Wild Dreams Ahead: Chasing the Big Five in Tanzania
If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing lions lounging in golden grass, elephants crossing red-dust roads, or leopards slipping like shadows through the trees, then you’ve imagined the magic of Africa. And this November, I get to live it.
I’m beyond excited to share that I and one of my close friends will be heading to Tanzania with EXG Safaris for a week-long adventure that’s equal parts bucket list and soul recharge. As a lifelong animal lover and nature-focused travel planner, this trip is the stuff of dreams. And at the heart of it all? The legendary Big Five.
What Are the Big Five?
Originally coined by hunters (not my favorite chapter of history), the Big Five refers to the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot. Thankfully, it’s now a term celebrated by safari-goers and conservationists alike. The Big Five includes:
Lion – The king of the savannah.
Leopard – Elusive, elegant, and often hidden in the trees.
Elephant – Majestic giants with unforgettable presence.
Rhino – Powerful and increasingly rare.
Cape Buffalo – Tough, unpredictable, and incredibly photogenic.
Each animal carries its own mystique, and getting to observe them in their natural habitat instead of behind glass is something I’ve dreamed of for years.
A Few Itinerary Teasers
This 7-day safari FAM (familiarization trip) features a blend of traditional luxury safari lodges and a luxury tented camp experience. Yes, I’ll be sleeping under canvas, but think cozy beds, warm showers, and the soundtrack of nature all around. It’s the kind of glamping that makes your heart beat faster in the best way.
My journey begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital and a bustling city in the shadow of Mount Meru. From there, the wild unfolds:
Lake Manyara National Park – Known for its tree-climbing lions, lush groundwater forests, and massive flocks of flamingos. It’s a smaller park, but packed with diversity.
Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth. This volcanic caldera is home to an incredible density of wildlife, including rare black rhinos and plenty of big cats.
Serengeti National Park – One of the most famous safari destinations in the world, and for good reason. With endless plains, dramatic predator-prey interactions, and the possibility of seeing the Great Migration in motion, it’s a wildlife lover’s paradise.
Tanzania boasts more than 20 national parks and reserves, each offering a unique slice of its vast and wild beauty. On this trip, I’ll be experiencing some of the crown jewels, and I cannot wait to share every moment.
And perhaps most meaningfully, I’ll spend a day with the Maasai tribe, learning about their culture, traditions, and connection to the land. It’s a chance to understand how local communities live alongside wildlife and contribute to conservation in their own powerful ways.
Giving Back: Conservation with Heart
One of the reasons I chose to travel with EXG Safaris is their deep commitment to giving back. This isn’t just about seeing wildlife—it’s about supporting the ecosystems and communities that make this kind of travel possible.
EXG partners with local charitable organizations and non-profits across Tanzania, and a portion of every trip cost goes directly to community-focused projects. That includes support for local schools, healthcare initiatives, and conservation efforts that protect the natural beauty of the regions we explore.
When you travel with EXG, your safari becomes more than a vacation. It becomes a chance to make a meaningful difference.
What I’m Most Excited to See
Sure, the Big Five are top of mind—but I’m equally excited about the unsung safari stars: wild dogs, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and the dazzling array of birds I’ll (desperately) try to photograph. Another fun fact: November is the peak month for bird migration across Africa, with birds from Europe, Asia and the Middle East making their way across the world. Additionally, November is considered the “off” season, so you can usually find better travel deals.
I'm also looking forward to the quiet moments; watching the sunrise over the plains, hearing hyenas call at night, and soaking in the wildness that still exists in this world.
This trip isn’t just another stamp in my passport. It’s a personal reconnection with the rhythms of nature, the awe of wildlife, and the joy of experiencing it all firsthand.
Want to Follow Along or Book Your Own Trip?
I’ll be sharing updates, stories, and snapshots from this journey on social media and in a follow-up blog post once I return. If Africa is calling your name too, I’d love to help you plan your own safari, whether it’s your very first adventure or one of many to come.
EXG Safaris offers a wide range of itineraries to fit different travel styles and budgets, with customizable options like hot air balloon rides, intimate wildlife experiences, mountain hikes, canoeing adventures, and more. They even provide a personal crowdfunding link to help you turn your trip into a gift-worthy celebration; perfect for newlyweds, milestone birthdays, or anyone chasing a bucket list dream.
Here’s my own crowdfunding page as an example (no pressure to donate—this is just for illustrative purposes!): check it out!
Ready to start planning? Let’s make it happen.
This November, I’ll chase the Big Five—but I know I’ll come home with so much more.
Yours in flight,
Tianna
