7 Days Tanzania Big Five Safari Experience
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7 Days Tanzania Big Five Safari Experience
This 7-day safari with Clotilda Safaris offers an unforgettable chance to explore Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks while tracking Africa’s legendary Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and the elusive black rhino. From the towering baobabs of Tarangire, to the diverse wildlife of Lake Manyara, and the breathtaking expanse of the Ngorongoro Crater, every day brings a new and awe-inspiring encounter with nature.
The journey continues into the heart of the world-famous Serengeti National Park, where endless plains echo with the call of the wild and predators roam freely in pursuit of vast herds. This itinerary is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in some of Africa’s richest ecosystems—without rushing the experience.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Many travelers often ask about the best time to visit Tanzania. The truth is that there is no single perfect answer, as it largely depends on what you want to experience, your preferred destinations, your budget, and your personal interests. For a detailed breakdown, you can explore a comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Tanzania here.
Dry Season (June to October & December to February):
This is widely considered the best period for safaris and beach holidays. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, and wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals gather around water sources. However, this is also the high season, meaning higher accommodation prices and more visitors in popular parks and attractions.
Mid Season (March & November):
These months offer a good balance between cost and experience. You’ll find more moderate hotel rates and fewer tourists compared to peak season. Weather conditions can be mixed, with occasional rains, and some activities or routes may be slightly affected. Nevertheless, wildlife sightings remain excellent, and the overall safari experience is more relaxed.
Wet Season (April & May):
This is the best time for budget travelers, as it is the low season with the lowest accommodation rates and fewer crowds in the parks. The landscapes are at their greenest and most beautiful due to heavy rains. However, some travel plans may be impacted by weather conditions, and certain areas can be harder to access.
What can I expect from a safari in Tanzania with Tanzania Specialist?
Our safaris in Tanzania provide an incredible opportunity to discover the country’s rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. We focus on private safari experiences, meaning you will have a dedicated 4×4 Land Cruiser or jeep exclusively for you and your travel companions.
This gives you full flexibility and comfort throughout your journey. You can choose when to start and end your game drives, and our professional safari guides are always available to advise you based on the best wildlife viewing conditions on the day.
Whether you prefer early morning and late afternoon game drives—when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler—or you would rather enjoy a relaxed pace and spend part of the day by the pool at your lodge, the choice is entirely yours.
Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems ensure excellent wildlife viewing throughout the day, giving you continuous opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat, from active predators at sunrise to grazing herbivores across the plains in the afternoon.
How can I personalize my Tanzania trip with your services?
At Clotilda Safaris, we focus on co-creating your ideal journey. When you plan your Tanzania adventure with us, you are not simply booking a trip—you are starting a fully personalized travel experience. We begin by carefully understanding your preferences and wishes, and we continue refining the details until every part of your journey perfectly matches your vision.
Our team works closely with you throughout the entire process to ensure your trip is completely tailor-made to your satisfaction. For your convenience, we also provide a selection of our most popular Tanzania trips and safaris, which can serve as inspiration or a starting point for planning your customized adventure.
Can I see the Big Five in Tanzania?
Absolutely, Tanzania is renowned as one of the prime destinations to encounter the Big Five. These magnificent creatures—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—can be seen thriving in their natural habitats, making Tanzania a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts and safari lovers from around the world.
Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?
Absolutely, Tanzania is considered a safe and welcoming destination for visitors. The country provides a friendly and hospitable atmosphere, particularly in popular tourist areas such as Arusha, allowing you to explore its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife with peace of mind.Â
The local communities are warm and welcoming, and as with any travel destination, it is always wise to take basic precautions like looking after your belongings. Tanzania’s incredible natural beauty combined with the genuine hospitality of its people makes it a truly remarkable place to visit.
Included
- All park entrance fees (for non-residents)
- Professional, English-speaking driver/guide
- All accommodation in luxury lodges
- Daily game drives and activities as specified
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary
- Drinking water throughout your safari
- All transportation within Tanzania
- Applicable taxes and VAT.
Excluded
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Airport transfers outside scheduled itinerary
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, visas, travel insurance)
- Optional activities unless specified
Make your dream trip come true with Clotilda Safaris
At Clotilda Safaris, you can customize your trip to match your preferences, with fully flexible sample itineraries designed around your travel style.
Day by day Itinerary
Day
1
Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by a Clotilda Safaris representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Nestled at the base of Mount Meru, Arusha offers a peaceful place to rest and prepare for your journey ahead. The rest of the day is at your leisure—relax in the garden, take in views of the mountains, or enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by local hospitality.
Day
2
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha and begin your journey to Tarangire National Park, one of Northern Tanzania’s most beautiful safari destinations. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside before entering the park, famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Experience an exciting game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions, and many bird species. In the afternoon, continue to your lodge or tented camp for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay surrounded by the African wilderness.
Day
3
Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, depart Tarangire and continue your Tanzania safari adventure to Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful destination known for its scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich birdlife. Enjoy a game drive through the park’s forests, wetlands, and open plains, where you may spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, monkeys, and the famous tree-climbing lions. Explore the shores of Lake Manyara, home to thousands of flamingos and other bird species. Later, transfer to your lodge or tented camp for dinner, relaxation, and an overnight stay in preparation for the next safari experience.
Day
4
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and continue your journey toward the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of Northern Tanzania while experiencing more wildlife viewing along the way. As you approach the Ngorongoro Crater, admire the breathtaking views of this natural wonder, home to a high concentration of wildlife. Arrive at your lodge, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before your exciting crater safari the following day. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge near the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day
5
Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, explore the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and home to the Great Migration. Enjoy a full-day game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, cheetahs, and other incredible wildlife.Â
With its rich ecosystem and stunning scenery, Serengeti offers unforgettable safari experiences throughout the year. In the evening, return to your luxury lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness.
Day
6
Serengeti National Park
Spend a full day exploring the heart of Central Serengeti, one of the best areas for wildlife viewing in Tanzania. After breakfast, set out on morning and afternoon game drives across the endless savannah plains, searching for the Big Five and other iconic animals including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.Â
The Central Serengeti is famous for its year-round wildlife sightings and is an important habitat for predators and large herds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your safari adventure. Return to your lodge or tented camp in the evening for dinner and an unforgettable night in the Serengeti.
Day
7
Return to Arusha – Departure
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Arusha, enjoying the final views of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes along the way. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time to relax, explore Arusha, or do some last-minute shopping before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Your unforgettable Tanzania safari comes to an end as you depart with incredible memories of wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and the magic of the African wilderness.
INQUIRE THIS TOUR
“This was the most unforgettable experience of my life! I captured stunning and rare wildlife photos, with incredible sightings that left me in awe. The expert guidance from our guide helped me improve my photography skills, and my memory cards were completely full! Beyond the safari, I loved visiting a local Maasai village, where I had the chance to photograph the vibrant culture, daily life, and the hardworking women in the fields. Every moment felt authentic and deeply inspiring. I can’t wait to return to Tanzania and explore even more breathtaking locations!”
Jane P.
Plan your Tanzania adventure
Looking for a Custom Safari Adventure?
From the moment you begin planning your adventure with Clotilda Safaris, we’re here to guide you through every detail, creating a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences and level of exclusivity. While our remote team manages bookings, transfers, and activity arrangements, our dedicated ground team is available 24/7 to assist with any needs, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.