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.
Itinerary & prices reviewed
Why travellers choose this safari
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
06
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.
Day by day
6-Day Ultimate Big Five Safari itinerary
6 days · 7 stops · starts in Arusha
Day1Arrival in Tanzania — Welcome to Arusha
Airport transfer, city tour & safari briefing
Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour exploring local markets and cultural sites. Later, relax at the hotel and receive a full safari briefing from your guide in preparation for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel's restaurant, featuring both international and local Tanzanian cuisine.
Day2Arusha to Tarangire National Park
2-hour drive + full-day game drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, approximately 120km from Arusha. Enjoy a full-day game drive in a park famous for its massive elephant herds — sometimes over 300 individuals — ancient baobab trees, and seasonal river wildlife. Lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species thrive in this diverse ecosystem. A picnic lunch is served inside the park at a scenic spot overlooking the Tarangire River. In the late afternoon, transfer to Farm of Dreams Lodge, a charming hillside lodge with panoramic views, swimming pool, and farm-to-table dining.
Day3Karatu to Serengeti National Park
Scenic drive + afternoon game drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a scenic stop at the crater rim for panoramic photos of the 600-metre deep caldera. Continue your journey into Serengeti National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the wildlife-rich Seronera region, the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem. Spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and vast herds of zebras and wildebeest. Head to Serengeti Heritage Camp for dinner and overnight — a comfortable tented camp offering an authentic bush experience.
Day4Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Sunrise game drive + transfer
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti when predators are most active. Watch the sunrise over the endless plains as lions begin their morning hunt and elephants gather at waterholes. After breakfast, continue with game viewing en route as you drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive in the afternoon at Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge, a beautiful plantation-style lodge set among coffee bushes on the crater rim. An optional visit to a Maasai village can be arranged to experience local culture.
Day5Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Arusha
Full-day crater drive + return drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a dense population of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and the rare black rhino — your final Big Five member. The crater floor offers exceptional game viewing thanks to its enclosed ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool surrounded by flamingos at Lake Magadi. In the afternoon, ascend the crater wall and drive back to Arusha. Check into Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa for your final night, with a farewell dinner to celebrate your Big Five success.
Day6Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour — Departure
Waterfall hike, coffee tour, airport transfer
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, drive to Materuni Village at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro for a cultural and nature experience. Enjoy a guided hike through lush tropical vegetation to the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls, where you can swim in the refreshing natural pool beneath the 80-metre cascade. After the hike, visit a local Chagga family to learn traditional coffee-making processes — from roasting and grinding to brewing your own cup of fresh Arabica coffee. Enjoy lunch before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure, completing your Big Five safari with a taste of Tanzanian culture.
Where you sleep
Where you'll stay
Hand-picked lodges & camps · similar alternatives may be offered subject to availability
Arusha
Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa
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.
Karatu
Farm of Dreams Lodge
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 Crater Rim
Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
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.
Rates & inclusions
6-Day Ultimate Big Five Safari prices
Per person in US dollars · private tour · switch currency in the header
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.
Plan this journey
Make it yours
Tell us your dates and group size — we'll confirm availability and send a tailor-made quote for the 6-Day Ultimate Big Five Safari.
