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Big Five & Crossing

Highlights

Serengeti National Park – Quintessential Africa

Ndutu Plains – Serengeti’s off-roading playground and calving grounds for Great Migration

Tarangire National Park – A sanctuary of giants and songbirds

Ngorongoro Crater – You just have to see it to believe it

Duration:

12 Days

Season:

June – October

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The wild puts on its greatest show.

The Great Migration. Big five encounters. River crossings. Heart-pounding moments. This safari at its most iconic.

Why This Season?

During these months the grasses on the plains of the Serengeti and other parks in Tanzania begin to rapidly dry out. The Great Migration herd has been marching northward for several months now, following the rains and subsequent new grasses created by the shifting weather patterns. When the great herd reaches the banks of the Mara River in Tanzania, they must cross the river in order to continue their northward trek. Witnessing a crossing at the Mara River is considered to be one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World, and once seen will never be forgotten!  It is a sight for sure!   Thousands and thousands of people come from all over the world to witness this spectacle, knowing that for a couple of months each year the only place to witness this spectacle AND find the Big 5 in the same safari is right here in Tanzania!

This is the iconic safari experience that most people picture when they think of safaris.  The short, dry grasses make it much easier to find wildlife, especially the big cats. This is also the time of year where water sources have dried up on the plains, so the congregation of wildlife around the year-round water sources goes up, again, making game spotting almost effortless.  

Lastly, although rain is possible at any time of year (especially these days), the chance of rain during Drying Season is minimal. The days can be warmer… but it is rarely hot for weeks on end…and tends to cool off nicely in the evenings.

Our Safari Philosophy

All Wanderful Tanzania safaris are intentionally crafted with a unique rhythm designed to strike a balance between adventure and rest. We refer to this cadence as an “unhurried journey of discovery.” So, while you’ll have ample opportunity for exploration and excitement, there will also be plenty of time for relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. We believe that this balance creates a more meaningful, enjoyable, and memorable safari experience for our guests.

Come into the wild with Wanderful, and lose yourself to Tanzania!

Your safari begins the moment you exit the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and are greeted by Wanderful Tanzania’s local 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.

KLM / DELTA – Recommended airlines to Tanzania

Only a handful of airlines offer flights to Kilimanjaro Airport. Wanderful Tanzania has had the best luck with the Delta/KLM flight from Amsterdam, and recommend that carrier to all our guests. Other routes/carriers may cause the need to arrange additional accommodations due to early arrivals or early departures. Should you choose to fly a different route, please confer with Susie before booking. She can help you navigate the need for additional reservations/accommodations to ensure you have a smooth trip.

Day 2 – Your Journey Begins

This morning first morning of your safari, you’ll board a bush plane bound for the remote western Serengeti—an unforgettable gateway into the wild.
 
Throughout May and June, this region pulses with life as the Great Migration surges northward: over two million wildebeest, zebra, antelope, and other grazers on their epic 1,000-mile quest toward Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
 
As your bush plane touches down, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your expert English-speaking guide—your companion, protector, and storyteller throughout your time in Tanzania. With deep knowledge and an infectious passion for the wild, he’ll quickly become an essential part of your safari experience.
 
Buckle up—it’s time for your first game drive, and your first jaw-dropping encounter with Africa’s wild heart.
 

After the drive, you’ll settle into your migration camp for a three-night stay. Though mobile by design—following the rhythm of the herds—these camps offer all the creature comforts: real beds, fine linens, ensuite bathrooms, a nice campfire, an adequate bar, and chef-prepared meals each day. There will even be laundry service at the camps and lodges throughout the safari, should you need something freshened up!

 

Day 3 – Deeper Into the Wild

Spend Day 3 immersed in the wonders of the western Serengeti, where every game drive feels like a scene from a nature documentary.
 
Expect surprise encounters, sweeping vistas, and the kind of wildlife density that leaves you in awe. Around every bend—something wild, something beautiful.

Welcome to the Central Serengeti— where time slows… the Earth breathes… and the wild rules.

Now that you’ve had your two-day warm-up in the western reaches, it’s time to enter the beating heart of it all.
 
You’ll spend three unforgettable nights here so that you can thoroughly explore the heart of wild Africa. During your time in the central region, we’ve also INCLUDED the Hot Air Balloon Safari for your whole group!
 

