Introduction

From ancient baobab landscapes to endless golden plains, this 5-Day Big Five Adventure takes you through four of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife areas: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. In just five unforgettable days, you will search for Africa’s legendary Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — while experiencing diverse landscapes and rich wildlife concentrations. Although we can never guarantee sightings of all five, our expert guides will use their knowledge and experience to maximize your chances, turning every game drive into an exciting and rewarding adventure.

Highlights

Tarangire National Park

Maasai Boma Visit

Lake Manyara National Park

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Map

Tanzania

Start Point: Arusha

Day 1

Tarangire NP Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Day 2

Karatu Africa Safari Karatu

Day 3 - 4

Serengeti NP Osupuko Serengeti Camp

Day 5

Arusha (No accommodation)

End Point: Arusha

Day 1

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

In the very early morning, we will pick you up from your hotel/lodge in Arusha and travel onwards to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden safari gems, known for its vast elephant herds and striking landscapes dotted with ancient baobab trees. During the dry season, the Tarangire River acts as a vital lifeline, drawing large numbers of wildlife and birds to its banks. While enjoying your game drive, we will provide a delicious picnic lunch inside the park, allowing you to relax in the heart of nature and make the most of your time surrounded by wildlife. After exploring this wonderfully wild and less-crowded park, you will continue to Osupuko Tarangire Lodge, located just outside the park, for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Activities Day 1

Early Morning

Hotel Pick Up
Transfer by Road to Tarangire National Park

Afternoon

Guided Game Drive - Tarangire National Park

Late Afternoon

Transfer by Road to Osupuko Tarangire Lodge
Hotel Drop Off

Accommodation Day 1

Osupuko Tarangire Lodge

Lodge

Standard Room

Meal Plan Lunch & Dinner

Day 2

Maasai Boma - Mto wa Mbu - Lake Manyara

Begin your day with breakfast at Osupuko Tarangire Lodge before departing towards Lake Manyara National Park. En route, visit a traditional Maasai Boma, where you will experience authentic village life, learn about their customs and nomadic traditions, and witness traditional songs and dances. Continue to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, a unique multicultural town, where you can explore the local market and discover the rich diversity of cultures that call this area home. Around 11:00 AM, enter Lake Manyara National Park for a scenic game drive, famous for its lush groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, and large flocks of flamingos along the lake’s shores. After your afternoon safari, continue to Africa Safari Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay, enjoying the cool highland air and peaceful surroundings.

Activities Day 2

Morning

Hotel Pick Up
Transfer by Road, Osupuko Tarangire Lodge via Mto wa Mbu to Lake Manyara National Park

Morning / Early Afternoon

Morning Guided Game Drive - Tarangire National Park

Afternoon

Transfer by Road, Lake Manyara National Park to Africa Safari Karatu
Hotel Drop Off

Accommodation Day 2

Africa Safari Karatu

Lodge

Standard room

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Ngorongoro Crater - transfer to Serengeti National Park

Depart Karatu early for the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Descend 600 meters to the crater floor and enjoy the maximum allowed time of six hours for an extensive game drive in this extraordinary natural sanctuary. With one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, you may encounter black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and abundant birdlife — all within this breathtaking setting.

After a picnic lunch inside the crater, ascend the crater walls and continue towards Serengeti National Park. As the landscape opens into endless plains, arrive in the Central Serengeti by evening. Dinner and overnight at Osupuko Serengeti Camp, beautifully located in the heart of the Central Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.