6-Day Big Five Safari in Tanzania.

Q: What is the best time for a Big Five safari in Tanzania?

The best time is June to October (dry season) and December to March (calving season in Serengeti).

Q: Can I see all Big Five animals in 6 days?

Yes. Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offer high chances of seeing all the Big Five species.

Q: Is this safari private or group?

This itinerary is typically arranged as a private safari with a dedicated guide and vehicle.

Q: What type of accommodation is used?

Comfortable mid-range lodges and tented camps with ensuite facilities and full board meals.

Overview

This Big Five wildlife safari is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You travel with an experienced local guide, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this Big Five wildlife safari with us

First, every Big Five wildlife safari we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Serengeti National Park tours.

The 6-Day Big Five Safari in Tanzania is one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife experiences. It suits travellers who want to explore Tanzania’s iconic national parks while searching for the famous Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino.

This Big Five wildlife safari takes you to three of Tanzania’s best-known safari areas: Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Each one offers a unique landscape as well as excellent wildlife viewing.

First, the journey begins in Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, varied wildlife and ancient baobab trees. Then it continues to the Serengeti, one of the world’s richest wildlife ecosystems. Here, predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs roam the vast plains.

Finally, the safari reaches the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional concentration of wildlife. In the crater, you have more chances to meet elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos and other fascinating species.

This Big Five wildlife safari is ideal for couples, families, photographers and first-time safari travellers. It offers a well-balanced and professionally guided wildlife adventure through Tanzania.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins with a morning pick-up in Arusha and a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park. The journey takes about 2–3 hours and passes Maasai villages and open countryside.

As soon as you arrive, your first game drive begins. Tarangire is known for its dramatic landscapes, giant baobab trees and seasonal wetlands. The park also hosts large elephant herds, which often gather near the Tarangire River.

In addition, you may see giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes and predators such as lions. Birdlife is abundant too, so the park is a paradise for nature lovers.

Then you enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, followed by afternoon game drives before you leave in the evening.

Accommodation: Karatu Villa
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Tarangire to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands towards Serengeti National Park. Along the route, you enjoy breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, rolling hills and traditional Maasai settlements.

Next, you enter the Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate, where your first Serengeti game drive begins. The endless golden plains form one of Africa’s most iconic safari landscapes. They also make a spectacular setting for your Big Five wildlife safari.

While you explore, look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. Depending on the season and where the herds are, you may also witness the dramatic Great Migration.

Finally, you continue your game drive through the central Serengeti and reach your camp in time for dinner.

Accommodation: Kati Kati Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Full Day Serengeti Safari

Today you spend a full day exploring the Serengeti, starting early in the morning. The Seronera region is the heart of the ecosystem, and it offers wildlife viewing all year round.

During the morning drive, you may see predators such as lions and leopards hunting or resting in trees. After breakfast, you continue across open plains and kopjes, where cheetahs are often spotted.

Then you stop for a picnic lunch in the bush. In the afternoon, the drive focuses on river areas where animals gather to drink. Finally, you return to camp at sunset.

Accommodation: Singita Sasakwa lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands

After breakfast, you enjoy a final Serengeti game drive on the way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. So the wildlife viewing continues until you leave the park.

If you wish, we can also arrange an optional cultural visit to a Maasai village. Later, you arrive in Karatu in the evening to relax.

Accommodation: The Retreat Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Early in the morning, you descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single location.

Here you can expect lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, flamingos and the rare black rhino. In fact, the crater floor has a wildlife density unmatched anywhere else in East Africa.

Then you enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic hippo pool before continuing the game drive. In the afternoon, you climb out of the crater and return to your lodge.

Accommodation: The Retreat Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 :

Lake Manyara – Return to Arusha

After breakfast, you drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a short game drive. The park is famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, elephants and lush groundwater forest.

After lunch, you drive back to Arusha, where your safari ends in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch