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The Big 5 Safari Tour in Tanzania

Northern Tanzania - 9 Days / 8 Nights
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The Ultimate Safari Circuit

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Tour Overview

Welcome to the ultimate East African wildlife experience designed for adventurous 18–30s travelers! This Tanzania safari takes you on the full tour of Northern Tanzania and brings you face-to-face with the Big Five across four legendary national parks! Experience the best of the best in African Safari spots with Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha National Park and The Serengeti!

Enjoy some more unique Safari experiences too, with a Massai Village Visit and a Walking Safari in Arusha National Park where you can get really up-close with some of the biggest Giraffe populations!

Blended with culture, fun social vibes, and a chance to explore Arusha. If you want a thrilling, social, and unforgettable safari without the long commitment - this is the one.

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Tour Highlights

  • 🐘 5-Day Big 5 Safari — Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

  • 🛖 Maasai Village Experience — Meet, learn, and connect with the Maasai community

  • 🚶‍♂️🌿 Walking Safari in Arusha National Park — Get up close to wildlife on foot

  • 🍖🎶 Nyama Choma Night or Saturday Party — Your perfect Arusha send-off

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Overview

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At a glance

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Your Tour

1. Kilimanjaro International Airport

Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania

2. Arusha

Arusha, Tanzania

3. Tarangire National Park

Babati Rural, Tanzania

4. Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara, Tanzania

5. Serengeti

Serengeti, Tanzania

6. Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

7. Arusha

Arusha, Tanzania

8. Arusha National Park

Tanzania

9. Kilimanjaro International Airport

Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania

Day 1 - Arrival in Arusha

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Arrive in Arusha and Welcome Dinner

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Flight Arrival

Arrive anytime on day 1, and we will arrange your Airport Pick Up! The arrival airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or alternatively you could choose to land at Arusha Airport (ARK) if travelling from a closer point.

You will let us know of your arrival time, date and flight number and our driver will be there awaiting you with a big smile

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The White House of Tanzania Hostel

Njiro, Arusha, Tanzania

Since 2014, The White House of Tanzania has been the go-to home base for travelers in Arusha, known for its warm hospitality, reliable comfort, and unbeatable atmosphere.

Centrally located in the safe Njiro area, the hostel offers easy access to Arusha’s cafes, markets, and major departure points for safaris and Kilimanjaro treks.

The White House is a multi time award-winning hostel and strikes the perfect balance between affordability and comfort. Guests can choose from dormitories, each with a bathroom inside, or private en-suite rooms, all equipped with mosquito nets, comfortable bedding, and strong Wi-Fi throughout the property. With an inviting garden, plenty of relaxing common areas, and a lively on-site bar and restaurant, the hostel naturally brings people together-making it a favorite for solo travelers, backpackers, volunteers, and adventure seekers from all over the world.

Warm, social, fun, safe, and deeply connected to the local community - the magic of Tanzania truly begins at The White House of Tanzania Hostel!

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Welcome Dinner

In celebration of the trip of a lifetime, we will start our time together with a welcome dinner buffet, drinks, games, music and more!

This is your time to meet your fellow travellers, settle in, get to know the team you will call family for the next few weeks and basque in the fact - you are in Africa!

Day 2 - Lets go on safari!

Day 2 - Lets go on safari! image
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Day 1 on Safari - Tarangire National Park

In the morning you will be picked up from The White House in Arusha and hereafter we drive to Tarangire National Park.

The park runs along the line of the Tarangire River and is mainly made up of low-lying hills on the Great Rift Valley floor. Its natural vegetation mainly consists of Acacia woodland and giant African Baobab trees, with huge swamp areas in the south.

The Tarangire National Park is reputed to contain some of the largest elephant herds in Africa, from June-October. The fierce sun sucks the moisture from the landscape, baking the earth a dusty red, the withered grass as brittle as straw. As well as large elephant herds, you will have great possibility to spot both lions, giraffes, buffaloes and much more.

After a picnic lunch we do an afternoon game drive, where after we continue to Mtu Wa Mbu, where you will overnight and enjoy dinner.

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Overnight at Migombani Campsite

A stunning campground, up in the hills overlooking the natural beauty of Lake Manyara, Migombani is an attraction in itself! With a cliffside pool, Bar and great modern facilities, you are ensured a great stay!

