Chasing the Big Five: A Luxurious African Safari Adventure

Arusha National Park and Walking Safari
Your safari adventure begins today! We’ll pick you up from your hotel in or near Arusha. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll head to Arusha National Park, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is divided into three key areas: Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, and Momella Lakes. After an exciting game drive, enjoy a guided walking safari to experience giraffes, buffaloes, and other wildlife up close, all from a safe distance. End your day at Africa Safari Arusha, where you can unwind by the pool and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Rift Valley
Discover the fertile area of Mto wa Mbu on a bicycle tour, an ideal way to explore the countryside and enjoy the fresh air. Ride a fat bike through the charming village, passing by local farms, schools, and churches while taking in stunning views of the valley and lake. The tour follows relatively flat single tracks, making it perfect for a leisurely and immersive experience of village life.

Game Drive Ngorongoro Crater
Start your day with an early breakfast before setting off towards the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact crater. Home to around 30,000 large mammals, this unique ecosystem boasts abundant wildlife, including the Big Five—with a chance to spot the rare African Black Rhino—as well as hyenas, zebras, and elephants. After exploring the crater, continue to Ndutu/South Serengeti for an overnight stay at Africa Safari South Serengeti. This area is renowned for the calving season of the Great Migration, a must-see highlight of the annual wildebeest migration.

Game Drive Serengeti National Park
On Day Five, we journey to the Serengeti, arriving at the park gate after a few hours of driving. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive through this renowned park, known for its diverse landscapes of forests and endless savannah plains. The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, where around 1.5 million herbivores and predators traverse the plains in search of water.

In the evening, relax at Africa Safari Ikoma, perfectly located between Serengeti Seronera, Grumeti, and Ikorongo Game Reserves. It’s an ideal retreat for exploring the Serengeti and unwinding while observing birdlife, watching impalas graze, or simply soaking in the serene sounds of the African wilderness.

Ikona Wildlife Management Area
Start your day with a thrilling game drive in the Ikona Wildlife Management Area, a 242-square-kilometer wilderness teeming with diverse wildlife. Spot herds of elephants, waterbucks, black and white colobus monkeys, the elusive leopard, and both greater and lesser kudu in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, embark on a walking safari with a ranger to explore the area on foot, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the African bush. End the day with a memorable sundowner in the wilderness—a truly unique experience! You’ll enjoy another night at Africa Safari Ikoma, offering a perfect retreat after a day of adventure.

Game Drive Serengeti National Park to North Serengeti
Today, we head further north for a continued game drive in the Serengeti. During the migration season, we may visit the Mara River, where you could witness the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of animals crossing the water—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You’ll spend the night at Africa Safari Maasai Boma, an accommodation inspired by a traditional Maasai boma. Located near the village of Ololosokwan, this unique lodge offers an immersive experience in Maasai culture. While it’s outside official game reserves, you can still spot wildlife roaming in the area.

Drive to Lake Natron
After breakfast, we journey to Lake Natron from northern Serengeti. The drive offers remote, otherworldly landscapes with a sense of vastness and ancient beauty. Passing through untouched Maasai land, you’ll see traditional bomas and towering mountains amidst the wild, rugged terrain. En route to the lodge, there’s an option to stop at a scenic hot spring.

You’ll overnight at Africa Safari Lake Natron, perfectly nestled into the surrounding landscape with breathtaking views of Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano. From the lodge, take a short 10-minute guided walk to Lake Natron or unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool. The lake is renowned for attracting around two million flamingos from June to November, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Drive from Lake Natron to Manyara
In the morning, embark on an adventurous walk to the waterfalls with your local Maasai guide (don’t forget your walking shoes!). The hike offers stunning scenery and insights into the Maasai culture, with several villages nearby. After lunch, you’ll travel to Mto wa Mbu for an overnight stay at Africa Safari Lake Manyara.

Game Drive Lake Manyara National Park
Today, explore Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for its stunning panoramic views, waterfalls, clear babbling brooks, and hot springs. Enjoy a full-day game drive through the park, where you can experience its diverse landscapes and wildlife. Afterward, return to Arusha, arriving in time for dinner.