5 day safari Tarangire Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater

Planning a safari in Tanzania? This 5-day private tour packs in some of the country’s most iconic parks, offering a blend of remarkable wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes. From elephants and lions to the endless plains of the Serengeti, this trip promises a genuine adventure tailored just for your group.

What we love about this experience? First, the personalized nature of a private safari means you get the guide’s undivided attention and the flexibility to customize your game drives. Second, the quality of accommodations—hot showers and comfortable tents—ensures you’re well-rested after long days of exploring. Third, the expert guides who are praised for their animal knowledge and spotting skills make a difference in spotting elusive wildlife and sharing interesting facts.

A possible consideration? The tour runs in a packed schedule, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or fewer parks, this might feel a bit intense. However, for those seeking a comprehensive snapshot of Tanzania’s wildlife in just five days, this tour hits all the high notes.

This safari suits travelers eager for an authentic, all-encompassing adventure with a focus on seeing the Big Five and other incredible animals. It’s perfect if you want a guided experience that balances comfort, value, and genuine wildlife encounters.

Key Points

• Private experience: Tailored for your group with exclusive game drives
• Comfort first: Lodges and tents with hot showers and delicious meals
• Expert guides: Highly praised for wildlife knowledge and spotting skills
• All-inclusive pricing: Covers most fees, meals, and transfers
• Flexible schedule: Available every day, fitting your travel plans
• Authentic wildlife encounters: See animals like elephants, lions, cheetahs, and more in their natural habitat

The Detailed Breakdown of the 5-Day Tanzanian Safari

Day 1: Welcome to Tarangire National Park

Starting your adventure in Tarangire, you’ll leave Arusha after breakfast and head straight to this lesser-known but wildlife-rich park. The drive itself is scenic, with your guide pointing out local sights and explaining the park’s unique features.

Once inside, your game drive kicks off, and you’ll have a full day exploring the park’s diverse landscape. It’s famous for large herds of elephants—some reviews mention Tarangire as home to some of Africa’s biggest elephant populations—plus the three rare species: the Greater Kudu, Fringe-eared Oryx, and Ashy Starlings. The landscape is characterized by Acacia woodland, giant Baobab trees, and swamp areas which attract a variety of animals during Tanzania’s dry season.

Expect to enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the wilderness, giving you time to relax while soaking in the scenery. Reviewers highlight the park’s tranquil vibe and impressive wildlife density, especially around the river and swamp zones. The day lasts roughly 7 hours, and your guide’s animal spotting skills mean you’re likely to see plenty of elephants and possibly some predators.

Day 2: Transition to the Serengeti

After breakfast, it’s time to leave Tarangire and journey toward Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the farmland of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering glimpses of local life and scenic highlands.

Descending into Serengeti’s iconic plains, you can anticipate a vast, seemingly endless landscape. The central Seronera area is particularly rich in wildlife—thanks to the Seronera River, which sustains the animals year-round. Here, the landscape transforms into rolling grasslands dotted with acacia trees and the backdrop for countless wildlife sightings.

Traveling at a comfortable pace, you’ll arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, with your guide sharing insights into the park’s ecological importance. This area is renowned for being one of the most biologically diverse wildlife habitats in Africa. Visitors often mention the vastness and beauty of the plains, and the chance to spot animals like giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests grazing freely.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti

This is the day for your main wildlife adventure. After an early breakfast, you’ll set out for a full-day game drive, possibly with a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the park.

The Serengeti’s endless plains are prime territory for predators and prey. Reported sightings include lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. The migration is often nearby, and if your timing aligns, you might witness a spectacular chase or herd movement.

Wildlife is abundant, and your guide’s experience and eagle eyes mean you’ll likely spot elusive animals like jackals or elusive leopards hidden in trees. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the park’s variety of bird species, singing and fluttering across the plains. This 10-hour day is packed with activity, and many reviews mention how their guides went above and beyond to ensure maximum animal sightings.

Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro

After an early breakfast, you’ll enjoy one more game drive in Serengeti before departing for Ngorongoro Conservation Area. En route, you’ll have a chance to spot any remaining wildlife and take in the changing scenery—more open grasslands, wooded areas, and perhaps some Maasai villages if you’re lucky.

Arriving at Ngorongoro is like stepping into a wildlife sanctuary. The highlight? Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, known as the “Garden of Eden.” It’s one of the densest wildlife areas in Africa, home to around 30,000 animals, including rare black rhinos.

