Big Five Safari Tanzania

Overview

A Big Five safari in Tanzania offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness Africa’s most legendary wildlife: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. These animals are admired not only for their power and beauty but also for the thrill of spotting them in the wild. For travelers seeking a true African safari experience, this journey stands out as one of the most rewarding.

Tanzania’s world-renowned parks provide the perfect settings for Big Five safaris. In Serengeti National Park, lion prides dominate the savannah while leopards quietly rest in treetop canopies. The Ngorongoro Crater offers a rare chance to see black rhinos in a compact, wildlife-rich environment. Meanwhile, Tarangire National Park is a stronghold for elephants and massive herds of African buffalo, particularly near the river during dry seasons.

Visitors can enjoy these sightings through a variety of safari experiences. Guided game drives take you deep into the wilderness, while walking safaris add a touch of adventure and connection to nature. Additionally, hot air balloon rides provide a breathtaking aerial view of wildlife across the plains.

Beyond the animals, a Big Five safari in Tanzania immerses travelers in spectacular landscapes and rich biodiversity. From endless savannahs to volcanic craters and acacia-dotted woodlands, the scenery enhances every wildlife encounter. Along the way, expert guides share fascinating insights into animal behavior and ongoing conservation efforts.

Ultimately, a Big Five safari in Tanzania is ideal for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. With abundant wildlife, dramatic backdrops, and unforgettable moments, this experience captures the very essence of an African safari.

Highlights

Ronell Joubert

Reservations Specialist

Why Travel with Us?

