9-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari Tour 2025/2026 – Arusha, West Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
Discover the ultimate Big Five safari experience in Tanzania with this 9-day adventure through the country's most iconic national parks and game reserves. Tailored for wildlife enthusiasts, families, photographers, and first-time safari-goers, this unforgettable journey combines breathtaking landscapes with unrivaled game viewing in Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations.
This Tanzania Big Five Safari begins in Arusha, heading to the untamed wilderness of West Kilimanjaro, a hidden gem for elephant herds and views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. You’ll explore the lush forests of Lake Manyara National Park, spot tree-climbing lions, and marvel at pink flamingos. In the legendary Serengeti National Park, prepare for thrilling game drives during the Great Migration season, witnessing wildebeest, zebras, and top predators in action. A highlight is the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO-listed wildlife haven and one of the best places in Africa to spot all Big Five animals in a single day. Finally, end your safari in the baobab-filled Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and off-the-beaten-path game drives.
Whether you're seeking a luxury Tanzania lodge safari or a mid-range safari package for 2025/2026, this well-balanced itinerary offers spectacular wildlife encounters, scenic diversity, and cultural interactions with the Maasai. It’s the perfect way to explore the wild heart of Tanzania.
Our related Tanzania Big Five Safari 2025/2026
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Begin your Tanzania Big Five safari as you land in Arusha, the gateway to the country’s wildlife-rich parks. After clearing customs at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Comfortable lodge in Arusha
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)
Day 2: Arusha to West Kilimanjaro – Scenic Drive & Wildlife Viewing
Today, your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the West Kilimanjaro region. The lush landscapes offer a mix of grasslands, forests, and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a game drive where you can spot the Big Five, including elephants and predators like lions and leopards.
Accommodation: Lodge in West Kilimanjaro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: West Kilimanjaro to Lake Manyara National Park – Birdwatching & Game Drives
Start your day early with a drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its stunning flamingos and diverse wildlife. With your expert guide, you’ll embark on a game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and the elusive tree-climbing lions. Lake Manyara offers one of the best places to photograph wildlife in Tanzania.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Lake Manyara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park – The Ultimate Safari Destination
Your journey continues as you head to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, home to one of the most famous wildlife migrations in the world – the Great Wildebeest Migration. The expansive plains of the Serengeti are rich with lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as diverse herbivores and smaller species.
Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or luxury tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti National Park – Full Day of Game Viewing
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the vast Serengeti. The Serengeti offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, from the majestic Big Five to the awe-inspiring migration. Your guide will take you to key wildlife spots for morning and afternoon game drives, optimizing your chances of witnessing thrilling predator-prey interactions.
Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or luxury tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife Paradise
After breakfast, head toward Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater offers an incredible concentration of wildlife in a contained environment. Expect to see buffalo, rhinos, zebras, and lions during your descent into the crater for a half-day game drive.
Accommodation: Lodge on the crater rim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – More Game Viewing & Local Culture
You’ll enjoy another morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater before heading to a Maasai village for a cultural experience. Learn about the indigenous Maasai community’s traditional lifestyle, and see how they coexist with wildlife in Tanzania’s most famous crater.
Accommodation: Lodge on the crater rim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Paradise
This morning, you’ll travel to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and towering baobab trees. A full day of game drives will give you opportunities to spot the Big Five, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as a variety of bird species.
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Tarangire
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Tarangire to Arusha – Departure
On your final day, enjoy a morning game drive in Tarangire before being transferred back to Arusha for your return flight or onward destination.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Book Your 9-Day Tanzania Big Five Safari Today!
Embark on the safari of a lifetime and experience Tanzania’s Big Five in their natural habitat. Don’t miss the chance to explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. Contact us now for pricing and availability or book directly for your next adventure!
