Tanzania Serengeti Big Five Safaris & Tours
Tanzania Serengeti Big Five Safaris & Tours – Track Lions, Leopards & More
For many, the first thing that comes to their minds when thinking of African Safari is the Big Five. Lion. Leopard. Elephant. Rhino. Buffalo. These wildlife are not only symbolic; they embody the unrestrained, untamed force of nature.
The best place to sightsee these animals is the Serengeti. On a Serengeti Big Five safari, we immerse you fully into their realm. It is not simply about viewing wildlife. It is about the experience of wild nature unfolding all around you.
We offer fully immersive Big Five safaris with the most incredible experiences you could ever wish for. Whether you are coming for a first-time safari or an experienced safari adventurer, tracking the Big Five is always a thrill.
It is not only about ticking off the Big Five, it is understanding the sheer power, awe, and intricate nature of each creature with a professional guide, a thoughtful itinerary, and ample time to enjoy the wild.
We design these tours for clients across the globe. We have clients coming in from New York or London with cameras in hand and endless curiosity. We have clients coming in from Nairobi or Kampala with childhood fantasies of spotting lions. Regardless of your origins, you are assured to undergo a transformation. The Big Five guarantee that.
Why Should You Go on a Big Five Safari in the Serengeti?
Visiting Serengeti National Park during your safari vacation in Africa will give you a chance to see the Big Five in one park.
Unlike other smaller private reserves and parks, the Serengeti provides enough space and has a variety to roam. There are different landscapes such as wide grasslands, and the acacia woodlands as well as river corridors. All these regions give you different chances to view the Big Five.
There’s no escaping to find the lions as they are everywhere. Their population in the park is estimated to be around 3,200 lions which is one of the last parks they roam in freely. You will frequently spot them stalk and prey in the mornings, and resting under trees during the day.
Although they are hard to spot, the reward you get by a leopard’s sighting is extremely fulfilling. They are usually found resting on trees in the Seronera Valley. With patience, you can find them throughout the day and at dusk as they silently hunt.
Within the western corridor and the central zones of the park, you can find elephants. They are usually spotted in large groups as they silently roam over the grasslands and river bathing.
The composed and lesser known of the Big Five, buffalo are one of the most memorable to view. Their power, aggressiveness, and large herds are very captivating, especially during a clash and spirited dash through fields.
Rhinos are probably the most elusive of all the big five animals and are located in the Ngorongoro Crater. While this sits on the edge of the Serengeti, it is commonly included in big five tours. The tour is rewarding as the chance of spotting a rhino is very high and one can view them from meters away.
In our case, luck is different. It’s all about the right place, right guide, and right time. This is exactly where our expertise and services come in.
Best Time for Big Five Safaris in the Serengeti.
In the case of The Serengeti, big five animals can be spotted at any time of the year, although experience may vary with the time of the year and location.
Wildlife greatly increases in visibility during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. During this period, animals congregate around rivers and waterholes. This period also coincides with the Great Migrations northern river crossing where lion and leopard sightings peak.
During the period of December to March, the southern Serengeti experiences a calving season which makes the region very green. This is the peak period of predator interaction as lions and leopards actively stalk the moving herds. It is also a great time for wildlife photographers as the light is perfect and there are less leaves on trees.
Lower visitation and pricing occur during the months of April, May, and November. While the area might receive rain, the ecosystem is vividly lush and green. These shoulder seasons provide excellent value alongside spectacular encounters of the Big Five. If you prefer more personalized safaris with less crowded sightings, these months are ideal.
We optimize your itinerary based on the sights you wish to see, your travel duration, and the season during which you are visiting. This way, you are never rushed or stuck in a place you don’t want to be.
Best Tips for Big Five Safari in Serengeti
- Most important, start early in the day: Predators are most active during the early hours after a night of hunting. Morning light is gentle, and a good time to catch both leopards and lions. Your best opportunity is before 9 AM.
- Select a professional safari guide: We train our safari guides on the park’s complex geography, animal behavior, and wildlife tracking. Their knowledge makes the difference for whether you catch a glimpse of the animal or enjoy an amazing viewing.
- Stay in different areas of the park: The Big Five don’t inhabit one area. As you move between different regions, your chances of viewing all of them certainly increase.
- Head over to Ngorongoro to see the rhinos: They’re very rare in the Serengeti, and most sightings are made in Ngorongoro Crater, which forms part of our Big Five safaris.
- Bring a camera with zoom: Even with great guides, some sights cannot be made out clearly. Zooming in with a camera of at least 200mm ensures that you can capture the moments.
- Stay quiet during sights: Animals can be scared away, or, in the worst-case scenario, made aggressive, due to any sudden movements or sounds. Follow your guide’s instructions on when to talk and when to switch positions.
- Be patient: The wait time could go up to 20-30 minutes at a time, and that is perfectly okay. When a leopard finally decides to move, or when a lion bellows, it will all be worth it.
