5 Day Serengeti, Tarangire, & Ngorongoro & Manyara Grass Root Safari.

Planning a safari can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options in Tanzania’s famous Northern Circuit. This 5-day adventure, offered by Signature Safari, promises to cover some of the most iconic parks at a budget-friendly price of $1,100 per person. Our review distills what you can expect from this carefully curated experience, based on extensive traveler feedback and detailed itinerary insights.

Three things we love about this safari? First, the company’s reputation for knowledgeable guides who truly bring the parks to life. Second, the variety of landscapes—from the lush Tarangire Riverbanks to the endless plains of Serengeti—delivering unforgettable vistas. Third, the excellent value for money, with high-quality game viewing, good accommodation options, and delicious meals included.

A potential consideration might be the early mornings and bumpy tracks, which are typical of safari adventures but worth noting if you prefer a more relaxed pace or luxury lodges. This tour suits travelers who want immersive wildlife experiences without breaking the bank, especially those eager to see the Big Five and enjoy authentic African landscapes.

Key Points

• Excellent value for a 5-day safari covering four incredible parks.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and language skills, enhancing the experience.
• Diverse landscapes from riverine forests to open plains showcase Tanzania’s natural beauty.
• Wildlife sightings include all of the Big Five, plus a remarkable variety of bird species.
• Comfortable camping and lodge options provide a good balance of adventure and rest.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off and a small group size (max 7 travelers) ensure personalized attention.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This safari offers a balanced mix of classic game drives, scenic drives along iconic landscapes, and cultural insights into local communities. The overall tone is one of authenticity and practicality, making it ideal for travelers seeking genuine wildlife encounters and a taste of local life without the luxury price tag.

The Itinerary as a Journey Through Iconic Parks

Starting in Arusha, the tour kicks off with a drive to Tarangire National Park. Known for its astonishing elephant populations—some guides mention seeing herds of over a thousand—Tarangire is a great place to get your first taste of Tanzania’s wildlife. The park’s signature feature, the Tarangire River, attracts a variety of animals seeking water, making game viewing especially fruitful here. Expect sightings of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, and possibly a leopard or lion stalking through the grass.

Travel times are reasonable, with approximately 120 km from Arusha, and the roads are mainly good tarmac. Reviewers mention that the guides are well-versed and speak multiple languages, including Italian, which makes the game drives informative for everyone.

Moving to the Fertile Highlands and Serengeti’s Endless Plains

On Day 2, after breakfast, you’ll head towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through lush highlands where crops like wheat, coffee, and maize are grown. The itinerary includes a brief stop to admire the Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO site and one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders. Though you may not spend extensive time inside the crater on this tour, the view alone sets the tone for the next leg: the Serengeti National Park.

Driving into the Serengeti, you’ll notice the landscape shift from the highlands’ greenery to the vast, sweeping plains of what Maasai call “Serenget,” meaning “endless plains.” The park’s size—covering 15,000 square kilometers—means endless opportunities for wildlife sightings. It’s here you’ll witness the famed Great Migration and encounter a stunning array of animals: cheetahs, lions, elephants, giraffes, topis, and even elusive black rhinos, with some guides emphasizing luck and timing as key factors.

The Heart of the Game: Serengeti’s Abundance

Day 3 is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti’s rich ecosystems. Travelers often highlight the breathtaking scenery, with miles of grassy plains dotted with acacia trees and occasional waterholes. The abundance of wildlife, surpassing three million large mammals, makes game drives extraordinarily rewarding. Reviewers frequently mention spotting all of the Big Five, sometimes multiple times, and marveling at the diversity of birdlife.

The day’s highlights include spotting predators like cheetahs hunting, lions lazing in the shade, and herds of wildebeest and zebras. Birdwatchers will love the over 500 species, including ostriches, secretary birds, marabou storks, and the largest bird in flight: the kori bustard.

The evening takes you to a crater rim camp, where you’ll enjoy dinners under the stars—an experience many reviewers describe as a highlight. The campsites are described as comfortable, with an authentic, adventurous vibe that keeps the safari feeling genuine.

