7-Days Big Five Safari in Tanzania

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Overview

Embark on a thrilling 7-day journey through Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, where untamed wilderness meets unforgettable adventure. This carefully curated safari offers you the rare opportunity to witness Africa’s legendary “Big Five” in their natural habitat, explore diverse ecosystems—from ancient baobab forests to volcanic craters—and stay in handpicked lodges and tented camps that blend comfort with authenticity.

Begin your adventure with a warm welcome in Arusha, then journey through the elephant-studded landscapes of Tarangire, the predator-rich plains of Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Complete your experience with a visit to Lake Manyara, famous for its flamingos and tree-climbing lions. With a dedicated guide, private safari vehicle, and full-board hospitality, this is a seamless escape into the heart of wild Africa.

Highlights

See the Big Five — Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino in their natural habitats
Explore Four Iconic Parks — Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara
Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle — With pop-up roof, binoculars, and sockets for charging
Capture Stunning Wildlife — From tree-climbing lions to massive elephant herds
Stay in Handpicked Lodges & Camps — Mid-range comfort, warm hospitality, and authentic African charm
Personal English-speaking Safari Guide — Insightful, experienced, and dedicated to your experience
Full-Board Meals Included — Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared fresh
Flamingo Sighting at Lake Manyara — Spot colorful birdlife and baboon colonies
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater — A UNESCO World Heritage site with unmatched wildlife density
Seamless Transfers — From airport pick-up to your final drop-off

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania – Airport Pick-Up & Relaxation in Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, a friendly Oikos Safaris representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Use this day to unwind, adjust to the rhythm of East Africa, and get ready for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge or similar
Meals: No meals included (available on request)

Day 2: Tarangire National Park – Elephants, Baobabs & Big Cats

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its huge elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Watch for tree-climbing pythons, lions resting in the shade, and graceful giraffes grazing the savanna. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your game drive.

Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Overnight: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 3 & 4: Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains & the Circle of Life

Head deep into the legendary Serengeti National Park. The journey itself is a game drive, as wildlife starts to appear en route. After a picnic lunch, continue into the park for afternoon game viewing. On Day 4, spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti — famous for the Great Migration and its incredible density of predators.

Expect to encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, hippos, giraffes, and countless antelope species across this sprawling savanna.

Overnight: Serengeti Classic View Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (both days)

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Eden

After breakfast, you’ll depart for a half-day game drive in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This volcanic caldera shelters an abundance of wildlife including black rhinos, massive tusker elephants, and large prides of lions. With breathtaking scenery and dense animal populations, Ngorongoro offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Africa.

Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park – Flamingos & Forest Lions

Set off for Lake Manyara National Park, a lush sanctuary set against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley. Look for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, playful baboons, and dazzling flocks of flamingos that color the lakeshore. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Arusha in the evening for your final night.

Overnight: Arusha Planet Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Farewell Tanzania – Transfer to Airport

After breakfast, relax at the lodge or enjoy a short shopping tour in Arusha if time permits. Later, you’ll be transferred to either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of wild Africa.

Meals: Breakfast

Included & Excluded:

All park entrance fees and activities
Accommodation in lodges/tented camps as specified (or similar)
Full-board meals on safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Private 4x4 safari vehicle and English-speaking guide
Binoculars and power sockets in the safari jeep
Emergency medical evacuation cover
Bottled water during the journey
Pickup and drop-off in Nairobi/Arusha
Visit to Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks