Discover the remarkable wildlife, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable safari experiences of northern Tanzania on this 7-day Wildlife and Big Five Safari with Verdant Safaris. This adventure takes you through Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the legendary Serengeti National Park, three destinations renowned for their diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. You will enjoy exciting game drives in search of the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceros, alongside cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and many other species. The safari also gives you opportunities to appreciate Tanzania’s spectacular landscapes, from baobab-studded plains to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater and the endless Serengeti grasslands. Your experienced safari guide will share insights into wildlife behaviour, conservation and the ecosystems you encounter throughout the journey. With comfortable accommodation, delicious meals and carefully planned game drives, this safari offers an exciting and rewarding way to experience Tanzania’s incredible natural heritage.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Your safari begins with your arrival in Arusha, where you will be welcomed by your Verdant Safaris representative and introduced to your professional safari guide. After a short briefing about your safari programme, you will depart Arusha and travel towards Tarangire National Park through the scenic countryside of northern Tanzania. The journey gives you an opportunity to see local villages, farms and changing landscapes before reaching the park. Upon arrival, you will enter Tarangire and begin your first game drive, searching for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife. Tarangire is particularly famous for its large elephant herds and impressive baobab trees, which create an extraordinary backdrop for wildlife photography. After your afternoon game drive, you will continue to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Tanzanian wilderness.
Accommodation Options: Tarangire Simba Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Full-Day Tarangire National Park Big Five Safari
After breakfast, you will spend a full day exploring Tarangire National Park on an exciting game drive. You will travel through open grasslands, acacia woodland, seasonal wetlands and areas surrounding the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year. Your main focus will be searching for elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes, while also enjoying sightings of giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, impalas and other antelope species. Although rhinoceros are not commonly found in Tarangire, the park provides excellent opportunities to encounter several other major African species in their natural environment. Your guide will carefully select routes based on wildlife activity and seasonal conditions, helping you make the most of your time in the park. You will enjoy a picnic lunch at a suitable location before continuing your afternoon safari, with plenty of opportunities for photography and wildlife observation. In the late afternoon, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and a peaceful evening after an exciting day in the wilderness.
Accommodation Options: Tarangire Simba Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater and Karatu
After breakfast, you will leave Tarangire and travel towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying scenic views of the Tanzanian countryside and highlands. Upon reaching the Ngorongoro Crater, you will descend into its spectacular floor for an exciting game drive through one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife areas. The crater’s grasslands, wetlands, woodland and permanent water sources support a high concentration of animals throughout the year. You will search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and the endangered black rhinoceros, giving you one of the best opportunities on this safari to encounter several members of the Big Five in one destination. You may also see zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and various species of antelope as you explore the crater. After a picnic lunch, you will continue your game drive before ascending the crater walls and travelling towards Karatu. You will check into your accommodation, enjoy dinner and relax in the beautiful Ngorongoro highlands.
Accommodation Options: The Manor at Ngorongoro, Gibbs Farm, Ngorongoro Farm House
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Karatu to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Karatu and travel towards the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before the landscape gradually opens into the vast plains and grasslands of the Serengeti. As you approach the park, you may begin seeing wildlife along the route, creating an exciting introduction to one of Africa’s greatest ecosystems. Once inside Serengeti, you will enjoy a game drive while travelling towards your accommodation, searching for elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. You will also have opportunities to look for leopards, cheetahs and hyenas in areas where these predators are known to be active. Your guide will use knowledge of the terrain, seasonal conditions and recent wildlife movements to select suitable areas for game viewing. You will arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the evening, enjoy dinner and settle in for a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the Serengeti wilderness.
Accommodation Options: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti Simba Lodge, Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Wildlife and Big Five Safari
Today you will spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park, with a particular focus on its remarkable predators and abundant wildlife. After breakfast, you will set out with your guide across the vast plains, woodland and riverine areas in search of lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. You will also have the opportunity to search for other iconic species, including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and numerous antelope species. The Serengeti is renowned for the Great Migration, and depending on the time of year and location of the herds, you may witness large concentrations of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains. Your guide will monitor wildlife activity and adjust the route where appropriate to maximise your opportunities for memorable sightings. You will enjoy a picnic lunch during the safari before continuing your game drive into the afternoon. Later, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening after an exciting day in one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.
Accommodation Options: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti Simba Lodge, Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Serengeti Morning Game Drive and Return to Arusha
You will begin your final day of safari exploration with an early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park. The cooler morning temperatures can provide excellent opportunities to observe predators and other wildlife as they begin their daily activities. You may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs and other species across the plains as the sun rises. Your guide will also keep watch for leopards and other elusive animals, although sightings naturally depend on wildlife movements and conditions. After your morning game drive, you will return to your accommodation for breakfast before beginning your journey towards Arusha. You will enjoy scenic views of the changing landscapes as you travel out of the Serengeti and towards the city. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will check into your hotel, enjoy dinner and have a comfortable final evening before your departure the following day.
Accommodation Options: Arusha Serena Hotel, Mount Meru Hotel, Gran Melia Arusha
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you will have some final time to relax at your accommodation, depending on the timing of your onward flight. You may enjoy a final cup of Tanzanian coffee, take a short walk around the hotel or purchase souvenirs and locally made crafts. Your Verdant Safaris representative will arrange your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport according to your flight schedule. The transfer will be carefully planned to allow sufficient time for check-in and other airport procedures. As you leave Tanzania, you will take with you unforgettable memories of the elephants of Tarangire, the spectacular wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater and the endless plains of the Serengeti. Your safari will have provided opportunities to search for the Big Five while also introducing you to many other fascinating species and landscapes. Your 7 Days Tanzania Wildlife and Big Five Safari officially concludes at the airport, marking the end of your memorable adventure with Verdant Safaris.
Meals: (Breakfast)
Tour Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off services.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Private game drives throughout the safari.
- All applicable national park entry fees.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees.
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated for each day.
- Bottled drinking water during safari game drives.
- Picnic lunches during full-day game drives where applicable.
- Wildlife and Big Five viewing opportunities.
- Wildlife photography opportunities.
- All applicable government taxes and service charges.
- Safari planning and assistance from Verdant Safaris.
- All activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Tour Exclusions
- International flights to and from Tanzania.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Optional activities not specifically included in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs.
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Domestic flights unless specifically included in the final booking.
- Any services or activities not specifically listed under inclusions.
- Expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances, flight delays or schedule changes.
- Personal purchases and other incidental expenses.