Travel
7 Days Tanzania Big Five Adventure Safari
Duration
7 Days
Trip Highlights
Get ready for the ultimate adventure with a thrilling Tanzania Big Five Safari! Over 7 unforgettable days, you’ll chase the iconic Big Five—Elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards—across the breathtaking landscapes of Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Led by expert guides, you’ll experience heart-pounding game drives, where every moment holds the promise of incredible wildlife sightings and unforgettable encounters. With stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and thrilling experiences, this Tanzania Big Five Safari promises to be the adventure of a lifetime, filled with memories that will last forever.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at JRO /Welcome to Tanzania
- Day 2: Fly to Serengeti National Park
- Day 3: Full Day at Serengeti National Park
- Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 5: Tarangire National Park
- Day 6: Full day at Tarangire National Park
- Day 7: Drive back to Arusha – Depart or Extension to Zanzibar
Day by day description
Day 1: Arrival at JRO /Welcome to Tanzania
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be warmly welcomed by your Nature in Spirit driver-guide and transferred to Arusha, just a scenic 1.5-hour drive away. Depending on the weather, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the distance. As you travel, immerse yourself in the vibrant local life, with opportunities to stop for photos along the way. End your first day with a delicious dinner and a restful night at the lodge, preparing for the thrilling Tanzania Big Five Adventure Safari that awaits. Don’t forget to pack your cameras and recharge your batteries – unforgettable moments are just around the corner!
Day 2: Fly to Serengeti National Park
After a delicious breakfast, take a one-hour flight from Arusha to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s wildlife paradise. The flight offers fantastic aerial views of the landscapes below, giving you a unique perspective of the park’s vastness and beauty. Unlike a lengthy 5-6 hour drive that can take up a whole day, this quick flight saves valuable time, letting you dive straight into the action. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately embark on an exciting game drive through Central Serengeti, where the area’s abundance of Serengeti Big Cats and stunning scenery will captivate you. Enjoy a Hot Hamper lunch right in the heart of the Serengeti, surrounded by the park’s iconic views. In the afternoon, continue your safari adventure, spotting wildlife in diverse habitats, before returning to camp for a refreshing sundowner, rounding off an unforgettable day in the Serengeti.
Day 3: Full Day at Serengeti National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations. After breakfast at 7:00 am, set out on a full-day safari guided by a professional guide, traversing through different areas in search of the park’s remarkable wildlife, including the elusive Serengeti Big Cats. Pause midday for an amazing hot lunch in the Seronera Valley, a hotspot for diverse animals drawn to the Seronera River, and keep an eye out for giraffes, gazelles, and the spectacular Great Migration with wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains. As the day comes to an end, enjoy a sundowner and return to camp for a delicious dinner and an evening by the campfire. Your overnight stay will be in the heart of the Serengeti, allowing you to fully connect yourself in the wonders of the African wilderness.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Embark on an adventure after breakfast with a hamper lunch, heading to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, known as “Eden’s Garden”. Descend over 600 meters into this natural wonder within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where wildlife and communities harmoniously coexist. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, spotting antelope, elephants, and predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Keep an eye out for the rare black rhino and if you are lucky, you may spot one or two. After the game drive you will make an ascent leaving the Crater and drive to the lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight, reflecting on an unforgettable day in Tanzania’s natural paradise.
Day 5: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart from Karatu for a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through local villages with roadside markets and food vendors, offering a chance to stop and explore while supporting our community project. As part of our commitment to giving back, we provide ceramic water filters to communities without access to clean drinking water, making a meaningful impact along the journey. Upon arrival at Tarangire National Park, enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge for check-in and a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling game drive in Tarangire, famous for its vast herds of elephants, before returning to your lodge, located in one of the prime spots inside the park. Unwind and enjoy a breathtaking sunset. This Safari Experience promises to create unforgettable memories.
