Black Rhinos

Wildebeest Serengeti

Acacia Tree Serengeti

Black Rhinos

1/8

Join us for a thrilling 6-day Big 5 Challenge as you set out to find Africa’s most iconic wildlife: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo.

These animals were once considered the most difficult to hunt on foot — today, they are the most exciting to spot on safari.

While sightings can’t be guaranteed, your journey through Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent chances for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Big 5 Challenge

6 days - 5 nights

Day 1 - Arrival in Tanzania

After a warm welcome by your private guide at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or lodge in Arusha for your first overnight stay.

Meal plan:

Bed only

Day 2 - Your Safari Begins: Lake Manyara National Park

Your Big 5 Challenge begins! After breakfast, enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to Lake Manyara National Park — known for its vibrant flamingos and rare tree-climbing lions. Later in the day, continue to the nearby village of Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight at:

Meal plan:

Hotel/lodge

Full board

Day 3 - Serengeti National Park

After an early breakfast, journey toward Serengeti National Park. Travel through the misty rainforests of the Ngorongoro highlands, spotting wildlife along the way. Arrive in Serengeti by afternoon and check into your tented camp for an unforgettable “Out of Africa” experience.

Overnight at:

Meal plan:

Hotel/lodge

Full board

Day 4 - Big 4 Challenge - Serengeti National Park

Today’s goal is to spot four of the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo. With your expert guide leading the way, enjoy exceptional game viewing across the plains. Return to your tented camp for a well-earned sundowner.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 5 - Ngorongoro Crater

Leave Serengeti behind and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with a packed breakfast. This wildlife-rich caldera is your best chance to complete the Big 5 with a rare sighting of the endangered black rhino. In the afternoon, return to Karatu for your final overnight stay.

Overnight at:

Meal plan:

Hotel/lodge

Full board

Day 6 - Farewell, Tanzania

After breakfast and a slow, reflective morning, your guide will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your international flight. You leave with your heart full and your camera packed with memories.

End of Service

Optional Beach Extension

Don’t want the adventure to end just yet? Add a few days of barefoot luxury on Zanzibar, Mafia Island, or Pemba—where white sands and turquoise waters await. We’re happy to tailor the perfect ending to your journey!

Price Indication

From $2,350 per person based on 2 travelers
From $1,800 per person based on 4 travelers

Please note: These starting prices are indicative for travel during the high season (July/August) and based on hand-picked select accommodations. Prices may be lower during the low season, with favorable exchange rates, or when traveling with more people and/or children. During holidays or in case of an unfavorable exchange rate, prices may be higher.

For a complete, tailor-made package including transfers, accommodations, and more – contact us for a personalized quote! All our published prices are subject to our Terms and Conditions. For full details, we kindly invite you to review them by clicking [here].

Inclusive:

All transfers and activities as mentioned above.
Shared rooms during safari/beach in standard rooms unless differently stipulated.
Park fees, Conservation and Community Development fees
Meals as stipulated.
Complimentary mineral water, coffee and tea in the safari vehicle.
4x4 game viewing vehicles plus driver guide (window seat guaranteed).
Services of a professional driver/guide during safari.
AMREF emergency evacuation coverage.

Exlusive:

International Flights.
Domestic flights.
Beach extension Zanzibar.
Tipping can be a sensitive topic in many European/Western countries, but it is a common practice in the tourism industry in East Africa. Check our Travel Guide for references.
Drinks.
Any other personal expenses.
Visa fees and airport departure taxes.
Personal items and anything not specified in the itinerary above.

Tanzania is a land of remarkable cultural diversity, home to numerous tribes, each with its own distinct language, traditions, and heritage. Despite these differences, the nation is united by a harmonious culture built on a deeply rooted social code of courtesy and respect. The country’s climate is predominantly tropical. The hottest months occur from December to February. Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons: the long rains from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to early December. However, these patterns have become less predictable due to climate change. The coolest months, from June to August, bring chilly nights and mornings, especially in high-altitude regions like Kilimanjaro, the Karatu Highlands, and the Ngorongoro Crater, where temperatures can drop close to freezing. This guide offers essential travel tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania.

