5 Days Tanzania Joining Safari with Pick Up Included Shared Tour

Planning a safari in Tanzania often feels like a bucket list activity, and this 5-day shared camping tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, affordability, and authenticity. Our review isn’t based on personal trip experience, but on the detailed feedback and itinerary info from travelers and the tour operator, African Trek & Travel.

What we love? First, the close-to-nature camping offers an immersive experience that lodges simply can’t match. Second, the expert guides, like Barnabas and Michael, are praised for their wildlife-spotting skills and wealth of local knowledge. Third, the value for money shines through when you consider how much wildlife, scenery, and cultural insight is packed into just five days.

That said, it’s worth noting that sharing space in tents and roughing it a bit means this trip isn’t for everyone—those seeking luxury might prefer lodge-based safaris. But if you’re after an authentic wilderness adventure that’s both budget-friendly and packed with sightings, this tour is a stellar choice. It suits travelers eager for an active, engaging, and genuine safari experience with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

Key Points

• Authentic camping experience brings you closer to the wild than lodges.
• Experienced guides excel at spotting animals and sharing insights.
• Includes all major parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, with a focus on wildlife-rich areas.
• Good value for the price considering food, transport, and guided tours.
• Group size limited to 6 for a more personalized experience.
• Excellent reviews highlight seamless organization and memorable wildlife encounters.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Tarangire National Park

Starting in Arusha, you’ll be picked up early at 8:30 AM, whisked off to Tarangire—famous for its towering baobab trees and large herds of elephants. With a picnic lunch in hand, you’ll spend about eight hours on game drives. This park’s highlight is the Tarangire River, which draws in a wealth of animals, from lions and leopards to giraffes and zebras.

What makes Tarangire special? Reviewers note how the landscape’s unique, with massive, ancient trees providing striking backdrops for wildlife sightings. Many mention spotting a diverse range of animals in one visit, with one reviewer praising their guide for helping spot elusive predators like leopards. An additional perk is that the park is free of entrance fees, keeping costs predictable.

Day 2: The Vastness of Serengeti

After breakfast, the journey continues to the Serengeti National Park, renowned worldwide for its endless plains and abundant wildlife. You’ll enjoy a full-day game drive, with a picnic lunch, exploring the spectacular grasslands. Here, wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles roam freely, and lions are often seen lounging under acacia trees.

Traveling across the Serengeti’s iconic plains is a highlight in itself. Travelers often mention how the landscape feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary, with some spotting predators like cheetahs and lions within moments. The scenery’s grandness is complemented by the sense of space and freedom that only the Serengeti can offer.

Day 3: Central Serengeti and Predator Encounters

This day focuses on the Seronera area, considered the heart of Serengeti’s animal activity. Starting at 8 AM, you’ll explore the central plains, where the concentration of lions, leopards, and other big cats is high. The Seronera River’s presence ensures a steady flow of wildlife, especially during the migration season.

Reviewers highlight the exceptional guide expertise here. One shared that their guide, Barnabas, helped spot a lion pride lounging in the shade and even a rare leopard, which made the day unforgettable. Expect a full day of game viewing, with plenty of opportunities to observe predator-prey interactions.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater and Surroundings

After a morning game drive, you’ll depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arriving at the rim for a picnic lunch overlooking the crater. This massive volcanic caldera, the largest of its kind in the world, is a wildlife hotspot—home to over 30,000 animals.

Travelers describe Ngorongoro as a “biodiversity paradise,” with elephants, buffalo, lions, and black rhinos visible on the crater floor. The crater’s unique geography means animals tend to congregate around watering holes, making sightings more predictable. Some reviewers mention how the scenery, framed by extinct volcanoes, makes the experience feel like stepping onto another planet.

Day 5: The Crater Floor and Wildlife Action

The last morning begins early as you descend into Ngorongoro at around 6:30 AM. This five-hour game drive on the crater floor is often the highlight for wildlife lovers. Expect to see elephants, hippos, hyenas, cheetahs, and lions—many in close proximity.

One reviewer shared how their guide, Harry, had an incredible eye for animal behavior and was able to show them a rare rhino and a pride of lions near the Hippo Pool. The day ends with a picnic lunch before ascending back to the crater rim for departure.

