8-Day Tanzania Big 5 Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha. Depending on your time of arrival, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon or engage in an optional activity to start your adventure.

Accommodation Options:

• Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Onsea House
• Machwewo Wellness
• Legendary Lodge
• Four Points by Sheraton

Meals: Breakfast & Bed

Day 2: Transfer to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you will pass through the Ngorongoro Crater highlands, before descending into the vast Serengeti plains, which stretch as far as the eye can see. On the way, visit a Maasai Boma, where you can interact with the Maasai people and witness their traditional dances. Continue to the central Serengeti, home to an abundant array of wildlife, particularly around the Seronera River, a vital water source in the park.

Optional Activity: Hot air balloon ride over Serengeti’s endless plains.

Travel Time: 6 hours by road or 55-minute scheduled flight

Accommodation Options:

• Ole Serai Luxury Camp
• Nomad Lamai Serengeti
• Four Seasons Safari Lodge
• Sayani Camp
• Ewanjan Tented Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 & 4: Serengeti Game Drives

Spend two full days in the Serengeti, starting with early morning game drives to catch the wildlife at its most active. Watch as predators hunt, and see herbivores graze in the soft golden light of dawn. Early mornings offer perfect photographic opportunities, as the light is ideal for capturing the landscape and wildlife in their natural habitat.

As you explore the Serengeti, expect to encounter a wide variety of animals including cheetahs, lions, giraffes, zebras, and elephants. During the day, relax and enjoy a hot lunch or opt for a packed lunch at one of the park's scenic picnic spots. Continue your game drives in the afternoon, keeping an eye out for predators like lions and cheetahs. In the evening, as dusk falls, you may witness lions stalking their prey or lounging in the shade.

Optional Activity: Hot air balloon ride at dawn for a bird's-eye view of the Serengeti.

Travel Time: 2 hours per day for game drives

Accommodation Options:

• Ole Serai Luxury Camp
• Nomad Lamai Serengeti
• Four Seasons Safari Lodge
• Sayani Camp
• Ewanjan Tented Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

After a morning breakfast, check out of your Serengeti accommodation and drive through the beautiful landscapes of the Ngorongoro highlands. As you travel, you’ll experience diverse sceneries and reach the town of Karatu. This day provides an opportunity to witness the changing landscapes of Tanzania as you make your way toward Ngorongoro.

Accommodation Options:

• Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
• Ngorongoro Tented Camp
• Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
• The Manor at Ngorongoro Crater
• Gibbs Farm

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

Today, after an early breakfast, your guide will take you to Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often referred to as the "Garden of Eden." The crater, a caldera formed millions of years ago, is a haven for wildlife. Descend 600 meters into the crater and embark on a full-day game drive. The crater’s lush vegetation and year-round water sources support large herds of animals, including wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, and elephants.

You will also have the chance to spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard, who are often found in the lush grasslands and forests of the crater floor. Don’t miss the chance to visit Lake Magadi, an alkaline lake that attracts large numbers of flamingos, hippos, and other water birds.

Accommodation Options:

• Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge
• Ngorongoro Tented Camp
• Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
• The Manor at Ngorongoro Crater
• Gibbs Farm

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Arusha

Enjoy a final morning breakfast before departing Ngorongoro for Arusha. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to experience some local culture in the Karatu area, where you can enjoy a traditional lunch with the locals. Afterward, your guide will drive you to Arusha for a relaxing evening.

Travel Time: 4 hours by road or 40-minute scheduled flight

Accommodation Options:

• Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Onsea House
• Machwewo Wellness
• Legendary Lodge
• Four Points by Sheraton

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Departure

On your final day, enjoy breakfast before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home, filled with memories of your incredible Tanzanian adventure.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch