5 Days Migration, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro

5 Days Migration, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro — an honest look at a Tanzanian safari experience

Travelers looking for an adventure in Tanzania’s iconic national parks often dream of spotting the Big Five, witnessing the great wildebeest migration, and experiencing the raw beauty of the Serengeti plains. This 5-day group safari promises all that and more, with a focus on seeing Africa’s most famous wildlife in their natural habitat — but it’s not without its pitfalls.

We love the opportunity to see some of Tanzania’s most remarkable parks, especially the Serengeti during migration season or the Ngorongoro Crater’s unique wildlife concentration. The chance to encounter the Big Five, plus the legendary wildebeest crossing, makes this trip a bucket-list experience. The inclusion of private guides and a comfortable safari vehicle with WiFi also enhances the journey.

However, the experience is marred by some logistical issues, notably a recent review mentioning a sudden change in the itinerary that left a traveler disappointed. If you’re flexible and value seeing wildlife over strict scheduling, this tour could still be worthwhile. It’s best suited for adventurous souls eager to explore Tanzania’s wilderness with a group, especially those who prioritize authentic encounters over luxury.

Key Points

• Wildlife Highlights: See Africa’s Big 5 and possibly catch the wildebeest migration, depending on the timing.
• Itinerary Focus: Combines Tarangire’s famous river and Big 5 sightings, the plains of Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife concentration.
• Group Safari: Small groups with an extended safari jeep, professional guides, and a safari cook ensure a comfortable experience.
• Price and Value: At $1,877 per person, it offers an all-inclusive package with most essentials covered, but recent reviews suggest some flexibility might be needed.
• Authentic Experience: Camping in basic but functional sites, with opportunities for game drives at sunrise and sunset.
• Potential Drawbacks: The recent change of plans and communication issues noted by a traveler highlight the importance of clarity and flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An in-depth look at the safari experience

Starting in Arusha: setting the scene for adventure

Your journey begins with a pickup from your Arusha hotel early in the morning — around 8 am. From there, it’s about a three-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its impressive river and large herds of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife. The drive itself offers scenic views of the lush landscape and the beginning of your wilderness introduction.

Once inside the park, we loved the way the Tarangire River acts as a magnet for animals during the dry season, drawing in big game like lions, leopards, and rhinos, which are part of the Big 5. The park’s landscape is a mix of open plains and ancient acacia woodland, providing excellent photo opportunities and plenty of chances to spot wildlife from the comfort of your safari vehicle.

From Tarangire to Serengeti: a scenic transition

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll pack up and set off toward the Serengeti, a drive that takes around four hours and offers stunning vistas of the Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Crater along the way. The route allows you to appreciate the vastness of Tanzania’s wilderness, with plenty of opportunities to spot animals along the way.

Lunchtime is often a picnic in the bush — a highlight for many travelers who love combining good food with spectacular views. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in the central Serengeti, where a game drive is scheduled. Here, the focus is on the famous endless plains, where the wildebeest migration can sometimes be observed, depending on the time of year.

Serengeti’s wildlife spectacle

Your full day in Serengeti is dedicated to tracking the migration and the other wildlife that calls these plains home. During the migration season (June to September), you’ll have a good chance of seeing massive herds crossing rivers or grazing on the plains. From July to September, the chance to witness the Mara River crossing is higher — a truly dramatic spectacle.

The guide’s experience is crucial here. As a reviewer noted, the guides are generally well-informed and dedicated to showing you the best sights. But timing is everything — since wildebeest movement depends heavily on rainfall, there’s a bit of luck involved. Still, spotting predators like lions stalking herds or cheetahs lounging after a hunt is quite common here.

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The ultimate highlight: Ngorongoro Crater

On the penultimate day, you’ll start early with a game drive until around mid-morning, then head down into the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater’s high walls contain a concentrated wildlife population, making it an ideal spot for seeing a wide variety of animals, including the Big Five.

You might also see flamingos and other birdlife in the crater’s soda lakes, which add color and vibrancy to the scenery. Having lunch inside the crater offers not just a meal but a chance to gaze at the high animal density below, often with herds of elephants and buffalo close by.

Final morning and return to Arusha

The last morning starts early again, with a final game drive in the crater. Afterward, it’s time to pack up and head back to Arusha, completing the safari. The drive back offers more chances to see wildlife or just enjoy the landscape, as you reflect on the trip.

