5-Day Private midrange Tour in Arusha with Airport Pickup

Traveling through Tanzania’s most renowned parks is the kind of adventure that leaves a lasting impression. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries make it clear that this 5-day safari offers a well-rounded, authentic experience. It combines the thrill of spotting the Big Five with the comfort of private guides and lodges, all wrapped in a package that balances quality with value.

What we love about this experience? First, the personalized nature of the private tour ensures you get the flexibility to stay longer with animals or skip a stop if you’re just not feeling it. Second, the knowledge and professionalism of guides like Elias and Ezekiel shine through in reviews, with many travelers praising their sharp eyesight and animal expertise. Third, the full-board accommodations and well-organized itinerary make this an effortless trip—no worries about logistics or meal planning.

However, a point to consider is the price point—at $3,600 per person—this isn’t a budget adventure but offers good value when you factor in the private guides, full board, and high-quality safaris. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a more intimate, flexible, and comfortable experience and are willing to invest in personalized service and quality.

Key Points

• Private Guided Experience: Your own expert guide enhances the safari with personalized attention and in-depth wildlife knowledge.
• Comfortable Lodging & Full Board: Relax in midrange lodges and enjoy all meals included, making the trip hassle-free.
• Diverse Parks & Big Five Encounters: Visit Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, each offering unique scenery and wildlife.
• Authentic and Well-Reviewed: Consistent 5-star ratings and authentic reviews highlight a trusted, high-quality operator.
• Flexible & Private: Only your group participates, giving you control over your schedule and wildlife viewing time.
• Expert Guides: Reviewers repeatedly praise guides like Elias, Ezekiel, and Mandela for their sharp eyes and extensive animal knowledge.

The Full Experience: A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park – Elephants & Baobabs

Your journey kicks off with a pickup from Arusha between 08:30 and 09:00. From here, it’s a scenic drive into Tarangire, famous for its dense elephant populations and towering baobab trees. The park’s landscape is striking—vast plains dotted with iconic trees that appear to reach into the sky. After arriving at your lodge for lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to a game drive, giving you your first close encounters with elephants, giraffes, zebras, and resident predators like lions and cheetahs.

Reviewers appreciate the personal touch of this private tour, with one noting that the guide’s expertise made it possible to stay longer with animals or revisit spots. The park’s dry season (June to November) is especially good for elephant viewing, but the variety of animals, including waterbuck, impala, and mongoose, is impressive year-round.

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Flamingos & Leopards

After breakfast, you head to Lake Manyara, packed with wildlife and known for its spectacular birdlife, particularly flamingos. While flamingos may not always be present during the dry season, the park offers a diverse array of animals like elephants, hippos, and Masai giraffes. The hippo pond is a highlight, with many visitors enjoying close-up views of these massive creatures.

One reviewer praised the park’s variety, noting that leopards and lions are often seen here. The extended game drive with a picnic lunch guarantees plenty of wildlife sightings in this lush, lakeside environment.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park – Endless Plains & Big Cats

The journey continues with a drive into the legendary Serengeti. Passing through farmland of Karatu and Ngorongoro, the landscape transforms into endless grasslands. The centerpiece here is the Seronera area, where the Seronera River attracts large concentrations of animals. Many reviews describe this as a highlight—the vastness and richness of wildlife are unforgettable.

Expect your guide to be on high alert for predators and the Big Five, especially in the early afternoon game drive. Travelers note the extensive animal activity in Seronera, making it an ideal place for wildlife photography and close encounters with lions, cheetahs, and elephants.

Day 4: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Starting early with a game drive before breakfast, you’ll hunt for more wildlife and enjoy the early morning light. The drive to Ngorongoro includes a game-enriched route, and many reviewers mention how their guides’ sharp eyes and animal knowledge made spotting elusive predators, like leopards, easier.

