9 Days African Big 5 Safari
Safari Overview
This 9 days African Big 5 Safari is the perfect way to explore the most famous wildlife parks of Northern Tanzania. You will experience Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and the beautiful countryside around Arusha. During this safari, you will have close encounters with Africa’s Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos – as well as zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, and flamingos.
You will travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, perfect for photography and game viewing. Your professional safari guide will ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the journey.This safari is ideal for families, couples, and small groups of friends who want a private and flexible adventure. Each day brings new landscapes, thrilling wildlife sightings, and unforgettable African experiences.
Highlights of the 9 Days Safari
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, rest and enjoy the city atmosphere.
- Day 2: Game drive in Tarangire National Park – see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and majestic baobab trees.
- Day 3: Sunrise game drive in Tarangire, then visit Mto Wa Mbu village, explore waterfalls, banana and rice plantations, and local culture.
- Day 4: Travel through Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti – afternoon game drive in the Seronera area, spotting predators and plains animals.
- Day 5: Full-day Serengeti game drives – explore open plains, watch lions, cheetahs, and wildebeests, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
- Day 6: Morning game drive in Serengeti, then drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with scenic stops.
- Day 7: Explore Ngorongoro Crater, home to over 25,000 animals, including the rare black rhino, elephants, lions, zebras, and hippos.
- Day 8: Kilimanjaro day trip – hike Materuni Waterfalls, visit a coffee farm, and relax at Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
- Day 9: Safari ends with transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
Why Book This 9 days Safari
See the Big Five and More
This safari is designed to maximize wildlife experiences. From elephants and lions in Tarangire to the rare black rhino in Ngorongoro, you will see a variety of animals in their natural habitats. Birds, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests add to the incredible diversity.
Private and Flexible Experience
This is a private safari, meaning you won’t share your vehicle with strangers. You can decide how long to stay at each park, when to stop for photos, and when to take breaks, giving you a fully customized experience.
Comfortable Lodges and Camps
After exciting days of game drives, relax in mid-range lodges or tented camps with hot showers, comfortable beds, and delicious meals. Camps and lodges are close to the parks, letting you spend more time exploring and less time driving.
Great for Photography and Relaxation
The safari allows plenty of opportunities to take amazing photos of wildlife, landscapes, and sunsets. It’s also a peaceful adventure, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy nature and escape the busy city life.
Experienced and Friendly Guides
Your safari guide is knowledgeable and speaks English well, sharing interesting facts about wildlife, local culture, and conservation efforts. They ensure your safari is safe, educational, and fun.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (June – October):
- Best for wildlife viewing and photography
- Animals gather near waterholes, making them easier to spot
- Roads are dry and accessible
- Short grass improves visibility for game drives
Green Season (November – May):
- Parks are lush and green
- Fewer tourists, making it peaceful
- Great for seeing baby animals and migratory birds
- Light rains usually don’t stop game drives.
Special Notes:
- January – March: Best for photographing newborn animals
- June – October: Best for classic safari weather and easy wildlife spotting
Duration
9 Days | 8 Nights
Destinations
Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park
Pick Up
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop Off
Kilimanjaro International Airport
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Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your safari begins when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. A friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha coffee lodge. You will have time to rest, refresh, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Arusha. If you arrive early, you can also do a short city tour, visiting local markets, craft shops, or tasting fresh Tanzanian coffee.
Main Destination: Arusha
Accommodation: Arusha coffee lodge
Meals: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you will drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, starting your amazing safari adventure. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, as well as the ancient baobab trees scattered across the park.
Enjoy a full-day game drive, exploring different parts of the park. Stop for a picnic lunch under the shade of a baobab tree, while your guide points out wildlife and shares interesting facts about the animals and environment.In the evening, watch the sunset over the savannah before heading to your bush camp or lodge near the park for dinner and overnight stay.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Tarangire treetops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Tarangire → Mto wa Mbu
After an early breakfast, start your day with a morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, when animals are most active and the park is quiet. Look out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other animals while enjoying the beautiful scenery.After the morning safari, drive to the village of Mto Wa Mbu, a small and charming community surrounded by lush farmland. Stop for lunch and take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
In the afternoon, enjoy a biking tour around the village, passing through banana plantations, rice fields, and small waterfalls. This is a wonderful way to experience local life and nature up close, see how the villagers live, and take beautiful photos.After your tour, return to Eileen’s Trees Inn for dinner and overnight stay, resting and preparing for the next day of your safari adventure.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Escampment luxury lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Karatu to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart from Karatu and drive through the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of rolling hills, Maasai villages, and wildlife grazing in the grasslands. The journey itself is full of beautiful scenery and photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Seronera, the central area of Serengeti National Park, go on an afternoon game drive.
