5-Day Private Safari Tour in Northern Tanzania

If you’re dreaming of seeing Africa’s iconic wildlife with expert guides in some of the continent’s most famous parks, this five-day private safari in Northern Tanzania might just be your perfect escape. While we haven’t personally hopped into the 4×4, reviews reinforce that this experience offers a blend of impressive scenery, abundant wildlife, and knowledgeable guides who love sharing their passion.

What we love about this tour? First, its focus on the Serengeti’s famed wildlife—especially the wildebeest migration and lion populations. Second, the chance to explore Ngorongoro Crater, dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world,” with its incredible density of big game. Third, the mix of landscapes—giraffe against termite mounds, elephants against baobabs—that makes every game drive visually stunning.

One possible consideration? The five-day duration means packed days and long drives (up to 5 hours between parks). For some, this might feel rushed or physically demanding, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

This tour suits travelers who crave an immersive wildlife experience with expert guiding, are comfortable with full days of game drives, and want a well-rounded view of Northern Tanzania’s crown jewels. It’s ideal for first-timers looking for a comprehensive safari and seasoned wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: The guides, including Ebenezer, Isack, and Msangi, are highly praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to spot wildlife.
• Iconic Parks: The itinerary covers Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, with optional visits to Olduvai Gorge, offering a broad view of Tanzania’s landscapes and ecosystems.
• Wildlife Diversity: Expect large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and the Big Five, along with the wildebeest migration and bird species galore.
• Value and Comfort: At $2,500 per person, the tour offers significant value considering private guiding, park entrance fees, and authentic camping or lodge experiences.
• Authentic Encounters: Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ skill in animal spotting and storytelling, making each game drive engaging and educational.
• Full-Day Drives: Long days of wildlife viewing mean plenty of time for photos, close animal encounters, and memorable moments.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

Your safari begins with a morning pickup in Arusha, followed by about a two-hour drive to Tarangire. This park is known for its massive elephant herds and iconic giant termite mounds. With a full day of game drives, you’ll get a chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, and a variety of antelope and bird species.

Travelers consistently mention how Tarangire’s scenery—featuring savannah dotted with acacia trees and striking rock formations—sets the tone for the adventure. The park’s birdlife is particularly notable, with many species adding color and sound to your game drives.

Day 2: Serengeti and Olduvai Gorge

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a quick game drive in Tarangire before heading towards the Serengeti, a journey of about five hours. The Serengeti’s reputation for wildlife is well deserved—it’s the place to see wildebeest, cheetah, zebra, lions, giraffes, and more. Reviewers emphasize how guides like Ebenezer and Isack make wildlife sightings come alive with their storytelling and keen eyes.

In the afternoon, there’s the optional stop at Olduvai Gorge, a site that has shaped understanding of human origins. While the entrance fee ($35) isn’t included, many find this visit adds a fascinating historical dimension to their trip.

Day 3: Full Day in Central Serengeti

This day is dedicated to exploring the central Serengeti, where the density of predators—especially lions and leopards—is highest. With approximately 10 hours of game viewing, you’ll witness predator-prey interactions, large cat populations, and possibly even the wildebeest migration if timing aligns. Reviewers note that this part of the Serengeti offers some of the best opportunities to see big cats in action.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The day begins with a drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape is breathtaking, with rolling hills and volcanic landscapes. Expect a day of game viewing, with the chance to see elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffalo in their natural habitat. Many reviews point out the area’s exceptional density of wildlife, making it a highlight of the safari.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

The tour culminates with a game drive into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “eighth wonder.” As the largest unbroken caldera in the world, the crater’s fertile floor attracts a concentration of wildlife hard to match elsewhere. Here, the chance to see all members of the Big Five on a single game drive is possible—something many travelers consider the pinnacle of their safari experience.

Following a picnic lunch inside the crater, you’ll descend back to Arusha, ending your safari adventure. Reviewers commonly mention how the crater’s landscape and wildlife density create unforgettable moments, with one describing it as “the best place in the world to view large cats.”