Descending into Ngorongoro and Exploring Manyara

Day 4 begins early, with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, a caldera teeming with wildlife. The terrain varies as you drive down, with climatic zones changing rapidly, offering a variety of photo opportunities. Inside the crater, you’ll see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and possibly black rhinos—some guides have mentioned luck in catching a glimpse of this rare species.

Lunch is served at a scenic spot near hippo pools, where crocodiles sometimes lurk. The afternoon is spent inside this natural wildlife haven before heading back to the highlands for the night. Travelers describe the experience as “full of images and memories,” emphasizing how close wildlife gets and how scenic the crater’s walls are.

Final Day: Lake Manyara’s Birdlife and Final Game Drives

On Day 5, the adventure continues with a drive to Lake Manyara National Park. En route, you’ll pass Maasai communities tending cattle, and the landscape offers stunning Rift Valley views. Manyara is famous for its flamingos, which create a stunning pink spectacle on the lake, and hosts a variety of other wildlife including lions, hippos, giraffes, and an impressive number of bird species.

Reviewers highlight the park’s diversity, from the colorful birdlife to the opportunity to see baboons and monkeys in the forested areas. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure personalized attention, making this final game drive a fitting conclusion to the safari.

What Makes This Safari Stand Out?

Guides and Service: Travelers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and friendliness. Many mention guides like David, Apollo, and Sulley by name, citing their ability to spot animals quickly, share interesting facts, and speak multiple languages including Italian. The driver-escort team ensures smooth logistics, from airport pickups to park navigation.

Wildlife Encounters: The chance to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—is a recurring theme in reviews. The parks’ vast landscapes and skilled guides help make these sightings happen more often than you might expect.

Variety of Landscapes: From the riverine forests of Tarangire to the open plains of Serengeti and the volcanic walls of Ngorongoro, each park offers different scenery and photo opportunities. The landscape diversity keeps the safari fresh and engaging.

Authentic Experience and Good Value: With reasonable prices, travelers enjoy a good balance of comfort, adventure, and culture. Many reviewers mention the delicious food, comfortable campsites, and well-organized logistics that make this more than just a wildlife drive.

Practicalities and Tips

• Transport: The tour uses reliable vehicles, mainly good tarmac roads, ensuring comfortable rides. The small group size (up to 7 travelers) allows for personalized attention and flexibility during game drives.
• Timing: The tour starts at 8:30 am, which aligns well with optimal wildlife viewing hours. Early mornings are best for spotting predators and active animals.
• Accommodation: The overnight stays are at campsites and lodges that balance comfort with authentic camping or lodge experiences, as noted by reviewers.
• Price and Value: At $1,100 per person, this tour offers impressive access to four major parks with guided game drives, meals, and transportation included—an excellent deal considering the quality and quantity of wildlife viewing.

The Sum Up

This 5-day safari offers a well-rounded experience for those wanting to see Tanzania’s most famous parks without overspending. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and diverse landscapes make it ideal for travelers who value authentic encounters and good value for money. Expect scenic drives, close-up wildlife sightings, and meaningful cultural moments—all wrapped into a manageable, enjoyable itinerary.

Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this tour balances adventure and comfort, delivering an authentic taste of Tanzania’s grandeur.

FAQ

Is this safari suitable for first-time travelers?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to be accessible, with good logistics, experienced guides, and manageable group sizes, making it suitable for those new to safaris.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation, guided game drives, accommodation options, and meals. Pickup and drop-off are also included, ensuring a smooth experience.

Are the guides experienced and knowledgeable?
Yes, multiple reviews praise the guides for their expertise, friendliness, and ability to spot animals quickly. Guides like David and Sulley are mentioned by name.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
You can expect to see the Big Five, along with a broad spectrum of other mammals, birds, and reptiles. The parks are home to over 500 bird species and many iconic African animals.

Is the tour flexible in terms of location and accommodation?
Yes, reviewers mention a variety of overnight options, including campsites and lodges, with some flexibility in how and where to stay.

How early do game drives start?
Game drives typically start early in the morning, around sunrise, to maximize wildlife sightings, especially predator activity.

What should I pack for this safari?
Bring lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, good binoculars, sun protection, and a camera. Comfortable shoes and a hat are also recommended for early mornings and walking around camps.

This safari combines the thrill of authentic wildlife encounters with the practicality of good organization and value, making it an excellent choice for your Tanzanian adventure.