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Baobab trees at sunrise in Tarangire National Park
Classic Safari · Private safariMade to feel personal from the first night to the last drive

10 Days Classic Tanzania Safari

The unhurried classic: two nights in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, three nights in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Duration10 days / 9 nights
From$3,842 pp
StyleClassic Safari
Best timeJun–Oct · Jan–Mar
Request this safari Explore the itinerary
Crafted safari story

A more thoughtful way to experience Tanzania

For travellers who want the northern circuit without rushing. Two nights in Tarangire (with an optional night safari), Lake Manyara, three nights in the heart of the Serengeti, a slow evening in the Ngorongoro Highlands and a full crater day. Seasonal pricing for two, four or six travellers at three lodge levels.

  • Three nights in the Serengeti
  • Two nights in Tarangire
  • Optional night safari and balloon flight
  • Seasonal prices for 2, 4 or 6
Safari at a glance
Category
Classic Safari
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Starting from
From $3,842 per person sharing
Key places
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Guiding
Private vehicle and driver-guide
Speak to a safari specialist
Baobab trees at sunrise in Tarangire National Park
Giant baobab tree in golden light, Tarangire National Park
Hot-air balloon floating over the Serengeti plains at sunrise
Maasai man smiling in front of acacia trees and the Ngorongoro highlands
Male lion and lioness at golden hour in the Serengeti

This itinerary is a starting point, not a rigid template

We can refine pace, accommodation style, flight logistics, park combinations and beach extensions around your dates, budget and travel rhythm.

Shape this journey with us
Day by day

A journey that builds with rhythm, not rush

Day 1

Arusha

On arrival, collect your bags and proceed to the arrivals hall, where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel (standard check-in 3:00 pm).

Meals: Breakfast
Day 2

Tarangire National Park

Your guide collects you after breakfast for the drive to Tarangire (about 2 hours). The park is best known for its elephant families, savannah, iconic baobabs, seasonal swamps and the life-giving Tarangire River, where giraffe, bushbuck, hartebeest, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest gather – closely followed by lion, leopard and, rarely, cheetah. Picnic lunch in the park.

Meals: All meals
Day 3

Tarangire National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives: herds of elephant, impala and zebra, pythons, and leopards' tails twitching high in the sausage trees. As dusk falls, you may opt for a night safari in search of nocturnal animals – lion, hyena, genet, serval, bat-eared fox and nightjar.

Meals: All mealsOptional: Night safari – at additional cost
Day 4

Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 90 km). Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara contains a diverse range of habitats – the rift wall, groundwater forest, acacia woodland and open grassland – down to the shores of the lake itself. Spend the afternoon game viewing in search of the park's diverse flora and fauna. Some 350 bird species live here, alongside gazelle, impala, buffalo, wildebeest, hyena, baboon, giraffe, hippo and the famous tree-climbing lions.

Meals: All meals
Day 5

Drive to the Serengeti

The legendary Serengeti Plain is your destination today (210 km), a vast rolling plain whose sparse vegetation allows for some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. The annual migration of wildebeest and zebra is one of the park's great attractions, but throughout the year the Serengeti is excellent for predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah, along with elephant, giraffe, hyena, hippo, rhino and many antelopes and birds. Depending on animal movement we take a packed lunch or return to the lodge for a hot lunch. The evening is free to rest.

Meals: All meals
Day 6

Serengeti National Park

A full day's game drive with meals taken safari-style in the bush, exploring 14,763 km² of rolling savannah – the venue for the annual migration of over a million wildebeest. The Serengeti is believed to hold Africa's largest lion population, plus cheetah, gazelle, topi, eland, waterbuck, hyena and wild dog, and over 400 bird species including ostrich, secretary bird, kori bustard and crowned crane.

Meals: All mealsOptional: Hot-air balloon safari – $546 per person
Day 7

Serengeti National Park

A second full day on the plains, following the best sightings with your guide.

Meals: All meals
Day 8

Ngorongoro Highlands

After an early breakfast, game drive out through the Serengeti before heading to Ngorongoro. Arrive after lunch; the rest of the evening is free at leisure.

Meals: All mealsOptional: Maasai village visit – $100 per vehicle
Day 9

Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into the 'eighth wonder of the world', a biosphere virtually unchanged since the dawn of time: grassland, swamp, forest, saltpans, a freshwater lake and glorious birdlife, plus all of the Big Five and one of Africa's densest predator populations. Picnic on the crater floor before climbing back to the lodge.

Meals: All meals
Day 10

Departure

Today we drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast
Where you stay

Choose your comfort level

Same route, same guide. Pick the lodges that suit your budget.

DayLocationAccommodationMealsActivity
1ArushaGold Crest HotelBed & breakfastTransfer
2Tarangire NPBurunge Tented LodgeFull boardGame drives
3Tarangire NPBurunge Tented LodgeFull boardGame drives
4Lake Manyara NPBougainvillea Safari LodgeFull boardGame drives
5Serengeti NPSueños de África CampFull boardAfternoon drive
6Serengeti NPSueños de África CampFull boardGame drives
7Serengeti NPSueños de África CampFull boardGame drives
8Ngorongoro HighlandsBougainvillea Safari LodgeFull boardMorning drive
9Ngorongoro CraterBougainvillea Safari LodgeFull boardCrater tour
10Departure—Bed & breakfastTransfer
Prices

Clear prices, per person

Budget

Season2 pax4 pax6 paxSRS
High$4,102$3,640$3,153$315
Low$3,842$3,308$2,890$220

Mid-range

Season2 pax4 pax6 paxSRS
High$5,130$4,597$4,120$1,085
Shoulder$4,845$4,312$3,835$892
Low$4,445$3,910$3,502$678

Luxury

Season2 pax4 pax6 paxSRS
High$7,270$6,736$6,260$2,120
Shoulder$6,720$6,185$5,710$2,070
Low$5,850$5,315$4,838$1,485

Prices in USD per person. SRS = single room supplement. High season: Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct and 16–31 Dec · Shoulder: Nov and 1–15 Dec · Low: Apr–May. Budget level has two seasons: high (Jan, Feb, Jul–Oct, 16–31 Dec) and low (all other dates).