Guides and Personal Touches

One consistent theme across reviews is the exceptional guides. Ebenezer, Isack, Msangi, and George are praised for their keen animal spotting skills, extensive knowledge, and their ability to make the wildlife come alive with stories and insights. Many guests appreciated their patience, especially when trying to locate elusive predators or rare species like the five-legged elephant.

Guides also make the difference in comfort and safety—reviewers mention how they felt well cared for and informed throughout their drives. The guides’ passion for wildlife and conservation shines through, adding depth to the experience.

Food and Accommodation

While the tour includes picnic lunches during game drives, reviews also highlight the delicious food provided at the camps or lodges. Many guests enjoy the simple yet hearty meals, often mentioning how food quality exceeded expectations for a safari.

Transportation and Group Size

As a private tour, you won’t be sharing the safari vehicle with strangers, offering a more personalized experience. The drives are well-timed, with most days starting early (around 6:30–7 AM) to maximize wildlife sightings and avoid the heat. The journey between parks is comfortable, with the drive itself adding to the sense of adventure.

Value and Cost

At $2,500 per person, this safari offers good value, considering the private guiding, park fees, and carefully curated itinerary. Reviewers repeatedly mention how the tour balances affordability with quality, especially given the expertise of the guides and the authentic experience.

Considerations for Travelers

The days are long, and the drives can be up to 5 hours between parks—something to be mindful of if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns. Also, the tour is designed for those comfortable with full days outdoors, often in warm weather.

Why Choose This Tour?

This safari is perfect for travelers seeking an all-encompassing wildlife adventure in Northern Tanzania, delivered with professionalism and local expertise. If you want to witness the wildebeest migration, see the Big Five, and learn about the ecosystem from passionate guides, this tour hits all those marks.

The flexibility of a private tour means your experience is tailored to your interests, whether that’s photography, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the scenery. Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, making the days both educational and fun.

The Sum Up

This 5-day private safari in Northern Tanzania offers a wonderfully balanced experience of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural insights. For those willing to spend full days exploring some of Africa’s most iconic parks, the value here is evident—especially with expert guides leading the way.

The chance to see lions, elephants, cheetahs, and the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, combined with the dense wildlife of Ngorongoro, makes it a trip of a lifetime. The authentic guides and comfortable arrangements ensure a memorable, educational, and fun adventure.

While a packed schedule might not suit every traveler, those who want a comprehensive, well-organized safari will find this tour offers a truly authentic and rewarding experience. Ideal for first-timers and seasoned wildlife lovers alike, it promises a journey filled with awe, discovery, and plenty of picture-perfect moments.

FAQs

What parks does the tour include?
It covers Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and optionally Olduvai Gorge, providing a broad view of Northern Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife.

How long are the game drives?
Expect full days of wildlife viewing, with drives lasting around 4 to 10 hours depending on the day and park.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s a private tour, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What is the cost per person?
The tour costs $2,500 per person, which generally includes private guiding, park entrance fees, and most meals.

Are guides experienced?
Absolutely. Many guests highlight guides like Ebenezer, Isack, and Msangi for their animal-spotting skills and storytelling.

Can I visit Olduvai Gorge?
Yes, it’s an optional stop on Day 2, with an entrance fee of $35 not included in the package.

What should I prepare for in terms of the itinerary?
Long drives, early mornings, and full days of wildlife viewing are typical, so packing comfortable clothes, sun protection, and patience is advised.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on most days, with reviews praising the quality and flavor of the food.

How flexible is the tour?
Since it’s private, guides can tailor the experience to your interests within the scheduled itinerary, and you can decide how long to spend at each spot.

This safari offers a genuine, well-organized, and memorable introduction to Tanzania’s stunning wildlife and landscapes. Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, this journey promises plenty of moments to cherish for a lifetime.