10 Day Tanzania Big Five Safari
Arusha National Park • Tarangire National Park • Lake Eyasi • Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti National Park
Overview
This special 10-day Tanzania safari is the best of Tanzania, a perfect mix of incredible scenery, amazing wildlife, fantastic cultural encounters and unforgettable moments in the African wilderness. This is a well-planned itinerary for the traveller who wants more than a traditional safari and wants to go beyond the famous national parks and into the heart of Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage. We have walked with giraffes in Arusha National Park, visited one of Africa’s oldest tribes of hunter-gatherers, descended into the glorious Ngorongoro Crater and spent three unforgettable days exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti. Each chapter of this journey has been designed to deliver an authentic and rewarding safari experience.
Your adventure begins in the bustling town of Arusha, at the foot of the soaring slopes of Mount Meru. Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, is the perfect way to start your African adventure before heading out into the wilderness. Next day explore the beautiful Arusha National Park – one of the most underrated treasures of northern Tanzania. Unlike many other parks, Arusha National Park offers a rare opportunity to take a guided walking safari which allows you to get up close with nature at ground level, as you spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs and a variety of antelope species in their natural habitat. The park offers a tranquil and exciting beginning to your safari with a traditional game drive through lush forests, sparkling Momella lakes and vast open grasslands.
From Arusha you proceed to the wonderful Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is renowned for its ancient baobabs and the highest concentration of elephants in northern Tanzania. During the dry season the Tarangire River is the lifeline for the park, bringing in thousands of animals from surrounding areas. The park is a wildlife lovers dream with massive herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, lions, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, impalas, ostriches and more than 550 species of birds. If you decide to spend an additional night in Tarangire, you will be able to experience the morning and afternoon game drives and enjoy the peace and quiet of the park, away from the larger crowds.
From here the adventure shifts from wildlife to culture as you head to the shores of Lake Eyasi to meet the amazing Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. The Hadzabe are among the last of the African hunter–gatherers to maintain a traditional way of life little changed for thousands of years. Walking with them is a rare opportunity to learn about their ancient hunting techniques, survival skills, language and close relationship with mother nature. Close by the Datoga people, famous for their excellent blacksmithing traditions and cattle culture, is another intriguing glimpse into Tanzania’s rich ethnic diversity. These real life encounters add a sense of cultural reality to your safari that few visitors ever get the chance to experience.
Then you’re off to Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s great natural wonders and a truly spectacular sight. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was created millions of years ago following the collapse of a giant volcano, and is now home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent. When you descend into the crater you will find a spectacular environment with an amazing ecosystem of lions, elephants, buffaloes, endangered black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, flamingos and thousands of grazing animals. You don’t often see so much wildlife in such a small area in Africa.
Your safari ends in the legendary Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s best wildlife destinations and home to the amazing Great Migration. Your guide will take you through the incredible diversity of the Serengeti and assist you in tracking the movements of the wildlife across its endless plains in three unforgettable days. Depending on the time of year you may witness river crossings, predator hunts, brand new wildebeest calves or giant herds stretching as far as the eye can see. Even when the migration is not on, Serengeti is among Africa’s best safari destinations, with excellent chances of seeing the Big Five and many other species.
You will be travelling in a purpose built 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced professional guide with a passion and knowledge to bring every destination to life. We chose our own lodging, and the food is delicious. The logistics are easy and the personalised service will ensure your safari is comfortable and memorable. Each day brings a new story to tell, be it trekking beneath Mount Meru, watching the elephants gather in the shade of the ancient baobab trees, meeting the Hadzabe people, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater or watching a Serengeti sunset. This is so much more than a safari, it’s a journey to the heart of Tanzania with unforgettable memories to be made at every turn.
Safari Itinerary
Karibu Tanzania! On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met and warmly welcomed by a friendly representative of Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited who will then transfer you to your comfortable hotel accommodation in Arusha. As you pass through the city, catch your first glimpse of Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and the majestic silhouette of Mount Meru in the distance. Check in, relax after your international flight or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of your lodge. Later your professional safari guide will brief you fully on the exciting journey ahead, including the destinations, wildlife and the unforgettable experiences that await you over the next few days. Dinner is served and you enjoy a peaceful night before your safari adventure.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
You’ll have a relaxed breakfast before your safari kicks off with a scenic drive to the gorgeous Arusha National Park, one of the most diverse and beautiful reserves in Northern Tanzania. Unique among the national parks, Arusha provides the rare opportunity to join a professionally guided walking safari. You can explore the African wilderness on foot and, under the protection of an armed ranger, safely view giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs and antelope. Enjoy a game drive through lush montane forests, open grasslands, volcanic craters and the scenic Momella Lakes, where you will see flamingos and many other bird species all year round. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the natural surroundings and look out for the park’s famous black-and-white colobus monkeys. We return to Arusha in the late afternoon for dinner and another relaxing overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Leave Arusha after breakfast and head southwest to the beautiful Tarangire National Park, famous for its towering baobab trees and impressive elephant population. On entering the park, start an exhilarating game drive through the scenery of rolling savannahs, seasonal swamps and the life giving Tarangire River. Wildlife congregates here all year round. See elephant families moving gracefully across the plains, with lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, ostriches and many species of birds thriving in this rich ecosystem. