The Big Five Savannah Explorer

From the “Hatari” filming locations in Arusha National Park to the prehistoric depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, this itinerary hits the “Big Four” parks of the region. You won’t just be watching from a vehicle; you’ll be walking alongside giraffes, canoeing past hippos, and looking up at lions lounging in the ancient mahogany trees of Lake Manyara. Whether you’re chasing the rare black rhino or marveling at the giant baobabs of Tarangire, this is the ultimate “bite-sized” adventure for the modern explorer.

Day 1: Arusha National Park – Canoeing, Canopies, and Colobus Monkeys.

First, your driver-guide will collect you from Arusha to begin your journey at the foot of Mount Meru. This park became world-famous as the filming location for the classic film HATARI. Next, you will step out of the vehicle for a thrilling walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger. Additionally, this unique perspective allows you to get incredibly close to giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, warthogs, various antelope species, and monkeys, among others on foot. After the hike, you will drive through lush rainforests to the Momella Lakes and the Ngurdoto Crater where you could even spot elephants emerging from the rainforest sometimes. Furthermore, the rainforest surrounding the crater, with a bit of luck, you might spot the striking black and white colobus monkeys.

• Stay: Meru Mbega Lodge (located on the park border).

• Meals: Lunch box & Dinner.

Day 2: Lake Manyara — Tree-Climbing Lions & The Great Rift Valley.

After an early breakfast, you will head toward Lake Manyara National Park. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley, this park is a lush paradise with diverse flora.

Keep a sharp eye on the branches, as this is one of the few places on earth where you might spot lions lounging in the trees! In addition to the famous lions, you will encounter massive elephant herds, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, impalas, many antelope species and a vibrant array of birdlife who call this place home. Finally, as the sun begins to set, you will drive up the steep escarpmen enjoying breathtaking views of the park below and Maasai Land in the distance before reaching the Karatu Highlands.

• Stay: Karatu Forest Tented Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner.

• Optional: Visit the Meserani Snake Park and Maasai Heritage Museum.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater — Africa’s “Garden of Eden”.

Today, you will ascend the mist-covered slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. Once you reach the rim, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the 20km-wide caldera floor 600 meters below, with its approximately 20-kilometer diameter..

Next, you will descend into this “World Heritage Site” for a day of unparalleled wildlife viewing seeing various animals scattered across the crater floor. Here, this is your best chance to spot Tanzania’s rare black rhino and witness some of the largest tusker elephants in the country. After exploring the crater floor, you will return to your camp on the forest’s edge later in the afternoon. During the ascent to the crater rim, you’ll enjoy more spectacular views of the crater floor and then return to the Karatu Forest Tented Camp.

• Stay: Karatu Forest Tented Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner.

Day 4: Tarangire National Park — The Land of Giants.

After breakfast, you will journey to Tarangire National Park, known as the “Land of Giants.” First, you will be struck by the massive ancient Baobab trees that dot the landscape. Next, prepare for a high-density wildlife experience, as Tarangire hosts the largest elephant population in Northern Tanzania. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a tree-climbing python or the rare oryx. And finally, your Safari ASAP guide will drive you back to Arusha to conclude your epic adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast & Packed Lunch.

Safari Essentials: What’s Included

We believe a true adventure should be seamless. Below are the amenities and services included in your 4-day adventure:

• Expert Guidance: First, you will benefit from the knowledge of a professional, English-speaking Safari ASAP driver-guide.

• Comfortable Transport: Next, you will travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for 360-degree wildlife viewing.

• National Park Fees: Additionally, we include all park entrance fees, ranger fees for your walking safari, and crater service fees.

• Delicious Meals: Furthermore, you will enjoy all meals as specified (B, L, D), including healthy lunch boxes for the field.

• Hydration: To keep you refreshed, we provide unlimited bottled mineral water inside the safari vehicle.

• Cozy Accommodation: Finally, your stay includes high-quality lodges and tented camps situated in prime wildlife locations.