10-Day Big Five Adventure Safaris
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Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure during the Peak Season with our 10-day BIG FIVE & GREAT MIGRATION CROSSING SAFARI. At Wanderful Tanzania, we believe in crafting an “Unhurried journey of discovery” that combines both adventure and rest. During the crossing season, which only lasts a few weeks each year, witness the spectacle of the Great Migration crossing the Mara River, while also spotting the coveted Big Five. Our exceptional guides will ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the spectacular characters of the safari, such as zebras, giraffes, and hippos. With milder weather patterns, effortless wildlife spotting, and no worries about muddy roads, this is the perfect time to explore Tanzania. Enjoy the bustling towns and villages and soak up the bright blue skies and endless views that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
This is a quick outline of our itinerary.
- Day 1 – Arrivals
- Days 2 & 3 – Tarangire National Park
- Day 4 – Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater Day
- Days 5-6 – Central Serengeti National Park
- Days 7-9 – Northern Serengeti – Crossing Opportunities
- Day 10 – Bush Flight to Arusha / Lunch / Day Use / Departures
As With All Grand Explorations, It May Be Necessary To Slightly Modify This Itinerary On The Fly… But For Now, This Is What We Have Planned For Your Safari!
Day 1 – Arrivals
Your safari begins the moment you exit the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and are greeted by your guide(s). They will help you with your luggage, and will take you to your first night’s accommodation at a beautifully appointed safari lodge in Arusha.
Days 2 & 3 – Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is a must-see destination for any safari-goer. The park covers an area of roughly 2,850 square kilometers, making it roughly a quarter of the size of the famous Serengeti. Despite its smaller size, Tarangire is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including large herds of elephants that are a highlight of any visit. The park is also known for its unique and distinctive baobab trees, which dot the landscape and provide a beautiful backdrop for your safari experience.
In addition to its wildlife and vegetation, Tarangire is also known for its diverse ecological regions. The park features river valleys, forests, marshes, and grasslands, each offering a different experience for visitors. Your guide will do their best to explore as much of the park as possible, ensuring that you get the most out of your visit. Tarangire is also home to more than 550 bird species, making it a paradise for bird-watchers.
And, as always, keep one eye out for the hundreds of bird species that make their home in this park. You should have no problem spotting all of these and so much more while in this truly magnificent park.
Day 4 – Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater Day
It is worth the early wake up to be one of the first groups to reach the crater floor on “Crater Day!” The primary goal of this day is to be on the lookout for the endangered Black Rhino. This will be your best shot at finding this element of the Big Five!
Although Tanzania has many wilderness and wildlife show pieces, this one is particularly difficult to put into words. With remarkable views from the ridge above, to the real action on the crater floor, the crater embodies a constant stir of wildlife and unspoiled scenes to keep you engrossed.
One of our past guests described Ngorongoro as “Where Heaven Meets Earth!” Another said it was like “A mixture of Narnia and Seuss, with just a dash of Jurassic Park!” However YOU describe it, it is a MUST-SEE on any Tanzanian safari!
Millions of years ago this enormous volcano collapse and formed this massive CALDERA that we mistakenly refer to the “Ngorongoro Crater.” Present day, this caldera is now an incredible, self-sustaining ecosystem that boasts the highest density of African wildlife on Earth, and a UNESCO World Heritage site to boot!
Days 5-6 – Central Serengeti National Park
The majestic and world famous Serengeti is the thing that dreams are made of! Granite kopjes (pr. co-pees) pop up, seemingly out of nowhere, and dot the landscape like islands in a sea of wind-blown grasses.
The park has a well-earned reputation for reliable and unforgettable wildlife encounters which, at times, seem to be around every bend in the road! You should have no problem spotting elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, and more! Your guide(s) will help you spot the big cats, as those are usually much harder to locate. And the birds in the parks of Tanzania are nothing short of mind blowing in terms of volume, variety, and beauty!
Days 7-9 – Northern Serengeti – Crossing Opportunities
Your guide(s) will be monitoring the great migration herd throughout the safari, and speaking with other guides that are already in position along the river. They will know if/where the crossings have been taking place and will do their best to predict where they think the next crossings will occur. What they learn will dictate the destination of your first game drive in this new region of the Serengeti.
The guides from multiple companies will work together to give all visitors the best chance of seeing a crossing while near the Mara River area. It is a spectacle to behold, but these are wild animals, and are not contracted to perform each day… so it does not hurt to keep your fingers crossed!
