8-Day Tanzania Luxury Safari – Big Five & Great Migration

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your luxury lodge in Arusha. Take time to unwind after your flight, whether that means relaxing by the pool, enjoying the tranquil garden surroundings, or heading out for a brief exploration of Arusha town. In the evening, you’ll receive a full safari briefing to prepare you for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, depart on a scenic two-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, a beautiful wilderness sanctuary famous for its ancient baobab trees and some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania. Enjoy a full day of game drives along the banks of the Tarangire River, where you might spot lions, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, and over 500 species of birds. A picnic lunch at a shaded site offers sweeping views of the river. Return to your luxurious lodge for a relaxing evening.

After an early breakfast, begin a breathtaking journey through the Ngorongoro Highlands and across the Serengeti’s sweeping plains. This long drive (approximately 8–9 hours with wildlife stops) offers endless game viewing opportunities in Central Serengeti before reaching the remote Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River. Along the way, marvel at woodlands, open savannahs, rocky outcrops (kopjes), and perhaps catch your first glimpse of migrating wildebeest.

Today is dedicated to exploring the Northern Serengeti ecosystem, with a full-day game drive centered around the Mara River. Between July and October, this is the best place to witness the legendary Great Migration, as wildebeest and zebras make their perilous river crossings in the presence of lurking crocodiles. Expect thrilling predator sightings, from lion ambushes to stealthy leopards. You may also choose to book a hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Enjoy an early morning game drive before heading south to the Central Serengeti. Arriving in the Seronera Valley, you’ll find yourself in one of the best places in Africa to view large predators, especially lions, leopards, and cheetahs. With open plains and acacia-studded landscapes, this region is iconic for its wildlife activity. You can also stop at the Serengeti Visitor Center to learn about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.

Start your day with a game drive in Central Serengeti, then proceed toward Naabi Hill Gate and continue into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you ascend to the crater rim, enjoy spectacular views and a scenic drive through the highlands. Your lodge for the night is nestled in the Ngorongoro forest, offering comfort and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

Descend early into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to view the Big Five. This massive caldera is home to black rhinos, elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, and countless other species. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool before heading to the Lake Manyara area for your final night.

Conclude your safari with a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its lush groundwater forest, soda lake filled with flamingos, and elusive tree-climbing lions. Later, enjoy a relaxed return drive to Arusha for a farewell lunch before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.