Big Five Luxury 7 Days Safari Tour in Arusha

Planning a safari in Tanzania? This 7-day Big Five luxury adventure promises an intimate look at some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, all wrapped in comfort and expert guidance. We’ve reviewed this tour based on feedback from travelers who’ve experienced the journey firsthand, highlighting what makes it stand out—and what to keep in mind.

Three things we love about this experience include its well-rounded itinerary that combines classic parks with lesser-explored areas, the knowledgeable guides who bring the landscapes alive, and the luxurious yet authentic lodges that feel like a home away from home. However, a potential consideration is the price point of nearly $3,000, which is quite steep but reflects the quality and inclusiveness of the tour.

If you’re after a comprehensive safari experience with a good mix of wildlife, scenic variety, and top-tier service, this tour could be just what you need—especially if you’re traveling solo or in a small group eager to explore Tanzania’s iconic national parks.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: The tour covers most meals, with breakfast every day and most lunches and dinners included, providing great value for an immersive adventure.
• Expert Guides: Guides such as James and Musa are highly praised for their knowledge, passion, and ability to locate wildlife, making your game drives informative and engaging.
• Diverse Parks: From Tarangire’s elephant herds to Serengeti’s endless plains and Ngorongoro’s dramatic crater, the itinerary offers a broad view of Tanzania’s varied landscapes.
• Comfort & Convenience: Lodges inside parks and outside provide a blend of tranquility and accessibility, with comfortable accommodations and stunning surroundings.
• Wildlife Focus: The tour emphasizes seeing the Big Five—lion, elephant, black rhino, leopard, and buffalo—alongside other plains game and bird species.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to six travelers, you’ll benefit from personalized attention without feeling crowded, enhancing your overall experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro Airport, where your driver from Tanzania Wildlife Adventures will be waiting with a sign bearing your name. From there, it’s a short trip to your base, Springlands Hotel, where breakfast is included. This first day serves as a gentle introduction, allowing time to settle in and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Leaving Springlands Hotel, you head to Tarangire, often called the “baobab capital” due to its majestic trees. The park is famous for its large herds of elephants, which reviewers mention as a highlight. Expect an 8-hour game drive, spotting animals like giraffes, zebras, and possibly predators lurking among the kopjes (rock formations). The drive is a good warm-up, with reviewers noting the guides’ knack for locating animals and sharing insightful facts. Your overnight stay at Highview Hotel balances comfort with proximity to the park.

Day 3: Journey to the Serengeti, via Olduvai Gorge

This day features a significant transfer—your route takes you through Olduvai Gorge, a site famous for fossil discoveries, providing a dash of history with your wildlife viewing. The game drive continues into Serengeti National Park, where the vast plains unfold before you. Your overnight at Serengeti Wildcamp or similar puts you immersed in the iconic landscape, with some reviews praising the full-day experience that captures the park’s unrivaled beauty.

Day 4: Full Day in the Serengeti

Expect a full day of game drives across the Serengeti’s varied terrain—grass plains, savanna, kopjes, and woodland. This is where you’re most likely to catch sightings of big cats like lions and cheetahs, as many reviews highlight. The park’s diversity means you’ll see wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle in their hundreds, and possibly witness predator-prey interactions that are as dramatic as they come. A stay at Serengeti Safari Lodge or a similar lodge ensures you’re close to the action, with many travelers commenting on the quality of the food and the stunning views.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Early morning, you head to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descending into the crater itself. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is regarded as one of the most spectacular wildlife arenas, with dense populations of lions, elephants, and black rhinos grazing on the crater floor. Birdwatchers will enjoy the frequent sightings of flamingos at Makat Soda Lake. The crater’s scenery is stunning, and reviews often mention it as a highlight, describing it as “the world’s eighth wonder.” An afternoon drive leads to your lodge for an overnight stay, allowing you to rest and reflect on the day’s sights.

