5-Day Big Five Safari in Tanzania – Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

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Overview for 5-Day Big Five Safari in Tanzania

Embark on a thrilling 5-day Big Five safari adventure with Extra Passion Safaris, where Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations come alive. From the elephant-filled woodlands of Tarangire National Park to the predator-rich plains of the Serengeti and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, this private safari delivers unforgettable moments of nature, luxury, and raw wilderness.

Whether you’re longing to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) or simply wish to immerse yourself in an authentic East African experience, this safari promises expert guidance, premium accommodations, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose This Safari?

✔ Big Five Focus – Track lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo in the wild
✔ Private Safari Experience – Personal guide and vehicle for an intimate adventure
✔ Top National Parks – Visit Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
✔ Luxury Comfort – Handpicked lodges and tented camps for maximum relaxation
✔ All-Inclusive – Game drives, park fees, meals, and accommodation all covered
✔ Incredible Scenery – From baobab forests to endless plains and volcanic craters

Ideal For:

• Wildlife enthusiasts seeking iconic Big Five encounters
• Honeymooners or couples wanting romance and adventure
• Families and small groups on a short wildlife escape
• First-time safari-goers looking for a high-impact experience in limited time

📅 Best Time to Go:

Year-round. For peak wildlife activity and dry conditions, travel between June–October or January–March.

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Safari Highlights: What to Expect on Your 5-Day Big Five Safari

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with a pick-up from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport. Enjoy a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobabs, elephant herds, and diverse wildlife. Spend the day on game drives spotting giraffes, zebras, and even tree-climbing pythons.
Day 2: Tarangire → Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, journey toward the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Highlands and Maasai lands. Arrive in the vast central Serengeti for an afternoon game drive, searching for lions, cheetahs, and wildebeest.
Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend the full day exploring Serengeti’s plains in search of the Big Five and, depending on the season, witness the Great Migration in action. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue your game drive until sunset.
Day 4: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Mto wa Mbu
Enjoy a final Serengeti game drive before heading to Ngorongoro. Descend into the crater to spot black rhinos, hippos, and a variety of wildlife. After a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, drive to Mto wa Mbu village.
Day 5: Mto wa Mbu → Arusha (Departure)
After a relaxing breakfast, return to Arusha. Depending on your flight time, enjoy optional cultural experiences or shopping before your airport transfer.
End of your unforgettable Big Five safari adventure.

Inclusions – What’s Included in Your 5-Day Big Five Safari Package

All transport and wildlife game drives in a customized 4WD Land Cruiser equipped with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing and photography
Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking safari guide
All national park entry fees, concession fees, and crater service fees as outlined in the itinerary
Unlimited game drives as per the itinerary across Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
Complimentary mineral water during all game drives for your comfort
Use of binoculars and camera bean bags to enhance your photography experience
Unlimited internet access during the safari for connectivity on the go
Flying Doctor emergency evacuation services for peace of mind during your adventure
3 nights of full-board accommodation (FB) in carefully selected lodges and tented camps
Daily meals as per itinerary – breakfast, lunch, and dinner during safari days
All applicable Tanzania Government Value Added Tax (VAT) and tourism levies

Exclusions – What’s Not Included in the Package

International flights (except those specified in the itinerary)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks at lodges and camps unless specified
Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff, and drivers (recommended but optional)
Personal expenses, such as laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs
Optional activities like the Serengeti balloon safari or cultural village visits (can be arranged on request at extra cost)
Visa fees and any border crossing charges

Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Your adventure begins with a warm pick-up from your hotel or directly from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. From there, set off on a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of northern Tanzania, heading toward the iconic Tarangire National Park—a haven for wildlife lovers. Known for its majestic baobab trees and large herds of elephants, Tarangire offers a truly unique safari experience.

As you enter the park, embark on an exciting game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for a wide range of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, warthogs, and a variety of colorful bird species. Tarangire’s river valley ecosystem ensures a high concentration of animals, especially during the dry season.

Accommodation

Mid-Range Accommodation

Tarangire Simba Lodge

Day 2: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, set off for the world-famous Serengeti National Park, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands with views of Maasai villages and the Great Rift Valley.

As you enter the vast Serengeti plains, begin your thrilling safari adventure, known for the Big Five, the Great Migration (seasonal), and stunning landscapes. Along the way, spot lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and a variety of wildlife in one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.

Accommodation

Mid-Range Accommodation

Signature Safaris

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Spend the day on exciting game drives across the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, home to Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Depending on the season, you might witness the breathtaking Great Migration, as thousands of wildebeests and zebras cross the savannah.

Keep your eyes out for elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and more as you explore one of the world’s most renowned safari landscapes.

Accommodation

Mid-Range Accommodation

Signature Safaris

Day 4: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Mto wa Mbu

After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a breathtaking region known for its dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife. Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to spot the rare black rhino, large pods of hippos, and a wide variety of other animals including lions, buffaloes, zebras, and flamingos around the crater lake.

Enjoy a half-day game drive within the crater floor followed by a scenic picnic lunch amidst nature. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant village nestled near Lake Manyara, for an overnight stay.

Accommodation

Mid-Range Accommodation

Heart and Soul Lodge

Day 5: Mto wa Mbu – Arusha (Departure)

Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast before your transfer back to Arusha. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy optional cultural experiences or souvenir shopping in Mto wa Mbu.

End of your 5-day Tanzania safari.

5-Days Big Five Safari Tanzania Prices

Prices in Mid Range Accommodations

Single Traveler – USD 3,693 (Private room)
A Group of 2 Persons – USD 2,623 per person sharing (Double room or Twin room)
A Group of 3 Persons – USD 2,244 per person sharing (1 Triple room or combination)
A Group of 4 Persons – USD 1,999 per person sharing (2 Double rooms or Twin rooms)

WHAT TO PARK FOR YOUR 5-DAYS BIG FIVE SAFARI IN TANZANIA ?

Getting ready for your first safari can be exciting—but also a little confusing. What should you bring? What’s actually useful in the wild? To help you feel confident and prepared, here’s a simple list of must-haves for your unforgettable journey with Extra Passion Safaris:

🧥 Clothing & Essentials

A reliable day backpack
Light, comfortable clothes for daily wear (neutral colors recommended)
A warm fleece or sweater for early mornings and evenings
A windbreaker or light rain jacket, just in case
Sturdy walking shoes or boots
A set of casual wear for dinner (like a dress or dress shirt and trousers)
Sunglasses for the strong African sun
A wide-brimmed hat for shade
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent to keep bugs at bay
A good camera with extra batteries
Handy binoculars for wildlife spotting
A small flashlight or headlamp for camp use
Phone and charger (a power bank is useful too)
A guidebook or wildlife checklist for reference

🩺 Personal Health & First Aid

While our safari vehicles carry basic first aid kits, having your own health essentials is always a smart idea. Here are a few items to consider:
Your personal prescription medications
Anti-malaria tablets (if advised by your doctor)
Basic pain relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen)
Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)
Cold & flu remedies
Anti-diarrheal tablets and oral rehydration salts
Extra sunscreen and lip balm
Eye drops and moisturizer (for dry weather and sunburn)
Antiseptic cream, rubbing alcohol, and plasters/bandages
A small pair of scissors
Optional: Water purification tablets for extra precaution

📝 Final Tip

This list may seem long, but many items are just-in-case supplies—and trust us, it’s better to be ready. A well-packed bag means more comfort, more confidence, and a more memorable safari adventure.

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