The saying the name Serengeti stirs something in the soul. This is the Africa of your dreams—endless grassy plains dotted with acacia trees and crowned with ancient granite kopjes (pr. co-pees) that rise like stone islands from a sea of grass. Lions lounge on them, leopards hide in their shade, and hyraxes scurry between the cracks.

For the next three days, you’ll journey through the heart of this legendary ecosystem—one of the most iconic wildlife sanctuaries on Earth.
 

Into the Wild: The Ndutu Plains

Where the land pulses with life—and you’re front row to nature’s greatest performance.

You’ll spend the next three days exploring these vast plains that have earned their place in history—immortalized by wildlife documentaries, Jane Goodall’s research, and generations of filmmakers captivated by their raw, untamed beauty.
 
Tucked at the base of the Ngorongoro highlands, Ndutu is framed by two shimmering alkaline lakes and a dense, whispering acacia forest. The energy here is different—wilder, quieter, more primal—a striking contrast to the Central Serengeti.
 
More than two million animals flood in as the Great Migration reaches its birthing grounds—over 400,000 babies born in just a few weeks. The drama, the tenderness, the survival—it all plays out here.
 
And just like that… they’re gone.
 
The herd begins its journey once more, continuing the endless rhythm of the wild.

Oldupai Gorge – A Journey Through Time

As we leave the sweeping plains of Ndutu and climb into the Ngorongoro Highlands, we’ll pause for a truly unforgettable detour to Oldupai Gorge—often called the Cradle of Mankind. This world-renowned UNESCO site holds the secrets of all of our shared beginnings.
 
It was here, in 1959, that Mary Leakey unearthed ancient hominid footprints, forever reshaping our understanding of human evolution.
 
To stand in this place is to stand at the crossroads of science and spirit—a reminder that long before borders and languages, we were simply… human.
 
You’ll visit the on-site museum, hear a local docent bring this powerful history to life, and gaze out over the very landscape where paleoanthropologists continue to unearth pieces of our past.
 
**Oldupai isn’t just a stop. It’s a moment of connection—**to the Earth, to each other, and to the long, shared journey that brought us all here.

 

Cattle, Color, and Culture – A Glimpse Into Maasai Life

As we continue our slow and scenic climb toward the crater highlands, we may have the chance to stop at a Maasai boma—a traditional homestead belonging to one of Tanzania’s most enduring and iconic tribes.
 
This OPTIONAL visit offers a respectful opportunity to step briefly into the world of the Maasai, where vibrant customs, deep-rooted traditions, and strong community bonds have remained largely unchanged for generations.
 
You’ll learn about daily life, ancestral practices, and the symbolic meaning behind their colorful attire and beadwork. The Maasai’s connection to the land runs deep—and during your visit, you’ll feel that rhythm too.
 
If this experience interests you, simply let your guide know.
 
It’s a brief stop, but one that often leaves a lasting impression.

This cultural encounter offers a respectful and engaging glimpse into a people known for their strength, symbolism, and deep connection to the land. From the intricate beadwork to the stories woven into their traditions, the Maasai offer a living link between past and present.

If you’d like to participate, simply let your guide know—this experience is entirely optional, but always memorable.

 

Ngorongoro Crater Overlook – Where Heaven Meets Earth

As you ascend toward the rim of the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll pause for a short stop—just 10 to 15 minutes—at one of the most breathtaking vantage points in all of Tanzania: the Crater Overlook.
 
From this lofty perch, you’ll catch your first sweeping glimpse into the vast caldera below—a place teeming with life and wonder. It’s a sneak peek of what’s to come on Crater Day… and it’s nothing short of spellbinding.

You’re in for a treat today—no bumpy roads, disut, or wildlife sightings on the agenda. This is your “Day of Rest” and it’s all about pure pleasure.

After breakfast, we’ll depart the lodge and head to the African Galleria, a vibrant destination where culture, craftsmanship, and cuisine come together beautifully.
 
Part museum, part classroom, and part shopping extravaganza, the Galleria offers you a chance to browse an array of quality souvenirs, interact with local artisans, and even check off a few names on your holiday shopping list! Don’t miss the chance to explore the fascinating exhibits on Tanzanite, the rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, and Ebony woodcarving, a cherished local art form.

Woohoo! The roll-out time on this morning comes early—but trust us, it’s worth every yawn to be among the first to reach the floor of one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.

