The Big Five & Culture Expedition – A Journey Through Africa’s Wildlife & Traditions

Overview of The Big Five & Culture Expedition – A Journey Through Africa’s Wildlife & Traditions

Experience the best of East Africa’s wildlife and cultural diversity on this immersive safari adventure. This journey takes you through Tanzania’s legendary Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, then into Kenya’s Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru, offering an unparalleled chance to witness the Big Five and meet local tribes.

Beyond thrilling game drives, immerse yourself in Maasai and Hadzabe tribal cultures, where you’ll learn ancient traditions, participate in hunting techniques, and dance to rhythmic African beats. This safari blends authentic cultural experiences with world-class wildlife encounters, making it an unforgettable African journey.

DAY BY DAY ACTIVITIES

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – The Safari Capital

✈️ Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable lodge in Arusha, the gateway to East Africa’s greatest safaris.

🌿 Highlights of the Day:
✔️ Relax at your lodge after your long journey.
✔️ Optional city tour to explore Arusha’s markets and coffee shops.

📍 Overnight Stay: Arusha

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Kenya, Maasai Mara National Game Reserve, Musiara Marsh. Elephants search for food as storm clouds gather in the afternoon at the beginning of the short rainy season.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire – Land of Giants

🚗 Drive Duration: 2-3 hours
🐘 Wildlife to See: Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Baobab Trees

🌿 Safari Highlights:
✔️ Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for massive elephant herds.
✔️ Picnic lunch by the Tarangire River, where wildlife gathers.
✔️ Witness the unique baobab-dotted landscapes.

📍 Overnight Stay: Tarangire

Day 3: Tarangire to Ngorongoro – The Crater Wonder

🚗 Drive Duration: 3-4 hours
🦏 Wildlife to See: Black Rhinos, Lions, Flamingos

🌿 Safari Highlights:
✔️ Descend into Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✔️ Unmatched chances of seeing all Big Five in one day.
✔️ Visit a nearby Maasai village, learning about their semi-nomadic lifestyle.

📍 Overnight Stay: Ngorongoro Highlands

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Day 4: Ngorongoro to Serengeti – The Endless Plains

🚗 Drive Duration: 5-6 hours
🦁 Wildlife to See: Lions, Cheetahs, Wildebeests, Leopards

🌿 Safari Highlights:
✔️ Scenic drive through Serengeti National Park.
✔️ Afternoon game drive, tracking big cats and the Great Migration.
✔️ Enjoy a sunset bush dinner in the heart of the savannah.

📍 Overnight Stay: Serengeti

Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti – The Ultimate Safari

🌿 Why is Serengeti Special?

  • Home to Africa’s highest concentration of predators.
  • Vast golden plains, perfect for breathtaking photography.
  • Chance to witness thrilling predator-prey interactions.

🌿 Safari Highlights:
✔️ Full-day game drive, exploring the Serengeti’s diverse habitats.
✔️ Visit Seronera Valley, a leopard hotspot.
✔️ Optional hot air balloon safari for an aerial perspective.

📍 Overnight Stay: Serengeti

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Day 6: Serengeti to Masai Mara – Crossing Borders

🚗 Drive Duration: 7-8 hours (Border Crossing)
🐆 Wildlife to See: Cheetahs, Wildebeests, Crocodiles

🌿 Safari Highlights:
✔️ Scenic drive from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
✔️ Evening game drive, tracking big cats at dusk.
✔️ Overnight at a luxury lodge near the Mara River.

📍 Overnight Stay: Masai Mara

Day 7: Masai Mara – The Heart of the Great Migration

🌿 What makes today unique?

  • Follow the Great Migration herds crossing the Mara River.
  • See predators in action, including lions and cheetahs.
  • Engage with Maasai warriors, learning about their customs and traditions.

🌿 Safari Highlights:
✔️ Full-day game drive, capturing stunning wildlife moments.
✔️ Visit a Maasai village, experiencing their daily life.
✔️ Optional night safari for nocturnal wildlife spotting.

📍 Overnight Stay: Masai Mara

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Day 8: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru – Flamingo Haven

🚗 Drive Duration: 5-6 hours
🦩 Wildlife to See: Rhinos, Flamingos, Leopards

🌿 Safari Highlights:
✔️ Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, home to rare black and white rhinos.
✔️ Enjoy a picnic with panoramic views of the alkaline lake.
✔️ Final evening game drive, capturing the beauty of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.

📍 Overnight Stay: Lake Nakuru

Day 9: Lake Nakuru to Nairobi – End of an Epic Journey

🚗 Drive Duration: 3-4 hours
🎁 Final Safari Moments: Enjoy a morning game drive before heading to Nairobi.

✈️ Optional Add-Ons:

  • Fly to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach retreat.
  • Visit Giraffe Center or Elephant Orphanage before departure.

🚗 Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

🌍 End of Safari – The Best of Wildlife & Culture!

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Key Highlights of This Safari

✔️ Witness the Big Five in both Kenya and Tanzania.
✔️ Experience two Great Migration hotspots – Serengeti & Masai Mara.
✔️ Explore diverse ecosystems, from flamingo-filled lakes to crater landscapes.
✔️ Cultural encounters with the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes.
✔️ Luxury lodges and tented camps with stunning views.

💰 Price Range: $3,800 – $6,500 per person

Package Specifications

Safari Cost Includes

Transfers

  • All transfers described on the program

Accommodation & Meals

  • Hotels and lodges described on the program
  • Meals described on the program
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee and tea while in the jeep on safari

Guiding & Game-Driving

  • Certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide
  • Comfortable Land Cruiser 4x4s with pop-up roof, fridge, Wi-Fi, and power outlets
  • National park fees for the entire tour (park entry fees and concession fees)
  • Free Wi-Fi. Signal will be available in only 60-75% of the travelled territories due to lack of cell coverage in the wilderness areas
  • 24/7 phone support service
  • Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors
  • Binoculars (1 pc per SUV)
  • Medical kit

Safari Cost Excludes

  • Air tickets;
  • Visa fee;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).

Please note:

  • By default our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplement is available upon request. Please refer to the program to see your accommodation arrangements
  • Moshi and Arusha-based accommodations usually include breakfast only, unless requested and agreed otherwise. Please refer to the program to see your meal plans on each night
  • Most safari lodges usually do not include tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks not to have you overpay for beverages you don’t need. You will be able to order and pay for drinks at the hotels’ restaurants
  • Tented lodges are the most common type of accommodation in savannah. Many of them work on solar energy. This sometimes means bucket showers, limited wi-fi and no hair dryers, all in an effort to reduce environmental impact. We encourage you to do some basic research on the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari matches your travel style

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Get In Touch With Us!

Phone

+255 764 601 151

Email

info@joanneadventures.com

Address

315 Shanty Town – Moshi – Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

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