Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure that bridges continents — from the sweeping savannahs of Africa’s Serengeti to the untamed jungles of Nepal’s Bardia National Park.
Big Five Safari Adventures in Africa and Nepal: Big Five in Two Wild Worlds
From the sunlit savannahs of the Serengeti to the shadowy jungles of Bardia, witness the thrill of tracking the Big Five in two of the world’s most iconic wild landscapes—each untamed, unforgettable, and wildly unique.
In the vast Serengeti of Africa, the legendary African Big Five are lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. They roam freely across golden plains where predator-prey drama plays out beneath vast African skies. Besides the Big Five, the Serengeti teems with giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wildebeest, jackals, and wild dogs. Additionally, herds of Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles roam freely across the African savannah. Moreover, don’t miss the chance to witness nature’s fastest sprinter—the cheetah—in full flight. Meanwhile, along the riverbanks, hippos wallow and crocodiles bask under the sun, adding to the region’s wild charm.
The Serengeti is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 500 recorded bird species. Ranging from giant ground birds to colorful songbirds and impressive raptors. Among them, some of the highlighted birds are:
Ostriches-the world’s largest bird, roaming the open plains, will surely draw your attention. Vultures, the key scavenger, can be seen on the carcasses. Secretary Bird all-raptor with long legs, is known for hunting snakes. Kori Bustard -one of the heaviest flying birds; often seen walking in grasslands. Martial Eagle – one of Africa’s largest eagles; powerful and rare. Flamingos are one of the most elegant and photogenic birds in East Africa.
In contrast, Bardia offers a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path safari. Bardia’s wild heart beats with big cats, crocs, and clouds of birds—a true paradise for wildlife lovers.
Here, Nepal Bardia’s version of the Big Five awaits: Bengal tiger, One-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Leopard, and Sambar deer. With its dense sal forests and tranquil riverbanks, Bardia’s magic lies in its raw wilderness, expert local trackers, and the quiet thrill of jungle exploration. Apart from the Big Five, visitors can spot sloth bears, gaurs, wild boars, and jackals in the park. Furthermore, the park shelters a variety of deer, including spotted deer, 12-horned swamp deer, barking deer, and hog deer. Rare otters, Mugger Crocodiles, Gharials, and Gangetic Dolphins thrive in the flowing waters of the Karnali and Geruwa Rivers in Bardia.
From the treetops to the riverbanks, Bardia sings with the colors of over 400 bird species, including the striking critically endangered Bengal florican and vibrant kingfishers.
Ultimately, whether it’s a lion’s roar echoing across the plains or a tiger’s stealthy step through the jungle trail, both destinations deliver unforgettable encounters — powerful contrasts, united by the call of the wild.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Enjoy a relaxing evening with scenic views of Mount Meru or distant Kilimanjaro. Our team will provide a short briefing about your upcoming safari and inform you of your flight schedule for the next morning. Rest well tonight—your unforgettable wilderness adventure in Tanzania begins tomorrow.
Start your day with a scenic morning flight into the heart of Serengeti National Park. As you land, you’ll spot our private safari jeep waiting nearby, along with your dedicated guide and driver. Begin your first thrilling game drive across the iconic plains, searching for big cats and other incredible wildlife. In the evening, unwind at your luxury safari resort in the heart of the wilderness.
Spend two unforgettable days exploring both the northern and southern regions of Serengeti National Park. Enjoy thrilling game drives as you track the Big Five, watch cheetahs in action, and—if the season is right—witness the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration. Each day ends with breathtaking sunsets over the plains, capturing the true magic of the Serengeti.
Embark on a game drive toward Ngorongoro, passing through Maasai villages and scenic highlands. Reach at the rim of the crater for stunning panoramic views.
Enjoy the full day game drive in the park. It is home to a high concentration of wildlife including black rhinos, lions, and flamingos on the soda lake.
Morning game drive at Lake Manyara, a birder’s paradise with over 400 species, including flamingos, pelicans, hornbills, and migratory birds. Later, drive back to Arusha.
Fly out of Tanzania and arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the views of the Himalayan skyline.
Take a relaxed day exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Prepare for your jungle adventure.
Fly to Nepalgunj and drive into the heart of the Bardia National Park. Settle in at your jungle lodge surrounded by lush forest and distant calls of the wild.
Head out on a full-day jeep safari through the Sal forests and river plains, tracking the Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, rhinos, and more.
Explore the jungle on foot with an expert naturalist, tracking animal footprints and learning about the hidden life of the forest.
