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Gomayu
Gomayu

The Big Five Safari

7 Days 6 Nights

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Country

Tanzania

Best Season

June to October

Duration

7D/6N

Group Size

5 to 10 travelers

Take an exciting 7-day trip across Tanzania's well-known wildlife reserves with the Big Five Safari. This tour promises close-up views of Africa's famous "Big Five" and the remarkable sight of the Great Migration, beginning in the vibrant town of Arusha.

During the Great Migration, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles walk across the Serengeti, navigating crocodile-infested river crossings and avoiding predatory threats. 

As the herds encourage the renewal of the grass on the plains, this phenomenon is a wonder of survival and the vital lifeblood of the Serengeti ecosystem, promoting equilibrium.

The safari includes trips to Maasai settlements, where you may learn about their traditional way of life and deeply ingrained cultural customs. You will also encounter animals. 

The Maasai people's vibrant clothing, rich oral traditions, and pastoral heritage enhance your trip by fusing cultural appreciation with animal experiences.

This safari offers a combination of remarkable experiences in Tanzania's most well-known landscapes, whether you want to observe the Great Migration, go on a guided walking safari, or have a sunrise game drive.

What is the Big Five Safari?

The Big Five Safari is a well-known wildlife safari experience that focuses on seeing the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo, five of Africa's most recognizable and sought-after creatures. 

The phrase "Big Five" was first used by big-game hunters to refer to the most difficult and dangerous creatures to hunt on foot. Today, it is a popular destination for modern wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. 

These creatures, which inhabit a range of environments from expansive savannas to dense bushlands, each have a special role in Africa's ecology and culture. 

A Big Five Safari gives visitors the chance to see these magnificent animals in their native habitat, creating lifelong memories and deepening their understanding of the delicate balance of life.

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Maps

Navigate Your Journey

Itinerary

Your Journey, Step by Step

Day 01
Arrival in Arusha

After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will be there to drive you to your hotel. Once you check in at your hotel, you will have some time to relax and refresh in your room. 

 

Later in the evening, you will explore Arusha town and visit the local markets or the Cultural Heritage Centre. You will return to your hotel after dinner.

 

  • Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 02
Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you will set out for Tarangire National Park, known for its baobab-dotted landscape and large elephant herds. The drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park is approximately 2 to 3 hours.

 

This park has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife outside the Serengeti, including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and a rich variety of bird species. You will spend the day on a safari, with a picnic lunch in the park to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. In the evening, you will head to your lodge.

 

  • Accommodation: Maasai Eco Boma & Lodge
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 03
Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famed for its tree-climbing lions and beautiful flamingos lining the lake. 

 

Once you reach Lake Manyara, you will get to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from lush forests and grassy plains to alkaline lakes. 

 

In the afternoon, you will have opportunities to see hippos, elephants, and other species that thrive in this unique habitat. You will have lunch in the park and continue your safari until late afternoon, then head to your lodge.

 

  • Accommodation: Manyara Lakeview Oasis
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 04
Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast today, you will head towards Serengeti National Park. From Lake Manyara, the flight to Serengeti National Park is 45 minutes. The savanna is home to the famous Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate annually. 

 

Once you reach Serengeti National Park, you will get to experience an afternoon game drive. During the game drive, you will be able to witness lions, cheetahs, elephants, and countless other species in their natural habitat. You will also enjoy bush meals and watch the sun set over the plains before returning to your lodge.

 

  • Accommodation: Serengeti Safari Lodge
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 05
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Today after breakfast, you will head from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater. The drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater will approximately take 3 hours. You will descend into the crater’s caldera, which is referred to as the “Garden of Eden” for its incredibly dense wildlife population. 

 

You will go on a half-day game drive, witness rhinos, lions, and a myriad of other animals living in the crater’s diverse habitats. After lunch at a picnic site, you will ascend and make your way to your lodge near Karatu.

 

  • Accommodation: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 06
Karatu to Arusha

After an early morning breakfast, you will go on a drive from Karatu to Arusha. The drive will approximately take about 2 hours and 21 minutes. 

 

Once you arrive in Arusha, you can spend the whole day as per your choice. It is a free day for you.

 

  • Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 07
Departure

Early in the morning, after your breakfast, our team members will be there to drive you to the airport. You will catch a flight back to home once you arrive in the airport.

