5 Days Tanzania Private Safari Tour

Planning a safari in Tanzania can feel overwhelming with so many options, but this 5-day private tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of what you can expect — and it looks impressive.

What we love about this safari is its focus on Tanzania’s famous parks, the knowledgeable guides, and the value-packed itinerary that makes each day count. The small group size keeps things intimate, and the inclusion of key highlights like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro adds to the experience’s appeal.

One potential consideration is the need for a full day’s drive, especially on departure day, but it’s a small trade-off for the immersive wildlife viewing. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized safari with a focus on top Tanzanian parks in a manageable timeframe.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife experience in renowned parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
• Expert guides with multilingual capabilities, enhancing the safari’s richness.
• Good value for a five-day, all-inclusive adventure suitable for families or solo travelers.
• Balanced itinerary with ample game drives, cultural stops, and comfortable accommodations.
• Flexibility around dietary needs and a straightforward cancellation policy.
• Small group/private tour for a more personalized and intimate experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park – A Dramatic Introduction

The journey starts with a transfer from Arusha to Lake Manyara, a place that’s as visually stunning as it is biologically diverse. After a relaxing lunch at the lodge, you’ll head into the park for your first game drive. Lake Manyara’s shallow soda lake is a magnet for flamingos, which you’ll likely see flocking in the thousands. The park’s terrain is a changing landscape of acacia woodland, groundnut fields, and the famous tree-climbing lions, a unique sight that many travelers highlight in reviews.

The park is packed with animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, which makes this first stop a promising warm-up for the safari ahead. Reviewers appreciated the expert guidance here, noting that the guides are skilled at spotting elusive wildlife and sharing insightful information. Expect to spend around 6 hours on this first day, with the flexibility to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Day 2: Serengeti National Park – The Icon of African Safaris

The drive from Lake Manyara to Serengeti is a scenic one, passing through the highlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This elevates the anticipation for your first glimpse of the Serengeti’s vast plains — the quintessential image many think of when imagining Africa. Arriving in the Seronera region, known for its biodiversity, you’ll settle in for a hearty lunch before heading out on your first game drive.

The Serengeti is famed for its large herds and predator sightings, and you’ll be on the lookout for lions, cheetahs, topi, and gazelles. The Seronera River attracts animals from across the plains, and guides often mention how stunning the scenery and wildlife density are here. The 6-hour game drive offers ample opportunity to witness the animals in their natural habitat, with some reviewers emphasizing the “breathtaking views” and “authentic wilderness feeling” experienced here.

Day 3: More Time in Serengeti – Focused Wildlife Viewing

This day is dedicated to exploring even more of the Serengeti, specifically along the Sogore River Circuit. This route promises sightings of lions, Thomson’s gazelles, ostriches, and cheetahs, especially around the riverbanks and open plains. The guide recommended a visit to the Serengeti Visitor Centre near Seronera Lodge, which displays interesting wildlife exhibits and offers a chance to learn about the park’s ecosystem.

A picnic lunch amidst the wilderness allows you to take in the vast landscape and spot wildlife at your leisure. The reviews mention how special this day felt, with one traveler noting the “beautiful sightings of lions and cheetahs” and describing the experience as both relaxing and exhilarating. Expect another 6-hour game drive, with plenty of opportunities for memorable sightings.

Day 4: Ngorongoro and Olduvai Gorge – A Heritage Stop and Crater Safari

The transition from Serengeti to Ngorongoro kicks off with a visit to Olduvai Gorge, a site of significant human evolutionary discoveries. Here, you’ll learn about ancient ancestors, adding a layer of cultural depth to your safari. Many reviewers found this stop very interesting, especially those with an interest in archaeology or history.

After lunch, the tour descends over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Garden of Eden” for its lush environment and prolific wildlife. The crater supports herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and perhaps even elusive predators like leopards or hyenas. The year-round water supply and abundant fodder make it one of the best spots to see a wide range of animals in one place.

The half-day spent inside the crater is a highlight for many, with reviewers saying the scenery and wildlife viewing are “simply spectacular.” The guides are experienced at finding the animals and explaining their behaviors, making the drive both educational and awe-inspiring.

