6 Day Mid-range Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park

Planning a safari in Tanzania can feel overwhelming, but this 6-day tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, comfortable accommodations, and expert guiding—all at a reasonable price. We’ve reviewed this experience based on detailed itineraries and genuine traveler feedback, so you’ll get a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this tour is the carefully curated itinerary that ensures you hit all the major highlights without feeling rushed, the knowledgeable guides who make wildlife sightings more meaningful, and the inclusive nature of the package, which simplifies planning and budgeting. The potential downside? The schedule can be intense, with early mornings and full days of game drives, so it’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind long hours on safari.

This tour fits well for those who want a comprehensive Tanzanian safari experience without the luxury price tag. It’s ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and first-timers eager to see the Big Five and iconic landscapes in a well-organized group setting.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package covers park fees, meals, and accommodation.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention from guides.
• Early morning starts maximize wildlife sightings.
• Expert guides enhance the understanding and enjoyment of wildlife and landscapes.
• Comfortable tented camps and lodges balance adventure and relaxation.
• Flexible dietary options are available upon request.
• Visit a mix of parks for diverse habitats and species.
• Efficient itinerary covers the main sights in six days, balancing travel and game viewing.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Tarangire National Park

The adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Arusha hotel, setting off around 7:30 am for Tarangire. This park is often overlooked compared to Serengeti but offers an impressive concentration of wildlife, especially elephants. You’ll spend about six hours here, with an included picnic lunch at a scenic site. The park’s distinctive feature is the abundance of elephants—more than 300 have been marked here—and the iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape. Expect to see herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, making it a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wild side.

Day 2: Journey to Serengeti’s Southern Plains

Early breakfast kicks off the day, followed by a four-hour drive to the southern part of Serengeti. The afternoon involves a game drive in the Serengeti’s iconic plains—famous for wildebeest migrations, predators, and endless horizons. This area, called Serengit or the “land of endless plains,” boasts savannah grasses that support a large variety of herbivores and predators. The day ends at Mikese Africa Tented Camp, where you’ll get a taste of authentic safari camping and stunning bush views.

Days 3 & 4: Exploring Serengeti’s Central and Northern Regions

The next two days involve early starts (around 5:30 am) to catch wildlife at their most active. You’ll venture into the Seronera Valley in central Serengeti, famed for its Kopjes, which are excellent vantage points for spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs. This area also hosts a variety of reptiles and small mammals, making it a wildlife’s paradise.

On the third day, you’ll explore central Serengeti further, with game drives lasting up to six hours. The guides seem to excel at spotting elusive animals like the leopard, thanks to their local knowledge and experience. Night stops are at Mikese Tented Camp, adding an atmospheric touch to the adventure.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

A very early start (breakfast at 5:30 am) gets you to Ngorongoro—a highlight for many travelers. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including big cats, elephants, and rhinos. The descent into the crater takes about an hour, where you’ll spend at least six hours, with a picnic lunch on the crater rim. The landscape here is dramatic and diverse, with lush forests, lakes, and open plains, all within a volcanic caldera.

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park

The final day features a drive to Lake Manyara, known for its tree-climbing lions and vast birdlife—more than 500 bird species have been recorded. The park’s ecosystems range from lush groundwater forests to salt lakes, offering a different kind of safari experience. Expect to spend around six hours exploring the park before heading back to Arusha.

Practical Details & What You’ll Experience

Transportation & Group Size

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned safari vehicle with a small group (maximum 14 travelers) means you won’t feel lost or rushed. The guides are praised for their friendliness and local expertise, often sharing useful insights about wildlife behavior and park history. The logistics seem well thought out, with enough time allocated for game drives, rest, and meals.

Accommodation & Meals

You’ll stay in tented camps and lodges that balance comfort with authentic safari charm. The included meals—covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are generally hearty, and special dietary requests are accommodated. Drinking water, beer, and juice are on hand, making hydration easy during the hot days.

Value & Cost

At $2,380 per person, this tour offers good value considering the extensive itinerary, all park fees, and meals. The inclusion of professional guides, transportation, and accommodations means fewer out-of-pocket expenses and less hassle for travelers. It’s an economical choice for a comprehensive Northern Tanzania safari, especially given the high quality of service and access to top wildlife sites.

What We Learned from Reviews

One traveler appreciated the prompt communication with the booking team, highlighting how smooth the overall experience was from start to finish. They also noted that guide Bernard and his assistant Noel made a significant difference, providing friendly, knowledgeable service and helping spot wildlife that might have otherwise been missed. The fact that the tour is rated 5 out of 5 by travelers reflects a high satisfaction level, especially regarding guides and the overall organization.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a well-rounded experience with plenty of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights. It’s suited for those who don’t mind early mornings and full days of game drives, and who value small-group intimacy and knowledgeable guides. It’s also a good choice for first-timers wanting a comprehensive introduction to Tanzania’s top parks without blowing the budget on luxury options.

The Sum Up

This 6-day safari offers a solid, authentic experience of Tanzania’s most famous parks, with a good balance of comfort, adventure, and value. The focused itinerary allows you to see the Big Five, the endless plains of Serengeti, the magical crater of Ngorongoro, and the bird-filled lakes of Manyara, all with expert guides who enrich your understanding of the wildlife and landscapes.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, moderately priced safari that emphasizes quality guiding and diverse habitats, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of adventure, education, and authentic camping or lodge stays—without the hefty price tag of ultra-luxury safaris.

FAQ

What is included in the price of this tour?
All park admission fees, transportation, all meals and drinks, accommodation, and a professional guide are included in the $2,380 price per person.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes, special diets can be catered for upon request, ensuring everyone’s needs are met during meals.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay in a mix of tented camps and lodges, offering comfort while maintaining an authentic safari feel.

How long are the game drives?
Most days feature at least 6 hours of game driving, often starting early in the morning to maximize wildlife sightings.

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes free airport pickup, making arrivals and departures hassle-free.

Can the group be large?
The tour has a maximum of 14 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and guides attentive.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
A visit to Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its dense wildlife populations and breathtaking scenery, is a major highlight.

Are children or families suitable for this tour?
Yes, as most travelers can participate, but the early mornings and full days of game drives are best suited for active travelers.

How flexible are the tour dates?
You’ll need to check with Serengeti Safari Booking, but generally, they operate on scheduled dates with options for group bookings.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others in Tanzania?
The combination of excellent guides, a well-structured itinerary, and inclusive pricing offers a great value for a comprehensive safari experience.

This tour provides a well-rounded, authentic adventure into Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes—ideal for those seeking a memorable, value-packed safari.