Exploring the 5 Days Tanzania Family Safari: A Complete Review
Traveling to Tanzania for a safari is often at the top of many adventurers’ bucket lists. While we haven’t personally gone on this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews paint a compelling picture of what travelers can expect from this 5-day adventure. From vast savannahs to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, this trip promises a true taste of Africa’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.
What we love most? First, the expert guidance, with knowledgeable guides who are apparently well-versed in the parks’ secrets; second, the incredible wildlife sightings that seem to be quite close-up, based on reviews; and finally, the value for money, considering the inclusions of meals, transportation, and park fees. A potential consideration might be the long driving hours, especially on Day 4 and 5, which are necessary for reaching the crater but can be tiring for some travelers. This tour appears perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an immersive, well-organized safari experience in Tanzania.
Key Points
- Expert-guided Tours: Guides like Philbert and Dula are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the overall experience.
- Authentic Encounters: Opportunities for close-up views of animals like elephants, lions, cheetahs, and even rare species.
- Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits include Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, covering Tanzania’s most famous parks.
- All Inclusive Value: Meals, park fees, transportation, and game drives are covered, making planning easier.
- Cultural Experiences: Stopovers in Maasai villages add a cultural dimension to the safari.
- Customer Satisfaction: Consistently rated as a five-star experience, with reviewers highlighting its organization and food quality.
Analyzing the Experience
This 5-day safari is designed to maximize wildlife viewing while providing comfort and cultural insights. The price of $2,937 per person is competitive, especially considering all fees, taxes, meals, and private transportation. The tour’s structure balances the thrill of game drives with moments of relaxation and cultural exposure, making it suitable for families or small groups looking for a hassle-free but authentic adventure.
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Day 1: Tarangire National Park
The journey begins with a roughly two-hour drive from Arusha to Tarangire. This park is renowned for its large elephant herds and iconic Baobab trees, giving a quintessential African landscape. The game drives here are in open 4×4 vehicles with viewing roofs, perfect for spotting the park’s wildlife. Reviewers highlight how close they managed to get to animals, with one noting that they saw “the most beautiful animals you can imagine from close range.” The Tarangire River, running all year, is a focal point for wildlife, especially during the dry season, making this a great place for first sightings.
Day 2: Serengeti National Park
Traveling from Tarangire, you’ll head through highland farmland and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach the Serengeti. The drive itself is scenic, passing through varying landscapes. Once in Serengeti, the central Seronera area offers a high likelihood of spotting a wide array of wildlife due to the presence of the Seronera River. Expect rolling plains and endless vistas that resemble every safari postcard ever painted. Review snippets mention the allure of seeing animals like lions, cheetahs, and topi from close proximity, thanks to guides who know where to look. The afternoon game drive is a hallmark of Serengeti safaris, with ample chances for memorable animal encounters.
Day 3: Continued Serengeti Exploration
The morning is dedicated to a game drive along the Sogore River Circuit, known for lion sightings and opportunities to see Thomson gazelles, ostriches, and cheetahs. The highlight here is the visit to the Serengeti Visitor Centre, which offers wildlife displays, maps, and a shop. Reviewers appreciated the organized picnic lunch and the chance to relax after morning adventures. One reviewer described this day as a “relaxed picnic lunch at the Read more,” suggesting a balanced pace suitable for families or less adrenaline-driven travelers.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, the journey takes you to Ngorongoro, with a stop at a Maasai village to experience local culture. The drive offers stunning scenery and photo opportunities, with reviewers mentioning breathtaking landscapes. Spending the night inside the conservation area provides a strategic base for the next day’s crater visit. This optional cultural stop adds depth to the safari, giving travelers a chance to understand local traditions beyond wildlife.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
The final day involves descending into the world’s largest unbroken caldera—the Ngorongoro Crater. The view alone is worth the early start, with sightings including elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, and flamingos on soda lakes. Reviewers describe the experience as “seeing animals in their natural habitat” from close range, with one noting the thrill of spotting a black rhino. Picnic lunch at Ngoitokitok swamp, a hippo pool, offers a scenic setting for a break before more game viewing. The return drive to Arusha concludes this unforgettable journey.
What This Tour Means for You
This safari offers a well-rounded experience: expert guides, a mix of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural stops—delivered in a comfortable, organized package. The inclusion of all park fees and meals ensures no hidden costs, making it a strong value proposition. The familiarity of small group sizes and private pickups adds a personal touch, while the daily game drives promise memorable animal encounters.
Reviewers highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more enriching. Dula, the cook, receives praise for providing fresh, delicious meals daily—especially impressive given the remote locations. The comfortable 4×4 vehicles with viewing roofs ensure you’ll have clear sightlines for photography and observation, critical for capturing those unforgettable moments.
Who is this safari ideal for?
It’s perfect for families wanting a straightforward, safe adventure with young children or older adults, thanks to the balanced pacing and organized structure. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see animals like lions, elephants, cheetahs, and endangered rhinos. Culturally curious travelers will enjoy the Maasai village stop, adding a human dimension to the safari experience.
Final thoughts on value
Considering the inclusions—meals, transportation, park fees, and the expertise of guides—this tour presents excellent value. The reviews emphasize the quality of the guides and food, along with the breathtaking scenery and animal sightings, which is what most travelers hope for in a safari.
FAQ
What is included in the tour?
All fees, taxes, transportation in 4×4 vehicles with viewing roofs, five meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and park entry fees are included, making it a comprehensive package.
Are there any additional costs I should expect?
Yes, personal expenses like souvenirs, tips for guides and staff, and travel or health insurance are not included.
How long are the game drives each day?
Typically, you’ll have full-day game drives, with the longest being around 9 hours. This allows plenty of time for wildlife viewing and photography.
What is the pick-up arrangement?
The tour offers hotel pick-up, ensuring convenience for travelers staying in Arusha or nearby areas.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the organized structure, experienced guides, and scenic, safe game drives make it family-friendly.
What kind of vehicle is used?
Transportation is in a 4×4 vehicle equipped with viewing roofs, ideal for wildlife spotting and photography.
How much time is spent traveling between parks?
Travel time varies; for example, the drive from Arusha to Tarangire is about two hours, while the trip to Ngorongoro involves longer drives, but these are part of the adventure.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, rhinos, and a variety of bird species including flamingos and storks.
Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a private tour, there may be flexibility in the itinerary or additional requests, but it’s best to confirm directly with the provider.
In The Sum Up
This 5-day Tanzania safari is a carefully curated experience that offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights—all at an accessible price point. The guides’ reputation for friendliness and knowledge, combined with the quality of the included services, makes it an excellent choice for families or first-time safari-goers. If you’re seeking a safari that delivers authentic moments without the fuss, this tour fits the bill.
Perfect for travelers eager to see big game, enjoy stunning vistas, and learn about local traditions, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime. Just be prepared for some long days on the road—those are part of the adventure!