 

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Inclusions

What’s Covered in Your Adventure

Includes
  • Airport transfers
  • Accommodations as per itinerary
  • Daily breakfast
  • Guided tours and safari drives with local experts
  • All national park entry fees
Excludes
  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and optional activities
Good to Know

Your Journey, Step by Step

Accommodations During the Tour

The Big Five Safari gives visitors the exceptional opportunity to see the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo, Africa’s most renowned animals. 

 

These creatures, which are well-known for their size, strength, and occasionally elusive character, embody the wildness and beauty of Africa’s many habitats. 

 

Originally used by hunters who thought these creatures were the most difficult and hazardous to pursue on foot, the name “Big Five” has come to represent memorable, moral wildlife encounters. 

 

Travelers on a Big Five safari experience famous locations such as the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Kruger National Park, where guides provide information on animal behavior and conservation initiatives.

 

 In addition to this wildlife experience, travelers frequently take pleasure in eco-friendly resorts that strike a balance between luxury and the natural world. 

 

The Big Five Safari is an incredibly fulfilling and sustainable trip into the heart of Africa thanks to these lodges, which are designed to provide luxury while protecting the environment. 

 

They frequently include private bathrooms, solar electricity, and carefully designed interiors that blend in with the wildlife.

The Big Five Safari is an incredibly fulfilling and sustainable trip into the heart of Africa thanks to these lodges, which are designed to provide luxury while protecting the environment. 

 

They frequently include pri

Dining and Culinary Experience during the Tour

Enjoy the tastes of Tanzania and other countries as each meal is carefully prepared to complement your safari. 

 

Eat a substantial breakfast to get you going for the day’s activities. With the opportunity to eat in the midst of breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters, picnic lunches provide the ideal escape into nature. 

 

Savory dinners influenced by Tanzanian culinary traditions and made with local ingredients are served in peaceful lodge settings in the evenings to provide a memorable meal to end each day. 

 

In order to create something distinctive and fulfilling, the eating experience combines the depth of regional cuisines with sensations from around the world.

Best Time to Visit to See the Big Five

The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the ideal time of year to go on a safari in Tanzania since wildlife is easier to see and more concentrated near water sources. 

 

Witnessing the famous Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti, when enormous herds of gazelles, zebras, and wildebeest risk crocodile-infested rivers, is especially possible during this season. 

 

In the southern Serengeti, another great opportunity occurs from January to February during the wildebeest calving season, which draws a variety of predators, such as lions and cheetahs. Every season has its own special attractions that let tourists take in Tanzania’s ever-changing landscapes and wildlife habits.

Packing Tips for this tour

Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days, with layers for cooler mornings and evenings

Comfortable walking shoes for walking safaris and lodge exploration

Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for sun protection

Insect repellent for evenings and water body areas

Binoculars and camera for wildlife viewing; power bank for charging devices

Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during game drives

Compact rain jacket for unexpected showers and added warmth

FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

What clothing should I pack for the safari?

Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days, layered clothing for cool mornings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. A compact rain jacket and insect repellent are also recommended.

When is the best time to visit Tanzania for this safari?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Are meals included in the package?

Daily breakfasts are included, with some lunches provided as picnic meals during game drives. Dinner options are available at each lodge or nearby, depending on your preferences.

What wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?

Expect sightings of elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs, with the chance to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti depending on the season.

Will I have access to Wi-Fi during the tour?

Most lodges offer Wi-Fi in common areas, though connectivity may be limited due to the remote locations. It’s a great opportunity to unplug and enjoy the experience.

Do I need any vaccinations or special travel documents?

A passport is required, and most nationalities need a visa. Check with a health professional for recommended vaccinations, such as yellow fever, typhoid, and malaria prevention.

Is travel insurance necessary?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, especially for travel to remote safari areas.

Are there any cultural etiquette tips I should know?

Modest dress is appreciated when visiting local villages or towns. A simple greeting like “Jambo” (hello) is a friendly gesture, and learning a few basic Swahili phrases is a great way to connect with locals.

Can I charge my devices during the trip?

Lodges have electricity for charging devices, though power may be limited in some remote camps. A power bank is useful for keeping your devices ready for photos.

How safe is it to get close to the animals?

Safari guides are trained in safe wildlife viewing practices. Follow their instructions, maintain a respectful distance, and avoid sudden movements to ensure the safety of both guests and animals.

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