Transportation, guides, and accommodations

The safari vehicle is a luxury 4×4 with a pop-up roof and WiFi, allowing for comfortable game viewing and sharing photos on the go. The group size is typically small, providing a more personal experience, but some travelers have expressed frustration with last-minute itinerary changes, emphasizing the importance of clear communication.

Accommodations consist of basic camping sites at the parks, with meals prepared by a professional safari cook. While not luxurious, the camping setup is a classic way to get closer to nature and experience the African wilderness authentically.

Guides and support staff

The guides are described as knowledgeable, which is vital for spotting elusive animals and understanding park ecosystems. The inclusion of english-speaking guides adds a layer of ease, especially for travelers unfamiliar with the parks. The safari cook ensures that meals are wholesome and suited to the outdoor setting, making sure you’re energized for the full days of game drives.

Price and what it covers

At $1,877 per person, the package is priced to include most essentials: return transfers, park entrance fees, camping fees, Ngorongoro Crater fees, accommodation in Arusha before and after the safari, and a flying doctor service. The price reflects the comprehensive nature of the tour but also hints at the need for some travelers to manage expectations around flexibility, especially given recent reviews.

Recent reviews: what to keep in mind

One traveler shared a disappointing experience, revealing that the itinerary was changed at the last minute, with a day of Serengeti removed without prior notice. This sudden change, coupled with suggestions of alternative excursions like waterfalls, suggests that travelers should clarify plans beforehand and be prepared for possible adjustments.

Despite this, other travelers have praised the guides for their professionalism and ability to spot wildlife. The standout moments seem to be the stunning views and the knowledgeable guides’ ability to find animals in vast terrains.

Who is this safari best suited for?

This experience is ideal for adventure-minded travelers eager to see Tanzania’s top parks without the need for luxury lodges. If you’re comfortable camping and want to experience the authentic wildlife encounters, this tour offers a strong value. It suits those who can be flexible with itineraries and appreciate a small-group setup with professional guides.

It’s also well-suited for wildlife enthusiasts interested in the migration and the Big Five, especially if you travel during the migration season or want to maximize chances of seeing river crossings.

Final thoughts: is it worth it?

This 5-day safari delivers a solid introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes at a reasonable price point. You’ll get to visit Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, with chances to see a wide array of animals and witness iconic scenes like the wildebeest migration and crater wildlife concentrations.

The experience’s success largely depends on timing and clear communication. The guides are knowledgeable and genuinely committed to showing you the best sights, but recent reviews remind us to expect some surprises and adapt accordingly.

For travelers who value authentic outdoor camping, an active schedule, and the thrill of spotting animals in the wild, this safari can be a memorable chapter of your Tanzania adventure. Just be prepared for potential changes and keep your expectations flexible — after all, wildlife doesn’t always stick to schedules.

FAQ

What is the main focus of this safari?
The main focus is on wildlife viewing, including Big 5 animals, the wildebeest migration, and the spectacular scenery of Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

How many days does the safari last?
It lasts for 5 days, covering Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.

What kind of vehicle is used?
An extended 4×4 luxury safari jeep with a pop-up roof and WiFi, designed for optimal game viewing and photo opportunities.

Are accommodations comfortable?
The safari features basic camping accommodations, which appeal to travelers seeking an authentic outdoor experience rather than luxury lodges.

Is the safari suitable for families?
While not explicitly stated, the small group size and outdoor camping suggest it’s best for adventurous adults or families comfortable with camping and outdoor activities.

What is included in the price?
Return transfers, park and crater fees, camping fees, accommodation in Arusha before and after, full-board camping, WiFi-equipped vehicle, guides, and flying doctor services.

Are there any optional activities?
Yes, a balloon ride is available for about USD 550, but it must be booked in advance.

What should I be aware of regarding itinerary changes?
Recent reviews indicate last-minute changes can happen, so travelers should confirm the itinerary beforehand and remain flexible.

What is the best time to see the wildebeest migration?
From June to September, especially if you want to see river crossings. January to March is calving season, and sightings vary depending on rainfall and migration patterns.

This safari offers an authentic, wildlife-packed adventure for those willing to embrace the unpredictability of Africa’s wilderness. With knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and a chance to see some of the continent’s most iconic animals, it’s a trip that can truly transform your view of Tanzania — just keep your expectations flexible.

You can check availability for your dates here: