The Big Five Safari is the dream of every traveler who comes to Africa. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos make up this legendary group, once considered the most challenging to hunt on foot and today the most rewarding to see on safari.
A 3 Day Tanzania Big Five Safari Tour offers you the chance to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitats within a short time. This safari is perfect for travelers on a tight schedule who still want the thrill of spotting the Big Five, while also experiencing Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
With destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and Tarangire or Lake Manyara, this short safari guarantees excellent game viewing and unforgettable experiences.
Spot All Big Five Animals – Tanzania is one of the few countries where you can see all five.
Short and Affordable – Ideal for travelers with limited time.
High Game Concentration – Ngorongoro Crater has one of the densest populations of animals in Africa.
Flexibility – Multiple route options depending on your starting point (Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro, or even Zanzibar).
Perfect Add-On – Combine easily with Kilimanjaro trekking or a Zanzibar beach holiday.
Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Offers the highest chance of spotting all Big Five in a single day.
Excellent rhino sightings (though rare in other parks).
Compact ecosystem with grasslands, forests, swamps, and a soda lake.
Home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and occasionally rhinos.
World-famous for the wildebeest migration.
Ideal for travelers who want a classic African safari feel.
Famous for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
Great chance of seeing lions, leopards, buffalo, and elephants.
Adds variety to the Big Five experience.
Known for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos.
While rhinos are not present, it still contributes to the Big Five circuit.
Day 1: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
Pick up from Arusha or Moshi.
Drive to Tarangire National Park (about 2 hours).
Game drive with opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and more.
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp near Tarangire.
Day 2: Serengeti National Park
Early morning departure for Serengeti.
Full-day game drive across the endless plains.
Spot prides of lions, leopards resting in trees, elephants, and buffalo herds.
Dinner and overnight inside Serengeti.
Day 3: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha
Early game drive in Serengeti.
Drive to Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day crater tour.
Highest chance to complete the Big Five checklist (especially rhinos).
Afternoon drive back to Arusha/Moshi.
Day 1: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
Pick up in Arusha.
Game drive in Lake Manyara, famous for tree-climbing lions, elephants, and buffalo.
Overnight in Karatu/Ngorongoro highlands.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
Overnight in Karatu or near Tarangire.
Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Arusha
Morning drive to Tarangire.
Game viewing with elephants, lions, leopards, and birdlife.
Return to Arusha in the afternoon.
June – October (Dry Season): Best for Big Five sightings; animals gather near water sources.
December – March (Calving Season): Serengeti is alive with wildebeest births, attracting predators.
April – May (Green Season): Lush landscapes, lower prices, but occasional rain.
Prices depend on accommodation type (budget, midrange, luxury) and group size.
Budget Camping Safari: $650 – $900 per person
Mid-Range Lodge Safari: $1,000 – $1,500 per person
Luxury Safari: $1,700 – $2,800 per person
Costs include park fees, guides, meals, accommodation, and game drives.
✅ 4×4 Land Cruiser with open roof
✅ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✅ All park entry fees and crater service fees
✅ Full-board accommodation
✅ Bottled drinking water
✅ Airport/hotel transfers
Not included: International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses.
Neutral-colored clothing
Safari hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Binoculars and camera
Light jacket for evenings
Comfortable shoes
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
1. Can I see all Big Five in 3 days?
Yes, Ngorongoro gives you the best chance, along with Serengeti and Tarangire.
2. Is the safari suitable for children?
Yes, family-friendly lodges and guides make it safe and enjoyable for kids.
3. Where is the best place to see rhinos in Tanzania?
Ngorongoro Crater offers the highest chance of spotting black rhinos.
4. Can this safari start from Zanzibar?
Yes, you can fly from Zanzibar to Arusha or Serengeti and start the safari.
5. What type of vehicles are used?
Custom 4×4 safari jeeps with pop-up roofs for game viewing.
6. Are group safaris available?
Yes, you can choose between private or group departures.
7. How far are the parks from Arusha?
Tarangire: 2 hours
Lake Manyara: 1.5 hours
Ngorongoro: 3–4 hours
Serengeti: 6–7 hours
8. What accommodation options are there?
Budget campsites, midrange tented camps, and luxury lodges.
9. Can I combine this safari with Kilimanjaro trekking?
Yes, many climbers add a 3-day Big Five safari after their trek.
10. Is it possible to extend the safari?
Yes, you can easily extend to 4–7 days to cover more of Serengeti.
A 3 Day Tanzania Big Five Safari Tour is the perfect choice for travelers with limited time who don’t want to miss out on Africa’s most iconic wildlife experience. By combining Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, you maximize your chances of seeing lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—all in just three days.
Whether you’re visiting Tanzania for a short trip, after a Kilimanjaro climb, or before relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, this safari ensures you return home with incredible memories, stunning photographs, and the ultimate Big Five adventure.
👉 Book your 3 Day Tanzania Big Five Safari Tour today and tick the Big Five off your bucket list!
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination with many adventures being offered all over the country. For optimal wildlife sightings, the dry season from June to October is your best bet! Read more on when to visit Tanzania
Both have their perks with Big Five national parks, the incredible Great Migration and that quintessential African experience we all dream of. Check out our article on Serengeti vs Masai Mara to help you decide.
They both have such different safari experiences! Tanzania offers Big Five game reserves on classic dusty desert plains, rather South Africa partners the Big Five animals with luscious winelands. Both are just as good, but it depends on your safari style.
That’s a tough one! Botswana is home to herds of elephants at Chobe and the sparkling Okavango Delta, and Tanzania has the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro and Great Migration. Check out our article on Botswana vs Tanzania safaris to help you decide.
Tanzania is in general a safe, hassle-free country. However, like most places, you do need to take precautions and listen to your tour guide. It also pays to read our articles on ‘Things to know before going to Tanzania’.
A camera and binoculars are a must. You’ll regret it if you don’t take them! As for clothing, definitely pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Remember, Tanzania is an arid country so the days can get quite hot. Read more on what to pack for a safari in Tanzania in our travel magazine
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