This morning, you’ll make the two-mile descent from the rim into the vast bowl of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater— an ancient caldera formed by the collapse of a towering volcano millions of years ago. That eruption and resulting implosion didn’t just shape this sacred place… it also helped create the sweeping Serengeti plains beyond.

As the sun rises above the rim, it melts the morning mist away and spills its golden light across the crater floor like a spotlight on a grand stage—where zebras glow and graze, elephants roam free, and flamingos paint the lakes the most beautiful shade of soft pink.

Make no mistake… THIS is no orginary game drive. This is Crater Day — an unforgettable pilgrimage into one of the most breathtaking, wildlife-rich settings on Earth. In fact, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a self-contained ecosystem and boast the highest density of wildlife in all of Africa. It is a place where you don’t just witness nature—you feel it. Deeply. Viscerally. On the soul level.

And if you’re not careful…it may just steal your heart.

Often overlooked in the shadow of the Serengeti, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets—and a must-see on any well-rounded safari. You will spend your last two nights of the safari in this magical playground of sights and sounds!

Spanning nearly 2,850 square kilometers, Tarangire may be smaller than the Serengeti, but don’t let its size fool you. This park is teeming with life—and it’s here you’ll witness some of the largest herds of elephants in East Africa. Watch in awe as these gentle giants gather at ancient watering holes, dust themselves in red earth, and move gracefully beneath the towering silhouettes of iconic baobab trees.
 
These trees, many well over a thousand years old, rise from the savannah like natural cathedrals—silent witnesses to the ever-turning wheel of life on the African plains.
Tarangire’s beauty lies in its incredible ecological diversity. Your time in this park will unfold like a living canvas: grassy plains, acacia woodlands, river valleys, and seasonal marshes each offering their own cast of characters.
 
Your guide will do their best to explore as much of the park as possible, revealing its many moods and marvels.
 

Farewell, for Now – The Final Day of an Unforgettable Journey

All good things must come to an end… even a journey as extraordinary as this one. After breakfast at the tented camp, you will load into the trucks once last time for the drive back to Arusha. You will check into a safari lodge and be assigned a room you can use for the day. There, you can rest, shower, repack, and prepare for your flights home this evening. The guides will let you know what time to be back in the lobby so that you can load up and head for the airport to put a pin in this epic adventure!
 
As your time in Tanzania draws to a close, you’ll find yourself reflecting on which part of this wild and beautiful land stole your heart—was it the wildlife, the landscapes, the birdsong… or the people?
 
We’ve found that while many guests come for the animals, nearly all leave with a deep and lasting love for the people who call this country home.

You’ll spend your first night in Tanzania at one of the adorable safari lodges in town. Gmodations 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 main building.

Serengeti Stays – Creature Comforts it the Heart of the Wild

During your time in the Serengeti, you’ll stay in some of the region’s most remarkable tented camps—each with its own unique charm and atmosphere. Though surrounded by untamed wilderness, these camps are peaceful havens of comfort, offering all the amenities you could want in a truly unforgettable setting.
 
Imagine waking to the sound of birdsong and falling asleep to the distant call of lions, all while enjoying a hot shower, a cozy bed, and thoughtful touches that make it feel like a home away from home.
 
The sunrises and sunsets here are reliably breathtaking, casting golden light over acacia trees and endless plains. There’s something about this place that invites you to exhale, to be fully present, and to let the noise of everyday life drift away.
 
After a day of unforgettable game viewing, return to camp, refresh with a hot shower, rest your body, and then make your way to the campfire. Drink in hand, gaze across the horizon as the sky burns with color and the bush comes alive in twilight.
These are the moments that stay with you.
Moments of stillness. Of reflection.
Of gratitude for another day on safari.

Even though the Ndutu Plains lie just outside the official boundaries of Serengeti National Park, Wanderful Tanzania holds its partner camps here to the same high standards we expect throughout your journey.

We carefully select only well-run, well-located tented camps that deliver the kind of authentic, high-quality experience our guests deserve. After a full day of thrilling game drives, dusty roads, and unforgettable wildlife moments, there’s nothing better than a hot shower and a spacious, comfortable place to unwind.

