11-Day Tanzania Great Migration, Culture, and Big5 Wildlife Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari journey across Tanzania, where you will experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Migration, witness the Big Five in their natural habitat, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of East Africa. This 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari promises a perfect blend of wildlife adventures and cultural encounters, allowing you to explore both the natural and human heritage of Tanzania. Embark on this incredible journey with Winton Africa Safaris Ltd, where we ensure every moment of your 11-Day Tanzania Big 5 Wildlife Safari is filled with adventure, discovery, and cultural enrichment. Experience Tanzania’s Great Migration, encounter the Big Five, and connect with the heart and soul of East Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari Highlights

Tour Quotation: Based on Mid-Range Safari US$8,845

Detailed 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport and Drive to Tarangire National Park

Your 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari adventure begins the moment you arrive at Mt. Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits you. Upon clearing immigration and customs, you will be greeted by a professional 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari guide from Winton Africa Safaris Ltd. After a short briefing, you will embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park.

Known for its diverse landscapes, Tarangire is home to one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Tanzania. The park is famous for its towering baobab trees, lush acacia woodlands, and the Tarangire River, which serves as a lifeline for the animals during the dry season. Here, you’ll witness large herds of elephants, one of the park’s highlights, along with giraffes, zebras, and an array of bird species.

As you settle into your lodge or tented camp, the sounds of the African wilderness surround you. Enjoy your first evening in the bush, with a delightful dinner and a chance to reflect on the adventures ahead of the 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari.

  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Whistling Thorn Tented Camp – Mid-Range

Day 2: Game Drive in Tarangire National Park to Spot Large Herds of Elephants, Afternoon Drive to Lake Manyara

Your second day begins with an early morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, where you’ll have the best chance to spot the iconic elephant herds for which the park is renowned. These majestic creatures, often numbering in the hundreds, gather around the Tarangire River to drink, bathe, and socialize. Watching their interactions and observing their behavior offers a glimpse into the complex social structures of these intelligent animals.

In addition to elephants, Tarangire is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and an abundance of antelope species. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive predators that prowl the park, as well as a variety of bird species that inhabit the area.

After a rewarding morning of wildlife viewing, you will depart for Lake Manyara National Park, with a leisurely drive through the Tanzanian countryside. Upon arrival at your lodge, you’ll have time to relax before dinner, preparing for the adventures that lie ahead on the 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Manyara

Day 3: Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park to Spot Tree Climbing Lions and Proceed to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you’ll set out for a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, a lush, green oasis that lies at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This unique park is known for its diverse habitats, ranging from dense groundwater forests to expansive alkaline lakes and grassy floodplains. The highlight of your visit here will be the chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon that makes this park unique.

In addition to the lions, you may encounter large troops of baboons, impalas, elephants, and an impressive array of birdlife, including the iconic flamingos that often line the shores of Lake Manyara. As you explore the park, the picturesque backdrop of the Rift Valley provides a stunning contrast to the vibrant wildlife. Experience the tree-climbing lions of the 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari in Lake Manyara.

In the afternoon, you’ll make your way to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ngorongoro Crater, formed millions of years ago by the collapse of a volcano, is one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in Africa. As you arrive at your lodge, perched on the crater’s edge, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of this ancient caldera, where a rich tapestry of wildlife thrives.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 4: Full Day Adventure in Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Game Drives and Nature Walk

Today is dedicated to exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a unique blend of nature and culture. Your 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari adventure begins with a thrilling descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This immense, unbroken caldera is home to a staggering concentration of wildlife, offering one of the best opportunities to spot the Big Five—lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards.

Throughout the day, you’ll embark on exciting game drives across the crater floor, where you’ll witness the extraordinary diversity of animals that inhabit this fertile region. The crater’s unique ecosystem supports everything from large mammals to smaller creatures like hyenas, jackals, and the endangered black rhino. The presence of lakes, wetlands, and open grasslands provides ample opportunities for birdwatching as well.

After a morning of wildlife encounters, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the crater’s designated sites, surrounded by stunning scenery. In the afternoon, you’ll take a guided nature walk along the crater’s rim, offering breathtaking views and a deeper appreciation of the natural beauty of this remarkable area.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 5: Another Day Adventure in Ngorongoro: Visit Ngorongoro Crater and Game Drives

On your second day in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll have the chance to further explore this remarkable region. Today’s focus is on discovering the area’s cultural and archaeological significance, alongside more game drives. Ngorongoro is not only known for its abundant wildlife but also for its rich history as a site of early human habitation.

A visit to the nearby Olduvai Gorge offers a fascinating insight into the origins of humankind. Often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,” Olduvai Gorge is one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites. Archaeologists have uncovered numerous fossils here, including early hominid remains, providing invaluable information about our ancestors’ lives millions of years ago.

After exploring Olduvai Gorge, you’ll return to the crater floor for additional game drives. Keep an eye out for the elusive black rhino and other iconic species that call this protected area home. Your time in Ngorongoro will be a perfect blend of wildlife adventure and cultural discovery.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 6: Morning Transfer to Ndutu Plains (Southern Serengeti National Park) – Game Drives and Maasai Culture Experience

This morning, you’ll depart for the Ndutu Plains in the southern region of Serengeti National Park. This area is renowned for its seasonal abundance of wildlife, particularly during the calving season of the Great Migration. Here, vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles gather, creating a dynamic ecosystem that supports predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Maasai culture. The Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, are one of Tanzania’s most iconic indigenous groups. You’ll visit a traditional Maasai boma (village), where you’ll learn about their unique customs, lifestyle, and beliefs.

