Private 6-Day Tarangire Manyara Crater and Serengeti with Mid-Range Lodges

Touring Tanzania’s legendary parks in just over a week might sound ambitious, but this 6-day private safari makes it both impressive and manageable. We haven’t personally been on this exact trip, but from the detailed reviews and itinerary, it’s clear this experience strikes a satisfying balance between wildlife encounters, comfortable accommodation, and personalized guidance.

What we love most about this tour? First, the chance to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater—each offering unique landscapes and animal sightings. Second, the expert guides who seem to have a sixth sense for spotting elusive animals from miles away. Third, the mid-range lodges that provide comfort without sacrificing authenticity.

One aspect to consider is the price of $2,685 per person—it’s a good value considering the inclusions and quality but isn’t the cheapest option out there. Still, the focus on a private experience with full board, park fees, and private transport makes this a solid investment for those wanting a personalized adventure.

This tour suits travelers who crave intimate wildlife encounters, appreciate thoughtful guides, and prefer a mix of comfort and adventure. It’s perfect for honeymooners, small groups, or solo travelers who want a well-organized, authentic safari without the hefty price tag of luxury lodges.

Key Points

• Private Guided Experience: Personalized tours with expert guides who are knowledgeable and friendly.
• Iconic Parks: Visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater—perfect for seeing the Big Five and legendary landscapes.
• Mid-Range Lodges: Comfortable accommodations with full board, balancing affordability and authenticity.
• Wildlife & Scenery: Expect spectacular game drives, stunning vistas, and exceptional animal sightings.
• Expert Guides & Spotting Skills: Guides like Gilbert and Goodluck are praised for their keen eyes, making sure you see everything.
• Value for Money: All park fees, private transportation, and full-board meals included, offering a hassle-free experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your adventure starts right in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari hub. A driver from Lion King Adventures will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. This initial step isn’t just about logistics—it’s a chance to settle into the rhythm of your trip, soak in the local atmosphere, and prepare for the days ahead. Most reviews highlight this smooth pickup as the start of a well-organized journey. You’ll have some free time to relax before the real safari begins.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

This day kicks off with breakfast in Arusha before a roughly two-and-a-half-hour drive to Tarangire, famous for its massive elephant herds and the Tarangire River, which sustains wildlife during the dry season. Here, you’ll likely find elephants congregating, along with giraffes, bushbuck, and hartebeest. Predators like lions and leopards are common sights, especially near the water.

Reviewers praise the guide’s ability to locate animals—even from afar, with one remarking how their guide, Macha, could get within just 10-50 feet of animals while other safaris remained farther away. The park’s birdlife is also prolific, offering a diverse soundtrack to your game drives. Expect a full day of wildlife spotting, ending with a comfortable overnight stay in a lodge that provides a genuine bush experience.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

A highlight for many travelers, today involves traveling up into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a stop at the Ngorongoro Crater—an awe-inspiring volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. The drive into the crater offers dramatic views, and inside you’ll encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, plus chances to see the endangered black rhino.

After exploring the crater, you’ll head to the Serengeti’s southern plains. The vast open grasslands are perfect for sightings of impalas, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, and predators. The scenery alone is worth the trip, and reviewers mention how impressive the landscape is—spacious and alive with movement. Expect your first encounters with lions, cheetahs, and leopards in this iconic park.

Day 4: Full Day in the Serengeti

The second day in Serengeti offers more flexibility—early morning and late afternoon game drives are typical, with the option of a full-day adventure complete with a picnic lunch. The guides’ skills in tracking and finding animals are consistently praised—many reviews mention how guides like Shafino or Gilbert managed to position travelers for perfect animal views, often in solitude. This day is often described as a life-changing experience, with the plains alive with movement and the thrill of close animal encounters.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Karatu

Today, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most renowned wildlife destinations in Africa. The crater’s steep walls create a natural amphitheater where large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles graze. It’s also one of the best places to spot rhinos—reviewers note the possibility of seeing the endangered black rhino here.

The drive into and out of the crater is an adventure in itself, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities. Spending the afternoon exploring the crater floor means encountering a patchwork of savannah, lakes, and woodlands, all bustling with wildlife. The crater’s natural beauty and diversity make it a highlight for many travelers.

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park & Departure

Your final day involves a visit to Lake Manyara, a smaller but surprisingly diverse park. The lake’s shallow waters attract thousands of wading birds, including flamingos, while the tall trees host the famous tree-climbing lions. The evergreen forests are home to baboons and elephants, contributing to the park’s varied scenery.

Most reviews praise guides like Gilbert for their sharp eyes—spotting animals in the distance that others might miss. After your game drive and a picnic lunch, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha or your preferred drop-off point, ending your safari with plenty of unforgettable moments.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While $2,685 per person might seem like a hefty price, the inclusions justify the cost. Full park fees, private transport, expert guides, full-board accommodations, and bottled water all add up when booked separately. The fact that this tour is private means you won’t be squeezed into a large group, and your guide can tailor the game drives based on your interests and the wildlife activity.

The mid-range lodges are often praised for striking the right balance—offering cozy, authentic stays without the luxury price tag. Many reviews highlight how the accommodations exceeded expectations, with some mentioning they felt more like to be in a boutique hotel than a standard safari lodge.

The experience of having guides with exceptional animal-spotting skills—like Goodluck, who has a reputation for locating elusive animals—can make or break a safari. Multiple reviewers talk about how their guides knew precisely where to look, often getting closer than other vehicles, which greatly enhances the safari’s intimacy and excitement.

Final Thoughts

This private 6-day safari offers a comprehensive, well-structured route through some of Tanzania’s most renowned parks. The emphasis on expert guiding, comfortable mid-range lodges, and personalized attention makes it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a full wildlife experience without the expense of luxury lodges.

While the price might be a consideration, the value is reflected in the quality of guides, the carefully curated itinerary, and the opportunity to witness Africa’s iconic landscapes and animals closely. For those seeking a mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic moments, this tour is a fantastic option.

It’s especially suited for honeymooners, small groups, or solo travelers keen to explore with a knowledgeable guide, confident they’re seeing the best of what Tanzania has to offer.

FAQ

What is included in this safari tour?
The tour includes 5 nights of accommodation, park entrance fees, bottled water, a professional guide, private transport, and full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so it can be tailored to your preferences. The itinerary provided is standard, but guides can adapt based on wildlife sightings or interests.

What is the maximum group size?
Since it’s a private tour, only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

What are the accommodation standards?
You’ll stay in mid-range lodges that offer comfort and a genuine safari feel, with full board included.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included for all six days.

Is transportation comfortable?
Transport is by private vehicle, designed for game drives and airport transfers, with good road conditions expected during the drive times.

What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and numerous bird species like flamingos and wading birds.

How experienced are the guides?
Guides like Gilbert and Goodluck are highly praised for their keen eyes, extensive knowledge, and ability to locate animals efficiently.

What about the best time to go?
While not specified, Tanzania’s dry season (June to October) is generally ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources.

In summary, this 6-day private safari is a carefully curated journey through Tanzania’s most iconic parks, offering ample wildlife sightings, expert guiding, and comfortable accommodations—all at a reasonable price for this level of experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to see Africa’s wilderness at its best, it’s a trip that promises memorable adventures.