Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where our representative will greet you. Transfer to Arusha for a brief safari orientation before driving to Tarangire National Park. Enjoy your first game drive en route to your luxury lodge. Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Afternoon game drive focusing on elephant sightings and other plains game. Evening sundowner drinks with views over the Tarangire River.

Key Activities: Airport pickup, transfer to Tarangire, afternoon game drive, sundowner, lodge check-in.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge in Tarangire

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Wildlife Focus: Elephants, buffalo, lions

Full day exploring Tarangire National Park, home to the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. Morning game drive along the Tarangire River where animals congregate. Search for lions, leopards, and the rare fringe-eared oryx. Return to lodge for lunch and relaxation. Afternoon game drive focusing on predator activity. Visit Silale Swamp for birdwatching (over 550 species recorded). Evening at leisure at your luxury lodge with optional bush dinner.

Key Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, wildlife photography, birdwatching, lodge relaxation.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge in Tarangire

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wildlife Focus: Elephants (Big Five #1), lions, leopards

Early departure for the legendary Serengeti National Park. Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with panoramic views of the crater. Enter Serengeti via Naabi Hill Gate. Afternoon game drive in the Serengeti plains, searching for the Big Five. The Serengeti hosts the largest predator population in Africa. Arrive at your luxury camp in the central Serengeti. Evening game drive for nocturnal wildlife before dinner under the stars.

Key Activities: Scenic drive, Serengeti entry, afternoon game drive, nocturnal wildlife viewing.

Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp in Central Serengeti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wildlife Focus: Lions, leopards (Big Five #2 & #3), cheetahs

Full day exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti. Early morning game drive for predator activity - lions often hunt at dawn. Search for leopard in kopjes (rock formations). Afternoon visit to the Seronera River Valley for hippos and crocodiles. Optional hot air balloon safari (additional cost) available at dawn. Today focuses on completing your Big Five sightings with emphasis on locating leopards and tracking lion prides. Return to camp for evening relaxation and gourmet dinner.

Key Activities: Sunrise game drive, leopard tracking, river valley visit, optional balloon safari.

Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp in Central Serengeti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wildlife Focus: Leopards (Big Five #4), lion prides, cheetahs

Morning game drive in Serengeti with final leopard search. Depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder. Afternoon game drive in the crater floor, home to the highest density of predators in Africa. Search for the endangered black rhino (completing the Big Five). The crater hosts over 25,000 large animals in its 260 sq km floor. Evening at your luxury lodge on the crater rim with breathtaking views.

Key Activities: Morning game drive, transfer to Ngorongoro, crater descent, afternoon game drive.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge on Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wildlife Focus: Black rhino (Big Five #5), lions, flamingos

Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater for final game drive. Maximize your Big Five sightings with emphasis on any missed species. Visit Lake Magadi for flamingos and hippo pool. Ascend from crater and drive to Arusha with picnic lunch en route. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure or to your Arusha hotel for extended stay. Celebration of completing your Big Five Luxury Safari!

Key Activities: Final crater game drive, Big Five completion, transfer to airport/hotel.

Accommodation: N/A (or additional night in Arusha if required)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wildlife Focus: Big Five completion, photography, farewell to wildlife

The "Big Five" refers to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros - originally named by big game hunters as the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. On our 6-day luxury safari, we have a 95% success rate for seeing all five species. Elephants and buffalo are abundant and almost guaranteed. Lions are frequently seen. Leopards require more tracking but are regularly sighted. The black rhino is the most challenging due to low numbers, but Ngorongoro Crater offers the best chances in Tanzania.

We partner with Tanzania's premier 5-star lodges including: Tarangire: Kuro Tarangire, Oliver's Camp; Serengeti: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti Bushtops, Lemala Camps; Ngorongoro: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Manor at Ngorongoro. Each offers luxury amenities, gourmet dining, swimming pools, spa services, and exceptional locations for wildlife viewing. Specific lodges depend on availability and client preferences.

Yes! Our Big Five Luxury Safari is family-friendly. Most lodges have family suites and child-friendly amenities. We can adjust game drive durations for younger children and provide child-focused wildlife education. The minimum recommended age is 6 years, but we've hosted younger children successfully. Private vehicle safaris allow flexibility for naps and breaks. Many lodges offer babysitting services and children's activities.

The Big Five are resident year-round, but optimal viewing varies: June-October: Dry season, animals congregate at water sources, excellent visibility; January-March: Calving season in southern Serengeti, predator action high; April-May: Green season, fewer tourists, lush landscapes, lower rates; November-December: Short rains, migratory birds arrive. We operate year-round with excellent sightings in all seasons.

Absolutely! Popular extensions include: Western Serengeti: Add 2-3 days for river crossings (July-October); Southern Serengeti: Add 2-3 days for calving season (January-March); Lake Manyara: Add 1 day for tree-climbing lions; Zanzibar: Add 3-7 days for beach relaxation; Kilimanjaro: Add 5-9 days for climbing. We can customize any combination to create your perfect African adventure.

Essentials: Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown), lightweight layers, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), binoculars, camera with zoom lens, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear (for lodge pools), smart-casual wear for evenings. Luxury lodges provide toiletries, hairdryers, and laundry service. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking. Evening temperatures can be cool (especially at Ngorongoro), so include a light jacket or sweater.