5 Days African Big Cats Serengeti Adventures
Serengeti National Park is well known for its open savannahs and endless grasslands. In reality, the Serengeti ecosystem is much more varied than that. Serengeti National Park, the most well-known park in Africa, which is home to many wonders like the great wildebeest migration, the African Big Five, the greatest number of predators.
Big cats in Serengeti National Park include lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and these predators can be seen as tourists enjoy a safari
Day 1: Arrival at Tarangire National Park - A Gateway to the African Wilderness
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. As you approach the park, the sight of towering baobab trees and vast open spaces sets the stage for your safari. Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds, especially during the dry season when thousands of elephants congregate around the Tarangire River in search of water. But it’s not just elephants—wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo also call the park home. The diversity of wildlife and the park’s beauty make it an ideal first stop on your journey. After a rewarding day of game viewing, you’ll head to Country Lodge in Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay, where you can relax and prepare for the upcoming days in the Serengeti.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater - A Natural Sanctuary for Wildlife
On day two, you will visit the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. The Crater, an enormous volcanic caldera, is often referred to as the “Garden of Eden” due to its incredibly high concentration of wildlife. As you descend into the Crater, you’ll be surrounded by an array of wildlife, including the African Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. The dense populations of animals in the Crater make it a prime location for game viewing. After exploring the Crater, you will continue your journey to the Serengeti, arriving at your tented lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. The night will be filled with the sounds of the African wilderness as you prepare for the next exciting chapter of your safari.
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in the Seronera Area of Serengeti
Day three brings you to the heart of the Serengeti—Seronera, one of the best places to see predators in action. The central Serengeti is famous for its high concentration of big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full-day game drive in this predator-rich region. The open plains and riverine areas of Seronera provide the perfect backdrop for spotting these iconic animals. Lions rest in the shade of acacia trees, cheetahs sprint across the grasslands in pursuit of prey, and leopards can sometimes be seen lounging in the branches of trees. Your guide will help track these majestic animals and explain their behavior and the intricate balance of the Serengeti ecosystem. After an exciting day of sightings, you’ll return to your tented lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Another Full Day of Game Drives in the Serengeti
On day four, you will enjoy another full day exploring the vast Serengeti National Park. Your safari experience can be customized based on your interests, and your knowledgeable guide will be happy to discuss different options with you. Whether you prefer tracking big cats, spotting other wildlife, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains, this day offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the African wilderness. You may encounter lions hunting, cheetah mothers teaching their cubs to hunt, or elusive leopards prowling the forests. The Serengeti is a constantly changing landscape, so no two game drives are ever the same. After a thrilling day, you’ll return to your tented lodge for another night under the stars, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Day 5: Final Game Drive and Return to Arusha
On your final day, you’ll enjoy a game drive on your way to Seronera Airstrip for your flight or drive back to Arusha. This is your last opportunity to capture those final images of the Serengeti’s iconic wildlife and landscapes. As you make your way to the airstrip, you may spot some of the park’s big cats one last time, or observe a herd of wildebeest crossing the plains. The Serengeti never ceases to amaze, and each moment offers new sights and sounds to treasure. After your game drive, you’ll either board a flight from the airstrip or begin the drive back to Arusha, bringing your unforgettable Big Cat adventure to a close. This 5-day safari will leave you with memories of incredible wildlife encounters and the stunning beauty of Africa’s most famous park.
The ideal time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season, from late June to October. The peak months for witnessing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti are June and July, while the wildebeest calving period occurs from late January to February. The southern and western circuit parks are best explored during the dry season (June to October), while the more popular northern circuit parks can be visited year-round. However, Tarangire stands out as the only park where wildlife viewing is significantly better during the dry season.
