The Ultimate Guide to The Big 5 Tour in Arusha

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Tanzania? Look no further than The Big 5 Tour, a 6-day journey to some of the natural wonders of Tanzania. This tour offers a mix of safari game drives, top-rated accommodations, and all-inclusive amenities that make for an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about The Big 5 Tour in Arusha and help you prepare for your upcoming journey.

Overview of The Big 5 Tour

The Big 5 Tour is a 6-day exploration of Tanzania’s northern circuit highlights. This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers, or anyone seeking a unique and memorable experience in Africa. The tour includes an all-inclusive package that covers lodging, food, drinks, transportation, activities, and entrance fees to top attractions. Your guide will assist you every step of the way, ensuring that logistics are handled, so you can fully enjoy the wildlife you came to see.

Itinerary and Tour Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Arusha at 8:00 am. The first stop is Lake Manyara National Park, where you can witness a diverse range of wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and flamingos. The next destination is the world-famous Serengeti National Park, where you can witness the great migration of wildebeest, zebras, lions, and other animals. The tour includes a full-day game drive in the park, ensuring that you can see as much as possible. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the next stop, known for the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have the opportunity to see the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). The tour includes a game drive within the crater, allowing you to witness the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The final destination is the Tarangire National Park, known for its large herds of elephants, baobab trees, and iconic landscapes. The tour ends with a final game drive before returning to Arusha.

Accommodation

The Big 5 Tour offers a mix of highly-rated hotel and camping accommodations to ensure you get the most out of your budget. The tour includes four nights of camping and one night in a mid-range lodge, with all necessary equipment provided. Camping accommodations offer an authentic African experience, with campfires, star-filled skies, and the sounds of nature all around you.

Food and Beverage

All meals are included in the tour package, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on each day. The tour provides a mix of local and international cuisine, ensuring that you can experience a diverse range of flavors throughout your journey. The tour also includes alcoholic drinks, which can also be purchased if desired.

Transportation

The tour includes transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, allowing for optimal viewing of wildlife during game drives. The vehicle is also equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seating to ensure a comfortable journey. The tour includes pickup and dropoff from your accommodation in Arusha.

Activities and Entrance Fees

The Big 5 Tour includes a mix of activities to ensure you get the most out of your journey. The tour includes game drives in four national parks, wildlife spotting, and cultural visits to local villages. All entrance fees are also included in the tour package.

Booking Information

Booking The Big 5 Tour is simple by using the following link: book the tour here. The tour is offered by a third-party company, Viator, that specializes in curated tours around the world. Viator has a reputation for providing high-quality experiences that meet the needs of travelers of all types.

Book Your Tour Now

The Big 5 Tour is an all-inclusive and immersive tour that takes you on a journey to some of Tanzania’s most incredible natural wonders. This guide has provided you with everything you need to know about The Big 5 Tour in Arusha, from the itinerary to the booking details. The tour provides an excellent opportunity to witness the iconic Big Five and many more wildlife species in their natural habitat, as well as experience the unique culture and landscapes of Tanzania. Book your tour today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Arusha City: An Ultimate Guide to Answer All Your Queries

Arusha, a city in Tanzania, is located at the base of Mount Meru, and it is a gateway to one of the most famous national parks in the world, the Serengeti. If you’re planning to visit Tanzania, then you might be interested in learning more about Arusha. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information you may require.

1. What is the best time to visit Arusha?

Arusha enjoys a pleasant temperature year-round, as it is located at an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level. The most suitable time to visit Arusha is from June to October when the weather is dry, and it is easy to spot wildlife at national parks. During the rainy season, from March to May, the tracks in the national parks get muddy, and some of them may become impassable, which makes it difficult to spot wildlife.

2. How to reach Arusha?

Arusha has an international airport, the Kilimanjaro International Airport, where several airlines connect with different countries. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus or book a private transfer to Arusha. You can also reach Arusha by bus from the neighboring countries of Kenya and Uganda.

3. What are the popular tourist attractions in Arusha?

Arusha is famous for its cultural heritage, wildlife, and natural beauty. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Arusha include:

i. Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is one of the most sought-after national parks in the world, renowned for its wildebeest migration. It is located about 325 km northwest of Arusha. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).

ii. Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is well-known for its large elephant population and ancient baobab trees. It is located about 118 km southwest of Arusha.

iii. Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level. It has several trekking routes, and the most popular is the Marangu route.

iv. Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is located near the city and is one of the lesser-known parks. It is famous for its diverse wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey, which is endemic to the area.

