5 Days Big Five family safari that promises adventure

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info

Trip Overview

Experience the magic of Tanzania on this 5-days Big Five family safari that promises adventure, connection, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Starting from Kilimanjaro Airport or Zanzibar Island, your journey takes you through the iconic northern safari circuit—Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. Witness elephants in Tarangire, search for the elusive black rhino in Ngorongoro, and track lions and leopards in the Serengeti. Stay in family-friendly luxury lodges and tented camps surrounded by nature’s beauty. Expert local guides ensure your safety, comfort, and a rich learning experience for all ages. From thrilling game drives and picnic lunches in the wild to evening relaxation under the African stars, this adventure with Gardenia African Safaris is perfect for families seeking real connection and extraordinary moments in Africa’s

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Zanzibar Island, a warm welcome awaits you from your Gardenia African Safaris team. You’ll be met by your private safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha (or nearby area). Take time to relax after your flight if you arrive early, enjoy a short walk or optional town visit. This evening, your guide will give you a short safari briefing and answer any questions. Rest well tonight your adventure begins in the morning! Accommodation will be in a cozy lodge, such as Kiliseason Hotel , providing a family-friendly atmosphere, delicious meals, and views of Mount Meru or Arusha’s rolling hills. This arrival day sets the tone for the exciting wildlife experiences to come.

Accommodation: Kiliseason Hotel

Meals: Full Board
Day 2
Tarangire National Park – Land of Giants
After breakfast, depart Arusha and journey to Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Today’s game drive takes you into this spectacular park where you'll enjoy sightings of lions, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and the endangered fringe-eared oryx. Don’t forget to look out for tree-climbing pythons and colorful birdlife. A picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot overlooking the Tarangire River, where animals gather to drink. Kids will love spotting different species and learning from your expert guide. In the late afternoon, drive to Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, a peaceful retreat nestled near Lake Manyara. Relax and enjoy a hearty dinner, storytelling around the fire, or simply stargazing with your family.

Accommodation: Kilimamoja Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater & Drive to Serengeti
Departure early for a thrilling adventure into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera and home to all of Africa’s Big Five. After a stunning descent into the crater, enjoy a half-day game drive across its grasslands and swamps. You’ll likely spot rhinos, lions, buffaloes, hyenas, and perhaps even cheetahs and flamingos at Lake Magadi. After a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, ascend the crater rim and begin the scenic drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park. Watch the landscape shift from highlands to vast plains, alive with wildlife and golden grasses. Arrive at Moyo Tented Luxury Camp, your comfortable base inside the park. Enjoy a warm welcome, hot shower, sunset views, and a family dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Moyo Tented Luxury Camp

Meals: Full Board
Day 4
Full Day in Serengeti – Big Cats & Endless Plains .
Today is a full-day game drive in the heart of the Serengeti, Africa’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary. Start early to catch predators in action—lions, leopards, cheetahs—and witness vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the open plains. Your expert guide will tailor the route based on the season and wildlife movement, ensuring the best possible sightings. Stop for a picnic lunch at a shaded spot with views of the savannah and perhaps nearby giraffes or elephants. Kids will love tracking footprints and identifying animal calls. Return to Moyo Tented Luxury Camp in the evening for relaxation, storytelling, and a delicious dinner. Let the sounds of the Serengeti—distant lion roars and night birds lull you to sleep in your canvas tent.

Accommodation: Moyo Tented Luxury Camp

Meals: Full Board
Day 5
Morning Game Drive & Seronera Airstrip Drop-off .
On your final day, enjoy an early sunrise game drive through the Serengeti. It’s a perfect time to catch animals as they wake and predators returning from a night of hunting. This is a magical farewell to the savannah watching elephants stroll across golden grass, or a lion pride basking in the morning sun. Return to camp for breakfast, then pack up and drive to the Seronera Airstrip. Your guide will assist with check-in for your onward flight to Arusha, Zanzibar, or your next destination. Though your safari comes to an end, the memories of incredible wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and quality family time will last a lifetime. Thank you for choosing Gardenia African Safaris for this unforgettable family journey through Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast