12 Days Tanzania Big Five Safari

From

$3,000

Tour Overview

This 12-day safari combines adventure, culture, and premier wildlife destinations. Begin in Arusha National Park and explore the city’s coffee, craft, and culinary scenes. Move through wildlife-rich Tarangire, then dive into authentic cultural encounters and scenic cycling in Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu. Head to the remote and stunning Lake Natron, known for flamingos and volcanic beauty. Your journey concludes with four thrilling days in the Serengeti, split between Northern (Kogatende) and Central regions—perfect for witnessing the Great Migration and predator action. The adventure wraps up with a scenic flight back to Arusha.

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival – Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a relaxing evening or a short local visit depending on your arrival time.

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge / Similar
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha National Park Safari

Enjoy a full-day game drive in Arusha National Park, a hidden gem offering views of Mount Meru, giraffes, zebras, and the Momella Lakes with flamingos. You’ll also take a guided walking safari or a short canoe trip (optional). Return to Arusha in the evening.

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Depart for Tarangire, home to massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Game drive through this scenic park, where you might spot lions, giraffes, and antelopes near the Tarangire River.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Tarangire – Lake Manyara / Mto wa Mbu

After a morning game drive, drive to the Lake Manyara region. In the afternoon, enjoy a local cultural experience in Mto wa Mbu, such as a market visit or village tour.

Accommodation: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp / Rift Valley Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Cycling & Cultural Immersion in Mto wa Mbu

Today is a mix of soft adventure and immersion. Go on a guided cycling tour through farms, banana plantations, and villages. Visit a local home or school, and enjoy a traditional Tanzanian meal prepared by a local family. Optional visit to Lake Manyara for birdwatching or a short game drive.

Accommodation: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp / Rift Valley Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Lake Manyara – Lake Natron

Drive through dramatic rift valley landscapes to Lake Natron, near Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. This remote region is home to thousands of flamingos and is culturally rich with Maasai communities. Take an evening walk to the lakeshore for flamingo viewing.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Natron / Lake Natron Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Lake Natron Exploration

Start early with a sunrise walk or birding excursion. Then hike to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls through a narrow gorge—a refreshing adventure. Optional visit to a Maasai boma for cultural exchange. Relax at camp in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Natron / Lake Natron Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Lake Natron – Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)

Embark on a remote, scenic drive into the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende). This region is known for Great Migration river crossings (June–October) and raw wilderness. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive near the Mara River.

Accommodation: Heritage mara camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Full Day in Northern Serengeti

Explore the Kogatende region, home to wildebeest, lions, crocodiles, and more. If traveling during migration season, you may witness dramatic Mara River crossings. Game drives are flexible—opt for a full-day with picnic lunch or two shorter sessions.

Accommodation: Heritage Mara Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Northern – Central Serengeti

After breakfast, drive south toward Central Serengeti, continuing your game-viewing adventure along the way. Arrive in Seronera Valley, known for its abundance of big cats, kopjes, and permanent wildlife.

Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp (Central) / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Full Day in Central Serengeti

Enjoy your final full day of safari in the Serengeti, exploring different parts of this world-famous park. You may choose to take an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (must be pre-booked). Spend the day chasing predator action and soaking in the wild beauty.

Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp (Central) / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Serengeti – Flight to Arusha / Departure

After a short morning game drive (time permitting), transfer to the nearby airstrip for your scenic bush flight back to Arusha. Depending on your schedule, enjoy a farewell lunch or transfer directly to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch