13 DAYS | 12 NIGHTS The Ultimate Big Five Safari Extravaganza
Tour Overview
Experience an extraordinary 13-day photographic safari focused on Africa’s iconic Big Five. This adventure moves through Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Nyerere National Park. Each destination delivers a unique wildlife experience, from elephant herds and tree-climbing lions to elusive leopards, rhinos, and buffalo in their natural domains.
Between game drives, unwind in handpicked lodges and tented camps that blend comfort with a deep sense of place. Guided by Visual Africa Travel’s expert team, you’ll gain rare insights into animal behavior and the ecosystems that sustain them, ensuring an exciting and diverse exploration through Tanzania’s astounding game reserves.
Duration: 13 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
You will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met by a Visual Africa Travel safari representative. Our representative will assist you with your luggage and the check-in formalities at your hotel in Arusha.
This evening, everyone will meet and be introduced to the group. Both our driver-guide and safari manager will be present to brief and discuss the days ahead. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers during this time. The rest of the evening is yours to unwind after what has probably been a long flight.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 2:
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After an early breakfast, we depart for Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival at the park entrance, we complete the necessary permit formalities for the next two days. Before lunch, we spend some time along the Tarangire River, taking in the scenery, birdlife, and any wildlife that may have gathered to drink. We then continue to the lodge, located in the heart of the park, where we will spend the next two nights.
Nimali Tarangire is set in a prime wildlife area, offering excellent opportunities to encounter the first of the Big Five, as well as giraffe, zebra, impala, and many others.In the afternoon, we settle into our open 4×4 game-viewing vehicle, organize camera gear, and immerse ourselves in the natural surroundings. We return to the lodge before nightfall to enjoy dinner, review photos, and plan the next day’s outing with the guide.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 3:
Tarangire National Park – Full Day
We start early, leaving the lodge to make the most of the golden hour, when the light is perfect for photography. Breakfast will be served at a designated picnic site within the park before returning to camp for a short break during the midday heat.
The afternoon is dedicated to more wildlife photography, taking advantage of the soft light and active animals. As the day ends, relax under the stars and reflect on the day’s encounters, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 4:
Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park – proceed to Ngorongoro Highlands
This morning, we travel north to Lake Manyara National Park. The day’s focus is exploring sections of the park where wildlife, including members of the Big Five, can often be seen. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and the elusive leopard, along with a remarkable variety of birds and other mammals.
During the heat of the day, take some time to unwind and enjoy a delicious packed lunch, perhaps reviewing your photos from the morning game drive. Later in the afternoon, we continue to the Ngorongoro Highlands and check in at Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge for dinner and a restful evening.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 5:
Ngorongoro Crater – Full Day
The day begins early with breakfast before leaving the lodge for our first descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries. This vast volcanic caldera shelters over 25,000 large animals, including lion, elephant, buffalo, and the rare black rhinoceros, making it among the best places in Africa to spot all members of the Big Five. With its open grasslands, acacia woodland, and soda lakes, the crater also attracts wildebeest, zebra, hyena, hippo, and an abundance of birdlife, offering endless opportunities for exceptional photography.
To make the most of the experience, we enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot inside the crater before continuing the afternoon drive. Later, we ascend the crater rim and return to the lodge for dinner, a relaxed evening, and time to review photos while anticipating the days ahead in Ngorongoro.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 6&7:
Ngorongoro Crater – Full Day
These two days offer the chance to photograph members of the Big Five that may have been missed in the past days. The crater floor and the thick acacia woodland surrounding it are well known for consistent wildlife sightings, including lion, buffalo, and elephant. Breakfast will be served early at the lodge before descending into the crater, allowing maximum time to capture the soft morning light as animals begin to stir. The variety of terrain, from open grasslands to swamps and forest edges, provides countless opportunities for wildlife photography.
Spending three nights in Ngorongoro allows us the opportunity at exploring different sections of this magnificent geopark and maximizing our photographic opportunities. Evenings are spent back at Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge, enjoying dinner while exchanging stories and reviewing the day’s photographic highlights. The third night will be our last night in Ngorongoro.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 8:
Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti
After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we set out for Serengeti, driving through the Ngorongoro highlands with occasional stops to spot wildlife along the way. The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning “endless plains,” a fitting description for this vast landscape that supports the Big Five and hosts the world-renowned wildebeest migration.
Central Serengeti, known for its year-round concentration of predators and resident game, offers excellent photographic opportunities, particularly around the Seronera Valley where leopards often rest in acacia trees. Upon arrival at Meliá Serengeti Lodge in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is reserved for rest, photo review, or simply soaking in the view from the terrace. Dinner is served later, followed by a good night sleep.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 9,10,11,12:
Central Serengeti
Over these four days, we dedicate our time to exploring the Central Serengeti, a region renowned for its abundance of wildlife and prime opportunities for photographing the Big Five. Early morning game drives are vital, as the cooler hours of dawn bring predators such as lion and leopard into the open, while elephants and buffalo gather near watering points. The soft morning light also provides the most favorable conditions for wildlife photography, capturing detail and depth without harsh contrasts.
On day ten, an optional hot air balloon flight offers a rare perspective of the Serengeti ecosystem. From above, you can appreciate the scale of the savannah and observe herds of wildebeest and zebra moving in formation below. This vantage point allows for exceptional photographic compositions that are impossible from the ground.
During these days, meals can be enjoyed al fresco to maximize time in the bush. The granite kopjes, scattered across the central section of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, serve as resting points for lions and vantage spots for cheetahs on the hunt. Depending on the season, sightings may include the dramatic wildebeest migration and the predators that follow closely behind. Evenings are spent at Meliá Serengeti Lodge, enjoying dinner and the comfort of the lodge’s quiet surroundings.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 13:
Serengeti – Fly back to Arusha – Transfer to the Airport for onward flight
After breakfast your Big Five safari comes to an end. Your driver guide will transfer you to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled flight to Arusha. Upon arrival, a Visual Africa Travel representative will meet you at Arusha Airport and escort you to Arusha Coffee Lodge, where a day room and lunch will be arranged for your comfort. Later in the afternoon, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Tour Inclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
Tour Exclusion
- Pick up and drop in Arusha as per the itinerary
- Park entrance fee
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on a 4WD Vehicle with open roof for game viewing
- Driver’s allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$567 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
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