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park

A scenic drive takes you to Lake Manyara, known for its tree-climbing lions and abundant birdlife. The afternoon game drive here offers a more relaxed experience, with the lake’s flamingos and hippos adding color to your wildlife list. The return to Springlands Hotel marks the end of your safari circuit, giving you a chance to unwind before departure.

Day 7: Departure from Arusha

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport, wrapping up a week rich in adventures, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty. Travelers often reflect on how well-organized the trip was, along with the friendly, knowledgeable guides who made the journey memorable.

The Experience of Guides and Lodges

Throughout the trip, reviewers speak highly of guides like James, Musa, and Juma, all praised for their patience, extensive knowledge, and ability to find elusive animals. One reviewer noted James’s mastery of the circuit and described him as passionate, which made their game drives both fun and educational. Many travelers also appreciated guides’ storytelling, which added context and personality to what might otherwise be just a drive.

Lodging varies between parks and outside, with some staying inside the parks for proximity and others opting for more tranquil surroundings outside. The lodges are described as comfortable, beautiful, and offering excellent views—perfect for unwinding after long days of game drives. The food is often highlighted as a pleasant surprise, with some mentioning excellent meals and friendly service.

Price, Value, and What You’re Getting

At just under $3,000 per group, this tour is quite an investment, but it reflects the high level of service, guide expertise, and quality accommodation included. Most reviews agree that the trip offers good value—covering transportation, park fees, meals, and accommodations—creating a seamless experience.

The small group size (up to six travelers) is a major plus, offering a personalized touch that large tours often lack. The itinerary balances wildlife viewing with scenic drives and comfortable lodges, ensuring you’re not just in a vehicle all day but also relaxing in style.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, well-structured adventure with a focus on the Big Five. It’s perfect if you want a small-group experience with attentive guides and comfortable lodges. The tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, photography lovers, or anyone wanting a comprehensive taste of Tanzania’s most famous parks.

While the price might be higher than budget safaris, many reviewers agree that the quality of guides, scenic variety, and inclusiveness justify the cost. If you’re short on time but want to maximize wildlife sightings and enjoy the finer side of safari travel, this tour delivers.

The Sum Up

This Big Five luxury safari in Tanzania offers more than just a chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo; it’s an opportunity to experience some of Africa’s most beautiful landscapes in comfort. Guided by passionate experts, you’ll learn about the animals and their habitats in a way that’s both educational and enjoyable. The carefully chosen lodges and scenic routes make every moment special, whether you’re spotting animals at dawn or relaxing in the evening with a drink.

For those who value personalized service, expert guides, and a well-balanced mix of adventure and comfort, this safari hits all the right notes. It’s a trip that promises memorable wildlife encounters and stunning vistas—perfect for making lifelong memories.

FAQ

Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is included in the form of a 4×4 vehicle, with most game drives being in comfortable, well-maintained vehicles driven by guides.

Are all meals included?
Most meals are covered, including breakfast every day, along with most lunches and dinners. Some reviews mention the quality and variety of food, which adds to the overall value.

How small are the groups?
The tour limits to a maximum of six travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate safari experience.

Can I expect to see the Big Five?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to maximize the chance of seeing all Big Five animals, and reviews confirm many travelers do spot all of them.

Are the lodges inside or outside parks?
Some lodges are located inside the parks for proximity to wildlife, while others are outside, providing tranquility and scenic views.

What is the guide’s reputation?
Guides like James and Musa are highly praised for their knowledge, passion, and ability to find wildlife. Many reviews highlight the guides’ storytelling and dedication.

What is the best time to book this safari?
While specific dates aren’t provided, the tour’s success depends on the season’s wildlife movement, so travelers might want to inquire about peak times or discuss the best season with the operator.

This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive safari experience in Tanzania, designed for those who want to combine luxury with authentic wildlife encounters. With expert guides, stunning landscapes, and carefully curated lodges, it’s a trip that’s sure to leave lasting memories for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure lovers alike.