8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS The African Big Five Safari
Tour Overview
This 8-day Big Five photographic safari focuses on key wildlife areas in northern Tanzania. You will spend long hours in the field seeking elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhinoceros. It all begins in Arusha with time to adjust after your flight. Next is Tarangire. Woodland, river corridors and reliable elephant numbers support steady photography of wildlife behaviour and movement. After Tarangire, we continue to the Ngorongoro Crater.
The enclosed setting holds a high density of animals and creates direct observation opportunities. Interaction between species often unfolds within clear view, and sightings of black rhinoceros remain possible here. We then wrap up in Serengeti. Endless plains known for active predators and varied scenes for action work. A flight returns you to Arusha at the end for onward arrangements.
Duration: 8 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1:
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arrival in Arusha introduces an immediate shift to safari focus. After clearing necessary custom formalities at Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport, a private transfer proceeds toward Mount Meru Hotel, positioned with space to reorganize and rest. Take the time to prepare your gear and ensure batteries and cards remain accessible for early fieldwork in Tarangire tomorrow.
Light strolls inside the property offer views of mature vegetation and mountain outlines on clear afternoons. Brief guidance from the accompanying photographic leader covers expectations for early departures, preferred lens ranges for moving subjects and practical conduct around wildlife. Evening hours allow quiet adjustment before your safari begins.
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Dinner
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 2 & 3:
Tarangire National Park
Morning departure from Arusha leads into Tarangire National Park. Elephants form the major draw here, gathering in notable numbers around water sources as the daylight progresses. The park carries a broad range of plains species and a lion population that often rests on open ground during warmer hours. Morning drives usually begin early to take advantage of cooler air and clearer observation.
After time out in the field, we return to Nimali Tarangire for lunch and a short pause during the middle of the day. Slow hours allow rest or quiet viewing of animals passing through the vicinity of the lodge. Afternoon outings continue once the temperature lowers and visibility of movement improves again. Each evening concludes back at Nimali, with time to reflect on wildlife encounters and notice shifting light over the surrounding terrain. Tarangire offers consistent scenes of everyday life in the bush, from grazing herds to cautious predators, and the pace over these two days supports unhurried exploration of one of northern Tanzania’s most reliable conservation areas.
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 & 5:
Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, we leave Tarangire and travel toward the Ngorongoro highlands. The road gains altitude and cooler conditions develop as we approach the Crater rim. Ngorongoro is widely regarded for holding Africa’s Big Five in one contained ecosystem, with sizeable buffalo herds, lion territories on the grass floor and elusive black rhinoceros remaining under careful protection.
Descending into the Crater provides an immediate view of grazing plains, wetlands and a lake drawing flamingos in suitable seasons. Lunch is usually taken at a designated picnic point inside the Crater, with activity continuing through the afternoon while observing the extraordinary concentration of animals. We stay at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, returning there each evening for rest before another full day exploring this unique natural enclosure.
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:
Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Early departure leads across the highlands toward central Serengeti, arriving at Serengeti Meliá Lodge for lunch and brief check in before setting out on our first game drive. The Seronera region is known for its open savannah, interspersed with kopjes and seasonal rivers, creating varied vantage points for observing predators and herbivores in individual groups. Lions and cheetahs frequently rest on these rocky outcrops, and elephant herds move steadily across plains dotted with acacia.
Buffalo and wildebeest congregate along riverbeds offering consistent sightings. The following day begins with an early start, carrying packed lunch to maximize field hours and maintain continuity of observation. Game drives during these two days focus on broad coverage of the central ecosystem, capturing interactions between species across plains and kopjes while moving between riverine and open habitats. In the evening, we return to the lodge for dinner and 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 8:
Fly back to Arusha and Transfer to Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport
After breakfast, your driver-guide will collect you from the lodge and transfer you to the nearby airstrip for your flight to Arusha. The short flight offers a last look at the landscapes that have framed your safari. On arrival, you will be met and taken to a local restaurant for lunch.
Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to visit a nearby craft market or simply unwind before your airport transfer. Later in the afternoon, our representative will accompany you to Kilimanjaro International Airport and assist with the check-in process. It is a quiet, fitting close to an adventure that will forever remain in your memory.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch
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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