5-Day Big Five Safari
A well-paced introduction to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, designed around private game viewing.
Adapt this safari to my datesA strong first safari without rushing the highlights
This five-day route links Lake Manyara with Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, balancing variety with meaningful time in the vehicle.
- Ideal first safari
- Big Five potential
- Serengeti big cats
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Private flexible game drives
- Compact northern circuit
Three complementary wildlife areas
Each stop adds a different landscape and wildlife experience to this compact private journey.
Forest and lake
Birdlife and giraffe
Two-night focus
Big cats and plains
Crater highlands
Dense wildlife
Your guide and pace
Flexible daily plans
Day-by-day itinerary
This route is a starting point. Nights, camps and activities can all be adjusted.
Day 1Lake Manyara National Park
Meet your guide in Arusha and travel to Lake Manyara for afternoon game viewing before continuing to the Karatu highlands.
Day 2Serengeti National Park
Cross the Great Rift Valley and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, reaching the Serengeti for afternoon game viewing.
Day 3Serengeti National Park
A flexible full day searching for big cats and plains wildlife, with either a picnic or split morning and afternoon drives.
Day 4Ngorongoro Highlands
Final Serengeti game viewing before continuing into Ngorongoro, with an optional crater-rim walk.
Day 5Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha
Descend to the crater floor for wildlife viewing, then return to Arusha in the late afternoon.
Choose the level that suits you
We are not tied to particular camps. Recommendations are based on location, guiding, atmosphere and current value for your dates.
Classic
Comfortable, characterful tented camps and lodges in strong wildlife locations.
Explore Classic SafariLuxury
High-quality camps with excellent locations, polished service and added comfort.
Explore Luxury SafariUltra-luxury
Outstanding camps, private experiences and seamless logistics using the finest available options.
Typically included
- Private 4WD safari vehicle
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Accommodation and meals as proposed
- Park and conservation fees
- Unlimited game-drive kilometres
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Premium drinks and personal purchases
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not in the proposal
Local knowledge, private guiding and three decades of experience
Adapt this Big Five Safari to your dates
Tell us when you want to travel and your preferred accommodation level. We’ll check the best available camps and prepare a current proposal.
Plan My Private Safari