Excellent rating
Based on 16 reviews
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Hiked Kilimanjaro (6 days) and went on a Safari (5 days Kilimanjaro Hike was amazing! Our guide (Mollel) and porters were all excellent. They were each knowledgable, encouraging and friendly. They took time to get to know us and understand our needs. They helped us feel comfortable with the challenge and enabled us to enjoy our trek from start to finish!Our Safari was equally outstanding! Again, we had terrific guides (Sam & Tembo). They, too, were knowledgable, accommodating and made each day a super fun adventure for all of us! They were incredible at tracking down all of the Big 5! They even found the black rhinos!The Value for the Money was unreal, as well. I would 100% recommend Soul of Tanzania to anyone who is looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian experience!
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Shairanking F
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Unforgettable Safari and experience at its best Journey to Africa My friend and I did a 8 day Safari, starting in Tarangire NP, Serengeti central and South (Ndutu) with big Migration, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Tanganyika. All planning including our wishes and suggestions from Weguide Safari what is best for the time we were traveling were done with WhatsApp. The communication was very easy with very quick respondSo we had an excellent Safari with weguide africa safaris with nice, safe and quite large accommodations and tented camps, including good food.I think our guide Mollel will be the best guide you can find. He has a very good knowledge about animals and their behavior, wildlife and Tanzania culture. Besides he is helpful, friendly and a very good and save driver.We have seen all Big 5 and a great number of other animals living there.He even could find animals hidden under bushes or in trees in a great distance and getting closer we could watch them very, very nearby.My brother with family did the Safari before us with Guide Kennedy. and we all together have the same opinion that this Safari couldn't be topped.It was my best Safari I've done until now and I couldn't imagine getting something better. So much wildlife!!!!I would it recommend to 100%
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GreengatePeter
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SOLO TRIP TO TANZANIA SAFARI WITH WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS ( 100% I RECCOMENDED WEGUID FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS) Tanzania as a safari destination has it all: if this is your first safari and your driving ambition is to get some amazing sightings and to rack up the big 5 as soon as possible then Ngorongoro Conservation Area is probably the best place in the world. Head for the Serengeti, however, if you have time for a longer safari and your goal is to take time to roam – moving as a nomad with the vast herds, or simply skitting across the savannah between the rock outcrops that are the lookout posts of the Serengeti prides. The Serengeti remains for me (alongside Botswana’s Kalahari) as one of the very best places in the world to experience the awe-inspiring vastness of the African wilderness. There is no feeling like being in the middle of the incomparable immensity of the savannah with no other vehicle in sight and a herd of wildebeest stretching as far as the eye can see towards the horizon.
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GoPlaces65996083400
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Tanzanian Romantic Safari for Couple Unforgettable honeymoon - safari & beach holidayOverall, great experience with WeGuide Celia has been extremely helpful in tailoring the itinerary for the safari and has assisted us all along the process.Our guide, Sam, and was always on time and truly did his best to show us all the possible animals within the visited parks. We've had nice lunches (with juice and wine) during the 5 days of Safari and the car was always sparkling clean in the morning when our guide was picking us up :) We would've appreciated our guide to be a bit more involved in the conversation (the answers we got to our questions about birds/animals weren't really detailed and we would've enjoyed talking/getting to know our guide a bit more, especially during our common lunches) but of course this didn't ruin our experience.Our safari was followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar : Ceci has arranged a pick-up at the airport for us. The hotel (Z hotel in Nungwi) was also great and the honeymoon package made our holiday unforgettable.I can only recommend Soul of Tanzania and Tanzania in general. The safari is a magical experience everyone should have in a lifetime.
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phillip
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Viajero solo en la vida silvestre de Tanzania y safaris de experiencia en Zanzíbar Planeamos nuestro viaje a Tanzania junto con Cecie en weguide Safari. Le hemos dicho aproximadamente lo que queríamos hacer (lago Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti y Zanzibar) y ella sugirió el itinerario y el alojamiento que discutimos y adaptamos juntos. El Serengeti fue probablemente el más impresionante de los parques y tal vez si el tiempo hubiera sido un problema, me habría saltado el lago Manyara para ir directamente al Ngorongoro. (Aunque el alojamiento en el lago Manyara fue increíble, Escarpment Luxury Lodge). Todos los alojamientos tenían algo especial y terminar con un par de días de relax en Zanzíbar fue simplemente perfecto.
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Marion