Day 5: Return to Arusha – A Fitting Close

The last morning features breakfast at the lodge before heading back to Arusha. The drive offers one last chance to enjoy the scenery and reflect on your trip. Lunch in Arusha wraps up the adventure, and many travelers comment on how well-organized and smooth the entire process was.

The tour ends conveniently back at the starting point, making it easy to continue with other plans or catch a flight. If you’ve been impressed by the guides and the wildlife, you’ll appreciate that tipping is customary but straightforward, around $20 a day for the guide.

What Makes This Safari Stand Out?

Expert Guides with Multilingual Skills: From comments in reviews, guides like Moraka Africa Safaris are praised for their professionalism, vast knowledge, and ability to spot wildlife in challenging conditions. Understanding multiple languages like English, Spanish, and French is a bonus for international travelers.

Well-Paced Itinerary: The daily schedules allow plenty of time for game drives, with some days covering 6 hours of wildlife viewing, ensuring you don’t miss out on key sightings. The mix of game drives, cultural stops, and scenic drives makes the experience dynamic and engaging.

Value-Focused Package: At $2,000 per person, the price covers all fees, taxes, accommodations, meals, and drinks, making it easier to budget. The reviews note that the tour offers excellent service and memorable experiences, often describing it as “high standard” for the cost.

Accommodation and Meals: While not detailed explicitly, the feedback suggests accommodations are clean, comfortable, and well located, with hearty, wilderness-style breakfasts and dinners that add to the overall experience.

Flexibility and Convenience: Pickup from Arusha and a mobile ticket system streamline the process. The tour is private, meaning your group gets personalized attention, a feature often appreciated by families or small groups seeking a tailored experience.

What Could Be Better?

The main consideration is that the tour involves a full day of driving on the departure day — approximately 6 hours — which might be tiring, especially if you’re traveling with young children or prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, the itinerary is quite packed, so if you prefer extensive leisure time in each park, you might find it somewhat hurried.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Safari?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, expertly guided safari experience covering Tanzania’s most iconic parks. It’s perfect for those seeking authentic wildlife sightings, knowledgeable guides, and good value for a well-organized itinerary. Families, couples, or solo adventurers will find this package caters well to their needs, especially with the private tour setup.

If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, cultural insight, and comfort, this trip delivers. The reviews affirm that the guides’ skills, the stunning scenery, and the abundant wildlife make it a memorable and worthwhile journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
All fees, taxes, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), drinking water, and soft drinks are included. A professional driver/guide who speaks multiple languages is also part of the package.

What is not included in the price?
Tips for guides and cooks, international flights, travel insurance, and visas are not included, so be prepared for these additional costs.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes, dietary needs can be requested in advance, ensuring everyone’s preferences are catered to during meals.

How long are the game drives?
Most game drives last about 6 hours each day, providing plenty of time for wildlife spotting and enjoying the scenery.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private experience, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized and flexible adventure.

What is the pickup process?
Pickup is offered from Arusha, and the tour starts at 7:00 am, making it straightforward to join from most accommodations in the area.

How are accommodations handled?
While specific lodges aren’t detailed, reviews highlight that they are clean and comfortable, with good service, adding to the overall value.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the family-friendly tone and small-group setup suggest it can be suitable for families, especially those prepared for long game drives and outdoor exposure.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start, giving flexibility if your plans change.

How do reviews describe the experience?
Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ professionalism, the breathtaking wildlife sightings, and the overall value, with some calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip.

Final Words

This 5-day Tanzania private safari delivers everything you’d want from an authentic wildlife adventure: stunning scenery, expert guides, and plenty of animals in their natural habitat. The carefully curated itinerary balances activity with comfort, making it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet manageable safari experience.

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Big Five, exploring iconic parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and doing so with a knowledgeable team, this tour offers solid value and authentic encounters. It’s best suited for those who want an immersive, well-organized adventure while enjoying the flexibility and intimacy of a private trip.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a true African safari, this experience promises memories that will last a lifetime.