Common 5 Days Tanzania Serengeti Big 5 Private Safari | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS

Tanzania’s wildlife treasures are well known, and a 5-day private safari with Burigi Chato Safaris promises an intimate, well-rounded encounter with the best of the north’s national parks. From spotting lions in the Serengeti to marveling at the Ngorongoro Crater, this tour offers an authentic and well-organized adventure that caters to travelers seeking both comfort and exceptional wildlife viewing.

What caught our attention? First, the emphasis on covering four iconic parks—Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara—ensures a comprehensive safari. Second, the experienced guides and quality vehicles, like the Toyota Land Cruisers, promise smooth game drives and insightful commentary. Lastly, the all-inclusive price with accommodations, meals, taxes, and airport transfers simplifies planning and provides great value for wildlife lovers.

A potential consideration? The tour’s non-refundable policy means you’ll want to be certain your travel dates are locked in. This isn’t a flexible last-minute booking but rather a carefully curated experience designed for travelers committed to immersive safari adventures.

This trip is best suited for those craving a focused, wildlife-rich experience in Tanzania with a comfortable touch, especially if you’re eager to tick off the Big 5 and explore multiple parks in just five days.

Key Points

• Incredible wildlife: Spot the Big 5 and more in four of Tanzania’s top national parks.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, fluent English-speaking guides enhance the game viewing experience.
• All-inclusive package: Meals, taxes, airport transfers, and accommodations are included for peace of mind.
• Vehicle comfort: 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-top roofs ensure optimal game viewing and photo opportunities.
• Authentic experiences: Spend your days on game drives, with overnight stays in mid-range or luxury lodges.
• Strict cancellation policy: Non-refundable booking requires confident planning but offers a hassle-free experience once confirmed.

A Closer Look at the 5-Day Itinerary

This safari is designed to maximize your chances of wildlife encounters while providing a comfortable pace and authentic settings. Here’s what you can expect each day.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Your adventure kicks off early from Arusha, generally around 8:00 am. After a smooth pickup, you’ll head to Tarangire, famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The drive itself offers a glimpse of the countryside, with en route stops likely for photographs and stretching. Once in Tarangire, your lodge or tented camp (located near Manyara or Mto wa Mbu) provides a cozy base for your first game drive.

Guests mention the meal plan, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as part of the value. You’ll spend your afternoon exploring the park’s distinctive landscape, watching for elephants, giraffes, and perhaps predators stalking prey. The scenery here is varied and lush compared to the more arid savannahs of Serengeti, making for a captivating start.

Day 2: From Tarangire to Serengeti – Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, you’ll depart for the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most famous park. The drive itself is an adventure, with possible sightings of wildlife along the way. Upon arrival in the central Serengeti, your afternoon game drive begins, giving you your first real taste of this legendary wilderness.

Many reviews highlight the vastness and diversity of the Serengeti, with some travelers noting that the landscape feels like “endless plains filled with activity.” Your accommodation in central Serengeti provides comfort and proximity to the game-rich Seronera area, known for lion sightings, cheetahs, and a variety of herbivores.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti (Seronera Area)

This day is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti’s Seronera region with a full-day game drive. Expect to be out at dawn and back by evening, with packed meals to keep you energized. This is perhaps the highlight for wildlife enthusiasts, with many reviewers mentioning the “jaw-dropping” sightings.

Guides are praised for their keen eyes and in-depth knowledge, often pointing out subtle animal behaviors. The Serengeti’s open plains and grasslands create an ideal backdrop for capturing stunning photos and observing predator-prey interactions. You might see lions lounging after a hunt or herds of zebras and wildebeests migrating across the horizon.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive in Serengeti & Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

The early morning game drive in the Serengeti offers a last chance to spot wildlife before heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The route takes you through varied landscapes, with chances to see animals that may have been missed earlier.

Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater rim, you’ll stay overnight at a lodge on the crater’s edge, offering breathtaking views of the caldera below. The crater’s unique ecosystem is home to a dense concentration of animals—lion, rhino, elephants, and even the elusive leopard.