Ngorongoro Farm House – Your Highlands Haven

Nestled in the verdant Karatu region just outside the Ngorongoro crater, Ngorongoro Farm House is one of the most celebrated lodges in the highlands—loved equally by guests and specialists alike
 
🏡 What makes it special:
 
  • Scenic Setting & Spacious Rooms — Spread across more than 600 acres of active farmland and coffee plantations, the 52 chalet-style cottages offer generous space and private verandas with sweeping valley and volcano views.
  • Homegrown Comfort / Fresh stir fry nightly! — The lodge grows its own vegetables and coffee; fresh salads and farm-to-table meals are a guest favorite
  • Top‑notch facilities — Enjoy a sparkling outdoor pool, massage cabin, firepit lounge, gift shop, and beautifully manicured gardens
  • Stellar service — The General Manager, Happiness, is super sweet and friendly. Her staff is amazing from end to end, and check-in flows smoothly with each visit.
  • Evening charm — Every evening there is a happy hour near the pool deck. Free signature cocktails and hearty snacks are served, complimentary… and there is often entertaiment from some of the nearby villagers. Weather permitting, dinner is served under the highland stars, with fire pits sprinkled amogst the tables. It is simply spectacular.

 

Whether you want to unwind by the pool, stroll through lush gardens, enjoy a massage, or simply soak in the mountain atmosphere, Ngorongoro Farm House delivers all the comfort and charm you’d expect—plus a true sense of place. It’s no wonder that many guests describe it as their favorite lodge of the trip!

Your time in Tarangire National Park begins with a stay at a beautifully situated permanent Tented Camp—a thoughtfully designed property nestled deep within the park’s heart, close to the Tarangire River and its wildlife-rich surroundings.

At Wanderful Tanzania, we don’t just choose camps for their views—we choose them for their consistency, service, and soul.

 
Our chosen camps are always perfectly positioned for early morning game drives and unhurried exploration. Its location is remote and peaceful, yet close enough to the action to witness elephants lumbering past camp or hear lions calling at night.
 
Each spacious canvas tent is tastefully appointed with comfortable beds, and ensuite bathrooms and with either standard showers or the always “fun” safari-style bucket showers. Don’t let the “tented” label fool you—these camps may be deep in the bush, but they know how to deliver comfort as well.
 
After a long day of game viewing, return to camp for a hot shower, a hearty meal, and stories shared around the fire. It’s the perfect balance of wild and welcoming—and a wonderful way to begin your safari adventure.

With some advanced planning, our “almost wallet-less” journeys can make safari dreams a reality for nearly everyone.

“Almost wallet-less“ means that we include about 90% of the total costs in the price of the safari, and then offer guests a flexible payment schedule which allows them to break the payments into smaller payments that can be made over many months leading up to the safari. The other 10% (+/-) of the associated costs is money that guests will need to bring in cash on the safari, which we talk about in detail in our Tour Packet, which we send out to every guest upon registration.

In fact, we guide you all the way through the paperwork and preparation needed before the safari. Our goal is for every guest to arrive in Tanzania relaxed and ready to enjoy their wild adventure, without needing to worry about their wallets.

Included

  • Pre-trip preparation and guidance, including detailed Tour Packet and series of infographics designed to make sure you are ready to safari
  • Arrival welcome by your safari guide(s) as you exit the Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania
  • All transfers throughout the safari (to/from airports, hotels, tour-related excursions, etc.)
  • One-way bush plane flight from the Serengeti to Arusha (or vice versa)
  • Experienced, local, professional driver(s)/guide(s) (English speaking)
  • All accommodations at a variety of tented camps, safari lodges/resorts
  • All breakfasts and dinners, chef-prepared daily
  • All lunches (either hot lunch or box lunches, depending on daily schedule)
  • All snacks, water, coffee, and tea (alcohol & sodas are on your own)
  • All ground transportation in safari-modified Land Cruisers, inclusive of fuel
  • All taxes related to tourism
  • All park, service, conservancy, and entrance fees associated with safari itinerary

NOT Included

  • Airfare to/from Tanzania
  • Tips for driver(s), guide(s) and the staffs of the various camps & lodges – tipping guidelines are offered in Tour Packet
  • Beverages (beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks) purchased from lounges, camps, restaurants or stores. (Beverages are generally very inexpensive in Tanzania)
  • Travel and evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Pre- or Post-Safari accommodations, transportation, meals, or tours
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