Climate:

General Weather: Tanzania has a tropical climate.
Hot Months: December to February are the hottest months.
Rainy Seasons: Long rains occur mid-March to late May, while short rains fall in November through early December. Climate change can cause variations.
Cool Months: June to August are the coolest months, with chilly nights and mornings.
High Altitudes: In areas like Kilimanjaro, Karatu Highlands, and Ngorongoro Crater, temperatures can drop near freezing

Safari Preparation:

Clothing:

Headwear: Sun hat with a wide brim or peak.
Eyewear: Sunglasses.
Scarves: Cotton scarf to protect against sunburn.
Shirts: Light cotton, long and short sleeves; avoid dark colors like blue or black (attracts tsetse flies).
Outerwear: Medium-weight fleece for cooler evenings and mornings; lightweight rain jacket.
Pants: Lightweight trousers; convertible zip-off styles are convenient.
Evening Attire: Casual but smart clothing for lodges or tented camps.
Footwear: Walking shoes or trainers; sport sandals. Hiking boots are only necessary for trekking or multi-day walking safaris.
Extras: Torch or headlamp with spare batteries; face masks for COVID-19 protection

Medical Supplies:

Basic medications: headache and diarrhea tablets, rehydration salts, antihistamines.
Sun Protection: SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm.
Insect Protection: Mosquito repellent and bite cream.
Other Essentials: Wet wipes, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, personal prescriptions, and any required vaccines (e.g., yellow fever).

Personal Equipment:

Daypack: lightweight, durable.
Toiletries: some lodges provide basic items.
Camera: spare batteries, and memory cards.
Charging Needs: Multi-plugs; vehicles equipped with British-standard sockets; lodges provide charging facilities.
Binoculars (one per person recommended).

Beach Preparation:

Essentials: Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, reef shoes, and swimwear.
Optional: Snorkeling gear (can be rented locally).
Modesty Guidelines: Cover shoulders and knees in villages or towns (especially in Muslim areas).

Plastic Ban:

Tanzania prohibits all plastic bags, including carrier bags, bin liners, and rubbish bags.
Exception: Small ziplock bags for toiletries per airline regulations, which must be taken out of the country afterward.

Luggage Tips:

Use soft sports bags for easier packing in vehicles and planes. Suitcases can be cumbersome.
Weight Limits: Small aircraft often enforce a 15kg limit.
Lock all bags and keep essential items in carry-on luggage.
Avoid prohibited items in carry-on (e.g., lighters, knives)

Money and Payments:

Bring USD, EUR, or GBP. New USD notes (2016 or newer) are preferred.
ATM machines dispense local currency (Tanzanian Shillings), with daily withdrawal limits.
Credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) are accepted at some lodges, with a 4-5% fee.

Tipping can be a sensitive topic in many European/Western countries, but it is a common practice in the tourism industry in East Africa. Below are our guidelines for your reference.

Tipping Guideline Safari & Beach:

Safari Driver/Guide: $10-$15 person sharing the vehicle (e.g. 4 persons x 4 days @$10 = $160 in total).
Hotels/Lodges/Camps: $5–$7 per guest per night (use communal tip boxes).

Tipping Guideline Kilimanjaro/Meru Climb:

Head Guide: $25-$30 per day / group.
Assistant Guide: $15-$20 per day / group.
Porters: $7-$10 per porter per day / group.
Cook: $12-$15 per day / group.
Camp Master: $10-$12 per day / group.
Toilet Master: $10-$12 per day / group.
Waiter: $12-15 per day / group.

Documents:

Visa (apply online at Tanzania eVisa).
Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
Emergency contacts.
Travel insurance.
Vaccination certificates.

Emergency and Evacuation:

AMREF Evacuation Cover: Built into all itineraries. Provides emergency medical evacuation to the nearest facility in Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa. This supplements personal travel insurance.

Final Notes:

This guide covers the essentials. If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact us. Best of luck from all of us at Genes Adventures!

Prepare well and enjoy your Adventure!

This itinerary is just an example only!

At Genes Adventures, all our itineraries are tailor-made. Whether you're combining your safari with a thrilling Kilimanjaro climb or unwinding on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island, we’ll design a journey that matches your style, interests, and schedule.