Transportation, Guides, and Comfort

The tour is designed for a small group—maximum six travelers—allowing a more intimate and flexible experience. Transportation is typically in a safari vehicle with WiFi onboard, making it easier to share photos or stay connected. Pick-up is included, which many reviews describe as smooth and punctual, giving a stress-free start to the adventure.

Guides like Michael, Barnabas, and Harry receive high praise for their wildlife knowledge and ability to find animals in challenging terrain. Their experience means you’ll likely see more animals and learn about their behaviors and habitats. Several reviewers mention that guides go above and beyond, spotting elusive creatures like leopards and rhinos, and sharing interesting facts along the way.

Food and Camping Experience

You’ll be provided with delicious, plentiful meals—including breakfast, lunch, and dinner—often described as satisfying after long days in the field. The camping aspect is more rustic than luxury lodges, but reviews repeatedly mention the comfort of well-organized camps, clean tents, and the joy of sleeping under the stars. Some travelers praise the campfire dinners that add a touch of authenticity to the adventure.

Cost and Value

At $1,500 per person, this safari provides excellent value for a comprehensive five-day experience exploring multiple iconic parks. Included are all game drives, park fees, and meals, making it a transparent and budget-friendly option for those wanting to maximize wildlife sightings without luxury price tags.

Many reviewers have commented on the high quality of the experience relative to the price, emphasizing the professionalism of the staff and the abundance of wildlife encounters. The tours are well-organized, with seamless transitions from one park to another, often praised in reviewer comments about how everything went smoothly from pickup to drop-off.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Insights

Beyond the animals, travelers mention the cultural insights gained from guides knowledgeable about Tanzanian customs and local communities. One reviewer appreciated how their guide added context to the landscape and animal behaviors, turning a wildlife drive into an educational experience.

Many tours include opportunities to visit smaller parks like Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park, offering a well-rounded view of Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems. The inclusion of hot air balloon rides with bush breakfasts, though not detailed here, is also an option many travelers find enhances the overall value.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

• Expert guides with excellent wildlife spotting skills and local knowledge.
• Authentic camping that enhances the sense of adventure.
• All-inclusive meals and park fees offer straightforward budgeting.
• Small group size ensures personal attention and flexibility.
• Seamless organization as confirmed by multiple positive reviews.
• Wildlife sightings often include rare animals like rhinos and leopards, thanks to guides’ skills.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari suits travelers who want an up-close wilderness experience without the high costs of luxury lodges. It’s ideal for those comfortable with camping and basic accommodations but who still want knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics. Families, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts will find this tour rewarding.

If you’re after authentic wildlife encounters and a sense of true adventure in Tanzania’s iconic parks, this tour delivers on that promise. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate small group settings, personalized attention, and a focus on the environment and animals—not just scenery.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel or location in Arusha, making it easy to start your adventure without logistical worries.

What’s the group size limit?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring more personal interaction with guides and fewer crowds during game drives.

Are all park fees included?
Yes, park entrance fees, meals, and game drives are included in the price, providing straightforward budgeting.

What’s the camping experience like?
The camping sites are well-organized, with clean tents and delicious campfire dinners. While rustic, many reviewers appreciated the authentic feel and the chance to sleep under the stars.

How experienced are the guides?
Guides like Michael, Barnabas, and Harry are highly praised for their wildlife spotting skills, knowledge, and friendly attitude. Many reviewers mentioned they helped see elusive animals like leopards and rhinos.

Can I expect to see the Big Five?
Multiple reviews confirm sightings of lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos are common, especially with guides who are skilled at finding these animals.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Tanzania safari offers an excellent mix of adventure, authentic camping, and expert wildlife viewing at a competitive price. With knowledgeable guides, seamless organization, and a small-group experience, it’s well-suited for travelers seeking a genuine safari without the luxury price tag. The chance to see iconic animals in their natural habitat, combined with the thrill of camping under the stars, makes this a memorable journey.

Perfect for wildlife lovers, families, or anyone craving a real Tanzanian adventure, this tour balances comfort and authenticity. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Africa’s wilderness and create lifelong memories.

Whether you’re after the Big Five, the Serengeti’s endless plains, or the Ngorongoro crater’s wildlife spectacle, this tour delivers a well-rounded and enjoyable safari experience.