Explore the vast open plains and spot lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep your camera ready, as every turn brings new animals and unforgettable sights. As the day ends, enjoy the Serengeti sunset, which paints the endless plains in golden and orange hues, a perfect moment to relax and soak in the magic of Africa.Overnight at your lodge or tented camp, resting for another exciting day of safari adventures.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Start your day early with a sunrise game drive, when wildlife is most active and predators like lions and cheetahs may be hunting. This is one of the best times to see animals in action and take amazing photos. After breakfast, continue exploring the wider Serengeti plains, following the movements of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, and other wildlife. Your guide will take you to the areas where animals are most likely to be found, giving you a full safari experience.
Stop for a picnic lunch in the park, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the sounds of nature. In the afternoon, continue your game drive, spotting more animals and enjoying the endless savannah views. Sometimes, wildlife may even come close to your lodge or tented camp, offering unique opportunities for photography and wildlife encounters. You will return to your lodge or tented camp in the evening, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and share stories of the day’s incredible sightings.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, start the day with a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, spotting any wildlife you may have missed, such as lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, or wildebeest. Early morning is a great time to see animals active and enjoy cooler temperatures for photography. After the game drive, depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying the scenic drive through the Serengeti plains, rolling hills, and Maasai villages along the way. Your guide will point out interesting landscapes, wildlife, and local culture during the journey.
Arrive at Eileen’s Trees Inn in Karatu for lunch and some relaxation. Take time to enjoy the beautiful views of the Ngorongoro Highlands, watch birds, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and rest for the night, preparing for the next day’s adventure into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Eileen’s Trees Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Wake up early in the morning and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most famous natural wonders in Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 25,000 animals, including elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, and the rare black rhino.Enjoy a full-day game drive across the crater floor, taking time to spot predators hunting, watch herds of animals grazing, and admire the stunning landscapes. The crater also hosts a variety of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife and photography enthusiasts.
Stop for a picnic lunch inside the crater, surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness. After lunch, continue with game drive, soaking in the last moments of wildlife viewing before ascending to the crater rim in the late afternoon.Drive back to Green Mountain Hotel in Arusha, where you can enjoy a warm dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on your incredible safari adventure.
Main Destination: Arusha
Accommodation: Green Mountain hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Materuni Waterfalls, Coffee Tour & Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Start your day early for an exciting full-day adventure in the Kilimanjaro region. Begin with a hike to Materuni Waterfalls, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, listen to the soothing sounds of the waterfall, and take a refreshing dip in the cool natural pools.After the hike, visit a local coffee farm to learn about Tanzania’s rich coffee culture. See how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed, and enjoy a tasting of freshly brewed coffee while interacting with local farmers.
In the afternoon, relax at Kikuletwa Hot Springs, a natural spring with warm, crystal-clear waters, perfect for unwinding after your hike and coffee tour.Return to Arusha in the evening and enjoy dinner at Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa, where you will spend the night in comfort and reflect on a day full of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Main Destination: Kikuletwa Hot Springs
Accommodation: Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa – Half board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Departure from Arusha
After breakfast at your hotel, your safari comes to an end. You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Carry with you unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s wildlife, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, marking the perfect conclusion to your safari adventure.
Safari Pricing (Per Person)
| No. of Pax | 2 | 4 | 6 | More than 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Price Per Person |
$ 1,237 |
$ 1,237 |
$ 1,237 |
Included in the Safari
- All accommodations during safari
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- All park entry fees and government taxes
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- All transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Accommodation after safari
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide ($15 recommended)
Plan Your Trip
Optional Activities (Extra Cost)
- Balloon Safari in Serengeti
- Day trip Serval wildlife
What to Bring
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Comfortable safari clothes and shoes
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Travel charger and power adapter
- Small medical kit