Many reviewers have praised this part of the trip for the concentration of animals in such a compact area—lions lounging near herds of zebras, hippos in the lakes, and hyenas stalking their prey. The scenery is breathtaking, with lush green crater walls contrasting the wildlife below. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by animals going about their day.

Day 5: The Crater and Departure

Your final morning starts with a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. It’s the perfect last chance for a wildlife fix before heading back to Arusha. As you descend into the crater, the feeling of being in a natural zoo is palpable—this is one of Africa’s most densely populated wildlife areas.

Expect to see herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and possibly elephants and warthogs. Predators like lions and cheetahs are also common sights here. The landscape is dramatic—crater walls rising around you—and the experience is both humbling and exhilarating.

After the game drive, you’ll head back to Arusha, usually arriving in the late afternoon, ending your 5-day safari journey.

What Does the Tour Include?

This safari offers excellent value considering the all-inclusive price of $2,211.29 per person. It covers all fees and taxes, making budgeting easier. Notably, the package includes meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for each day, a driver guide, and comfortable 4×4 transport. Lodging is arranged in well-equipped tents and lodges with hot showers, ensuring you’re comfortable after long days in the wilderness.

The tour also offers pickup from Msumbi CoffeesTFA Shopping Complex in Arusha, which is convenient for travelers arriving by plane or shuttle. The experience is private, meaning only your group will participate—great for those wanting an intimate adventure.

What’s Not Included?

Travelers should note that nights in Arusha prior and after the safari aren’t included, nor are international flights, tips, or optional activities like balloon rides or visits to local villages. These extras can be added if desired but are not part of this package.

Why Travelers and Reviewers Rave About This Tour

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge of guides like Jackson, John, and Joseph, who are described as “amazing,” “professional,” and “extremely experienced”. Their animal-spotting skills and depth of knowledge turn ordinary game drives into memorable wildlife safaris.

Many mention the delicious meals and comfortable accommodations, emphasizing that the lodges and tents are “fully equipped” with hot showers—a much-appreciated feature after hours of outdoor activity.

People love the flexibility and private nature of the tour, which allows for personalized game drives and the chance to ask questions. The value for money is another common theme; with all fees, meals, and transport included, travelers feel they get a comprehensive experience without hidden costs.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a well-organized, intimate safari experience with knowledgeable guides, this 5-day tour offers a fantastic way to see Tanzania’s top parks. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate comfort and value, without sacrificing authentic wildlife encounters.

While the schedule is quite full, many travelers find the mix of diverse parks—Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro—to be the perfect combination for capturing the essence of Tanzanian wildlife. The private nature and quality of accommodations mean you’ll enjoy your trip in comfort, with every detail taken care of.

This safari is best for travelers who want to maximize their wildlife sightings in a short period, are comfortable with a busy itinerary, and value expert guides who genuinely love sharing their knowledge. If you’re dreaming of a safari that balances adventure, comfort, and expert insight, this tour is worth considering.

FAQs

• What is included in the price?

All fees and taxes, 1.5 liters of drinking water per day, driver guide, 4×4 transportation during safaris, accommodation, and all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

• Are the lodges and tents comfortable?

Yes, they are fully equipped with hot showers, and many reviews highlight the quality of the accommodations, which blend comfort with the rustic charm of safari life.

• Can I book this tour on any day of the year?

Yes, the tour is available daily throughout the year, fitting most travel schedules.

• What should I bring?

While not specified, travelers typically pack neutral-colored clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, camera, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

• Is this a group or private tour?

It’s a private experience, meaning only your group participates, allowing a more personalized adventure.

• How long is each game drive?

Day 1 and 2 involve full-day drives of approximately 7 and 6 hours, while Day 3 is a full 10-hour game drive. Day 4 includes a 4-hour drive to Ngorongoro, and Day 5 involves a game drive in the crater.

• What animals are most likely to be seen?

Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, hippos, and black rhinos are common sightings—especially in Ngorongoro.

• Are meals included on the tour?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included for each day of the safari.

• Can I extend my stay or customize the itinerary?

The tour is designed as a pre-set 5-day experience, but you might be able to customize or extend by contacting the provider directly.

Final Word

This 5-day safari offers a well-rounded, high-quality introduction to Tanzania’s most famous parks. Its combination of private guides, comfortable accommodations, and diverse landscapes makes it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a memorable wildlife adventure with peace of mind. Whether it’s your first safari or a repeat visit, you’ll find plenty to love here—wild animals, stunning scenery, and expert guidance all wrapped into one affordable package.