4. What are the best accommodations in Arusha?

Arusha has several accommodations, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the highly recommended ones are:

i. Arusha Coffee Lodge

The Arusha Coffee Lodge is set within a coffee plantation and offers a luxurious stay. It is located about 5 km from Arusha City.

ii. Mount Meru Game Lodge

Mount Meru Game Lodge is situated at the foothills of Mount Meru and offers a blend of wildlife and luxury. It is located about 15 km from Arusha City.

iii. The African Tulip Hotel

The African Tulip Hotel is a boutique hotel located in Arusha City. It offers luxurious accommodation and is suitable for business and leisure travelers.

5. What are the safety precautions to observe while in Arusha City?

Like any other city, Arusha has its share of security concerns. It is crucial to observe the following safety precautions:

i. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in new areas

It is safer to take a taxi or have someone escort you at night, especially in new areas.

ii. Be cautious of your surroundings

Be alert of your surroundings and avoid carrying a lot of cash or valuables. Keep your belongings secure, and don’t leave them lying around.

iii. Take precautions while driving

If you’re planning to drive in Tanzania, ensure you have all the necessary licenses and adhere to the traffic rules. Drive with your doors locked, especially in remote areas.

6. What is the cuisine of Arusha?

Arusha has several dining options that cater to various cuisines. However, the local cuisine, Swahili cuisine, is the most common. Some of the famous dishes include:

i. Ugali

Ugali is a cornmeal porridge and is a staple food in Tanzania.

ii. Nyama Choma

Nyama Choma is grilled meat and is commonly served with ugali or rice.

iii. Pilau

Pilau is rice cooked with meat and spices and is a popular dish in Tanzania.

Book Your Tour Now

Arusha is a beautiful city that offers a blend of cultural heritage, wildlife, and natural beauty. It is the gateway to some of the most famous national parks in the world, such as Serengeti and Tarangire, and is home to the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. With this guide, we hope to provide you with all the necessary information about Arusha City.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Arusha

Arusha is a bustling city located in northern Tanzania. Known for its close proximity to some of the best safari destinations in the world, Arusha attracts tourists from all over the globe. If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania, here’s how you can spend your time as a tourist in Arusha.

1. Go on a Safari

No visit to Arusha would be complete without going on a safari. There are plenty of safari options to choose from, including national parks like Serengeti and Tarangire. You can choose to go on a day trip or an extended safari. If you’re interested in animal conservation, you can also visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you can see the famous Ngorongoro Crater.

2. Explore Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is located just outside of the city and is a great place to spend a day exploring. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. You can also climb Mount Meru, which is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. The climb takes about three days and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

3. Visit the Maasai Market

The Maasai Market is located in the heart of Arusha and is a great place to buy local crafts and souvenirs. You can find everything from hand-carved wooden statues to beaded jewelry. Be prepared to haggle as prices may start high!

4. Take a Cultural Tour

Arusha is home to several different tribes, including the Maasai and the Chaga. Taking a cultural tour will give you a closer look at the traditions and customs of these tribes. You can visit local villages and learn about traditional dances and music. Be sure to check with your tour operator ahead of time to ensure that the tour is respectful and ethical.

5. Visit the Arusha Declaration Museum

The Arusha Declaration Museum is located in the city center and is dedicated to the history of Tanzania’s independence. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the country’s past and highlights the impact of the Arusha Declaration on the country’s political structure.

6. Visit the Meserani Snake Park

Located just outside of Arusha, the Meserani Snake Park is a popular attraction for visitors. The park is home to a variety of snakes and reptiles, including the black mamba and the python. You can also visit the adjoining Maasai Cultural Museum to learn more about Maasai culture.

7. Go Hiking

Arusha is surrounded by stunning landscapes and is a great place to go hiking. You can explore the nearby forests and mountains on foot, or hire a guide to take you on a longer trek. Be sure to bring appropriate footwear and plenty of water.

8. Visit the Arusha Clock Tower

The Arusha Clock Tower is a popular landmark located in the center of the city. Built in the early 1900s, the tower features a clock imported from Britain. It’s a great place to take a photo and soak up some of Arusha’s history.

9. Take a Coffee Tour

Tanzania is known for its coffee, and Arusha is home to several coffee farms. Taking a coffee tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how coffee is produced, from the planting of the seed to the roasting of the bean. You can even try your hand at roasting your own coffee.

10. Relax at a Spa

After all of the adventure and sightseeing, take some time to relax and unwind at a spa. Arusha is home to several spas that offer a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure availability.

Book Your Tour Now

Whether you’re interested in wildlife, culture, or history, Arusha has something to offer every tourist. From the stunning natural landscapes to the bustling city center, Arusha is a great place to explore Tanzania. With so many activities to choose from, you’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this vibrant city.