5 days Safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Lake Manyara

Planning a safari in Africa often feels like a costly adventure reserved for luxury travelers. But this 5-day safari tour from Kilisa Tours & Safaris proves you can see some of Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife without breaking the bank. With a well-balanced itinerary, expert guides, and a focus on authentic experiences, this tour offers an incredible value for those eager to witness Africa’s natural spectacle firsthand.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—within a compact five-day schedule. Second, the impressive variety of parks visited, from the lush Lake Manyara to the expansive plains of Serengeti. And third, the fact that this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides, good food, and overall value.

That said, it’s worth noting that the price does not include personal expenses or flights, so travelers should budget accordingly. This tour suits adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive safari experience at a reasonable price, especially those who appreciate guided tours with a small group atmosphere.

Key Points

• Incredible Value: For $3,300 per person, you get five days of guided safari action, park fees, and accommodations.
• Diverse Parks: From Tarangire’s elephants to Ngorongoro’s crater and Serengeti’s endless plains, each stop offers unique wildlife and scenery.
• Expert Guides: Travelers consistently praise guides like Chris for their knowledge and personable approach.
• Authentic Experiences: Expect up-close encounters with wildlife, including the chance to spot the Big Five.
• Comfort & Convenience: The tour includes private 4×4 vehicles, camping gear, and all meals, streamlining the adventure.
• Limitations: Personal expenses, tips, flights, and optional items like sleeping bags are not included, so budget accordingly.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Each Day

Day 1: Welcome to the Elephants’ Home — Tarangire National Park

Starting from Moshi, the first day guides you straight into Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds. Traveling with picnic lunch boxes, you’ll spend the whole day spotting elephants gathering around the Tarangire River—an all-year water source. Alongside elephants, look out for lions, leopards, giraffes, and even tree-climbing pythons, which some travelers describe as a surprising highlight.

The park’s landscape is dotted with ancient baobab trees, providing a stunning backdrop for game viewing. The day wraps up with dinner and camping at Fanaka or Avenature camp, where the sounds of the wild lull you to sleep. Reviewers mention the park’s dense animal concentrations and the chance to see large groups of elephants, justifying Tarangire’s nickname as the “home of elephants.”

Day 2: From the Savannahs to the Serengeti — En Route to the Iconic Plains

An early start at 6:00 am kicks off Day 2. After breakfast, you head toward the Serengeti National Park via Ngorongoro Crater’s gate, where you’ll enjoy game viewing en route. The Serengeti is arguably the star of Tanzanian safaris, famous worldwide for its endless plains and spectacular wildlife.

This is where the Great Wildebeest Migration happens from July to October, but even outside this period, the park teems with predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The Grumeti River hosts crocodiles and hippos, adding to the park’s lively scene. Travelers report that the wildlife is abundant and diverse, with many noting the thrill of seeing lions lounging or stalking prey.

Accommodation for the night is at Seronera or Kati Kati Campsite, right in the heart of the action, offering an authentic camping experience immersed in nature.

Day 3: Sunrise in Serengeti and the Dramatic Ngorongoro Crater

Day 3 begins with a sunrise game drive in western Serengeti, a moment many describe as magical. You’ll savor coffee while spotting wildlife as the sun rises over the plains—an experience that guides like Chris from reviews say is truly unforgettable.

Returning to camp for hot lunch, you then traverse to the Ngorongoro Crater, passing through the scenic Olduvai Gorge, known for its archaeological significance. The crater rim offers panoramic views, and you’ll stay overnight at Simba Camp, perched above the crater floor, with views that are hard to beat.

Day 4: The Big Five in the Crater’s Depths

Early breakfast kicks off your full day at the Ngorongoro Crater. Descending into the 6,000-foot caldera, you’ll spend about six hours exploring this natural wonder, where the concentration of wildlife is legendary. Many reviews highlight the high probability of spotting all five of the Big Five—lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards—in one day.

