7-Day Big Five & Serengeti Plains Safari (7-Day Itinerary)

From : $1234
Dates : June to October; January to February
Badge : Mid-Range
Optional : Balloon Safari
Book This Itinerary

What to Expect on this 7-Day Big Five & Serengeti Plains Safari

Experience the highlights of Northern Tanzania on this 7-day safari combining thrilling game drives and rich cultural encounters.

Start with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro Airport, followed by an overnight in Karatu. Explore Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and vibrant flamingos, then continue to Tarangire, known for its vast elephant herds and majestic baobabs.

Venture to Lake Eyasi for a rare glimpse into the lives of the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, then enjoy a guided tour of Mto wa Mbu Village — a lively cultural hub with local food, markets, and tribal stories.

Cap off your journey in the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, where the Big Five roam freely in a dramatic volcanic landscape.

Travel in a private safari vehicle with expert guidance, and choose from mid-range to luxury stays. Return to Arusha or extend your escape to Zanzibar’s tropical coast.

The Great Migration Timetable
January – March

Calving season unfolds across the lush southern Serengeti. Over 500,000 newborn wildebeest are delivered, attracting predators and offering thrilling game viewing.

April – June

As the rains give way to golden grasslands, the herds begin their movement northwest, creating picturesque scenes across the Western Corridor.

July – September

This is the most dramatic period, as the herds cross the crocodile-infested Mara River. Ideal for witnessing high-stakes survival and iconic wildlife moments.

October – December

The herds make their journey south once more, passing through the central and eastern Serengeti in a quieter, more exclusive safari window.

Pricing & Seasons

Group Size 2 ppl 4 ppl 6 ppl
Price None None None

Group Size 2 ppl 4 ppl 6 ppl
Price None None None

Group Size 2 ppl 4 ppl 6 ppl
Price None None None
What’s Included
  • Expert-led game drives in a private 4×4 vehicle
  • Luxury accommodations with daily breakfast
  • All government taxes, park fees & VAT
  • Unlimited mileage throughout your journey
  • Complimentary drinking water & hot beverages
What’s Not Included
  • International or domestic flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities & personal expenses
Arrival in Tanzania – Overnight in Arusha Day 1

Arrival in Tanzania – Overnight in Arusha

Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your Africano Paraiso guide greets you with a warm welcome. From here, enjoy a smooth transfer to Arusha — Tanzania’s gateway to the northern safari circuit.

Settle into your lodge surrounded by lush gardens or views of Mount Meru. Enjoy a restful evening and prepare for the adventure ahead through Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes.

Accommodation
Planet Lodge

Planet Lodge

Lodge — 3★

Arusha

Lake Manyara National Park – Overnight in Karatu Day 2

Lake Manyara National Park – Overnight in Karatu

Karatu

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic gem known for its lush forests, soda lake, and tree-climbing lions.

Spend the day exploring its diverse wildlife — from elephants and hippos to flocks of flamingos lining the lake. In the afternoon, continue to Karatu, a charming town nestled at the base of the Ngorongoro Highlands, for your overnight stay.

Accommodation
Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge

Lodge — 4★

Karatu

Ngorongoro Crater Safari Day 3

Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Ngorongoro

Start early and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

Discover the crater floor, home to dense populations of lions, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos. Enjoy a picnic by the hippo pool before ascending and returning to your Karatu lodge.

Accommodation
Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge

Lodge — 4★

Karatu

Lake Eyasi Cultural Encounter Day 4

Lake Eyasi Cultural Encounter

Eyasi

Venture off the beaten path to Lake Eyasi for a rare cultural experience. Spend the morning with the Hadzabe tribe and witness their traditional hunting lifestyle.

Visit the Datoga people, known for their skilled blacksmithing and colorful beadwork. Return to Karatu with a deeper appreciation for Tanzania’s indigenous heritage.

Accommodation
Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge

Lodge — 4★

Karatu

Mto wa Mbu Village Experience Day 5

Mto wa Mbu Village Experience

Mto wa Mbu

Today you’ll explore Mto wa Mbu, one of Tanzania’s most culturally diverse villages. Walk through banana plantations, meet local artisans, and visit bustling markets.

Enjoy a home-cooked traditional lunch and immerse yourself in daily village life. Return to Karatu for a restful evening surrounded by nature.

Accommodation
Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge

Lodge — 4★

Karatu

Tarangire National Park Safari Day 6

Tarangire National Park Safari

Tarangire

Head south to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobabs and enormous elephant herds.

Enjoy a full-day game drive through this rugged landscape, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, and diverse birdlife. After a picnic lunch by the river, return to Arusha for your final night.

Accommodation
Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge

Lodge — 4★

Karatu

Transfer / Departure Day 7

Transfer / Departure

Kilimanjaro Airport

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Depending on your travel plans, you may connect to your international flight or continue to Zanzibar for a tropical beach extension.

Accommodation
Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge

Lodge — 4★

Karatu

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Showing 2 accommodations

Planet Lodge
Planet Lodge
Lodge • 3

the best hotel in arusha, you need all your trust to be on this hotgelthe …

$95.00

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Marera Valley Lodge
Marera Valley Lodge
Lodge • 4

Marera Valley Lodge is the newest addition to the Bougainvillea Group, situated on the outskirts …

$200.00

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Low Season Rates

Quieter parks, fewer crowds, lower rates.

Accommodation Class 2 ppl 4 ppl 6+ ppl
Mid Luxury $ $ $
Luxury $ $ $
High-end $ $ $
Mid Season Rates

Pleasant weather, moderate rates, balanced experience.

Accommodation Class 2 ppl 4 ppl 6+ ppl
Mid Luxury $ $ $
Luxury $ $ $
High-end $ $ $
High Season Rates

Peak season: best wildlife sightings, premium rates.

Accommodation Class 2 ppl 4 ppl 6+ ppl
Mid Luxury $ $ $
Luxury $ $ $
High-end $ $ $

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Itinerary Overview

Your 5-day journey at a glance

7-Day Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Tanzania – Overnight in Arusha
    Arusha
  • Day 2
    Lake Manyara National Park – Overnight in Karatu
    Karatu
  • Day 3
    Ngorongoro Crater Safari
    Ngorongoro
  • Day 4
    Lake Eyasi Cultural Encounter
    Eyasi
  • Day 5
    Mto wa Mbu Village Experience
    Mto wa Mbu
  • Day 6
    Tarangire National Park Safari
    Tarangire
  • Day 7
    Transfer / Departure
    Kilimanjaro Airport

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