7-Day Tanzania’s Big Five Odyssey

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide who will be your companion throughout the safari. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, where you can relax and unwind after your journey. Arusha, often referred to as the gateway to the safari circuit, is nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru and serves as an excellent starting point for your adventure.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the vibrant markets or simply settle in and prepare for the safari ahead. An overnight stay will be arranged in Arusha, ensuring you’re well-rested for the exciting days ahead.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, your journey begins towards Tarangire National Park. As you depart from Arusha, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the picturesque Tanzanian countryside. Keep your eyes peeled as there are chances of spotting wildlife along the way, providing a taste of the safari experience to come. Tarangire National Park awaits with its iconic baobab trees and vast savannah landscapes.

Upon arrival, you’ll delve straight into your first game drive, exploring the park’s diverse habitats and searching for its famed inhabitants, including large herds of elephants. As the day draws to a close, you’ll settle into your accommodation in Karatu, where you can relax and recount the day’s adventures.

Following a delicious breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Tarangire and set out for the legendary Serengeti National Park. The journey will take you through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering glimpses of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Upon reaching the Serengeti, you’ll embark on your game drive, immersing yourself in the endless plains and abundant wildlife. Keep your camera ready as you might encounter lions, cheetahs, and herds of wildebeest and zebras traversing the grasslands.

As the sun sets over the Serengeti, you’ll arrive at your accommodation nestled within the park, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. Overnight stay will be arranged in Serengeti National Park.

Today is dedicated to fully exploring the wonders of the Serengeti. After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll embark on morning and afternoon game drives, maximizing your chances of encountering the park’s diverse wildlife. Whether it’s witnessing the great migration (seasonal) or observing predators in action, the Serengeti never fails to captivate with its natural beauty and wildlife spectacles. You’ll have ample opportunities to photograph the iconic landscapes dotted with acacia trees and rocky outcrops, often serving as vantage points for wildlife sightings. Throughout the day, your experienced guide will share insights into the park’s ecology and animal behavior, enhancing your safari experience.

As the day comes to an end, you’ll return to your accommodation in the Serengeti, where you can relax and relive the day’s memorable encounters. An overnight stay will be arranged in Serengeti National Park.

After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Serengeti as you make your way towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Serengeti, with opportunities for wildlife sightings along the way. Upon entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll descend into the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, often described as an “African Eden.” Here, amidst the breathtaking scenery, you’ll encounter a remarkable concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five. Spend the day exploring the crater floor, where grasslands, forests, and a soda lake provide a haven for diverse species.

As the afternoon sun bathes the landscape in golden hues, you’ll ascend from the crater and continue your journey to Karatu, where you’ll spend the night. An overnight stay will be arranged in Karatu.

Today, your safari adventure continues with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, known for its scenic beauty and diverse habitats. After breakfast, you’ll venture into the park, where the shores of Lake Manyara offer a picturesque backdrop for wildlife encounters. Keep your eyes peeled for flamingos wading in the shallows, hippos basking in the sun, and the famous tree-climbing lions that inhabit the area. The park’s varied landscapes, from lush groundwater forests to open savannahs, provide opportunities to spot a wide array of wildlife species, including elephants, giraffes, and baboons.

After a rewarding day of exploration, you’ll return to Arusha in the late afternoon, where you’ll check into your accommodation for the night. Take this time to reflect on the incredible experiences of your safari journey as you prepare for your departure. An overnight stay will be arranged in Arusha.