Gorilla Trips Rwanda

8 Days Tanzania Big 5 Safari Adventure

8 Days Tanzania Big 5  Safari Adventure

The 8 Days Tanzania Big 5 Safari Adventure, will reward you with unparalleled beauty and diverse wildlife of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks. This carefully curated safari offers you the chance to see the famed Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) in their natural habitats. From the expansive plains of the Serengeti to the unique Ngorongoro Crater and the picturesque landscapes of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, this safari promises an unforgettable adventure. Extend your journey with a relaxing holiday in Zanzibar, where pristine beaches and rich culture await.

Trip Summary and Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Day 8: Departure or Optional Extension to Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
  • Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife.
  • Serengeti National Park: Renowned for the Great Migration and abundant wildlife.
  • Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a high density of wildlife.
  • Optional Zanzibar Holiday: Relax on pristine beaches and explore the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly representative who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Arusha is a vibrant city that serves as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, recovering from your journey and preparing for the adventure ahead.

 

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, located approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Arusha. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which attracts a large number of animals during the dry season.

Arrive at Tarangire in time for lunch at your lodge or camp. After a brief rest, head out for an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds, which can often be seen congregating near the river. The park is also home to lions, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.

As the sun sets, return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight accommodation.

 

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Tarangire. The soft morning light is ideal for photography, and an 8 days Tanzania big 5 safari adventure is typically more active at this time. After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast.

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a journey of approximately 70 kilometers. This small but diverse park is situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and is known for its lush vegetation and varied wildlife.

Arrive at Lake Manyara in the afternoon and check into your lodge or camp. After lunch, embark on a game drive to explore the park’s diverse habitats, from the groundwater forests to the alkaline lake shores. Keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, as well as elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species.

Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodation.

 

Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. The drive takes you through the highlands and the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending onto the endless plains of the Serengeti which also has part of Tanzania big 5 safari adventure.

Arrive in the Serengeti in the afternoon and check into your lodge or camp. After lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive. The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing, followed closely by predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

 

Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from open savannahs to riverine forests, support a wide variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as numerous other species such as giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the Serengeti, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. This experience allows you to maximize your time in the park and continue your game viewing without interruption.

In addition to game drives, you may choose to participate in optional activities such as a hot air balloon safari (additional cost). This offers a unique perspective of the Serengeti’s vast landscapes and wildlife from above. Imagine floating silently over the plains at dawn, watching the sunrise cast a golden glow over the savannah. This exhilarating experience provides unparalleled photo opportunities and a sense of tranquility.

Return to your lodge or camp in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodation.

 

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, embark on a final game drive as you make your way out of the Serengeti towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The morning drive offers one last chance to spot wildlife and capture stunning photos.

Arrive at the Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the crater for a half-day game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” due to its unique landscape and high concentration of wildlife. The crater floor is home to an array of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot within the crater, taking in the breathtaking views and the incredible diversity of wildlife around you.

After the game drive, ascend from the crater and begin your journey back to Arusha. The drive offers a scenic route through the Tanzanian highlands, passing local farms and villages.

Arrive in Arusha in the late afternoon, where you will be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

 

Day 7: Arusha to Zanzibar

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for a flight to Zanzibar. This beautiful island offers pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a rich cultural history.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your beachfront resort. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing on the beach or exploring the local area.

 

Day 8: Departure

Spend the morning enjoying the tranquil surroundings of your resort. You may choose to take a stroll along the beach, swim in the ocean, or indulge in a spa treatment.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of our 8 Days Tanzania Big 5 Safari Adventure which offers an immersive and unforgettable experience in some of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks. From the elephant herds and ancient baobabs of Tarangire to the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara, the vast plains and abundant wildlife of the Serengeti, and the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, this safari promises adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and lasting memories. Extend your journey with a relaxing holiday in Zanzibar, where pristine beaches and rich culture await. Join us on this extraordinary journey and discover the magic of Tanzania’s wilderness.

Related Tours