The Maasai are known for their vibrant attire, beadwork, and semi-nomadic pastoralism. During your visit, you’ll witness traditional dances, engage with Maasai warriors and elders, and learn about their ancient techniques for livestock management. The 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari experience offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge

Day 7: Spend a Full Day in Ndutu Plains (Southern Serengeti National Park) – Game Drives

Today is dedicated to exploring the Ndutu Plains, one of the prime locations for viewing the Great Migration. The sheer number of animals on the plains is awe-inspiring, as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes graze and move across the landscape in search of fresh pastures.

Throughout the day, you’ll embark on game drives that take you closer to this extraordinary natural phenomenon. The presence of such a large prey base attracts predators, making this area one of the best places to witness the dramatic interactions between lions, cheetahs, and hyenas as they hunt for food.

The open plains also offer exceptional opportunities for photography, with stunning backdrops of acacia trees, rolling grasslands, and distant hills. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time safari-goer, the Ndutu experience will leave you with unforgettable memories.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge

Day 8: Drive to Central Serengeti National Park – Afternoon Game Drives and Evening Nature Walk

This morning, you’ll continue your 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari journey to Central Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world. As you enter the park, the vast, seemingly endless plains stretch out before you, offering prime habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The central region, also known as the Seronera Valley, is particularly famous for its high density of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

After settling into your accommodation, you’ll head out for an afternoon game drive, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot these magnificent predators, along with elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. The Serengeti’s iconic landscape, dotted with kopjes (rocky outcrops), provides excellent vantage points for observing both prey and predators.

In the evening, you’ll take part in a guided nature walk, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about the Serengeti’s ecosystem and smaller species, such as birds, insects, and plants. Walking through the African bush at sunset is a serene and immersive 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari experience, offering a different perspective on this remarkable environment.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma

Day 9: Full Day Adventure in Central Serengeti National Park – Hot Air Balloon, Game Drives, and a Visit to Maasai Boma Village for Cultural Experience

Prepare for an extraordinary 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari experience as you begin your day with a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains. At sunrise, you’ll gently ascend into the sky, offering panoramic views of the endless savannah below. From the balloon, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife, including grazing herbivores, predators on the prowl, and the stunning scenery of the Serengeti. The experience culminates with a champagne breakfast in the bush, adding a touch of luxury to your safari adventure.

After breakfast, you’ll spend the rest of the day on game drives in the Central Serengeti, where the wildlife action continues. The Serengeti is home to all the members of the Big Five, and your 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari guide will take you to the best spots for sightings. The variety of animals you’ll encounter in the Serengeti is unparalleled, making this region a highlight of any Tanzanian safari.

In the afternoon, you’ll have another opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai boma. Here, you’ll delve deeper into the rich culture of the Maasai people, learning about their daily lives, traditional ceremonies, and the challenges they face in the modern world. The Maasai’s connection to the land and their preservation of ancient customs offers a profound cultural experience, enriching your understanding of Tanzania’s diverse heritage.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma

Day 10: Game Drive in the Northern Serengeti National Park to Experience the Great Migration at the Mara River

On your final full day in 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari, you’ll venture into the Northern Serengeti National Park, where one of the most dramatic events of the Great Migration takes place—the crossing of the Mara River. Every year, millions of wildebeest and zebras make their perilous journey across this river, facing crocodiles, swift currents, and predators lying in wait.

Witnessing a river crossing is one of the most exhilarating safari experiences, as the sheer spectacle of the migration’s scale unfolds before your eyes. The determination of the animals to continue their journey, despite the dangers, is a testament to the power of nature and survival.

Aside from the migration, the Northern Serengeti is home to a variety of other wildlife species, including elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes. The more remote and less-visited nature of this region also offers a more intimate and exclusive 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari experience.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma

Day 11: Morning Game Drive and Scenic Transfer by Road to Mt Kilimanjaro Airport for Departure – End of Safari

On the final morning of your 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari, you’ll enjoy one last game drive in the Northern Serengeti, taking in the beauty of the African wilderness. As the sun rises over the plains, you’ll have time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve experienced, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural discoveries.

After the game drive, you’ll embark on a scenic transfer by road to Mt. Kilimanjaro Airport for your 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari departure. As your time in Tanzania comes to an end, you’ll leave with cherished memories, a deep connection to the land and its people, and a desire to return to this remarkable country.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch En-route
  • No Accommodation

End of 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari

 

Cultural Experiences Highlighted in the 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari

Throughout this 11-Day Tanzania Big 5 Wildlife Safari journey, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage, particularly through your interactions with the Maasai people. The Maasai’s deep-rooted connection to their land, traditional ways of life, and resilience in the face of modern challenges provide a unique cultural insight that enhances your safari experience.

During visits to Maasai bomas, you’ll witness traditional dances, hear stories from elders, and learn about their customs, rituals, and social structure. The Maasai have a unique way of blending their traditional lifestyle with the demands of modern society, making them a symbol of cultural perseverance in Tanzania.

Your time in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area also offers a deeper appreciation of Tanzania’s human history, particularly through your visit to Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Here, you’ll gain insight into the ancient origins of humankind and the role Tanzania has played in the study of early human evolution.

These cultural experiences add a profound dimension to your 11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari, allowing you to connect not only with Tanzania’s wildlife but also with its people and history.

11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • Accommodation in luxury lodges and camps
  • All meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • All park fees and conservation area permits
  • Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Daily game drives as per itinerary
  • Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
  • Cultural visits to Maasai bomas
  • Guided nature walks
  • All government taxes and levies
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinking water in the safari vehicle

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as tips, souvenirs, and beverages
  • Any medical services

11-Day Tanzania Big5 Wildlife Safari Quotation: Based on Mid-Range Safari US$8,845