- Don’t rush the checklist; The initial five are only the beginning. Treasures the cheetahs, the giraffes, the zebras, the hippos, the birds, and all that the Serengeti has to offer.
Best Big Five Viewing Areas in the Serengeti
Seronera Valley (Central Serengeti)
Packed with a rich population of lions and leopards. Game viewing is good throughout the year and there is a good population of elephants and buffalo.
Mara River (Northern Serengeti)
Best from July to October. Lions can be seen at migration crossings, elephants along the river, and on rare occasions, leopards.
Ndutu Plains (Southern Serengeti)
Best from December to March. Great calving season. High number of lions and cheetahs. Common buffalo and elephants.
Western Corridor (Grumeti River)
Famous for its verdant riverine forests. Offers good herds of elephants, some leopards, and large herds of buffalo.
Ngorongoro Crater
Although part of Ngorongoro, which does not belong to Serengeti, it is vital for all Big Five safaris. It is regarded as one of the finest locations to spot a rhino in Tanzania.
Serengeti Big 5 Safari Activities and Attractions (What to expect)
In addition to game drives, Big Five safaris allow for a variety of activities. It is not just a simple matter of driving and merely spotting animals; it is storytelling, silence, observation, and forming bonds with the natural world.
The start of the day’s activities is in the form of morning game drives. Before the sun rises, your guide will get you going. It is mostly calm, animals are on alert, and the light is golden. You will be present and not watching a screen, while lions are off drinking after a night of hunting and elephants gathering to drink.
Midday break is a time for animals to rest as well, so it is off to the camp for the humans too. Shower, eat, and rest. Most camps offer shaded sitting areas, which come quite in handy for quiet contemplation or daydreaming.
The afternoon drives begin around 4 PM and continue until 5 PM. At this time of the day, it is cooler, and the wildlife is more active. You can follow vultures that lead you to a carcass, stalk fresh paw prints, or just quietly watch herds of buffalo thunder by. As the day winds down, these drives culminate with a ‘sundowner’: a drink served as the sky is painted with deep orange and purple hues.
For couples or photographers, we offer private drives, where the guide can center the focus on particular wildlife, or spend more time at each viewing.
Some camps offer walking safaris, which teach you about small animals, their tracks, and the local flora. While you may not encounter the Big Five on foot, the experience deepens your understanding of the bush.
We also offer night drives in some regions. While these drives focus on nocturnal wildlife, you can also see civets and genets as well as bush babies and even some lions on the move.
And of course, there are the evenings spent around the campfire with the guides. They speak about near misses, uncommon wildlife encounters, and the stories behind the naming of the Big Five. These are the moments that transform a good trip into a cherished memory.
Big Five Safari – 10 Most Asked Questions
What does “Big Five” mean?
The “Big Five were a collection of 5 animals a hunter would love to track down and hunt. In modern contexts, it is used for animal watching. They consist of a lion, a leopard, an elephant, a buffalo, and a rhinoceros. Each of these animals is awe inspiring in their own right.“
Will I see all five animals on one safari?
It is possible, but not probable. You will likely see lions, elephants, and buffalo, but leopards need a bit more attention in Safari. Rhinos are also uncommon in the Serengeti. Hence the reason we often add a stop in Ngorongoro Crater where they are much more commonly seen.
How many days should I plan for a Big Five safari?
Reserve around 5 to 7 days for the safari. This is the perfect duration to travel to different regions, see more wildlife, and maintain a more relaxed pace. Key species may be missed on a shorter trip.
What kind of vehicles are used?
Our vehicles consist of 4×4 safari cars. Windows and seats are provided for all the passengers to guarantee a view. These vehicles are built to endure bumpy rides while prioritizing comfort.
Are Big Five safaris safe?
Yes. Our guides are trained, licensed, and follow all safety protocols. You stay inside the vehicle during sightings and follow your guide’s instructions at all times. The animals are wild, but respectful distances and calm behavior keep you safe.
What should I bring on a Big Five safari?
When planning your Serengeti big 5 safari, pack light, neutral clothing, a good camera, binoculars, sun protection, insect repellent, and a small day bag. We’ll send a full packing list before your trip.
Can children join a Big Five safari?
Yes. Many families enjoy Big Five safaris. We adapt game drives for kids by including shorter routes, flexible schedules, and child-friendly guides. Some lodges offer junior ranger programs and activity books.
How do you protect the animals?
We follow all national park regulations and partner with lodges that practice sustainable tourism. Our guides never off-road illegally or disturb wildlife for better photos. We believe in ethical safaris that benefit both travelers and conservation.
Can I combine this safari with other activities?
Absolutely. Many guests add Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, or cultural visits to their Big Five safari. We help build multi-part itineraries that include adventure, rest, and local connection.
Why choose our company?
Because we know the Serengeti, and we care about your experience. Our team is based in East Africa, and our guides have decades of combined experience. We don’t rush. We don’t overpromise. We simply deliver safaris that are thoughtful, personal, and unforgettable. When you choose us, you’re not a tourist. You’re our guest.
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Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, may
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Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Dec