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Great experience at Mara River (Serengeti) So nice to see and read about sam maasai guide. He was my guide when I visited Tanzania. I also had great game driving experiences, and yes, being patient definitely paid off time after time. We experienced elephants crossing the Mara River, and Sam explained how the matriarch makes the decision to cross and how the elephants would not all cross at once, rather cross in small groups of adults, babies, and elders. We stayed and saw group after group cross and come up the bak of the river directly beside our vehicle,. We also saw a group in the river stop and surround each other and then there was trumpeting by the herd on both sides of the river. Sam explained that they must have sensed danger like crockerdiles, and that they would reteat back; that’s exactly what happened and the trumpeting continued on both sides of the river for a while. When we returned to the Mara River Camp that evening, everyone was envious of our experience and commented how much they loved to have heard the elephants communicating. Like you and your son, we had great experiences every day. Love your photos and descriptions. It’s truly the trip of a lifetime
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Whistler
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Mikumi National park and Zanzibar island The Mikumi National Park is located in eastern Tanzania, some 100 kms south of Morogoro and 280 km west of Dar Es Salaam. It is next to the Selous Reserve and a few kilometers from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The wildlife includes monkeys, lions, leopards, panthers, elephants, giraffes zebras, hipos, etc. Approximately 360 different species of birds have been spotted. The park is very popular and is easily accessible from Dar Es Salaam. It is specially equipped for bird watching. Greenery includes the miombo forest which is dominated by Brachystegia spp. The Combretum-Terminalia forest is common between the hills and the plains along the river.In this lower part dominated by Acacia spp, Adansonia digitata baobab and Sterculia appendiculata and the top of gallery forest and riparian dense scrub along rivers Mgoda, Kikobogo and Mkata. The ebony Dalbergia melanoxylon, Sclerocarya caffra, Cassia abbreviata flabellifer and Hyphaene Borassus Ventricosa, Balanites aegyptiaca and Ficus spp are all very close to each other. They are common and important to elephants and baboona. A truly unforgettable experience. with weguide afrkca safaris
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ASHLEY P
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"Zanzibar family trip excursion" "This was our first trip with WeGuide Africa Safari - I believe it's no coincidence that the Bradt Africa guides are simply the best ones on the market and that WeGuide Africa are extraordinary in the depth of their knowledge of the situation on the ground and in their capacity to coordinate and synchronise everything to make it an excellent trip for a family with young children In Zanzibar excursion .We stayed Luxury property at Zuri hotel in Zanzibar .I saw some of the most amazing sights and things in Africa, which I would not have found without the guidance of WeGuide Africa Safari . And for the unforseeable and unavoidable occasional hick ups, the team is there to help where they can.I hope WeGuide Africa Safari stays a well kept secret
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Wilton Backer
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conquérir le Kilimandjaro" super 7 jours via machame route Bonjour mes amis de TripAdvisor.Je m'appelle Xavier.Je viens de rentrer d'une randonnée INCROYABLE sur le mont Kilimandjaro avec weguide Africa Safaris. J'y suis allé avec Erick le guide et il était IMPRESSIONNANT. Erick m'a tellement aidé à me sentir à l'aise tout au long du voyage et il m'a fait me sentir plus fort simplement en étant en sa présence.Tout d'abord, weguide Africa Safaris m'a aidé à chaque étape du processus de courrier électronique pour planifier le voyage. Ils sont tellement professionnels et organisés et m'ont fait me sentir vraiment très à l'aise et bienvenu pour voyager dans un pays étranger. (je viens de la FR)Je savais que c'était la bonne entreprise pour moi juste par la manière organisée et professionnelle de leurs e-mails. Ils vous guident à chaque étape.Si vous essayez de décider avec quelle compagnie escalader le Kilimandjaro ou avec quelle compagnie partir en safari, C'EST LA SEULE. WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS est vraiment incroyable avec de très bons prix aussi.J'ai escaladé le mont Kilimandjaro avec Erick The Guide et il était un professeur tellement spectaculaire avec qui partager le voyage. Il avait tellement de connaissances sur la montagne et il a un VRAI amour pour la nature et l'exploration. . Erick The Guide et tout l'équipage qui nous a accompagnés étaient géniaux. L'équipage de porteurs que nous avions avec nous était tellement sympathique et accueillant. Ils m'ont vraiment fait me sentir chez moi pendant tout le voyage.Je sais que beaucoup de gens ont peur de voyager à cause de COVID. Mais je ne pense pas que cela devrait vous empêcher de venir en Afrique.Si quoi que ce soit, je pense que c'est le moment le plus courageux et le plus spontané pour parcourir le monde.J'ai passé un très bon moment avec WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS et je pense que c'est le moment idéal pour explorer le monde. Allez saisir cette chance et VOYAGEZ. Cela pourrait juste changer votre vie.Erick The Guide et weuide Africa Safaris - vous étiez tous les meilleurs et je vous remercie de m'avoir donné l'opportunité d'escalader le mont Kilimandjaro.Quiconque lit ces mots - weguide Africa Safaris est super sympa, super professionnel et super organisé et ils ont des prix imbattables. N'ayez pas peur de suivre votre cœur. Le monde est fait pour être exploré.Merci Erick et toute l'équipe de weguide Africa Safaris qui ont facilité mon voyage. Je suis très reconnaissant de vous avoir trouvé.
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XAVIER
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Tanzania wildlife familiy safari with weguide africa safaris great company in Tanzania The trip was definitely a wonderful experience. The guide was very good, and that is one of the most important parts of a trip like this.Ngorongoro and Serengeti are two fantastic places, and we had the rare privilege of visiting with very little tourism, really feeling and breathing the place.With my current experience, I will change the first part of the trip avoiding lake Manyara and the long transfer of the first day, and planning at least two safaris in the crater
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witness A

Where to go in Tanzania on your Big Five Safari Tanzania

Serengeti National Park – Tanzania’s Wildlife Paradise The Serengeti National Park stands as one of Africa most iconic wildlife destinations. Furthermore, this remarkable park offers visitors an unforgettable safari experience…

Nyerere National Park, formerly the northern part of the vast Selous Game Reserve, stands as Tanzania largest and newest national park. It encompasses an enormous area. Indeed, this sprawling wilderness…

Ruaha National Park, centrally located in Tanzania, stands as the country’s second-largest national park. It covers an expansive area of approximately 20,226 square kilometers. Therefore, this vastness contributes to its…

Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offers a uniquely diverse safari experience in northern Tanzania. Though smaller than some of its famous…

Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, stands out as a premier safari destination. This remarkable park is famous for its immense elephant population and iconic baobab trees. It truly…

The Ngorongoro Crater is, without a doubt, a world-renowned safari destination in Tanzania. It sits within the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a place of stunning beauty. In fact, the crater…

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Frequently Asked Question About Big Five Safari Tanzania

The “Big Five” refers to five iconic and historically challenging animals to hunt on foot. Today, it signifies the most sought-after wildlife sightings on a safari. In Tanzania, these are:

  • Lion: The king of the savannah, often seen in prides, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Leopard: The most elusive of the Big Five, known for its incredible camouflage and often spotted resting on tree branches. Seronera in the Serengeti is a good place to look.
  • Elephant: The world’s largest land animal, frequently seen roaming the plains and woodlands, especially in Tarangire National Park.
  • <strong>Buffalo (African Buffalo): One of Africa’s most dangerous animals, often found in large herds near waterholes.
  • Rhinoceros: The most critically endangered of the Big Five due to poaching. Both black and white rhinos exist, though black rhinos are more commonly found in Tanzania. Ngorongoro Crater offers some of the best chances for rhino sightings.

Tanzania boasts several national parks and conservation areas where you have excellent chances of spotting the Big Five:

  • Serengeti National Park:</strong> Famous for its vast plains and home to large populations of lions, leopards (especially in Seronera), elephants, and buffalo. Rhinos are the most challenging to find here, but they do exist.
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder, offering a high concentration of wildlife, including all of the Big Five, within its relatively small caldera. It’s often considered one of the best places to see the rhino.
  • Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. You can also find lions, leopards, and buffalo here.
  • Lake Manyara National Park: While smaller, it’s home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and tree-climbing lions (though sightings of the latter are not guaranteed).

The dry season, from <strong>late June to October, is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During this period:

  • Vegetation is less dense, making animals easier to spot.
  • Animals gather around waterholes and rivers due to limited water sources.
  • This also coincides with the Great Migration in the Serengeti, offering dramatic scenes of wildebeest and zebra herds, which attract predators.

The wet season (November to May) also has its advantages:

  • The landscape is lush and green, offering beautiful photographic opportunities.
  • There are fewer tourists, leading to a more intimate safari experience.
  • It’s calving season (January to March) for many animals, meaning lots of baby animals and increased predator activity.
  • It’s a fantastic time for birdwatching as migratory birds are present.

Most Big Five safaris in Tanzania range from 5 to 8 days, allowing sufficient time to explore multiple parks and maximize your chances of seeing all the Big Five. A typical itinerary might include 2-3 days in Serengeti, 1-2 days in Ngorongoro Crater, and a day or two in Tarangire or Lake Manyara.

The cost of a Big Five safari in Tanzania varies significantly based on factors such as:

  • Duration: Longer safaris generally cost more.</li>
  • Accommodation: Options range from budget camping to classic tented camps and luxury lodges.
  • Group Size: Prices per person tend to decrease with
  • larger groups.
  • Time of Year: Peak season (dry season) often has higher prices.
  • Inclusions: What’s covered (flights, guides, park fees, meals, activities, etc.) will impact the total cost.

As a rough estimate, a 5-day Big Five safari can range from around $1,100 – $2,700 USD per person for budget/camping safaris to $4,000 – $5,000+ USD per person for luxury safaris.

Packing smart is key for a comfortable safari. Here’s a general packing list:

  • Clothing:
        • Neutral colors (khaki, tan, green, brown) to blend in and avoid agitating wildlife. Avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns.
        • Lightweight, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection.

      <li

    >T-shirts and shorts for warmer daytime.

  • A fleece jacket, light pullover, or windbreaker for cool mornings and evenings.
  • Rain jacket or poncho (especially during the wet season).
  • Swimsuit (if your lodge has a pool).
  • Sleepwear.
  • Footwear:
    • Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers (sturdy and preferably waterproof).
    • Sandals or flip-flops for around the lodge.
  • Essentials:
    • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
    • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
    • Insect repellent (with DEET is often recommended).
    • Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.
    • Camera with extra memory cards and batteries.
    • Binoculars (highly recommended for spotting distant wildlife).
    • Power bank for charging devices.
    • Adapter for Tanzanian outlets (Type G or D).
    • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
    • Passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages.

Reputable safari operators in Tanzania prioritize ethical wildlife tourism and conservation. This means:

  • Respecting wildlife: Maintaining a safe distance from animals, minimizing noise, and never feeding them.
  • Supporting conservation: Many safari companies contribute to anti-poaching initiatives and local conservation efforts through park fees and sustainable practices.
  • Community engagement: Some tours offer cultural experiences that benefit local communities.</li>
  • Minimizing environmental impact: Responsible operators use eco-friendly practices and encourage visitors to do the same.</li
  • >