5 Days Wildlife Midrange Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Manyara

Our review explores an engaging 5-day safari adventure through some of Tanzania’s most iconic parks, delivered by Afromasai Eastern Safaris. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, the detailed itinerary, glowing reviews, and carefully curated experiences paint a compelling picture of what travelers can expect from this journey.

What makes this safari stand out? First, its focus on three renowned parks and a lake with diverse wildlife offers a comprehensive taste of Tanzania’s natural beauty. Second, the trip’s flexibility in game drive timing allows visitors to tailor each day to their interests. Lastly, the balanced midrange quality ensures comfort without hefty luxury prices, making it accessible for many travelers.

A potential consideration? The five-day duration packs in a lot of driving and sightseeing, which may feel rushed for some. However, this compact schedule is ideal for those with limited time but eager for a thorough safari experience.

This safari caters best to wildlife enthusiasts, first-timers, or travelers seeking a well-rounded adventure that balances scenery, wildlife, and comfort.

Key Points:

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Manyara, delivering a broad safari experience.
• Flexibility: Daily game drives can be customized to your preferences, with options for full or half days.
• Wildlife Focus: Expect to see large elephant herds, big cats, flamingos, and other iconic species.
• Authentic Encounters: Opportunities to experience Masai culture and see majestic baobab trees.
• Good Value: At $1,900 per person, it balances affordability with quality accommodation and guided tours.
• Expert Guides: Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Welcome to Tarangire National Park

Starting early from Arusha, you’ll head straight to Tarangire, renowned for its vast elephant herds and striking scenery. The park’s famous baobab trees—some dwarfed by centuries of growth—create a surreal backdrop for game viewing. Your guide will likely share insights into the Masai way of life during stops, adding cultural dimension to your adventure.

Expect to see elephants playing beneath the ancient trees and browsing on thorny acacia. Game viewing here is especially rewarding during the dry season when animals congregate around water sources. The highlight for many is watching elephants strip bark from trees, a behavior that demonstrates their adaptability. As the day winds down, you’ll transfer to your accommodation—probably a cozy lodge that offers a good balance between comfort and authenticity.

Day 2: Serengeti’s Legendary Migration and Wildlife

The second day is dedicated to Serengeti National Park, famous worldwide for its Great Wildebeest Migration—a spectacle that’s ongoing throughout the year. The flexibility of the schedule means you can enjoy a morning game drive, relax at the lodge for lunch, then set out for an afternoon adventure. Alternatively, a full-day game drive with a picnic can be arranged, giving you maximum time in this sprawling wilderness.

Serengeti’s vast plains are packed with wildlife, from zebras to gazelles, with the potential to spot predators stalking their prey. The Seronera area, with its dependable water source, is especially good for lion sightings and other predators. Reviewers mention knowledgeable guides who seem to instinctively know when and where to find the animals, adding value to every game drive.

Day 3: Big Cats and Central Serengeti’s Wildlife Hotspot

A full day exploring Central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera River area, offers a chance to encounter big cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—alongside elephants, giraffes, and herds of antelope. The Seronera River is a magnet for wildlife, which congregates around its water and lush vegetation.

You’ll enjoy a lunch break in the wild, a highlight for many, as you watch herds grazing nearby. The afternoon continues with more game viewing, possibly spotting lions resting, cheetahs prowling, or elusive leopards in trees. The expert guides are praised for their ability to locate these predators, often making the difference between a good and a great safari.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater — A Natural Wildlife Haven

Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll experience one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife arenas. The crater’s year-round water supply means animals thrive here, from large herds of wildebeest and zebra to hippos and flamingos on the lake’s shores.

The crater’s dense predator population makes it a thrilling stop for animal spotting—lions, hyenas, and even elusive leopards. The large concentration of water birds and flamingos enhances the scenery, and the picnic lunch allows for a scenic meal amid wildlife. The crater’s unique ecosystem supports a diversity of species and offers countless photo opportunities.

Day 5: Lake Manyara’s Birdlife and Tree-Climbing Lions

Your final day takes you to Lake Manyara, where the landscape shifts to lush woodlands, hot springs, and the iconic tree-climbing lions—a rare sight for many travelers. Lake Manyara is famous for its large colonies of baboons, which travelers rave about, and for its birdlife—particularly flamingos and pelicans—covering the shores in pink.

This small park packs a punch, offering varied habitats that support a wide range of animals. It’s a perfect spot to reflect on your safari, with plenty of chances to see wildlife from close up before heading back to Arusha.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides who make everything more engaging and informative. The stunning views and wildlife encounters are also highlighted, with many guests appreciating the balance between adventure and comfort. The flexibility of the itinerary, allowing for tailored game drives, ensures each day can be personalized.

One reviewer shared how the entire process, from booking to the actual safari, was smooth and enjoyable, citing excellent service and well-organized logistics. They also noted that the driver’s expertise made finding elusive animals easier, enhancing the overall experience.

Practical Aspects and Value

At $1,900 per person, this safari represents a compelling value considering the inclusions—private transportation, park fees, and accommodations. It’s worth noting that meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are mostly included, making budgeting straightforward. The pickup service adds convenience, especially after long flights or early arrivals.

The duration of five days strikes a good balance: enough time to see the major parks without feeling overly rushed. The private tour format means you’ll likely have a more personalized experience, with guides who can adapt timing to your preferences.

Transportation and Comfort

The safari is conducted in a private vehicle, offering ample space for comfort and gear. According to reviews, the driver-guide is both friendly and professional, sharing insights without overwhelming. While the tour is midrange, the accommodations are generally described as comfortable, with some reviewers mentioning “good lodges” that combine charm with practicality.

Who Would Enjoy This Safari?

This tour is perfect for first-time safari-goers eager to see Tanzania’s highlights without splurging on luxury. It’s also suited for those wanting a comprehensive wildlife experience in a manageable timeframe. Nature lovers who enjoy birdwatching and big game** alike will find plenty to marvel at.

Because of the flexible schedule, it also appeals to travelers who prefer to control their daily pace—whether that’s more relaxed or packed with game drives.

The Sum Up

This 5-day wildlife safari offers an excellent overview of Tanzania’s most celebrated parks, combining wildlife viewing, cultural insights, and scenic beauty. The thoughtful itinerary ensures you see a wide variety of animals and landscapes, with guides who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

The value for money is clear, with inclusive park fees and comfortable accommodations, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking an authentic experience without breaking the bank. It’s best suited for those who want a balanced, well-organized adventure that covers the essential highlights of Tanzania’s wildlife.

If you’re after a comprehensive, engaging safari with an emphasis on wildlife and scenery, this tour from Afromasai Eastern Safaris is a strong contender. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, it promises memorable moments and plenty of photo-worthy animals.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The price covers private transportation, park fees and taxes, accommodation, and most meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). A bottle of water is also included.

Are the game drives flexible?
Yes, the tours are designed to be flexible, with your guide discussing the best timing for game drives each day and offering options for full or half days.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
You can expect to see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebra, flamingos, hippos, and various water birds, among other species.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the private nature and flexible timing suggest it could suit families with older children comfortable with long drives and outdoor adventures.

What is the accommodation like?
Descriptions imply comfortable lodges that balance comfort with an authentic safari charm, suitable for a midrange experience.

How long are the game drives each day?
Most game drives are around 8 hours, providing sufficient time to see wildlife and enjoy scenic stops without feeling overly rushed.

This safari promises a well-rounded adventure into Tanzania’s wilderness, combining iconic landscapes, wildlife, and cultural elements—all at a price that offers genuine value. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic yet manageable safari experience.