5 Days Safari from Dar es Salaam to Tarangire NP, Manyara NP & Ngorongoro Crater

A Complete Look at the 5-Day Tanzania Safari from Dar es Salaam

This 5-day safari from Dar es Salaam to some of Tanzania’s most iconic parks offers a chance to see the Big Five in their natural environment while exploring stunning landscapes. Designed by African Pangolin Safaris, this tour promises a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and authentic wildlife encounters.

What sets this experience apart? First, the well-organized itinerary ensures you maximize your time in each park. Second, the possibility of spotting big game — including lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards — makes it a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts. Lastly, the tour’s value for money stands out, especially considering the inclusion of park fees and a private group setting that keeps the experience intimate and flexible.

However, a potential consideration is the long travel days, which might be tiring for some travelers. The journey from Dar es Salaam is quite extensive, with up to 12 hours on the road in some days. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and are ready for a somewhat active itinerary.

If you’re looking for an authentic, cost-effective way to explore Tanzania’s wildlife hotspots in a short time frame, this safari could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering three major parks over 5 days.
• High chances of seeing the Big Five and other iconic animals like giraffes, hippos, and tree-climbing lions.
• Comfortable transportation and a private group setting for a personalized experience.
• Early starts and long days, so good stamina and patience are helpful.
• Inclusive park fees and packed lunches for convenience.
• Ideal for wildlife lovers seeking a well-balanced, value-packed adventure.

Detailed Review of the 5-Day Tanzania Safari Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins bright and early at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, with pickup offered from your hotel. The initial drive to Arusha takes approximately 12 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the changing scenery — from bustling city views to expansive rural landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through wide sisal plantations and the long ranges of the Eastern Arc Mountains, which provide scenic photo stops and a taste of Tanzania’s agricultural heartlands.

One reviewer noted that the long drive was “through Africa,” with travelers buying fresh pineapple and enjoying roadside snacks, making the journey part of the adventure rather than just transit. The driver’s professionalism and comfort with navigating the route are often praised, especially for such a long day on the road.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park – The Elephant’s Playground

Leaving the hotel at 7:30 am, your first game drive takes you into Tarangire National Park, often called “the home of elephants.” Here, elephants gather in large groups around the Tarangire River, making for unforgettable viewing opportunities. The landscape is characterized by expansive acacia woodlands, baobab trees, and grassy plains — perfect for wildlife spotting.

Expect to see lions, leopards, giraffes, and even tree-climbing pythons, as some reviewers mentioned. The park is renowned for its elephant populations, and early mornings or late afternoons are best for sightings. Many travelers find Tarangire’s unique mix of animals and landscapes a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.

One guest shared that they were impressed by the abundance of elephants, emphasizing how the park’s variety makes it stand out. Since admission is included, the focus remains on enjoying the scenery and animals rather than additional costs.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – The Ultimate Wildlife Concentrate

Waking up early for breakfast, you’ll head to the Ngorongoro Crater, which many consider the highlight of the safari. Packing a lunch for a full-day game drive allows you to maximize your time inside this UNESCO World Heritage site. The crater’s caldera is a natural enclosure teeming with wildlife, giving you an excellent chance to spot all of the Big Five — lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards.

One reviewer described their experience as “fabulous,” emphasizing the well-organized nature of the trip and the caring, experienced driver. They mentioned that the game drive continued until around 3 pm, which allowed them to see a wide variety of animals in different habitats. The crater floor’s lush grasslands and water bodies offer striking views, especially with the backdrop of the crater walls.

The guided drive provides insights into animal behaviors and the landscape’s geology, making the day both exciting and educational.

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park – Birds, Lions, and Climbing Lions

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Lake Manyara National Park for another full day of game viewing. Known for its birdlife — including flamingos and herons — the park also features the rare tree-climbing lions and hippos in the lake.

A reviewer highlighted the park’s green scenery and variety of wildlife, describing it as a “fabulous” stop. They appreciated the picnic lunch and the opportunity to see animals like baboons and more elephants in a lush environment. The park’s diverse habitats, from woodlands to alkaline lakes, ensure you see a broad spectrum of species.

This part of the tour offers a more relaxed pace compared to Ngorongoro but still delivers plenty of wildlife encounters before the drive back to Arusha.

Day 5: Return Journey to Dar es Salaam

The last day involves an early start to make the long drive back to Dar es Salaam, with a stop for a hot lunch en route. Although the journey takes around 12 hours, many travelers find it a worthwhile conclusion to their safari adventure. The scenic drive back offers a chance to reflect on the trip, enjoying the changing landscapes and rural scenes.

A reviewer mentioned that they found the long drive manageable, thanks to the comfortable vehicle and the opportunity to see more of Tanzania’s countryside.

Transportation, Group Size, and Value

Travelers consistently praise the comfortable vehicle used for transfers and game drives, which allows for smooth travel even during long days. The tour operates as a private group experience, meaning your party gets exclusive attention from the driver-guide, who is often described as knowledgeable and attentive.

With a price tag of $1,794.88 per person, the tour includes park entrance fees and packed lunches, which adds to its value. For those looking to cover three major parks in a short period, the cost is reasonable considering the quality of wildlife encounters and the professionalism of the operator.

Authentic Experiences and Review Highlights

Several reviewers called their safari “fabulous,” emphasizing how well-organized and smooth the experience was from start to finish. They appreciated the personalized attention and the caring drivers, which made a significant difference in their trip’s overall enjoyment.

One reviewer described the experience as “one of the things you should do before you die,” highlighting how impactful and memorable the safari was. The chance to see spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife in such a relatively short time frame is a strong selling point.

Final Thoughts: Who Would Love This Safari?

This 5-day journey is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the Big Five and iconic Tanzanian landscapes without spending weeks traveling. It suits those who appreciate well-organized trips with a mix of adventure, comfort, and value.

If you’re comfortable with long travel days and want a full-on wildlife experience — especially in Ngorongoro and Tarangire — this tour offers a solid option. It’s also great for travelers who prefer a private, intimate setting rather than large group tours, ensuring personalized insights and a flexible pace.

While the drive is substantial, the payoff in wildlife sightings and scenery makes it worthwhile. Plus, with positive reviews praising the professionalism and friendliness of guides, this safari seems to provide both quality and a genuine connection with Tanzania’s wild side.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The tour costs $1,794.88 per person and includes park entrance fees, packed lunches, and transportation throughout the trip.

How long are the driving days?
The longest drive is approximately 12 hours, especially on the first and last days, with shorter drives between parks.

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but due to the long days and early mornings, it’s best suited for those in good health and with some travel stamina.

Are park fees included?
Yes, park admission fees are included in the tour price.

What wildlife might I see?
You can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of bird species, especially in Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, providing personalized attention.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund; cancellations within 6 days are non-refundable.

How do I get to the start point?
The tour begins with pickup at Julius Nyerere International Airport or your hotel in Dar es Salaam. The tour operator offers transportation from your accommodation.

Final Words

This safari offers a well-rounded experience of northern Tanzania’s top wildlife parks in just five days. It balances scenic drives, awe-inspiring wildlife sightings, and authentic adventure, all at a reasonable price. Perfect for those who want to tick off the Big Five and experience Tanzania’s stunning landscapes without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

Whether it’s your first safari or a return visit to Africa’s wild heart, this tour delivers memorable moments in some of the continent’s most famous settings. It’s a fantastic way to start your Tanzanian adventure, leaving you with stories to tell for years to come.