Big Five Adventure in Tanzania | Northern Safari Experience

Q: What type of accommodation is included?

You’ll stay in carefully selected midrange lodges or tented camps, offering a balance of comfort and affordability. All accommodations have private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and provide all meals as per your itinerary.

Q: How long are the game drives each day?

You can expect to spend 4–8 hours on game drives depending on your interests. As a private safari, your daily schedule is flexible — you decide how much time to spend in the parks each day.

Transportation
Private Transportation & Expert Guide
Group Size
Minimum 2 people
Accomodation
Mid range and Luxury hotels and lodges
Fitness level
Easy
Arrival on
Arusha
Departure from
Arusha
Best season
June to October & December to March
Guiding method
Guided game drive
Tour type
Private midrange wildlife safari
Language
English, Spanish , France
Meals
All listed meals
Minimum Age
2
Maximum Age
90

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions

FAQs

Tour Summary

The Big Five Adventure & Island Vibration Safari in Northern Tanzania

This safari gives you a chance to experience The Big Five Adventure & Island Vibration and witness the Big Five animals and other interesting animals in Northern Tanzania. With The Big Five Adventure & Island Vibration, you will see wild animals up close and take photos of the wonderful landscapes of Tanzania. All this is part of The Big Five Adventure & Island Vibration, offering a unique journey with the assistance of a Tour operator based in Arusha, full board on safari, a personal English-speaking guide, and private use of the Jeep 4X4 pop up roof (with mineral water, power sockets, binoculars) and selected accommodations under The Big Five Adventure & Island Vibration experience.

Why you will love this trip?

Personalized Experience
Comfort with Value
Dedicated Driver-Guide
Meals and Amenities
Enjoy a great full day tour to Materuni waterfalls
A predator safari
Better Wildlife Viewing
Cultural Add-ons

Day 01 :

Pick up from the airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a friendly staff member from Serengeti Landmark Tours will be there to welcome you to your Big Five Adventure in Tanzania. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax after your journey. In the evening, you will have a safari briefing, where our team will go over your itinerary, answer any questions, and ensure you are fully prepared for your Big Five Adventure experience. Get a good night’s rest—your unforgettable safari begins tomorrow.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Kika Hotel
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Mid-range

Day 02 :

Arusha to Tarangire

After breakfast, you will be picked up and begin your Big Five Adventure, heading on a game drive en route to Tarangire Gate. The journey takes about 2 hours, followed by a quick registration of around 10 minutes before entering the park for your safari experience. Tarangire National Park is known for its sparse vegetation dotted with iconic baobab and acacia trees, and it is the only area in the northern circuit with the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem, making it a highlight of your Big Five Adventure.

During your game drive, you can expect to spot zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, Kori bustards, various antelope species, and large herds of elephants. You will enjoy a picnic lunch alongside the Tarangire River before continuing with your afternoon game drive until evening, fully immersing yourself in the beauty of your Big Five Adventure. Later, you will exit the park and head to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Suricata boma lodge
✓  Type: Lodge
✓  Level: Mid-range

Day 03 :

Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you will depart the lodge with a picnic lunch and continue your Big Five Adventure as you descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arriving at the crater rim, you will be rewarded with stunning views of one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders. Formed around 3 million years ago, this inactive volcanic caldera spans approximately 20 km and is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, making it a true highlight of your Big Five Adventure.

Inside the crater, you have a high chance of spotting all of Africa’s Big Five lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—alongside a wide variety of other wildlife and hundreds of bird species. You will enjoy no less than six hours of game drives on the crater floor, fully immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity that defines your Big Five Adventure. Later in the afternoon, you will ascend from the crater and head to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Suricata boma lodge
✓  Type: Lodge
✓  Level: Luxury

Day 04 :

Home of Tree Climbing Lion - Lake Manyara NP

After breakfast, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park to continue your Big Five Adventure, enjoying game drives while carrying lunch boxes. Once the game drives are complete, you will be transferred to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay, wrapping up another exciting day of your Big Five Adventure.

The park is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions, often seen resting among the branches, as well as large colonies of baboons that populate the forest and greet you from the moment you enter the park. This diverse ecosystem, from lush groundwater forests to open plains, offers a rich wildlife experience that adds even more excitement to your Big Five Adventure.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Kika Resort
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Mid-range

Day 05 :

Arusha City Tour & Airport Drop-Off

Make the most of your final day in Tanzania with a guided Arusha City Tour before heading to the airport! This experience gives you a taste of local life, culture, and history — all in one enriching half-day adventure.
🌍 Arusha City Tour Highlights:
1. Central Market Visit
Explore the bustling local market where you’ll see colorful displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles, and handcrafted items — a great place for last-minute souvenirs and an authentic taste of everyday Tanzanian life.
2. Cultural Heritage Centre
Discover Tanzanian art, crafts, and history at this beautifully designed center. You can browse artworks, learn about the diverse tribes of Tanzania, and even shop for high-quality souvenirs and gemstones like Tanzanite.
3. Clock Tower Landmark
Snap a photo at the famous Arusha Clock Tower, said to be the halfway point between Cairo and Cape Town — a historic symbol in the heart of the city.
4. Local Lunch (Optional)
If time allows, enjoy a delicious local or international meal at a recommended restaurant or café in Arusha before your journey to the airport.

✈️ Airport Drop-Off
After the city tour, you’ll be comfortably transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), depending on your flight. Our driver will ensure you arrive on time and assist with your luggage for a smooth departure.

Frequently Asked Questions – Private Midrange Wildlife Safari

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What is a private safari?

A private safari means your tour is completely customized for you and your group only. You will have your own safari vehicle, driver-guide, and flexible daily schedule. No sharing with other travelers — ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

What type of accommodation is included?

You’ll stay in carefully selected midrange lodges or tented camps, offering a balance of comfort and affordability. All accommodations have private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and provide all meals as per your itinerary.

How long are the game drives each day?

You can expect to spend 4–8 hours on game drives depending on your interests. As a private safari, your daily schedule is flexible — you decide how much time to spend in the parks each day.

Will we see the Big Five?

Tanzania offers some of the best chances to see the Big Five — lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino — especially in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. While sightings are never guaranteed, your guide will do their best to track them down for you!

What should I pack for the safari?

We recommend bringing:

Light, neutral-colored clothing (layers for warm days & cool mornings)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Insect repellent
Binoculars and a camera
Travel documents, including passport and travel insurance

Is it safe to go on safari in Tanzania?

Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Our professional driver-guides are trained in both safety and hospitality. All accommodations are secure, and we follow all national park safety protocols.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Absolutely! Just let us know your dietary requirements in advance (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free), and we’ll make the necessary arrangements with the lodges.

What’s the best time to go on safari?

The safari season in Tanzania is excellent year-round. However, the dry season (June to October) is best for game viewing, while December to March is ideal for calving season in the Serengeti. The Great Migration can be witnessed at different times depending on your travel month.