6-Day Ultimate Big Five Safari

Safari Package

Big Five Safari & Cultural Experience

Discover the perfect combination of wildlife adventure and cultural exploration on this 6-day midrange safari through Tanzania's Northern Circuit. This unforgettable journey takes you from the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire to the endless plains of Serengeti, and into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater — home to the Big Five. Designed for couples, families, solo travellers, and small groups, this safari offers immersive game drives, stunning scenery, and authentic African experiences.

Beyond wildlife, this itinerary adds a unique cultural touch with a visit to Materuni Village near Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you will hike to the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls and experience a traditional coffee-making tour with local Chagga communities. With comfortable midrange lodges, expert guides, and private transport, this safari offers both adventure and relaxation in one seamless experience.

Why choose this Big Five safari? Track the Big Five across three iconic parks — Tarangire's elephants, Serengeti's predators, and Ngorongoro's black rhinos — then cap your journey with a refreshing waterfall hike and authentic coffee tour at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Wildlife and culture, perfectly combined.

6-Day Ultimate Big Five Safari
Big Five
Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
6 Days
Duration
Coffee Tour
Materuni Village
Waterfall Hike
Materuni Waterfalls

Your Day-by-Day Safari Itinerary

Detailed itinerary for your 6-day ultimate big five safari experience

Day Destination Activities Meals Accommodation
1
01
Day

Accommodation

Comfortable lodges and camps for your stay

Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa

Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa

Arusha

A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Arusha offering modern rooms, a swimming pool, spa services, and an excellent restaurant. The perfect base for the start and end of your safari with its central location and warm hospitality.

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Karatu

A charming hillside lodge with panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley. Set on a working farm, this lodge offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, farm-to-table dining, and beautifully landscaped gardens near the Tarangire and Ngorongoro region.

Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater Rim

A unique plantation-style lodge set among coffee bushes on the crater rim. Features comfortable en-suite rooms, a farm-to-table restaurant serving coffee-infused cuisine, a swimming pool, and sweeping views of the surrounding highlands.

Pricing

All-inclusive rates for your 6-day ultimate big five safari

WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All park entrance and concession fees
  • Ngorongoro Crater descent and vehicle fees
  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • 5 nights comfortable lodge & camp accommodation
  • All meals during safari (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Materuni Waterfalls hike & coffee tour fees
  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • Unlimited bottled water during game drives
  • Daily game drives & wildlife experiences
  • Government taxes and VAT
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Tanzania visa fees & travel insurance
  • Tips for guides, lodge staff, and drivers
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Optional activities (hot air balloon ~$550/pp)
  • Maasai village visit fees
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
  • Accommodation before/after safari
PRICING TABLE
Group Size Price Per Person
1 Person (Solo) $3,550
2 People $2,645
3 People $2,465
4 People $2,220
5 People $2,150
6+ People $2,100

Why Choose This Safari

What makes this experience exceptional

Complete Big Five Experience

Track lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino across three iconic parks — Tarangire's elephant herds, Serengeti's predators, and Ngorongoro Crater's dense wildlife. Expert guides maximise your chances of seeing all five.

Materuni Waterfalls Hike

Hike through lush tropical vegetation to the stunning 80-metre Materuni Waterfalls at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Swim in the natural pool beneath the cascade and enjoy breathtaking views of Africa's highest peak.

Authentic Coffee Tour

Visit a local Chagga family and learn the traditional coffee-making process — from roasting the beans to grinding and brewing your own cup of fresh Arabica coffee. A genuine cultural experience that supports local communities.

Private 4x4 Land Cruiser

Your private safari vehicle with pop-up roof ensures optimal game viewing. Flexible pacing, windowside photography, and personalised attention from your dedicated guide throughout the entire 6-day journey.

Comfortable Midrange Lodges

Stay at hand-picked lodges — Tulia Boutique Hotel, Farm of Dreams Lodge, Serengeti Heritage Camp, and Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge. Comfortable rooms, swimming pools, and excellent dining at affordable prices.

Wildlife & Culture Combo

This is the only itinerary that combines the Big Five with a Materuni Waterfalls hike and coffee tour. Experience Tanzania's wildlife and Chagga culture in one seamless journey — the best of both worlds.

6-Day Ultimate Big Five Safari — Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Big Five?
The Big Five refers to Africa's most iconic and historically sought-after large mammals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino. This safari takes you to three parks that collectively offer excellent chances of spotting all five. Tarangire is famous for elephants and buffalo, Serengeti for lions and leopards, and Ngorongoro Crater for black rhinos.
What is the Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour like?
On Day 6, you will drive to Materuni Village at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. A local guide leads a 30-minute hike through lush tropical vegetation to the 80-metre Materuni Waterfalls, where you can swim in the natural pool. Afterwards, you'll visit a Chagga family home to learn traditional coffee making — roasting, grinding, and brewing your own cup of fresh Arabica coffee. This is a highlight of the safari and a genuine cultural experience.
What wildlife will I see on the game drives?
Tarangire offers massive elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species. The Serengeti provides predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards alongside vast herbivore herds. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to see black rhinos, alongside lions, hippos, flamingos, and buffalo. Your guide will work to show you all Big Five.
Is this safari suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6+ are welcome on this private safari. The lodges can arrange family rooms and child-friendly meals. The Materuni Waterfalls hike is also suitable for active children. Game drives can be adjusted to shorter durations for younger guests. Please note that children under 5 are not permitted on game drives in Tanzanian national parks.
What should I wear for the Materuni hike?
For the Materuni Waterfalls hike, wear comfortable walking shoes or trainers (the trail can be muddy after rain), lightweight clothing, and bring swimwear if you wish to swim in the waterfall pool. A rain jacket is recommended during wet season. For game drives, neutral-coloured clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, and a wide-brim hat are essential.
Can I add a hot air balloon safari?
Yes! A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti can be added on Day 3 or Day 4 morning. The cost is approximately $550 per person and includes a champagne bush breakfast after landing with a flight certificate. This is an unforgettable way to experience the Serengeti from above.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. Your guide carries a first aid kit and communication equipment, but comprehensive insurance provides essential peace of mind for your international travel.
What is the best time for this safari?
June to October (dry season) offers excellent wildlife viewing with animals concentrated around water sources. January-February is great for calving season in the Serengeti. The Materuni Waterfalls are most impressive during and after the rainy seasons (March-May and November-December) when the waterfall is at full flow. Year-round, the Big Five can be spotted with expert guiding.

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