Day 6: Full day at Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, embark on a thrilling full-day game drive to Tanzania’s elephant headquarters, Tarangire National Park, equipped with picnic lunch. Known for its majestic Baobab trees, this park is a haven for bird lovers, with over 500 bird species to observe. As you explore the park, you’ll encounter vast herds of elephants, along with giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and the chance to spot the big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Tarangire River, the lifeblood of the park, draws an incredible variety of wildlife. After a rewarding day of wildlife viewing, head back to the lodge to enjoy dinner and unwind before an overnight stay.
This African Safari promises an unforgettable wildlife safari experience, filled with the beauty of nature and incredible wildlife encounters.
Day 7: Drive back to Arusha – Depart or Extension to Zanzibar
After breakfast at the lodge, enjoy your last moments in Northern Tanzania as you drive back to Arusha. On the way, if possible, you will get an opportunity for a school visit and get to learn more about education in Tanzania as we spend time with the teachers and children. You will get to Arusha in a good time for lunch at Arusha Coffee lodge. After lunch you will have the SHANGA Tour, a social enterprise, which employs people with disabilities to create unique and high-quality handmade goods like glassware and homewares using recycled materials. These products are sold in the Shanga shop in Tanzania, as well as around the world, with profits being reinvested back into developing opportunities to employ more people with disabilities. After the excursion, you will transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home.
Day by day description
Our Selected Accommodation
Accommodation on Safari in Tanzania
When planning a safari in Tanzania, where you stay is just as important as where you go. At Nature in Spirit, we handpick accommodations that are not only comfortable but also strategically located close to prime wildlife areas. This reduces long drives and maximizes your time in the bush, giving you more opportunities to experience the magic of nature.
Whether it’s a luxury tented camp in the Serengeti or a charming lodge overlooking Tarangire, the properties we work with offer outstanding service, excellent cuisine, and authentic safari hospitality. Each accommodation is chosen for its quality, atmosphere, and proximity to the action — so you don’t just visit the wild, you live in it.
Day 1: Arrival at JRO /Welcome to Tanzania
Day 2: Fly to Serengeti National Park
Day 3: Full Day at Serengeti National Park
Day 5: Tarangire National Park
Day 6: Full day at Tarangire National Park
Let us know your ideal type of accommodation - we'll match it to your journey.
Your safari experience is shaped not only by the landscapes and wildlife but also by where you rest each night. At Nature in Spirit, we carefully select accommodations that match your comfort level, travel style, and budget. Whether you’re looking for something simple and authentic or refined and exclusive, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Midrange – Practical Comfort,
Well-Located, and Reliable
Our Midrange lodgings are ideal for travelers who want comfort, great service, and a close connection to nature — without stretching the budget. These are well-run lodges or tented camps that offer all the essential amenities you need after a day of game drives: clean rooms, private bathrooms with hot showers, mosquito nets, and often lovely natural settings.
Meals are usually amazing with variety of local and international dishes, and WIFI is typically available in common areas. Some even feature swimming pools or fire pits for a relaxed end to your day. They may not be flashy, but they are full of character and offer excellent value in great locations near or within the parks.
Premium – Elevated Safari Living
with Style and Comfort
Premium lodging take your safari a step further, offering a refined, immersive experience. These are stylish lodges or tented camps designed to provide comfort and elegance while still keeping you close to the wild. Rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, often with private decks, high-quality linens, and panoramic views.
Expect personalized service, excellent à la carte or gourmet buffet meals, and thoughtfully designed spaces — like open lounges, fire pits, or pools overlooking the savannah. In many cases, you can even enjoy wildlife sightings right from your room or dining area. It’s perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone wanting a touch of indulgence in the bush.
Luxury – Exclusive Safari Excellence for the Discerning Traveler
For those seeking the finest in safari luxury, our Luxury properties deliver a world-class experience in some of Tanzania’s most breathtaking locations. These are exclusive lodges and camps where no detail is overlooked — from the architecture to the cuisine, the guiding to the setting.
Here, you’ll find private villas or tented suites with plunge pools, luxury rain showers, premium linens, and terraces that open onto uninterrupted wilderness. Service is ultra-personalized, with private chefs, butlers, and guides available in many cases. These accommodations are ideal for special celebrations, VIPs, or travelers wanting a once-in-a-lifetime, all-inclusive safari at the highest standard.
