QUEST FOR THE BIG 5

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In Africa, the Big five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. A common misconception is that this is a reference to their size. The term, however, refers to an old term when these animals used to be hunted and related to difficult it was to do so.

 As the rains subside and Tanzania’s landscapes transform into vibrant shades of green, April and May usher in a dynamic phase of the Great Migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope embark on their northward journey from the southern plains of Ndutu, to the Western Serengeti. This time is defined by both motion and survival, as young calves, only weeks old, take their first steps across the vast

plains, often under the opportunistic eyes of predators. 

 As the rains subside and Tanzania’s landscapes transform into vibrant shades of green, April and May usher in a dynamic phase of the Great Migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope embark on their northward journey from the southern plains of Ndutu, to the Western Serengeti. This time is defined by both motion and survival, as young calves, only weeks old, take their first steps across the vast

plains, often under the opportunistic eyes of predators. 

Your unforgettable safari adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Miguu Expeditions Team.  From there, enjoy a scenic 40–45minute drive (33 km/21 miles) to Tulia Hotel & Spa, a peaceful retreat nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.  

Tulia Hotel & Spa is one of our Favourite places to stay in Arusha sprawling, serene, and surrounded by lush greenery. The lodge is renowned for its warm hospitality, delicious food, and tranquil ambiance, making it the perfect place to relax, recover from your long journey, and ease into the rhythm of Tanzania.  The food is very good too!  Order a private African dinner in advance.  

Accommodation: Tulia Hotel & Spa 

Board Basis: Half Board 

 After breakfast at Tulia Hotel & Spa, we will set off for Karatu a scenic 2.5 to 3hour drive through the Maasailands covering approximately 130 km (80 miles). Along the way, we will enjoy captivating views of northern Tanzania’s landscapes and glimpses of Maasai village life as we drive through the Maasai Steppes.  

The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (about 120 kilometres) and winds through beautiful highland scenery and traditional Tanzanian villages nestled in the fertile Ngorongoro Highlands, Karatu offers a peaceful base from which to explore nearby attractions.  We’ll check in at the lodge, enjoy a hearty dinner and refreshing sundowner, and rest up for the next day’s Tanzanian experience. 

Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari lodge 

Board Basis: Full Board 

We’ll begin the day with an early breakfast, then drive from the lodge to Lake Eyasi approximately 60km and typically a 1-hour journey by road. The final stretch can be sandy, dusty, and bumpy, especially near the lake. We’ll meet the Hadzabé tribe, one of East Africa’s last remaining hunter-gatherer communities and learn about their way of life through storytelling, hunting techniques, fire making, and their distinctive click language.  

Afterwards, we’ll visit the nearby Datoga tribe skilled blacksmiths who forge tools and ornaments using traditional methods. Since their village is located a short distance (30minute drive) from the Hadzabé, it’s convenient to visit both communities in one excursion. We will return to your lodge for a late lunch and a relaxing afternoon.  The property is a nice area for a long rambling walk.   There are a nice variety of birds around the property too! 

Accommodation: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge 

Board Basis: Full Board

We will start your day with a delicious breakfast before checking out.  From the Bougainvillea Safari lodge then we will drive to Ndutu, enjoy a scenic drive to Ndutu, located in the southern plains of the Serengeti ecosystem. The journey covers approximately 155 kilometers (about 96 miles) and takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions and wildlife sightings along the way. As you travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you’ll pass breath taking highland landscapes, crater viewpoints, and open grasslands where wildlife begins to appear. Upon arrival in Ndutu, enjoy a hot lunch at your lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive across the wide, open plains famous for cheetahs, lions, and large herds of wildebeest during the calving season. Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge 

Board Basics: Full board 

We will begin your day with an early breakfast at your Lodge before setting out at 6:30 AM for a full-days game drive into the heart of the Ndutu region.  At this time of the year, the landscape transforms into a lush green paradise following the long rains, attracting abundant wildlife. While the great migration herds begin to disperse northward, many wildebeest, zebras, and their new-borns can still be spotted, along with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas that follow them closely.  In our last visit to Ndutu in February 2025, we spotted the famous “Ndutu Pride” of 21 to 24 lions!  We will explore a variety of landscapes from open savannahs to soda lakes to discover intense wildlife activity.  We will enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush or return to the Lodge for a hot meal and a short rest before continuing your afternoon safari.  We suggest you stay out in the savannah and just siesta in your 4x4s.  There is so much to see in Ndutu.  We will return by sunset for dinner, and relaxing sundowners.  The quieter season also means fewer vehicles, offering a more intimate and peaceful safari experience. 

Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge 

Board Basics: Full board 

After a hearty breakfast at Ndutu Safari Lodge, you will check out and begin your journey/game drive towards Western Serengeti, a drive of approximately 160 kilometres (99 miles) and takes about 3 to 5 hours, depending on the wildlife sightings along the way. 

This scenic route offers exceptional game viewing opportunities as we explore diverse landscapes, including open plains and woodland areas. A notable highlight along the way is the Grumeti River region, renowned for its role in the Great Migration. This area frequently hosts large concentrations of wildebeest, zebras, and predators, making it a prime location for wildlife photography and memorable sightings. Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, and lions.  Depending on the timing and the nature’s luck we may see wildebeests cross the Grumeti River.  The crocodile-infested Grumeti River is one of the first rivers the migrating wildebeest and zebras have to cross to continue to the Mara River in Northern Serengeti. 

Once in the Western Serengeti, we’ll continue with a short 25-kilometer (15.5-mile) drive to Lahia Tented Lodge, which takes an additional 1 hour.   

Upon arrival at Lahia Tented Lodge, you’ll check in and settle into your elegant tented suite. Nestled within a prime wildlife viewing area, the lodge combines comfort with panoramic views offering the perfect retreat after an adventurous day on the road. 

Accommodation: Lahia Tented Lodge 

Board Basics: Full board 

We will begin your day with an early morning wake-up call and a hearty 6:30am breakfast at Lahia Tented Lodge.  At 7:30 AM, we will depart for a full-day game drive through the Western Serengeti, one of the park’s most biodiverse regions. Throughout the day, you’ll explore prime wildlife areas such as Nyasirori Plains, Kirawira Hills, and the Grumeti Riverbanks, all rich in game. We may see the large herds of wildebeest and zebra (during migration season), as well as elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and the massive Grumeti crocodiles that await river crossings. 

At 12:30 PM, we’ll stop at a designated picnic site for lunch in the wild. Your guide will set up at a shaded spot where you can relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Serengeti. After lunch, we will resume our game drive, and cover another 30–40 km as we loop through different wildlife hotspots, with plenty of time for photography, animal tracking, and observing predator-prey interactions. 

By 4:30 to 5:00 PM, we will begin our return journey to your Lodge, located approximately 25–30 kilometers (15–18 miles) from the central game-viewing areas. The return drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on wildlife sightings en route. 

We will arrive back at the lodge by 6:00 PM for some rest and refreshment and enjoy a sundowner as the sun dips over the Serengeti plains, followed by a three-course dinner at 7:30 PM - and a typical relaxing safari evening full of stories and laughter. 

Accommodation: Lahia Tented Lodge 

Board Basics: Full board 

 Following breakfast at your Lodge we will check-out and enjoy a leisurely morning game drive in the Western Serengeti as you make your way toward Seronera Airstrip, spotting any final wildlife moments along the way. Upon arrival, board your scheduled flight to Arusha, taking in the breath taking aerial views of the Serengeti plains and the Great Rift Valley below. 

Once you land at Arusha Airport, you will be met by your driver for a private transfer to Tulia Hotel & Spa, a serene retreat perfect for relaxation after your safari adventure. Spend the rest of the day at leisure unwind with a spa treatment, enjoy a refreshing swim, or simply relax in the tranquil gardens as you reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey through Tanzania’s wild landscapes.

Accommodation: Tulia Hotel & Spa 

Board Basis: Half Board 

After a peaceful morning and a leisurely breakfast, we will check out from Tulia and begin our 45minutes drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight. As your Tanzanian adventure comes to a close, you'll take with your memories of untamed beauty, heartfelt hospitality, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Note: Our departure time from Arusha will depend on the departure of your international flight time.