5 Day Camping Safari to Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

Travelers looking to see some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife might find this 5-day camping safari to be a well-balanced adventure. Offering a mix of game drives, breathtaking scenery, and close encounters with wildlife, this tour promises a genuine safari experience without breaking the bank.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the two nights in the Serengeti give ample time to witness the endless plains, possibly catching the Great Migration or spotting predators. Second, the inclusion of Ngorongoro Crater provides an opportunity to see a wide variety of animals in a breathtaking setting. Lastly, the expert guides and private transportation enhance comfort and knowledge during your adventure.

One potential consideration is the long travel days, especially on days 2 and 5, which involve several hours of driving through stunning but sometimes tiring landscapes. This safari suits travelers who appreciate authentic, immersive experiences and are prepared for some driving.

If you’re after a well-rounded, value-packed safari with knowledgeable guides, this tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and first-timers seeking an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

Key Points

• Focused Itinerary: Combines the highlights of Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater in just 5 days.
• Authentic Experience: Camping in the wild offers a closer connection to nature.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Emmanuel, Bryson, and Augustine are praised for their ability to sense your needs and adapt the pace.
• Flexible Schedule: Day 3 allows you to customize game drives based on your interests, whether morning, afternoon, or full-day excursions.
• Stunning Wildlife: Expect large herds, predators, and rare species like black rhinos.
• Value for Money: $2,280 per person includes accommodations, meals, and all game drives, offering solid value for such an immersive experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Safari Experience

Starting Point: Arusha and Day 1 in Tarangire

Your adventure begins early in Arusha, with a pickup arranged for you. The first stop is Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds and iconic Baobab trees. The landscape here is a mix of Acacia woodland and swampy areas, attracting a diverse range of animals, especially during the dry season. The park’s reputation for elephants is well earned, with the possibility of seeing some of the largest herds in Africa.

Traveling through Tarangire means a chance to spot rare species like the Greater Kudu and Fringed-eared Oryx, which are not common sights elsewhere. After a picnic lunch, a game drive in the afternoon gives you a good introduction to Tanzanian wildlife and landscape. Expect to see plenty of elephants and perhaps some elusive predators lurking in the bush, especially with a guide who knows how to find them.

Day 2: Transitioning to the Serengeti

The drive from Tarangire to the Serengeti is a highlight in itself. The landscape gradually shifts from lush riverine environments to the expansive endless plains that define the Serengeti. The journey can be long, but travelers often report that the scenery makes up for it. You’ll see rolling grasslands, acacia trees, and possibly wildlife along the way, with the vastness of the Serengeti coming into view as you go.

Once in the Serengeti, you’ll quickly understand why it’s known as the “endless plains.” Covering about 18,000 square kilometers, this park supports millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes—especially during the Great Migration, which you might catch during certain times of the year.

Day 3: Full Day Flexibility in the Serengeti

This day is all about tailored exploration. Whether you want to do an early morning game drive to catch animals at their most active, relax at camp, or do a full-day adventure with a picnic, the choice is yours. Guides like Emmanuel and Augustine are noted for their flexibility and situational awareness, making sure you see what interests you most.

Expect to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, especially if you venture into areas known for big-cat sightings. The Serengeti’s vastness means you might find yourself in open plains watching a lion pride or stalking a cheetah chasing prey.

Day 4: The Magic of Ngorongoro

The early start on Day 4 is rewarded with the chance to see animals in the cooler, more active morning hours. Descending into Ngorongoro Crater is a highlight—this UNESCO World Heritage Site is like a wildlife zoo on steroids. The crater walls tower 2,000 feet above the floor, creating a natural enclosure for countless animals, including rare black rhinos.

The crater’s lush environment contains a variety of habitats—rivers, swamps, lakes—and offers some of the best game viewing in Africa. You might see elephants, lions, hippos, flamingos, and even herds of wildebeests and zebras. The presence of a soda lake with dense birdlife adds to the spectacle.

Day 5: Final Safari and Return to Arusha

The last day involves an early game drive inside the crater. Expect to see wildlife at its most active and enjoy a picnic lunch near Hippo Lake. Afterward, there’s a short game drive before ascending the crater walls and heading back to Arusha.

Travel times are flexible, with most travelers returning around 5 pm—perfect if you have a flight to catch or other plans afterward. The day encapsulates some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Tanzania.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Accommodation, and Value

This safari keeps logistics simple by including private transportation and all transfers, which means a smooth experience without the hassle of group shuttles. The mobile camping setup offers an authentic feel—sleeping under the stars, surrounded by nature. Many reviews highlight the guides’ professionalism and ability to adapt to different schedules, making the long days more manageable.

The cost of $2,280 per person covers all accommodation, meals, park entry fees, and game drives. Considering that this includes five days of guided safaris, it provides good value, especially when compared to the cost of private lodges or more luxurious tours. Plus, camping in the wild can boost your sense of adventure and closeness to nature.

The Guides and Their Impact

Guides like Emmanuel, Bryson, and Augustine are praised for their expertise and attentiveness. One reviewer mentioned how their guides can sense how you’re feeling and change the pace accordingly—a crucial skill for a comfortable, engaging safari. Their local knowledge and ability to find animals in the vast terrain significantly enhance the experience.

Meals and Comfort

While camping means you won’t enjoy luxury lodges, the meals provided are generally well-received, with plenty of water and hearty food after long days of game viewing. The experience of sleeping under canvas, listening to the sounds of the wild, adds a memorable touch that many travelers cherish.

Who Is This Safari Best For?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who love camping and want to experience Africa’s wilderness up close. It’s perfect for those on a budget who still want comprehensive coverage of Tanzania’s top parks. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see big cats, elephants, rhinos, and the Great Migration in a relatively short timeframe.

It’s well suited for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike, especially if they value flexibility and expert guides. If comfort and luxury are your top priorities, you might prefer a lodge-based safari, but for those seeking authenticity and a sense of adventure, this trip hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This 5-day camping safari offers a rich, immersive experience of some of Tanzania’s most famous parks, all at a reasonable price point. The combination of guided game drives, authentic tented camping, and stunning landscapes makes for an unforgettable journey. You’ll benefit from the expertise of professional guides who know how to find animals and make the most of each day.

While the long travel days require a good level of patience, the rewards—such as witnessing the Great Migration, spotting rare species like black rhinos, and experiencing Africa’s iconic savannah—far outweigh the inconveniences. The tour’s flexible schedule and knowledgeable guides make it a great choice for travelers eager for an authentic, active safari adventure.

This safari is best suited for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience Tanzania’s wilderness without the high costs associated with luxury lodges. For those prepared for some driving and camping, it promises a genuine taste of African wildlife and landscapes.

FAQs

What is included in the price?
The price of $2,280 per person covers all accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), park entry fees, private transportation, all transfers, mineral water, and fully guided game drives.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included in the price. Travelers are encouraged to tip guides and staff based on their satisfaction and local customs.

How flexible are the game drives?
Guides like Emmanuel and Augustine are noted for their flexibility, tailoring game drives to your interests and the best wildlife viewing times, including early mornings and late afternoons.

What should I pack?
While not specified, typical safari packing essentials include comfortable clothing in neutral tones, sun protection, binoculars, camera gear, and warm layers for early mornings and evenings.

Is camping comfortable?
The tour offers a mobile camping experience, which is more authentic than luxury accommodation but generally comfortable and well-organized, with all necessary gear provided.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is structured but flexible, especially on Day 3, allowing you to choose how long and what type of game drives you prefer.

This safari blends adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty, making it a fantastic choice for travelers wanting a true taste of Tanzania’s wilderness in just five days.