Your daily game-drive schedule will be a bit fluid while in this region, but you will spend a portion of each day near the river, patiently waiting as the pressure continues to build and build on those animals closest to the water… all it takes is for one brave wildebeest to jump in, and IT IS ON!
You are sure to explore the Northern regions that are away from the river as well, as there is an abundance of predators and other incredible wildlife in this area of the park this time of year.
Day 10 – Bush Flight to Arusha / Lunch / Day Use / Departures
There’s time for just one last mini-game drive on the way to the airstrip.
Saying goodbye to your safari guide(s) at the end of an incredible journey is bittersweet. They have shared their knowledge, expertise and passion for Africa’s wilderness with you, making your safari experience safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
These guys were complete strangers just 10 short days ago, but now they are your forever friends.
Be sure to look out the windows as your plane lifts off from the tiny dirt runway, and silently say your thanks and goodbyes to the mighty Serengeti too!
Upon landing back in Arusha, new guide(s) will meet you and escort you through your final day in Tanzania. Time permitting, they may offer a lunch and shopping opportunity, and/or a few hours in day-use rooms so that you can repack, refresh, and prepare for your long flights home again.
Either way, the goal of this day is to ensure you get to the airport in plenty of time to negotiate the check in and security process, and then relax onto your homeward flight… with your heart and mind full of the wonderful memories from your time in Tanzania!
Once home, we truly hope that you’ll tell your friends about the epic adventure and fun you had with Wanderful Tanzania!
Referrals are the biggest compliment we could hope for!
If you think that being on a safari means you’ll be roughing it… THINK AGAIN!!
Our small size really works to our advantage (and YOURS)! Because we are not beholden to one brand or chain of camps and lodges, we take great care in selecting the accommodations that are just right for each of our safaris. Your safety and comfort are always our top priority!
Day 1 – Arusha – Planet Lodge
The Planet Lodge in Arusha is where you’ll spend your first night in Tanzania. This sweet little lodge is quietly tucked away from the bustling main streets of Arusha. The casita-style accommodations are spread out amongst the beautifully manicured lawns and gardens, and guests can enjoy a meal or drink at their onsite restaurant and bar in the man building.
After your long flights, you can rest assured that a nice hot shower and comfortable bed await.
Day 2 – Maramboi Tented Lodge
During your time in the Tarangire area, you’ll be staying at the Maramboi Tented Lodge where you can enjoy a free, poolside happy hour in the evening as you watch a variety of animals grazing on the grasslands all around you.
Weather permitting, dining here is outdoors.
From the pool deck, you’ll gaze out over Lake Manyara and watch the sun set behind the Great Rift Valley range in the distance. Check with the front desk to see if one of the Masaai guides will be leading the evening walk to the lake.
Days 3-4 – Ngorongoro Farm House
During your time around the Ngorongoro Highlands, you’ll be staying at the beautiful Ngorongoro Farm House. This is a stunning and storied plantation that will be your home base for your adventures in this region. Although it is still a working coffee plantation, it is as refined and relaxing as any place in Tanzania!
Every chance you get to explore this incredible property… take it! Guests are welcome to join a guided tour of the grounds each evening, or explore the property on their own. There are more than 600 acres of manicured gardens and groves to wander through. Perhaps you’d rather have a dip in the pool, or enjoy a massage or pedicure? Without a doubt, check out the evening happy hour, poolside. Just check with the hotel staff to see the daily schedule the spa availability.
Located just minutes from the gate to the Ngorongoro Crater, the Farm House is the perfect launching pad for your exploration on Crater day!
Days 5-6 – Central Serengeti – Tented Camp
Wanderful Tanzania selects only well-located and well-run tented camps that can truly deliver an amazing experience to our guests. Nothing beats a hot shower and a spacious, comfy place to relax after a long day of game driving, bumpy roads, and close-up wildlife encounters. After you’ve rested a bit, wander over to the campfire for an evening drink and to compare notes with others about that day’s adventures…or just sit quietly and reflect on your own amazing day.
Day 7-9 – Northern Serengeti – Migration Camp
The Camps in the Northern Serengeti are mostly temporary, migration camps that are set up and taken down as the Great Migration herd makes it annual loop. Even though they are not as permanent as the camps in the central part of the park, they are equally comfortable and well-appointed. You will marvel at how much luxury there is in this remote region of the African bush! The images shown below are an approximation of what you can expect during your stay in the Northern Serengeti.