Classic Big Five safari

Sample itinerary · Safari

Classic Big Five safari

Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Ten days along the best known parks of northern Tanzania: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, with time to wind down in green Karatu.

  • Safari njema - Safe travels

  • Karibu - Welcome

  • Hakuna Matata - No worries

  • Jambo - Hello

  • Asante - Thank you

The trip in brief

Ten days of classic Tanzania

This is the safari as you picture it: the four iconic parks of the north, elephants among the baobabs, the crater floor of Ngorongoro and the endless Serengeti. With two quiet days in Karatu as a breather: a perfect mix of nature, wildlife and culture.

Like every Kembe journey, this route is a starting point: longer in the Serengeti, a balloon flight at sunrise or finishing on Zanzibar. We adapt everything to your wishes.

Your route

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Day 2–3

tarangire

Day 4

lake manyara

Day 5

ngorongoro crater

Day 6–7

serengeti

Day 8

serengeti → karatu

Day 9

karatu

Day 10

Return & departure

Every stop is set out below in the day-by-day programme.

Day by day

The day-by-day programme

From arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport to the last souvenir hunt in Arusha. This is what your ten days look like.

Day

1

Arrival in Arusha

Karibu - welcome

Arrival in Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania! After an overnight flight you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our guide is waiting for you. You are taken to your comfortable accommodation in Arusha, where you can relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

✦ Overnight: comfortable accommodation in Arusha

Day

2–3

Tarangire National Park

tarangire

Elephants & baobabs

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is known for its large elephant populations and the iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape. The park offers an authentic safari experience with striking views and a wide variety of species.

Day 2

The drive to Tarangire and a first game drive through the park. A chance to spot elephants, lions and giraffes.

Day 3

A full day of safari in Tarangire. You may well see a leopard resting in a tree. In the late afternoon you set off for Lake Manyara.

✦ Overnight: lodge near Lake Manyara

Day

4

Lake Manyara National Park

lake manyara

Tree-climbing lions

Lake Manyara National Park

You start the day with a hearty breakfast before setting course for Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and the thousands of flamingos that colour the lake. On an exciting game drive you find baboons, hippos and, with a little luck, even a cheetah.

✦ Overnight: the same lodge, overlooking the lake

Day

5

Ngorongoro Crater

ngorongoro

UNESCO World Heritage

Ngorongoro Crater

Today you visit the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This natural amphitheatre is one of the best places to see the Big Five. You enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by wildlife.

✦ Overnight: lodge on the crater rim

Day

6–7

Serengeti National Park

serengeti

Two days of endless plains

Serengeti National Park

You travel to the world famous Serengeti National Park, one of the best places on earth to spot wildlife: the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas and, depending on the season, the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras.

Day 6

Arrival in the Serengeti and a first game drive across the savannah.

Day 7

A full day of safari with a picnic lunch in the middle of nature.

✦ Overnight: luxury tented camp in the Serengeti

Day

8

From the Serengeti to Karatu

serengeti

A final morning game drive

From the Serengeti to Karatu

After a last morning game drive in the Serengeti you set off for Karatu. Here you can relax at a characterful lodge and enjoy the quiet, green surroundings. Optionally you can take a coffee tour or walk through the hills.

✦ Overnight: characterful lodge in Karatu

Day

9

Relaxation and culture in Karatu

Catching your breath

Relaxation and culture in Karatu

Today you choose: a cultural tour in a nearby village, where you meet local people and learn about their traditions, or simply enjoy the calm at your lodge after a week full of impressions.

✦ Overnight: lodge in Karatu

Day

10

Back to Arusha & departure

Kwaheri - goodbye

Back to Arusha & departure

After a relaxed morning you drive back to Arusha. Here you still have time for a last souvenir hunt or lunch before you are taken to the airport, with memories of ten magical days full of adventure and nature.

Classic Big Five safari

“You won’t find the Big Five on a map. You find them with a guide who grew up here.”

Sem, Kembe Safari

More inspiration

Other sample itineraries

Prefer a different pace, budget or focus? These routes are close to this trip, and we tailor those completely too.

Karibu - welcome

Let the adventure begin

This route is a starting point. Tell us what you want to see and experience, and we will make it your journey, with your own guide, your own vehicle and all the freedom to adjust along the way.