Day 5: Full Day at Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Arusha

Your final day involves a full-day tour inside the crater, often described as “one of the greatest wildlife spectacles.” The dense animal populations and the scenic crater landscape make it an unforgettable experience. The tour usually includes a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool or a pride of lions resting on the crater floor.

In the late afternoon, you’ll head back to Arusha, with a drop-off at your hotel or the airport. Travelers note that this last day packs a lot into a short time but is well worth the effort for the chance to see the Big 5 in one place.

Why You’ll Love the Experience

Guides and Vehicles: The guides are seasoned professionals, many fluent in English, who offer insightful commentary and help spot elusive animals. Their knowledge, paired with reliable 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-top roofs, ensures you’re comfortable and well-positioned for photos.

Diverse Landscapes: Covering four parks means you experience a variety of ecosystems—from Tarangire’s iconic baobabs to Serengeti’s endless plains and Ngorongoro’s lush crater floor. This variety enhances your chances of seeing different species and scenery.

Well-Organized Logistics: With accommodations pre-arranged, meals included, and airport transfers handled, the trip minimizes stress. The all-inclusive nature offers peace of mind, especially for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with Tanzania.

Authentic Safari Feel: Spend days on game drives, often starting early and ending late. The small group size (since it’s a private tour) guarantees a personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photography.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Reviewer comments emphasize the knowledge and professionalism of guides, with one noting that the guide “spoke fluent English and had a high respect for nature,” enriching the safari experience. The chance to see lions, elephants, and rhinos up close in the Ngorongoro crater or Serengeti’s Seronera region is a highlight, as is the diverse birdlife and scenic landscapes.

Food and accommodation are praised for their quality, with reviews mentioning delicious seafood lunches and the comfort of mid-range or luxury lodges, depending on your choice. The inclusion of taxes and fees in the price prevents unexpected costs, making this a straightforward booking experience.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day private safari offers a balanced blend of adventure and comfort, designed for travelers eager to tick off the Big 5 in Tanzania’s most iconic parks without sacrificing quality or ease. The thoughtfully crafted itinerary allows you to experience multiple ecosystems, guided by expert professionals who enhance each sighting with their knowledge.

While the non-refundable policy requires you to be certain about your dates, the overall value — considering included meals, accommodations, and transfers — makes it a compelling choice for wildlife lovers and first-time visitors alike.

If you’re looking for an immersive safari that covers all the major highlights in a manageable timeframe, this tour strikes a solid balance between adventure, comfort, and value.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate. It’s designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels, with a focus on wildlife viewing.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes all fees and taxes, airport pickup and drop-off, accommodations (mid-range or luxury), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and a professional guide with a safari vehicle.

Are meals provided during game drives?
Yes, meals are included and usually consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On full-day game drives, packed lunches are typically provided.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A 4×4 Toyota Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-top roof is used, offering optimal views and photo opportunities in the parks.

Can I customize the accommodations?
The tour offers options for mid-range or luxury lodges. Specific preferences can often be arranged, but it’s best to confirm with the operator beforehand.

How long are the game drives each day?
Game drives generally start early in the morning and continue until late afternoon, providing ample opportunity for wildlife sightings and photography.

What are the main highlights of this safari?
Expect to see the Big 5—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros—along with a variety of other wildlife, scenic landscapes, and unique ecosystems across four parks.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
Due to the fixed nature of park opening hours and wildlife movement, the itinerary is structured for optimal sightings. The tour is private, so guides can adapt slightly based on conditions.

What happens if my plans change or I need to cancel?
The booking is non-refundable. It’s important to be sure of your travel dates before confirming. Once booked, changes or cancellations won’t be possible under the policy.

How do I ensure a smooth experience?
Book early, confirm your travel details, and communicate any special needs with the operator. Trust in the guides’ expertise and enjoy the journey through Tanzania’s wild landscapes.

This 5-day Serengeti Big 5 safari offers a well-rounded, authentic experience, perfect for those eager to explore Tanzania’s legendary parks comfortably and confidently. Whether it’s your first safari or a return visit, the combination of expert guides, scenic diversity, and memorable wildlife encounters makes it a trip to remember.