Your perfect journey, tailored to your budget.
Your dream safari, shaped around your expectations — and your comfort zone.
At Nature in Spirit, we believe every journey should be personal, immersive, and within reach. Whether you’re seeking classic comfort, indulgent luxury, or an exclusive escape into nature, our experts will guide you to the accommodation that best fits your style — without compromise.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all safaris. Our team carefully listens to your wishes and curates a travel experience that reflects your priorities — whether that’s proximity to wildlife, elegant surroundings, or seamless service from start to finish.
To help you navigate your options, we offer a clear range of accommodation categories — Midrange, Premium, and Luxury — each selected with intention, and each offering a different kind of connection to Tanzania’s extraordinary landscapes.
We also tailor every trip with seasonality in mind, ensuring you benefit from the best possible value based on when and how you travel. From quieter, more intimate green seasons to the height of the Great Migration, we adapt every detail to align with your vision and budget.
With Nature in Spirit, you don’t just pick a lodge — you design a journey.
Let us help you create something remarkable, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Tanzania is waiting, and we can’t wait to take you there.
Included
- All park fees
- Internal Flight (Arusha – Seronera)
- All meals and accommodations during the entire tour
- A high-quality safari land cruiser with pop up roof
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Highly experienced safari guide (who speaks good English and Spanish)
- Unlimited mineral water on safari
- All government taxes
- AMREF Flying doctor’s emergency rescue
Excluded
- International Flights
- Gratuities
- Drinks at the lodges
- Tips
- Any other things not mentioned in the itinerary
HIGH SEASON PRICES
June - October
December - March
| NUMBER OF PAX | PRICE PER PERSON (USD) Midrange | PRICE PER PERSON (USD) Premium | PRICE PER PERSON (USD) Luxury |
| 2 | $ 3,670 | $ 4,482 | $ 7,161 |
| 3 | $ 3,224 | $ 4,387 | $ 7,298 |
| 4 | $ 2,899 | $ 3,753 | $ 6,400 |
| 5 | $ 2,802 | $ 3,842 | $ 6,358 |
| 6 | $ 2,656 | $ 3,510 | $ 6,147 |
LOW SEASON PRICES
April - May
November
| NUMBER OF PAX | PRICE PER PERSON (USD) Midrange | PRICE PER PERSON (USD) Premium | PRICE PER PERSON (USD) Luxury |
| 2 | $ 3,480 | $ 3,715 | $ 4,934 |
| 3 | $ 3,074 | $ 3,390 | $ 4,838 |
| 4 | $ 2,708 | $ 2,986 | $ 4,173 |
| 5 | $ 2,666 | $ 2,937 | $ 3,756 |
| 6 | $ 2,465 | $ 2,700 | $ 3,920 |
Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Start your day with breakfast before setting off on an exhilarating journey to Londorossi Gate, located at an elevation of 2,100 meters. As you ascend more than 1,000 meters through vibrant tropical montane forests, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, including playful colobus monkeys and the striking crested turacos. Keep an eye out for elephants migrating from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Upon reaching the stunning Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated at 3,400 meters, begin your hike towards Shira 1 Camp. Traverse the captivating Lion Gorge and admire the awe-inspiring Shira Pinnacles, with magnificent views of Kibo Peak and its surrounding glaciers. After the rewarding hike, enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst breathtaking scenery, before returning to Arusha for a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay. Reflect on a day filled with adventure and the stunning natural beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Serengeti Bush Dinner
Imagine sharing an unforgettable meal on the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, where romance meets adventure! A bush dinner offers a unique dining experience beneath a canopy of twinkling stars. Savor a delectable feast while the warm glow of a campfire surrounds you, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of wildlife in the night. Typically, tables are arranged just outside the camp, ensuring a perfect blend of intimacy and safety.
Arusha National Park Walking Safari
Walking safari in Arusha National Park promises an experience that will stay with you forever. Accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger, you’ll have the chance to observe majestic giraffes, formidable buffalos, zebras, warthogs, and agile blue monkeys. You will gain insights into the park’s remarkable plant and animal life. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning sights such as a breathtaking waterfall, the Ngurdoto Crater and the serene Lake Momella. With a bit of luck, you might even spot vibrant flocks of flamingos and the striking Colobus monkey gracefully navigating the canopy.