Arriving at Ngorongoro Crater for dinner and overnight allows you to witness one of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa. The crater, supported by a permanent water supply, sustains a high density of animals, including wildebeest, buffalo, and giant elephants, with predators often lurking nearby.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife in a Bowl

Your final day involves descending into Ngorongoro Crater, a highlight for many travelers. With over 600 meters of elevation change, you’ll step into a natural amphitheater filled with wildlife. The crater’s year-round water and food sources make it a prime viewing spot, with animals like hippos in the lakes and lions lounging nearby.

One reviewer called this “a trip of a lifetime,” noting how their guide’s spotting skills made a difference. Visiting Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake, adds to the experience, often providing spectacular birdwatching opportunities.

Why This Tour Works Well

This safari is tailored for those who want a balanced mix of adventure and comfort. The full-board lodges mean no stress about food or accommodation, while the private guides ensure you get the most out of each game drive—more personalized attention, longer stays with animals, and tailored routes.

The itinerary touches on all of Tanzania’s renowned parks, offering a comprehensive view of its diverse ecosystems. From the tree-filled landscapes of Tarangire to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, your wildlife sightings are likely to be spectacular.

Travelers repeatedly highlight the professionalism of the guides, with some mentioning guides like Elias, Ezekiel, and Mandela who are praised for their sharp eyesight and animal knowledge. The full day game drives, often lasting 6-8 hours, ensure ample time to spot the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife.

Accommodation & Meals

Staying in midrange lodges means comfort without extravagance. Reviewers mention the lodges’ quality, with some describing their experience as “very good” and appreciating the included meals. The full-board arrangement means you won’t need to worry about where your next meal is coming from, allowing you to fully focus on the wildlife.

Transportation & Logistics

The tour provides round-trip transfers from Arusha Airport, simplifying the logistics of your trip. The private 4×4 vehicle is tailored for game drives, offering excellent visibility and comfort for long hours on safari routes. The timing of departures (around 8:30-9:00 am) is ideal for maximizing daylight hours for game viewing.

Price & Value

At $3,600 per person, this safari isn’t inexpensive, but reviews suggest excellent value considering the personalized service, private guides, quality accommodations, and comprehensive park visits. The private nature of the tour means you can customize your schedule—whether that’s spending more time in a favorite park or taking a leisurely approach.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day safari is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, personalized experience in some of Tanzania’s most famous parks. With knowledgeable guides, full-board accommodations, and a carefully curated itinerary, it offers a solid balance of comfort and adventure.

It’s especially suited for those who don’t want to compromise on quality but still prefer a midrange experience over luxury or camping options. If you’re after a hassle-free, well-organized tour that covers all the iconic parks with flexibility and expert guidance, this tour is a fantastic choice.

FAQs

Is airport pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip transfers from Arusha Airport, making your arrival and departure seamless.

What type of vehicle is used for game drives?
A private 4×4 safari vehicle is used, providing good visibility and comfort during long game drives, with an emphasis on personalized service.

Are meals included during the safari?
Yes, full board is included, which means breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided at the lodges throughout the trip.

How many people typically participate in this tour?
It’s a private tour, so only your group participates, offering a personalized experience.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the itinerary is set, the private nature of the tour allows for some flexibility, especially with the timing and longer stays with particular animals.

What’s the best time to go?
Although not specified in detail, the tour is likely most effective during the dry season (June to November), when wildlife congregates around water sources.

What is the price per person?
Costing $3,600.00, this reflects the private guide service, full-board accommodations, and comprehensive park visits—an investment in comfort and personalized wildlife encounters.

Final Words

This safari offers a wonderful blend of adventure, comfort, and expert guidance, making it a top pick for those who want to see the best of Tanzania’s wildlife without sacrificing quality. The consistent rave reviews about guides like Elias and Ezekiel showcase the importance of knowledgeable, passionate guides in elevating your experience. Plus, the full-board lodges and private vehicle create a stress-free, immersive journey.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic safari that balances value and quality, this 5-day tour truly delivers. It’s perfect for travelers eager to witness Africa’s iconic landscapes and wildlife while enjoying the flexibility of a private trip. Whether it’s your first safari or a repeat adventure, this trip has the ingredients to make it unforgettable.