About this safari
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino — the Big Five capture the imagination like nothing else in Africa. This 5-Day Big Five Safari is designed specifically around seeing them, choosing parks and timings that maximise your chances of each species.
Tarangire National Park delivers elephants in extraordinary numbers and buffalo in the hundreds. The Serengeti is the finest big-cat country on Earth, where lion and leopard are joined by cheetah, hyena and wild dog. And the Ngorongoro Crater is arguably the most reliable place in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhino.
The tour gives you two nights in the Serengeti, so you can work the plains across multiple dawns and dusks — the moments when predators are most active. Your guide will study fresh tracks, listen to alarm calls and position you for the best light and the best action.
It is not simply about ticking off five animals. It is about slowing down, learning the bush, and letting the drama come to you.
What makes this tour special
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Lion, the pride hunters
The Serengeti’s resident prides and the crater’s famous lions offer close, unforgettable sightings.
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Elusive leopard
Riverine forest and kopjes in Seronera hold a strong leopard population — your guide knows where to look.
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Tarangire’s elephants
One of Africa’s greatest elephant concentrations, often in herds of fifty or more.
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Buffalo in the hundreds
Tarangire and the crater both host large resident buffalo herds, often caked in mud.
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Black rhino in the crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the most dependable place in Tanzania to see this endangered giant.
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Private predator tracking
Your own 4x4 and guide, with the time and flexibility to follow the hunt.
Day-by-day plan
Arrival and welcome briefing
You are met at Kilimanjaro International Airport or collected from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and driven to your first-night accommodation. In the evening your guide joins you to talk through the days ahead, the Big Five, and how the parks differ.
It is a relaxed start designed to reset you after travel: a good meal, a comfortable bed, and the mountain on the horizon.
Tarangire National Park — elephants and buffalo
An early start takes you south-west to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is big-game country: its river draws huge concentrations of elephant and buffalo through the dry season, and its baobab-and-grassland scenery is among the most photogenic in Tanzania.
A full afternoon game drive targets the river corridor and the Silale Swamp, both teeming with life. With luck you may already tick off two of the Big Five before nightfall. Overnight at a lodge or camp near the park.
Into the Serengeti
Cross the Ngorongoro highlands and descend into the Serengeti National Park, the greatest wildlife arena on the planet. Your first game drive works the Seronera Valley, a stronghold of lion and leopard.
The Serengeti is where your Big Five ambitions are tested and usually rewarded. In the late afternoon your guide reads the bush for the night’s activity, then you make for camp as the sun drops. Dinner and a night amid the sounds of the plains.
Full day in the Serengeti
A full day is dedicated to the Serengeti, with both a dawn and a late-afternoon game drive. Morning and evening are when predators move, and this is your best opportunity to watch lion on the hunt or a leopard draped in a tree.
Depending on the season, you may also encounter the Great Migration — wildebeest, zebra and their attendant predators. In the afternoon you leave the plains and climb to the highlands for a night on the Ngorongoro rim.
Ngorongoro Crater — the rhino finale
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater to complete your Big Five. The crater’s stable black rhino population makes it the surest place in Tanzania to see one, and its open grassland gives superb views of lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo and hyena.
After a full morning and a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you climb back to the rim and return to Arusha or Moshi. Departure in the late afternoon or evening, or an extra night arranged on request.
What’s included & not included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Park entry fees for Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater
- All meals as listed and drinking water on game drives
- 4 nights’ accommodation as per the itinerary
- Unlimited game drives with no set mileage limits
- Airport and hotel transfers on arrival and departure
- Government taxes and conservation levies
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and camp staff
- Optional balloon safari over the Serengeti
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
Where you’ll stay
Luxury tented camps & lodges
Full-board luxury camps on the plains and lodges on the crater rim, with private decks and attentive service. <!-- TODO: lodge names -->
Comfortable lodges & camps
Reliable permanent tented camps and lodges with ensuite rooms, restaurants and warm hospitality. <!-- TODO: lodge names -->
Basic lodges & campsites
Clean, friendly accommodation near the parks with shared facilities where applicable. <!-- TODO: lodge names -->
5-Day Big Five Safari in pictures
Best time to take this tour
Big Five sightings are possible year-round, but the dry season concentrates game and the green season rewards those seeking fewer crowds.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Warm, mostly dry | Moderate | Southern Serengeti calving draws predators and scavengers |
| Apr–May | Long rains | Low | Green, quiet parks with soft light and good value |
| Jun–Oct | Dry and cool | High | Prime viewing; wildlife massed around water and rivers |
| Nov–Dec | Short rains | Moderate | Emerging green, excellent visibility for photography |
Route & logistics
The route is a clockwise loop from Arusha or Moshi: Tarangire, then the Serengeti for two nights, then the Ngorongoro Crater, then home. Expect drives of 2–4 hours, with the longest transfer into the Serengeti.
A private, safari-equipped 4x4 handles every leg. Scheduled or charter flights can shorten the Serengeti transfer on request at extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Big Five?
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino. The name comes from the era of trophy hunting, when these five were considered the most dangerous to hunt on foot. Today they are the five most sought-after sightings.
How likely am I to see all five?
With five days across these parks, your chances are excellent for lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino, and good for leopard. Nobody can guarantee wildlife, but this itinerary is built to maximise every opportunity.
Where is the best place to see rhino?
The Ngorongoro Crater. Its resident black rhino population is one of the most accessible in East Africa, and your guide will scan for them on the crater floor.
Is this a private safari?
Yes. Your own 4x4 and guide mean you can linger at a sighting for as long as the moment deserves.
What camera gear should I bring?
A telephoto lens of 200–400mm is ideal for predators, plus a wider lens for landscapes. Bring spare batteries and memory cards; charging points are limited in the bush.
Can I add a balloon safari?
Yes — a sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti is a wonderful addition and can be arranged at extra cost. Book early as spaces are limited.
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