Classic Tanzania Safari: Big 5 & Beyond

Your adventure begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After clearing customs, you’ll be met by your friendly driver and transferred just minutes away to your hotel. A stay near the airport is the perfect way to ease into your trip—no long drives, just a restful night to prepare for the magic ahead.

After a hearty breakfast, head south to Tarangire National Park, a true gem often overlooked by first-timers. Famous for its towering baobab trees, ancient landscapes, and some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania, Tarangire is wild and wonderful. Enjoy a thrilling afternoon game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for giraffes, lions, wildebeest, and zebra grazing across the golden plains.

Today, you’ll journey to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush, compact park famed for its tree-climbing lions and vibrant flamingo-filled lake. It’s a birder’s paradise and a peaceful contrast to the wide-open savannas of Tarangire. After your game drive, continue on to the charming highland town of Karatu, perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro highlands, where you’ll settle in for the night.

After breakfast, head to the Ngorongoro Crater, often called “Africa’s Eden.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the densest wildlife populations on Earth. Descend into the ancient caldera for a spectacular game drive—you may even spot the rare black rhino! In the afternoon, drive on to the Serengeti, where the vast plains open up and wildlife roams freely as far as the eye can see.

Welcome to the Serengeti, where each game drive feels like a scene straight from a nature documentary. Today is all about exploration. Follow lion prides as they prowl the savanna, watch cheetahs chase prey across the plains, and listen to the thundering hooves of migrating wildebeest (seasonal). Your guide will tailor the day to ensure you get the most out of this wildlife-rich landscape.

Depending on the time of year, you’ll either head south to Ndutu (December–March) where the wildebeest calve and predators circle, or north to the Mara River area (July–October), where dramatic river crossings steal the show. This day is designed for unforgettable wildlife moments, whether you’re watching lions hunt or thousands of wildebeest thunder past.

Your final morning in the Serengeti begins with one last game drive—chances are you’ll spot something spectacular right before departure. Afterward, catch a scenic flight back to Arusha. A day room at Airport Planet Lodge awaits, offering you time to freshen up, enjoy a hot lunch, and indulge in a complimentary 1-hour massage or shop for souvenirs before your evening international flight.