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8-Day Classic Big Five Safari — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara & Tarangire

8 Days | Private 4x4 | Classic Big Five
An unhurried 8-day Big Five adventure with extra time in Serengeti — private 4×4 guiding and a curated selection of lodges across Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Quick Facts

  • Style: Private 4×4 road safari; optional fly‑in segments in Serengeti
  • Start/End: Arusha (JRO/ARK)
  • Parks/Areas: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
  • Best Months: Year‑round; route adapts to seasons

Why You’ll Love It (Highlights)

  • The definitive Northern Circuit: Tarangire’s baobabs & elephants; Lake Manyara’s forest and lakeshore; classic Serengeti big‑cat country; Ngorongoro Crater finale.
  • Tiered accommodation from charming classic lodges to show‑stopping luxury camps.
  • Optional sunrise balloon safari and a seamless add‑on to Zanzibar.

Season Definitions for Your Rate Card

  • Low: April–May, November
  • High: January–March, June, December 1–19
  • Peak: July–October, December 20–January 5

Preferred Properties Along the Route

Tarangire

Classic:

  • Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
  • Tarangire Safari Lodge

Luxury:

  • Nimali Tarangire
  • Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Ultra‑Luxury:

  • Lemala Mpingo Ridge
  • Chem Chem Lodge / Little Chem Chem
Lake Manyara / Karatu

Classic:

  • Marera Valley Lodge
  • Country Lodge Karatu

Luxury:

  • Acacia Farm Lodge
  • Kitela Lodge

Ultra‑Luxury:

  • Gibb’s Farm
  • The Highlands (Asilia)
Serengeti (Central/seasonal)

Classic:

  • Serengeti Kati Kati
  • Into Wild Africa

Luxury:

  • Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
  • Lemala Ewanjan

Ultra‑Luxury:

  • Four Seasons Serengeti
  • One Nature Nyaruswiga

Itinerary — Day by Day

Day 1 – Arusha → Tarangire National Park

Area: Tarangire NP

Activities: PM game drive among baobabs & elephants

Meals: L, D • Accommodation: Tarangire (tier‑based)

Meet your guide and head to Tarangire. Afternoon game drive and sunset over the river valley.

Day 2 – Tarangire — Full day

Area: Tarangire NP

Activities: Full‑day game drives

Meals: B, L, D • Accommodation: Tarangire (tier‑based)

Explore the Silale Swamps and riverine forests for elephants, buffalo and lions.

Day 3 – Tarangire → Lake Manyara (or Karatu)

Area: Tarangire → Manyara/Karatu

Activities: AM transfer; PM Manyara game drive

Meals: B, L, D • Accommodation: Karatu / Manyara (tier‑based)

Short transfer and an afternoon in Lake Manyara’s groundwater forests and lakeshore.

Day 4 – Karatu → Serengeti (via Ngorongoro)

Area: Karatu → Serengeti (Central)

Activities: Drive into Serengeti; PM game drive

Meals: B, L, D • Accommodation: Serengeti (tier‑based)

Descend onto the Serengeti plains and begin your big‑cat search.

Day 5 – Serengeti — Full day

Area: Serengeti (Central/seasonal)

Activities: Full‑day game drive

Meals: B, L, D • Accommodation: Serengeti (tier‑based)

Work new areas with your guide — kopjes, river lines and open plains.

Day 6 – Serengeti — Second full day or balloon (optional)

Area: Serengeti

Activities: Dawn drive or hot‑air balloon; PM game drive

Meals: B, L, D • Accommodation: Serengeti (tier‑based)

Optional sunrise hot‑air balloon (advance booking) followed by a relaxed game drive day.

Day 7 – Serengeti AM drive → Ngorongoro / Karatu

Area: Serengeti → Karatu

Activities: AM game drive; scenic transfer

Meals: B, L, D • Accommodation: Karatu (tier‑based)

One last Serengeti morning before heading to the crater highlands.

Day 8 – Ngorongoro Crater tour → Arusha / Departure

Area: Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

Activities: Half‑day crater descent & game drive; return

Meals: B, L • Accommodation: —

Crater finale then back to Arusha for onward flights — or continue to Zanzibar.

Pricing Tiers (per person, twin‑share, 2 pax baseline)

  • Classic — From $3,190 pp
  • Luxury — From $4,890 pp
  • Ultra‑Luxury — From $7,490 pp

What’s Included

  • Private 4×4 vehicle with professional guide/driver (pop‑top roof)
  • Park & conservation fees per program
  • Accommodation per chosen tier (DBB/FB as specified)
  • Bottled water on game drives
  • All transfers between airport, lodges, and parks

What’s Not Included

  • International flights & visas
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Meals & drinks not listed; premium beverages
  • Optional balloon safari & non-listed activities
  • Tips & personal expenses

Pricing & Terms

  • Prices are indicative per person for 2 adults, twin‑share; actual quotes vary by season, availability, and lodge selection.
  • Seasons for rate card: Low (April–May, November), High (January–March, June, December 1–19), Peak (July–October, December 20–January 5).
  • Group discounts apply for 4–6 pax and 8–12 pax (see rate card).
  • Deposit 30% to confirm; balance due 45 days before start; flexible date changes subject to partner terms.

FAQs

10. Can we add a balloon safari?
Yes — available in Central/Western/Northern Serengeti and sometimes Tarangire. Pre‑booking is essential and weather dependent
11. Is this good for families?
Yes. We adapt pacing, mealtimes, and rooming to suit families (camp policies vary).
12. When is the best time?
Year‑round. Peak wildlife density runs Jul–Oct and Dec–Feb; Apr–May is lush and quieter with value pricing.

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