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch within the park before continuing your afternoon wildlife exploration. Arrive at your lodge near Tarangire, where you will have dinner and your first evening in the company of the sounds of the wilderness as the golden African sunset colours the landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Wake to the peaceful sounds of nature, enjoy breakfast and then head back to Tarangire National Park for another rewarding morning game drive. The early hours are perfect for wildlife watching, as temperatures are cool and animals are particularly active. Keep exploring the park as your guide looks out for predators, elephant herds, graceful giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and the amazing birdlife that makes Tarangire one of Tanzania's best safari destinations. Enjoy lunch after several memorable wildlife encounters before leaving the park and driving through the scenic highlands to the charming farming town of Karatu. Karatu is surrounded by coffee plantations and fertile hills, and is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a delicious dinner and prepare for tomorrow's fascinating cultural experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Today you will get a very different perspective of Tanzania as you journey to the shores of Lake Eyasi for a real cultural experience with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Learn about the Hadzabe people’s ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the morning, including their traditional hunting methods and survival skills, and their distinct click language that has been preserved for generations. Extend your cultural experience to the neighbouring Datoga community, renowned for their traditional blacksmithing, craftsmanship and pastoral lifestyle. Meet local families and discover traditions that have been around for centuries and experience a side of Tanzania that is rarely seen by the average traveller. After this memorable cultural experience, we drive back to Karatu in the afternoon where you can relax at your lodge and reflect on yet another amazing day of discovery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Wake up early for another exciting day and leave Karatu. Drive towards the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at the edge of the crater and drop down 600 metres into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of the great natural wonders of Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the morning in this fantastic wildlife sanctuary, where you will have good chances to see the legendary Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, endangered black rhinos and, if you are lucky, elusive leopards. The crater is also home to hippos, hyenas, jackals, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, flamingos and a fantastic variety of birds. Have a scenic picnic lunch on the crater floor, then climb out of the crater and drive on to the legendary Serengeti National Park, arriving in time for an evening game drive before checking into your lodge or tented camp for dinner and an unforgettable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Wake up to the magical sounds of the African wilderness and prepare yourself for a full day of exploring the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. Explore different parts of the park with your experienced safari guide and discover the amazing wildlife of the park. Depending on the season, you might witness the great migration in all its glory, or you might see lions, cheetahs and leopards hunting across the open savannah. You will see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and thousands of antelope species living in this amazing ecosystem all day long. You will enjoy a picnic lunch in the midst of beautiful scenery and then continue your afternoon game drive. As the sun sets over the Serengeti return to your accommodation for dinner and another unforgettable night in one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Another memorable day awaits in the stunning Serengeti National Park to discover more of the varied landscapes and prolific wildlife. Every game drive is different, as your guide follows the latest animal movements to give you the best opportunity to see amazing things. Look out for lion prides lounging beneath acacia trees, elegant giraffes grazing in the treetops, groups of elephants crossing the plains, elusive leopards hiding among the rocky kopjes and cheetahs scanning the grasslands for prey. Depending on the season, you will have great opportunities to see the dramatic scenes of the Great Migration or enjoy peaceful encounters with countless herbivores grazing across the endless plains. Enjoy another scenic picnic lunch and continue exploring until late afternoon, before heading back to your lodge or tented camp to relax and enjoy your last evening in the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After breakfast, say goodbye to the stunning sights of Serengeti National Park as your memorable safari begins its return to Arusha. If you prefer, you can fly by scheduled domestic flight from one of the Serengeti airstrips to Arusha, with fantastic views of Tanzania's vast wilderness from the air. Or you can travel by road, passing once more through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area and enjoying the beautiful highlands and dramatic landscapes of northern Tanzania. Arrive in Arusha and transfer to your comfortable hotel. Relax, enjoy the facilities of the lodge and reflect on the incredible experiences and unforgettable memories gathered throughout your safari. Spend your last evening at leisure before you leave the next day.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
Depending on your international flight schedule, relax and enjoy your morning at leisure at your hotel after breakfast. Time permitting, enjoy the hotel facilities or just relax before your transfer. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred by your Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited representative to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onwards flight home. As your incredible Tanzanian journey comes to an end, take home memories to last a lifetime of awe-inspiring scenery, amazing wildlife encounters, genuine cultural experiences and the warm hospitality that makes Tanzania one of Africa’s most prized safari destinations. We look forward to seeing you again soon for another adventure.
Meals: Breakfast,
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
Any time of the year is safari time in Tanzania. The dry season from June to October is perfect for wildlife viewing, and the wildebeest calving in Ndutu is best from January to March. The Great Migration is a different place at a different time of year.
Tanzania is home to the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes, and over 1,100 bird species. Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season and destination.
Yeah. Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. You will be travelling with a licenced tour operator (Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited) and your guide will ensure your safety on the trip and will adhere to all the National Park rules.
We recommend lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and any personal medications. Soft-sided luggage is preferred for safari vehicles and domestic flights.
Safaris can be 2 to 14 days or longer. Most travellers opt for between 5 and 8 days to comfortably cover several national parks, but longer safaris offer more time to track the Great Migration or combine wildlife with cultural experiences and Zanzibar.
Sure. Many of our clients opt to end their safari with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. Domestic flights run daily and it is easy to combine the incredible wildlife of Tanzania with the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
Most international visitors require a Tanzanian tourist visa, usually available either online or on arrival, depending on nationality. We also recommend that you discuss recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention with your healthcare provider prior to travel.
Yeah. All our safaris are done in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English speaking driver-guide unless you specifically ask for a shared safari, so you can travel at your own pace and have a personalised safari experience.
We have selected a variety of accommodation options ranging from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury lodges, boutique tented camps and ultra-luxury safari camps. Each option has been chosen for great location, hospitality, comfort and dining experience.
At Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited we specialise in designing custom safaris to suit your interests, budget and travel style. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, our knowledgeable local guides, reliable safari vehicles, transparent pricing, tailor selected accommodations and personalised service guarantee an authentic, seamless and memorable safari experience.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.