Tarangire National Park Walking Safari
As you venture on a walking safari in Tarangire National Park, you’ll be captivated by the sight of towering baobab trees, expansive acacia woodlands, and impressive herds of elephants. Keep your eyes peeled for the migrating herds of cape buffalo, wildebeests, and zebras that may cross your path, along with the chance to encounter olive baboons, giraffes, impalas, and gazelles. For bird enthusiasts, the park is a paradise, boasting an incredible variety of over 550 bird species waiting to be discovered!
Tarangire National Park – Night Game Drive
Embarking on a night game drive transforms your safari experience into something extraordinary, revealing a world of nocturnal creatures that remain hidden during daylight hours. As the headlights of the safari jeep illuminate the darkness, you’ll witness the mesmerizing glow of their eyes. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about these night-dwelling animals, assisting you in spotting elusive species like porcupines, civet cats, genets, bush babies, lions, and leopards. This adventure promises to be an unforgettable exploration of the wild after sunset.
Arusha National Park & Lake Duluti Canoeing
Experience the tranquility of Arusha National Park by embarking on a canoe safari across its serene lakes. Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of nature as you listen to the chorus of birds that inhabit the area. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of hippos, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, flamingos, and other wildlife along the shores. An armed ranger will accompany you, ensuring both your safety and providing expert guidance throughout your adventure.
Local markets Visit – Arusha, Karatu & Mto wa Mbu
The local markets of Tanzania, stretching from Mto wa Mbu to Arusha and Karatu, present a lively blend of culture and trade. In Mto wa Mbu, visitors are greeted by a vibrant selection of fresh produce and handmade crafts, allowing for meaningful interactions with a variety of local sellers. Arusha’s markets shine with exquisite Maasai crafts and stunning Tanzanite stones, showcasing the rich heritage of the area. Meanwhile, Karatu’s energetic markets brim with fresh farm products and unique artisanal creations, offering a window into the everyday life of Tanzanians. These dynamic marketplaces not only provide exceptional shopping opportunities but also invite you to dive deep into the heart of Tanzanian culture.
Home Hosted Lunch / Cooking Lessons – Mto wa Mbu & Karatu
Experience the authentic flavors of Tanzania right on a vibrant banana farm. Choose three traditional dishes to explore and master their preparation. Dive into the art of cooking pilau (fragrant spiced rice), makande (a delightful blend of corn and brown beans), or ndizi nyama (savory plantains with meat), and savor the true essence of Tanzanian cuisine!
Cycling Tours
Experience a refreshing escape from your safari adventures with a mountain bike tour in Mto wa Mbu. Nestled near Lake Manyara National Park, this charming village serves as a lush oasis amidst the expansive Maasai plains, where the fertile land nurtures rice, coffee, and bananas thanks to abundant groundwater. Over the course of 2 to 3 hours, this bike tour offers stunning vistas of Lake Manyara as you navigate through the village streets, glide past vibrant banana and coffee plantations, and visit a local school.
Visit Banana Plantations
In Tanzania, bananas rank among the most extensively cultivated crops, playing a vital role in the daily diet of countless households across Africa. With around 20 different varieties grown throughout the country, bananas are a staple food source. A visit to a banana plantation will enlighten you on this topic, as well as provide insights into the diverse cultivation techniques, banana species, and their various applications. For instance, while plantain bananas are primarily used for cooking, sweet bananas are enjoyed fresh, and a special variety is even utilized in the production of local beer or wine.
Coffee Tours
Have you ever considered the incredible journey that coffee takes on before it reaches your cup? Discover how the entire process unfolds at a Tanzanian coffee plantation, where you can follow the path from seed harvesting to brewing that delightful, aromatic beverage that kickstarts our mornings. Tanzania elevates the coffee-making experience to new heights. Visitors can enjoy a captivating tour guided by experts, gaining a deep appreciation for the craft of coffee production as they stroll through endless rows of lush coffee trees.