Included

  • Meet-and-greet at the airport or hotel
  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional driver-guide on a private basis
  • Full-board accommodation on safari
  • Bed & breakfast in Arusha
  • Transfers in Arusha
  • All park fees and government taxes
  • Complimentary drinking water during game drives

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visas – Tanzania visa applied and paid online
  • Vaccinations and travel insurance
  • Meals not indicated, drinks and room upgrades
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal items (telephone, laundry, etc.)
  • Increases in park fees or other charges beyond our control
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • Activities not mentioned in the programme
Route map

Where this safari takes shape

The journey moves place by place in a calm sequence, ordered to reduce fatigue and protect the best sightings.

Open in Google Maps
1Arusha2Tarangire3Lake Manyara4Serengeti5Ngorongoro Crater
  1. 1Arusha
  2. 2Tarangire National Park
  3. 3Lake Manyara National Park
  4. 4Serengeti National Park
  5. 5Ngorongoro Crater

Best windows: Jun–Oct · Jan–Mar

Reviews

What travellers say

★★★★★ 5.0/5 · 8 verified reviews on SafariBookings
★★★★★

It was a unique experience!!

We went on a 5 days Safari in Tanzania. We visit the Serengeti and Ngororo plains, around the Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks & the Ngororo crater. Big boss Antony designed an amazing programme and our guide Peter gave us a unique experience into the wild Africa. His magic eye was able to catch exotic animals, like cheetahs and rhinos, finding the perfect spot in a middle of a vast plain. My only complaint was that I had to go back to work 🤓 Miss you already, guys! What a wonderful adventure !!!

Marcela Celis AmorteguiColombia · Visited October 2025
★★★★★

Tony is the Best. 10/10 recommendation plus 5 stars review. He went above and beyond on our trip.

This Past year we visited Tanzania , let me tell you how it went. From the moment our plane touched down, every aspect of our trip was meticulously managed. The airport transfers were seamless, and the selection of hotels and safari lodges provided truly top-tier comfort and amenities. Each accommodation was not only luxurious and well-appointed but also strategically chosen to enhance our overall experience. Tony our guide, consistently went above and beyond to ensure our family felt completely safe, comfortable and well cared for. His extensive knowledge of the wildlife, local culture and terrain was captivating, enriching every game drive and interactions. The entire expedition, from the breathtaking wildlife encounters to the impeccable logistical arrangements, was nothing short of spectacular. We wholeheartedly RECOMMEND Tony and BigfiveTrails to anyone seeking a truly unparalleled and profoundly memorable Tanzanian Safari experience. They deliver excellence in every detail.

NeEma BrostromUnited States · Visited December 2025
★★★★★

A very intelligent, very funny person who loves animals.

The safari experience with Tony is fantastic; he is a highly intelligent and knowledgeable person who loves and respects animals—and he conveys that passion throughout the trip. He is very patient in explaining animal behavior and the surrounding vegetation in great detail, taking the time to point out every little thing. He always keeps a smile on his face, ensuring that everyone in the vehicle is enjoying the safari. His vehicle is comfortable, clean, and equipped with air conditioning. Safaris are great, but with Tony, they are something truly special. We are very grateful to Tony.

ElizabethUruguay · Visited September 2026
Personal planning

Want this safari shaped around your exact dates and style?

Tell us your timing, travel style and must-have moments. We will turn this itinerary into a bespoke proposal with the right rhythm, camps and route.

  1. Share dates, travellers and the feeling you want the journey to hold.
  2. We shape an itinerary with routing logic, lodge fit and a calmer sense of luxury.
  3. You receive a clear proposal with prices per person, inclusions and lodge options.
WhatsApp+255 653 110 463
Emailinfo@bigfivetrails.com
Favourite animals
We reply within 24 hours, usually much sooner.
Included with every booking

The BigFiveTrails Promise

Six things you can count on, whichever safari you choose.

Free date changes

Move your dates free of charge up to 60 days before arrival.

No hidden costs

Park fees, taxes, private vehicle, guide and drinking water are in your price.

Met at the airport

Airport pickup and drop-off included on every safari.

Lodges we know

Every lodge and camp hand-picked by our team in Arusha.

24/7 on WhatsApp

Our Arusha team answers you every day of your trip, day or night.

Your own guide

Private vehicle and guide – no strangers, no fixed schedule.

Book with confidence

Clear terms, real people, no surprises.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 on SafariBookings by verified travellers. Planned and run from our base in Arusha.

How booking works

  • 30% deposit to confirm your booking
  • Balance due 60 days before arrival
  • Written confirmation of every lodge and park permit
  • Licensed Tanzanian tour operator based in Arusha

Ways to pay

  • Bank transfer (USD)
  • Visa / Mastercard (card fee may apply)
  • Wise transfer

While you travel

  • Your own private vehicle and guide
  • WhatsApp support from our Arusha team every day of your trip
  • Park fees and taxes included and paid in advance
If you cancelCancellation charge
More than 60 days before arrivalDeposit retained, or moved to new dates within 12 months
59 to 30 days before arrival50% of the total trip price
29 to 15 days before arrival75% of the total trip price
Less than 15 days before arrival100% of the total trip price

Park fees and flights already paid to third parties may be non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation. Full refund policy

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