Highlights
Discover Tanzania’s Big Five through wildlife, culture and unforgettable landscapes
- Experience: Tanzania’s Big Five safari circuit
- Explore Tarangire’s elephant-rich landscapes and ancient baobab trees
- Discover Mto wa Mbu’s vibrant culture and outdoor activities
- Follow wildlife across Serengeti’s endless plains during full-day game drives
- Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and buffalo
- Descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater
Follow Tanzania’s Big Five through baobab landscapes, crater wilderness and authentic local experiences across the north.
7 Days Tanzania Big 5 Safaris
Experience seven unforgettable days exploring Tanzania’s northern parks, wildlife, landscapes and distinctive local experiences together.
Your Classic Big Five safari has been designed to provide the best of the northern Parks in Tanzania. The parks are home to small and large animals, including birds and reptiles, encouraging you to enjoy and experience nature, wildlife, and the amazing habitat of the fauna and flora in these unique natural areas
Day 1
Arrive in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and greet by our professional safari driver guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
Distance: 55 km Estimated Driving Time: 50 minutes–1 hour
We recommend an arrival flight in the morning or afternoon to allow ample time for rest and acclimatization before the safari begins.
Under the shade Safari Lodge / Similar
Day 2
Arusha – Tarangire NP
Depart Arusha in the morning and drive through the picturesque Maasai plains towards Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Upon arrival and after entry formalities, enter the park for an immersive game drive through vast savannahs dotted with iconic ancient baobab trees.
Distance: Approx. 120 km Driving Time: 2.5–3 hours
Enjoy a leisurely safari pace, with ample time to appreciate the sweeping landscapes, memorable wildlife encounters, and exceptional photographic moments before continuing to your selected accommodation for relaxation.
Overnight: Mto wa Mbu Village Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Manyara Baobab Lodge / Similar
Day 3
Mto Wa Mbu Outdoors
After breakfast, meet your local guide and set out to explore the natural beauty, culture, and community life of Mto wa Mbu through a selection of exciting outdoor experiences.
Begin with a guided nature walk through the village, where you will have the opportunity to interact with the local community and visit places of interest such as a local school, churches, farms, and other community areas.
Alternatively, you can explore the village by Tuk Tuk, a three-wheeled motorcycle taxi, offering a fun and relaxed way to discover the local surroundings.
Later, choose between a thrilling zipline adventure or a relaxing cycling experience along the shores of Lake Manyara, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
After lunch, return to your lodge and enjoy some well-deserved time to relax and unwind, getting ready for the next day’s safari adventure.
Manyara Baobab Lodge / Similar
Day 4
Mto Wa Mbu – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart from Mto wa Mbu and drive toward the iconic Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Highlands. The journey offers scenic landscapes and the opportunity for wildlife sightings along the way.
Distance: Approximately 207 km Estimated Driving Time: 4–5 hours (including stops and en-route game viewing)
Arrive in Serengeti National Park in time for an afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Serengeti National Park Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Zuri Serengeti Camp / Similar
Day 5
Serengeti National Park – Full Day Exploration
Morning in Serengeti is an experience worth cherishing. Wake up surrounded by the enchanting sounds and scents of the wilderness, while enjoying a magnificent and breathtaking sunrise over the endless plains of Serengeti.
Optional Activity: Usually at 5:00 AM, transfer to the balloon launching site for a hot air balloon experience, followed by a bush champagne breakfast.
Game Drive Distance: Variable, approximately 100–120 km Estimated Game Drive Time: 6–10 hours total
Break for lunch at your accommodation and later have further Explorations into the Serengeti, Immersing Yourself in the Heart of the wilderness.
Zuri Serengeti Camp / Similar
Day 6
Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Final game drive in the Serengeti National Park before continuing towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Take the opportunity to enjoy some last wildlife sightings as you leave the endless plains of the Serengeti behind.
Scenic Drive and Wildlife Viewing: Enjoy beautiful landscapes and possible wildlife encounters along the way as you travel towards the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Optional Crater Rim Nature Walk – Weather Permitting: Enjoy a guided 90-minute nature walk along the Ngorongoro Crater rim with a resident naturalist. This gentle and informative walk offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the area’s diverse birdlife, plants, flowers, and wildlife while enjoying spectacular panoramic views overlooking the magnificent Crater floor.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp / Similar
Day 7
Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
Following an early breakfast, descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive. The crater floor is home to an exceptional concentration of wildlife and offers breathtaking scenery, making this one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Tanzania.
The crater’s dramatic walls, open grasslands, forests, and soda lakes create a spectacular natural setting and provide a beautiful backdrop for wildlife viewing.
After a great day, ascend the crater and drive back to Arusha, then proceed to the airport for your onward flight arrangement.
Kilimanjaro Airport
Includes
- Airport Transfers
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Unlimited mineral water, coffee, and selected soft drinks during safari game drives.
- Tarangire National Park entrance
- Outdoors experience at Mto wa Mbu village
- Serengeti National Park entrance and conservation fees.
- Ngorongoro Crater tour and crater service fees.
- Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the safari vehicle.
- All applicable government taxes and VAT.
Excludes
- International and local flights.
- Tanzania entry visa (US$50 per person, where applicable).
- Optional activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel, medical, and baggage insurance.
- Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, hotel staff, and porters.
- Laundry services.
- Telephone calls and other personal communication charges.
- Beverages not included in the meal plan (unless otherwise specified).
- Any items of a personal nature or expenses.
After your Ngorongoro Crater game drive, return through Arusha towards Kilimanjaro International Airport, bringing your seven-day Big Five safari to a memorable close.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Your 7 Days Tanzania Big 5 Safari
Find practical answers about the itinerary, wildlife, cultural experiences, accommodation and planning details before beginning your seven-day Tanzania safari with confidence and ease.
The itinerary includes Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Mto wa Mbu, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, combining wildlife, culture and outdoor experiences across northern Tanzania.
The safari provides opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos, although sightings depend on location, season, weather and daily wildlife movements during your game drives.
Yes, the itinerary can be discussed around preferred travel dates, accommodation standards and interests, subject to availability, route logistics and the practical requirements of your planned Tanzania safari.
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Hear From Our Travellers
Hear from travellers who discovered Tanzania with Lifetime Safaris
and shared their experiences
Good guide is very important
High recommend Danford and Lifetime Safaris! Danford is a skilled attentive driver with deep Safari knowledge and great instincts.
Paulo P
Love Lifetime Safaris
Great safari with our guide Humphrey! Safari roads are crazy and we felt safe, comfortable and well supported the whole time.
Kerri P
An unforgettable safari experience
An unforgettable experience indeed! We travelled with our friends and it’s a total six of us. Our guide Danford was excellent.
Stephen M
Trip of a lifetime with guide James
We have just recently returned from Tanzania, an absolute trip of a lifetime made even more special because of our guide James.
Cindy
Wonderful adventure in Tanzania
Wonderful adventure in Tanzania visiting local villages and markets, Materuni waterfalls, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro parks.
Oscar
Unforgettable Safari Experience
We had an incredible experience on our safari, and a huge part of that was thanks to our amazing guide James "Bond".
stephen k
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