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8-Day Big Time Family Epic: Wildlife, Culture & Adventure

8 days

Tented & Lodge Accommodation • Guided Private Safari • Wi-Fi Available • All Meals Included

  • Explore endless Serengeti savannah plains
  • Descend into Ngorongoro’s wildlife crater
  • See flamingos at Lake Natron
  • Spot the legendary Big Five
  • Enjoy gentle family walking safaris
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Safari Overview

Embark on an 8-day family adventure with Big Time Adventures through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, including the stunning Lake Natron. Experience wildlife safaris, cultural encounters, and breathtaking scenery, from the Serengeti plains to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Spot the Big Five, marvel at flamingo-filled lakes, and meet Maasai communities along the way. Stay in carefully selected lodges and eco-friendly camps, enjoy regional cuisine, and create unforgettable family memories with guided safaris, hikes, and cultural experiences.

Safari Highlights

  • Explore endless Serengeti savannah plains
  • Descend into Ngorongoro’s wildlife crater
  • See flamingos at Lake Natron
  • Spot the legendary Big Five
  • Enjoy gentle family walking safaris

Tour Itinerary

  • Day 1. Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your Big Time Adventures team will greet you and transfer you about 1–1.5 hours to Lake Duluti Lodge. Enjoy your first views of Tanzania’s rolling hills, farmlands, and Maasai villages. Settle in, explore Arusha briefly if time permits, and join a welcome dinner with your guide for a full safari briefing.

Accommodation:

    Lake Duluti Lodge
    • Meal Plan
      Lunch and Dinner

    • Day 2. Arusha to Tarangire National Park

    Drive 3 hours to Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephants, baobabs, and diverse wildlife. Embark on morning and afternoon game drives, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, and colorful birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, then transfer to Suricata Boma Lodge near Mto wa Mbu for dinner and overnight.

    Accommodation:

      Suricata Boma Lodge
      • Meal Plan
        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      • Day 3. Karatu to Lake Natron

      After breakfast, drive 5–6 hours to Lake Natron, enjoying scenic views of the Rift Valley. On arrival, embark on a walking safari to spot flamingos and explore the soda flats. Hike to Ngare Sero Waterfalls, a natural oasis hidden in the canyon. End the day at a lodge overlooking the lake for dinner and rest.

      Accommodation:

        Africa Safari Lodge
        • Meal Plan
          Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        • Day 4.Lake Natron to Northern Serengeti

        Drive 6–7 hours through the rugged northern corridor of the Serengeti, stopping for a picnic lunch and enjoying occasional wildlife sightings. Arrive at Nyikani Migration Camp for a short evening game drive and dinner amid the vast savannah.

        Accommodation:

          Nyikani Migration Camp
          • Meal Plan
            Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

          • Day 5. Full-Day Northern Serengeti Safari

          Spend a full day in the Northern Serengeti, home to dramatic Great Migration river crossings (seasonal) and abundant wildlife. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, a picnic lunch in the bush, and opportunities to spot big cats, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and birds. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

          Accommodation:

            Nyikani Migration Camp
            • Meal Plan
              Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

            • Day 6. Northern to Central Serengeti

            Drive 5–6 hours from the Northern to Central Serengeti (Seronera area), with wildlife-rich game drives and a picnic lunch in the savannah. Explore the Seronera Valley, ideal for spotting leopards, lions, elephants, and giraffes, before settling at Nyikani Central Camp for dinner and sunset over the plains.

            Accommodation:

              Nyikani Central Camp
              • Meal Plan
                Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

              • Day 7. Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCAA)

              Drive 4–5 hours to Ngorongoro, passing wildlife and scenic landscapes along the way. Stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy a Maasai cultural visit before checking into Embalakai Camp, perched on the crater rim for stunning views. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

              Accommodation:

                Embalakai Camp
                • Meal Plan
                  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

                • Day 8. Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Maasai Visit – Departure

                Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, and birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditions. Return to Arusha for drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), concluding your unforgettable 8-day family adventure.

