Big 5 Safari Trip
Embark on a thrilling 7-day Big 5 Safari in Tanzania, designed for wildlife enthusiasts seeking close encounters with Africa’s most iconic animals.
Starting in Mkomazi National Park, enjoy a rare chance to spot rhinos before journeying through the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire. Descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, home to lions, buffalo, and the elusive black rhino, before heading into the vast Serengeti, where the Big Five roam freely alongside wildebeest, giraffes, and cheetahs.
With private 4×4 vehicles, expert guides, and comfortable mid-range lodges and camps, this safari combines adventure with ease. The journey concludes with a flight to Zanzibar, offering the perfect mix of wilderness and relaxation.
Make your dream trip come true with Hey Safaris
At Hey Safaris, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
DAY 1
Arrival day
Today, you arrive directly at Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight information to be confirmed) and will be transferred to your pre-safari lodge in Moshi .
Approximate driving time: 1-2 hours to Moshi
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Extra activities or add-ons included: Airport transfer
Bristol Cottages
Mid-range lodge
DAY 2
Mkomazi National Park with Rhino viewing
Proceed to Mkomazi National Park for a game drive. Around your game drive you will have Special rhino viewing.
Approximate driving time: 2-3 hours to Mkomazi
Game drive included: Late morning (time permitting), afternoon
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Extra activities or add-ons included: Special rhino viewing
Extra activities or add-ons excluded: Cultural walks, walking safari, night game drive
Commonly seen animals: Elephant, rhino, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, vulture, warthog, impala, flamingo, marabou, hyena, waterbuck, dik-dik, blue monkey, olive baboons.
Occasionally seen animals: Lion, serval, mongoose.
Rarely seen animals: Cheetah, leopard.
Mkomazi View Camp
Mid-range eco-tented camp
DAY 3
Mkomazi National park to Arusha
Spend half day in Mkomazi National Park for game drive. Later drive to Arusha for overnight stay.
Approximate driving time: 0 hours to Mkomazi/4-5 hours to Arusha
Game drive included: Morning
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Extra activities or add-ons included: Special rhino viewing
Extra activities or add-ons excluded: Cultural walks, walking safari, night game drive
Commonly seen animals: Elephant, rhino, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, vulture, warthog, impala, flamingo, marabou, hyena, waterbuck, dik-dik, blue monkey, olive baboons.
Occasionally seen animals: Lion, serval, mongoose.
Rarely seen animals: Cheetah, leopard.
African Tulip Hotel
Mid-range Lodge
DAY 4
Tarangire National Park
Proceed to Tarangire National Park for a game drive. Later, drive to Karatu for overnight stay.
Approximate driving time: 2-3 hours to Tarangire/ 1.5-2 hours to Karatu
Game drive included: Late morning (time permitting), afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Extra activities or add-ons excluded: Walking safari, night game drive
Commonly seen animals: Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Lion, Warthog, Impala, Waterbuck, Ostrich, Dik-dik, Vervet Monkey, Baboon, Yellow-billed Stork, Lesser Kudu.
Occasionally seen animals: Leopard, Hyena, Jackal, Python, Mongoose, Reedbuck, Hartebeest, Marabou Stork, Lovebird, Greater Kudu.
Rarely seen animals: Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Eland, Bat-eared Fox, Honey Badger, Caracal, Aardwolf.
Pembeni Rhotia Camp
DAY 5
Ngorongoro Crater (Ngorongoro Conservation Area) to Serengeti
You start early, proceed to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for your game drive. In the afternoon you will drive to Serengeti National Park.
Approximate driving time: 1 hour to Ngorongoro / 2-3 hours to Serengeti
Game drive included: Morning (Crater), afternoon (to Serengeti)
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Extra activities or add-ons excluded: Maasai village cultural visit, Olduvai Gorge Museum entry fees
Commonly seen animals: Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Lion, Hyena, Jackal, Vulture, Warthog, Impala, Flamingo, Ostrich, Waterbuck.
Occasionally seen animals: Black Rhino, Cheetah, Dik-Dik.
Rarely seen animals: Leopard, Caracal, Serval.
Embalakai Serengeti Camp
Mid-range eco-tented camp
DAY 6
Serengeti National Park (full day)
A full day game drive in Serengeti National Park.
Approximate driving time: 0 hours to Central Serengeti
Game drive included: Morning, afternoon
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or hot lunch, dinner
Extra activities or add-ons excluded: Hot air balloon safari, Hot bush lunch
Commonly seen animals: Elephant, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Giraffe, Lion, Hyena, Warthog, Impala, Grant’s Gazelle, Topi, Eland, Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Thomson’s Gazelle.
Occasionally seen animals: Cheetah, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Jackal, Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, Bat-eared Fox, Klipspringer, Bushbuck.
Rarely seen animals: Black Rhino, African Wild Dog, Serval, Caracal, Pangolin, Aardwolf, Roan Antelope, Lesser Kudu, Striped Hyena.
Embalakai Serengeti Camp
Mid-range eco-tented camp
DAY 7
Departure day
Drive to Seronera Airstrip (Auric Air @11:00hrs, latest check-in @10:00hrs) to catch your flight to Zanzibar(14:35hrs). End of our services.
Approximate driving time: 1 hour to the Airstrip
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Extra activities or add-ons included: Flight to Zanzibar
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Big 5 refers to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. They are Africa’s most iconic and sought-after safari animals, originally named by hunters as the most difficult and dangerous to track. Today, they symbolize the ultimate safari experience.
Yes. Unlike many safaris where rhino sightings are rare, this package includes special rhino viewing in Mkomazi National Park, making your Big 5 experience more complete.
Yes, but it is better suited for families with older children who can enjoy long game drives. For younger kids, shorter and family – focused itineraries may be better.
You’ll enjoy daily game drives across multiple parks – ranging from half – day to full – day safaris. Highlights include a full-day Serengeti game drive and a Ngorongoro Crater safari.
The high season (Jan – Feb & Jun – Oct) is the best for wildlife viewing and weather, though the low and mid-seasons offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