Lions are often seen lazing near the water or stalking prey, while rhinos are occasionally elusive but worth the patience. Lunch is taken inside the crater, allowing for more game viewing in the afternoon. The landscape, rich with lakes and lush grasslands, makes every moment picture-perfect.

In the evening, you ascend for dinner and overnight at Fanaka or Anennature camps.

Day 5: Lake Manyara and Return to Moshi

On the final day, after breakfast, a drive into Lake Manyara National Park offers a contrast to the open plains: lush, green scenery with abundant birdlife, tree-climbing lions, and hippos. This park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with many travelers mentioning its vibrant avian diversity.

Expect another full day of game viewing before heading back to Moshi in the evening, with the safari concluding at your starting point. The trip offers a well-rounded taste of Tanzanian wildlife in a relatively short period.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour covers all the essentials: accommodation at camps, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), park and crater fees, private 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, and an expert guide. Your transportation is equipped for game viewing, and water is supplied throughout to keep you hydrated.

However, personal expenses like souvenirs or laundry, tips, flights, and optional gear like sleeping bags (which can be rented for $15) are not included. Travelers should also plan for their own travel insurance and any additional activities outside the safari.

Authentic Experiences and the Real Value

What makes this safari stand out, according to reviews, is the guides’ knowledge and personable approach. One traveler fondly remembers guide Chris for his ability to locate animals and share insightful stories, truly enriching the experience. Multiple reviewers mention the quality of food, often described as delicious, with some highlighting “tapas” style meals that surprise and delight.

The parks visited are selected for their wildlife richness and scenic variety, ensuring you get a broad view of Tanzania’s natural beauty. The affordability of this tour makes it accessible for those who want a comprehensive safari without the luxury price tag, yet it does not compromise on the quality of sightings or comfort.

Practical Tips

• Be prepared for early mornings—game drives start at sunrise for the best wildlife activity.
• Pack layers, as temperatures can vary between the hot daytime and cooler evenings.
• Tips are not included, so consider tipping guides and camp staff for their service.
• Book early, as this tour has a maximum group size of 15, ensuring a personalized experience.

Who is this Safari Best For?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a cost-effective yet comprehensive wildlife experience. If you’re eager to tick off the Big Five, enjoy authentic guides, and prefer a mix of camping and guided comfort, this safari hits the mark. It’s especially suitable if you’re okay with camping in tents and want to immerse yourself fully in the natural landscape.

However, if luxury or private accommodations are a priority, this might not be the ideal choice. Also, those with limited time should appreciate the well-planned itinerary that maximizes wildlife viewing in just five days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from Moshi, making arrival and departure hassle-free.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour covers three meals per day, including water and some snacks, ensuring you stay energized for game drives.

What type of vehicle is used during the safari?
A private 4×4 safari jeep with a pop-up roof is used for optimal game viewing and comfortable navigation through parks.

How many people are in each group?
The tour caps at 15 travelers, providing a balance between social atmosphere and personalized attention.

Are park fees included?
Yes, all park fees and crater entry fees are included in the price.

Can I rent a sleeping bag?
Yes, sleeping bags are available for rent at $15 if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While most travelers can participate, the tour is geared toward adults and older children comfortable with camping and early mornings.

What should I pack?
Layers, sun protection, binoculars, camera, and any personal toiletries. Remember, camping gear is provided, but you might want your own sleeping bag.

Does the tour include flights?
No, flights are not included. Travelers should arrange their own transportation to and from Moshi.

What is the best time to go?
While the tour runs year-round, July to October aligns with the Great Wildebeest Migration, offering possibly the most spectacular wildlife scenes.

This 5-day Tanzanian safari offers a fantastic blend of adventure, wildlife viewing, and culture—all at a price that makes this experience accessible. The expertly guided tours, combined with the stunning landscapes and abundant animals, create memories that last a lifetime. Perfect for curious explorers eager to experience Africa’s wild heart, this trip balances authenticity, comfort, and value, making it a compelling choice for your first (or next) safari adventure.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking the thrill of the African plains, this safari promises an unforgettable journey into the wild.