                Accommodation:

                  Accommodation on the final day is not included. However, accommodation can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.
                  • Meal Plan
                    Breakfast and Lunch

                  What’s to See?

                  Common Sightings:

                  lions

                  Found in all major parks, often seen hunting or resting in shade

                  Elephant

                  Tarangire’s vast herds and Ngorongoro’s crater floor

                  Zebras & Wildebeest

                  Great herds roaming Serengeti’s plains

                  Buffalo & Hippos

                  Common near rivers and crater pools

                  Giraffes

                  Graceful silhouettes across every landscape

                  Leopards & Cheetahs

                  Best seen in Serengeti’s open grasslands

                  Flamingos & Birds

                  400+ species across lakes and woodlands

                  Black Rhino

                  Rare, but occasionally spotted in
                  Ngorongoro

                  Hyenas

                  Scavengers and skilled hunters, frequently heard laughing at night or seen near kills.

                  Warthogs

                  Commonly spotted grazing on their knees or running with their tails held high.

                  Seasonal Highlights:

                  Apr–May
                  Green season — lush scenery, fewer crowds, excellent birding
                  Jun - July
                  This is prime time to witness river crossings over crocodile-filled rivers—one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in Africa.
                  Dec - March
                  Ideal for dramatic wildlfe photography and predator-prey interactions
                  Aug - Oct
                  T hese months offer dramatic river crossings, ideal for photography and spotting predators.
                  Oct - Mar
                  Peak season; whale sharks feed offshore near Kilindoni Harbour. The largest aggregations are usually seen from November to February

                  Cost Includes

                  • All activities, unless indicated as Optional
                  • Meals and Mineral water
                  • Medical evacuation services
                  • All Accommodation (lodges and tented camps)
                  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with professional driver-guide
                  • All park, TANAPA & conservation fees

                  Cost Excludes

                  • Tips (Guides, porters and cook)
                  • All optional activities (balloon flight, Zanzibar add-on)
                  • Personal items & Gears
                  • Laundry Services
                  • Bevarages and Meals before and after Trek/Safari
                  • Medical Insurance
                  • Any changes done by you during safari or before safari
                  • All kind of soft drinks and hard drinks at the lodges & camps
                  • Drones
                  • International flights

                  Optional Upgrades

                  • Local Food Experience
                  • Visit Olduvai Gorge
                  • Maasai Boma Experience
                  • Walking safari
                  • Balloon Safari
                  • Canoeing Lake Duluti, Arusha National and Manyara
                  • Coffee Tour

                  Your Guides

                  Paul Stanley Godless

                  Paul guides Kilimanjaro and Meru climbs with calm encouragement, careful pacing, and strong safety awareness. Guests trust him for his patience and supportive energy, especially on challenging sections of the climb. When he’s not guiding, Paul enjoys football, music, and reading.
                  ''“I focus on each guest’s pace. A safe, successful summit is the real goal.”''

                  Benjamin Solomon

                  Benjamin brings humour, patience, and strong guiding skills to every safari. He grew up around Tanzania’s wilderness and loves helping guests experience the parks through local stories, animal behaviour, and hidden viewing spots. Guests often describe him as friendly, attentive, and someone who makes them feel safe and relaxed from start to finish. Outside guiding, Benjamin enjoys football, reading, and movies.
                  ''“I listen first. When I understand what guests want, the safari becomes their story.”''

                  Kelvin Damian

                  Kelvin is calm, knowledgeable, and excellent at spotting wildlife. He creates a relaxed atmosphere in the vehicle and explains animal behaviour in a way that brings each sighting to life. Guests value his safe driving, patience, and the warm, personal touch he brings to every trip. Outside safari, Kelvin enjoys reading, football, movies, and sings in a choir.
                  ''“Every safari is different. I shape each day around what guests enjoy most.”''

                  What Our Client Says

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