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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Day 3 - Lake Manyara National Park

Day 3 - Lake Manyara National Park image
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Day 2 on Safari - Lake Manyara National Park

In the morning after breakfast, we will continue our safari-journey to Lake Manyara National Park.

The park is perhaps best known for its flamingos and pelicans but it is also the home for a few hundred other species of birds; it is, therefore, a paradise for ornithologists. With a bit of luck you might see elephants in the wooded regions and with even more fortune the tree-climbing lions. Indeed, it was thought for a long time that the Lake Manyara is the only place where lions can be found with this atypical behavior of climbing trees. Baboons and velvet monkeys are also found amongst the forested areas and in the more open spaces, giraffes nibble at the fresh leaves while the various types of antelopes common to the region browse for tasty shoots.

After a picnic lunch, there will be more time for further game and wildlife watching before it is time to head back to your accommodation, Migombani Camp Site, for dinner and overnight.

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Overnight at Migombani Camp

Day 4 - Serengeti National Park

Day 4 - Serengeti National Park image
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Day 3 on Safari - Serengeti National Park

We will depart your camp in Mtu Wa Mbu bright and early and begin the journey to the Serengeti National Park. During the drive, we will eat our lunch on the way to the park or just before entering. Once we have arrived to the park, we will continue will afternoon game-drive.

This Park covers an area of 14,763sq km, and the name Serengeti comes from Maasai language and means “endless plains”. The Serengeti is host to one of nature’s most magnificent phenomena, The Great Migration. Over a million wildebeests make a 600 mile pilgrimage on the annual exodus north.

Returning to the South to replenish the species in a brief population explosion that produces more than 8,000 calves daily before the pilgrimage begins again. Depending on the season, our game-drive will take us to various parts of the Serengeti. After the game-drive and watching the beautiful sunset over the plains, we will continue to the Nyani Campsite, where you will overnight and enjoy your dinner.

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Camping under the Stars

Camping in the Serengeti is all about the experience - not the luxury. Enjoy your night with new friends, in one of the world's most incredible and remote destinations, surrounded by wildlife and stars that fill the night sky!

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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Day 5 - The real life lion king

Day 5 - The real life lion king image
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Day 4 on Safari - Exploring the Serengeti

Enjoy another day of wildlife viewing from a second location deep in the Serengeti. Home to literally hundreds of thousands of hoofed animals, the Serengeti is a pristine and unique sanctuary that will give you a glimpse into “the world as it was in the beginning.” Relish the vastness of the Serengeti, “the land that flows on forever,” along with some of the best animal viewing that Africa has to offer.

In the afternoon, after another wonderful day will of extraordinary wildlife experiences we will continue our journey towards the Ngorongoro Crater, where we will overnight and enjoy dinner at Simba Campsite.

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Camping on the Crater Rim

Tonight, we camp directly on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater at Simba Campsite. If you wade through some trees, you can get the epic view of Ngorongoro Crater which is one photos can never do justice. You may be lucky to even see Buffalo come through the camp - but be sure not to get too close!

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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Day 6 - Ngorongoro crater

Day 6 - Ngorongoro crater image
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Day 5 on Safari - The incredible Ngorongoro Crater!

Today, you will visit Ngorongoro Crater, the main feature of which is a large, unbroken, unfolded volcanic caldera.

The crater, which formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago, is mostly open grassland with two small wooded areas. Game drives through the Ngorongoro Crater begin early in the morning in safari vehicles with pop-up roofs. The descent into the crater is one of scenic beauty, as you make your way through lush forests, home to numerous elephants and buffaloes. As you reach the inside of the crater, your guide will take you through the grassy crater floor, the unbelievable fever tree forest, the banks of Lake Magadi and the surrounding marshes.

Lunch is served picnic style, surrounded by the natural wonders around you as well as the exceptional wildlife, roaming freely, with which you share this extraordinary paradise.

After your picnic lunch, we will drive back to Arusha where you will be dropped at The White House.

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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

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Overnight at The White House of Tanzania Hostel - Home Base

Day 7 - Maasai Culture + Arusha Bar Crawl

Day 7 - Maasai Culture + Arusha Bar Crawl image

Experience Maasai Traditions and Arusha Nightlife

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Maasai Cultural Experince

The Maasai tribe is the main tribe in Arusha, and a trip to an authentic village should definitely be on your list!

When you arrive to the village the women of the tribe will be welcoming you with dancing and singing, in which you are most welcome to join them. After this your guide will show you around the village and explain and answer all your questions about their culture and tradition. After this, usually you are invited for a cup of chai (tea) with the elders of the tribe, and here you have another chance of getting answers to all your questions. This part is often followed by the traditional slaughter of a goat where you will be invited to taste the fresh goat’s blood, as Maasai tradition will say this is good for your health and strength. If this is not really your cup of tea, then you are welcome to wait until they barbecue the goat and you can get to taste the meat!

The day usually ends with the men’s dance, which is a show-off of who can jump the highest. And boy, can they jump! Of course you are also most welcome to join in this dance. At some point during these activities you will also be served a lunch-box.

Usually you will stay in the village and enjoy the activities until late afternoon, where after you will be taken back to The White House Hostel in Arusha!

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Arusha Bar Crawl

In the evening, join our legendary Thursday Bar Crawl - Enjoy a local BBQ, music & games before we head into Town exploring Bars, partying on the Bus and ending up at one of Arushas best nightlife spots!

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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

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Overnight at The White House of Tanzania Hostel - Home Base

Day 8 - Walking safari in arusha national park

Day 8 - Walking safari in arusha national park image
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Walking Safari in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park covers Mount Meru, a prominent volcano with an elevation of 4566 m. The park is small but varied with spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas. In the west, the Meru Crater funnels the Jekukumia River; the peak of Mount Meru lies on its rim. Ngurdoto Crater in the south east is grassland. The shallow alkaline Momella Lakes in the north-east have varying algal colours and are known for their wading birds.

Arusha National Park is also home to the world's largest population of giraffes, making it a great place to visit for fans of these long-necked, beautiful animals and is on top of this, the park offers diverse wildlife including elephants, hippos, buffalos, zebras and occasionally wildebeests. Furthermore, the park differs from the rest of the national parks in the Northern Tanzanian circuit by the option of either walking safari or canoeing safari. It is therefore an amazing place for a different wildlife experience.

In the morning, you will leave your accommodation and head to the park for a Walking Safari! Following this, you will have some game driving before enjoying a picnic lunch in the park before further wildlife spotting. In the afternoon, you have the option to do canoeing on the lake before you will return back to your accommodation following a day full of adventure.

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Farewell Dinner, Drinks and Games

Tonight, we come together for a special farewell dinner to celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey. After days of adventure, connection, and meaningful impact, this evening is all about reflecting on your favourite moments, sharing laughs, and enjoying one last taste of Tanzania’s warm hospitality.

It’s the perfect way to wrap up your tour—great food, great company, and a final night to remember before everyone heads off on their next adventure.

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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

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Overnight at The White House of Tanzania Hostel - Home Base

Day 9 - Home Time

Day 9 - Home Time image
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Breakfast

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Departure Day – Farewell & Onward Adventures

With many tears, last hugs, and a final round of photos, today we say goodbye and close this unforgettable chapter together. After days of adventure, challenge, friendship, and memories you’ll carry forever, it’s time to begin your journey home.

There’s absolutely no rush to leave — you’re welcome to relax at the hostel until your flight time. Enjoy a slow morning, grab a coffee, repack, or simply hang out with your new travel family before heading to the airport.

For those not quite ready for the adventure to end, we also offer an optional Zanzibar add-on for beach vibes, nightlife, kite-surfing, and more East African magic. If you want to keep the party going and explore one of the world’s most iconic island destinations, we’ve got you covered!

Wherever you’re headed next — thank you for being part of this journey. 🌍💛✨

Ready to Book this Tour and experience Tanzania?

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Contact Us

As you prepare for your African experience, we understand you may have some questions and concerns you would like to discuss and we are here for you!

In the lead up to your tour we will share some pre-departure guides to help equip you for your travels in Tanzania, along with a packing list and a dedicated trip coordinator to go over any questions you may have.

Tour bookings are fully flexible, giving peace of mind and allowing you to shift start dates in case of life's unexpected circumstances.

We also offer flexible payment plans and discounts for paying in full to make your tour as affordable and as simple as possible!

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