Another exciting jeep safari, followed by a night in the heart of the national park, under Bardia’s clear night starlit sky in the tented camp. Stargazing far from city lights — magical under Day 14: River Rafting and Sundown Celebration.
Early morning game drive, followed by breakfast and rafting down the Karnali River. Spot gharials, crocodiles, and even dolphins. In the evening, enjoy a festive sundowner with unlimited food and drinks.
Transfer to Nepalgunj for your flight back to Kathmandu or onward journey to your home country. Farewell to two continents, countless animals, and unforgettable memories.
Begin your journey with an unforgettable safari in Tanzania, exploring the iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Your adventure starts with arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our local team will handle everything as per the itinerary.
After your African safari, fly to Kathmandu, Nepal (via Qatar Airways). Upon arrival, our Nepal-based team will warmly welcome you and manage all logistics for your wildlife experience in Bardia National Park.
Tiger Encounter ensures a seamless journey across two continents, from the heart of East Africa to the wild lowlands of Nepal.
Africa and Nepal Safari – Key Differences
|
Feature |
Africa |
Nepal |
|
Geography |
Savannas, grasslands, deserts |
Terai plains, forests, wetlands |
|
Types of Elephants |
African Elephant |
Asian Elephant |
|
Rhino Species |
Black and White Rhino |
One-Horned Rhino |
|
Top Predator |
Lion |
Royal Bengal Tiger |
|
Safari Style |
Open-vehicle drives |
Jeep safaris, walking safaris, rafting |
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement for Visiting Tanzania
Just a quick note regarding health requirements for Tanzania—if you're arriving from or transiting through a country with a Yellow Fever risk (including long layovers over 12 hours), you’ll need to get the Yellow Fever vaccination at least 10 days before your trip. The certificate is valid for life, and immigration may ask to see it when you land, so please keep it with your travel documents.
Also, don't worry—we’ll be sending you all the necessary details in your package, including visa info, hotel confirmations, and your guide’s profile once the trip confirmed!
This is a pre-booking form for the lead traveler. We would send you the actual booking form after the confirmation
I really wanted to find a local company who could make a personalised itinerary for my husband and I to do red panda trekking and a safari in Bardia National Park to see tigers (among other things). I would highly recommend Tiger Encounter for any trip to Nepal, but especially if you’re looking to encounter wildlife.
We recently returned from a 2 week private wildlife trekking and safari tour with Tiger Encounter, and couldn’t recommend them highly enough. We found them through a Google search and we are so glad that we did – we were so impressed! Tiger Encounter really offer such a personalised service and clearly care about their travellers.
Excellent safari in Chitwan and Bardia. Very professional company and we were looked after really well. Communication was easy and fast response. The guides on the safaris were brilliant and the accommodation was excellent. Can’t rate them highly enough.
I’ve been to 28 different countries and countless safaris over the world- let me tell you that this is the standard for every other safari I’ve been on since! The attention to detail, the absolute love and care of the guides, and the tour operator’s genuine wish for you to have the best experience possible made this one of the most amazing tours/safaris I’ve been on. It was just as amazing to meet the locals and meet the Tharu people as it was to see the rhino and to be close up with an elephant!! (And That tiger that kept in front of our raft to cross the river!!) As an experienced traveler, take my word that you will have a genuinely wild and carefree adventure!!!???
Had the most wonderful and life changing experience with Tiger Encounter. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Sharma (owner) who had accompanied me as my guide throughout my adventure. They had planned everything so well and truly make you feel like family. Be it every step of the way from jeep safari, jungle walk, canoe ride, trek through the jungle, mountain trek Mr. Sharma is truly amazing guide, photographer and wonderful motivator. It goes without saying that your guide is your doorway to experiencing everything about the beautiful country you visit. Be it food, shopping, adventure or pleasure. I truly loved every moment of my time…and hope to return to this beautiful country with Tiger Encounter to many more adventures and celebrating a wonderful friendship. Hop you all have as amazing adventures and journeys with them. ?
Thank you Tiger Encounter team for another great experience in beautiful Nepal. We had amazing memories in Mt. Everest & Chitwan! We did wildlife safari, jeep safari, bird watching, village tour & cultural program. You are super professional, knowledgeable. Strongly recommend.
Tiger Encounter made our tiger encounter possible. On tiger tracking day two we saw the beautiful beast come out to drink it has an incredible experience. Waiting for almost two days on the blazing heat of May was really worth it!!
We went on a wildlife safari tour operated by Tiger Encounter last May 2019. It was a great experience for the whole family our kids were very excited to see animals out in the wild.
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Calling all wildlife enthusiasts! If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing world’s most elusive and powerful predators in the wild – this is the journey for you.
