hunting, cheetahs scanning the horizon, or perhaps a leopard lounging in a tree.

After a picnic lunch in the bush, continue your exploration during an afternoon game drive. Depending on the season, you might witness parts of the Great Migration, with thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving in search of fresh grazing. In the evening, return to camp for dinner under the stars and stories around the fire.

📍 Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, picnic lunch
🌟 Highlights: Predators on the hunt, elephant herds, kopjes (rock formations), seasonal migration
🏨 Overnight: Tanzania Bush Camp or Thorn Tree Camp

Day 4

Transfer Game Drive Toward Ngorongoro Crater

Start your day with a sunrise game drive, capturing the magical golden light over the savannah and possibly witnessing morning predators in action. After breakfast, begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying game viewing along the way.

By late afternoon, arrive at your lodge situated on or near the Ngorongoro Crater rim. If time allows, you may take a short guided nature walk or simply relax and admire panoramic views of the highlands and crater floor.

📍 Activities: Early morning safari, transfer with en-route sightings
🌟 Highlights: Sunrise scenes, elephants, scenic crater rim views
🏨 Overnight: Ngorongoro Wild Camp Lodge

Day 5

Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This ancient volcanic caldera shelters an astonishing concentration of wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, buffalo, flamingos, and hippos.

Spend the morning on a half-day crater safari, with opportunities to spot all members of the Big Five. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending the crater and beginning your scenic drive back to Arusha. Arrive in the late afternoon, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

📍 Activities: Crater game drive, return transfer
🌟 Highlights: Black rhino sightings, hippo pool, crater ecosystem
🏁 End of Safari: Drop-off in Arusha (hotel or airport)