6-Day Big Five Magic Safari Tour

Planning a safari to Tanzania and yearning to see the legendary Big Five? This 6-Day Big Five Magic Safari promises an adventurous, well-organized journey that’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. With a high rating of 5.0 based on six reviews, it’s clear this tour delivers on authenticity, expert guiding, and memorable encounters. Better still, it’s designed to maximize your chances of spotting the elusive Black Rhinoceros, along with lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards, all within some of Tanzania’s most iconic parks.

We love how this tour balances immersive wildlife viewing with cultural experiences like visiting a Maasai village, and the fact that it’s private means your group gets personalized attention. The guides speak multiple languages including Spanish, Italian, French, German, and English, making it accessible for many travelers. The price of $1,890 per person appears reasonable considering the extensive itinerary and inclusions—though, of course, it’s an investment for an extraordinary adventure. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a physically active trip with long game drives, so it’s best suited for those who love being on the move and are comfortable in a safari vehicle.

This tour is ideal for wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to tick off the Big Five while experiencing the landscapes of Tanzania’s most famous parks. If you’re after a comprehensive, authentic safari with knowledgeable guides and chances to witness extraordinary animal behaviors, this could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• High Chances of Big Five Sightings: The itinerary is crafted to maximize your chances of seeing all five animals, including the rare Black Rhinoceros.
• Expert Multilingual Guides: Guides speak multiple languages, offering engaging, personalized experiences.
• Immersive Safari Experience: Multiple full-day game drives in renowned parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro for deep wildlife encounters.
• Cultural Add-On: Visiting a Maasai village adds authentic local culture to the adventure.
• Value for Money: At $1,890, the trip covers logistics, park entries, meals, and guided tours, which is good value given the scope.
• Long Days, Long Drives: Expect early mornings and extended game drives, perfect for dedicated wildlife fans but possibly tiring for some.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

The adventure kicks off with an early morning pickup from Charity Hotel in Moshi. After about two hours of driving, you’ll arrive at Tarangire, known for its vast herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. An early game drive is ideal—animals are more active during this time, and you’ll likely see monkeys leaping through the branches and elephants resting in the shade. The reviews mention how beautiful the scenery is, with some guests describing the experience as “amazing,” thanks to the natural beauty and abundance of wildlife.

In the evening, you’ll head towards Mto wa Mbu, close to Lake Manyara, and stay overnight at Green Village Poa Park. This strategic location serves as a great base for the following day’s adventures, and the transition from Tarangire to Lake Manyara offers varied landscapes and animals.

Day 2: Serengeti National Park

The drive from Lake Manyara to Serengeti takes roughly three hours, marking the start of Tanzania’s most iconic park. The name Serengeti, meaning “endless plains,” is fitting—vast, open landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, home to millions of animals. The journey itself is scenic, with a game drive en route, giving you a taste of what’s to come.

Serengeti is famous for its massive migrations and diverse wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and predators. The reviews highlight how the park lives up to its reputation, with visitors describing it as a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and “beautiful beyond words.” You’ll likely spot herds of elephants, lions, and possibly even leopards in the trees.

Days 3 & 4: The Big Five Search in Serengeti

These days are dedicated solely to wildlife spotting, with full-day game drives that go deep into the park’s wilderness. The guides’ knowledge really shines here, as they track animal movements and behavior, greatly enhancing the chances of seeing elusive predators and rare species like the Black Rhinoceros.

Guests have shared their delight at the experience—some mention how “surrounded by millions of wild animals” felt surreal. The guides are praised for their professionalism and friendly approach, making the days both educational and fun. Expect to see large herds of buffalo, giraffes, and elephants, and possibly a leopard lounging in the trees.

One of the highlights during this period is witnessing the migration of over a million wildebeest, a spectacle made even more memorable by the guides’ insights into animal behaviors and migration patterns.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The next stop is Ngorongoro, a stunning volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. The drive up to the crater rim offers breathtaking views before descending into the crater floor. This area is considered one of the best places to see the Black Rhinoceros, and many reviews mention it as a highlight.

Inside the crater, you can expect to see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and an array of water birds like flamingos. The crater’s lush environment contrasts sharply with the open plains, offering excellent wildlife photo opportunities. The guides are well-versed in spotting animals hidden in the thick vegetation, and guests have noted how “magical” the experience feels.

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park

The final game drive takes place in Lake Manyara National Park, a small but scenic park famous for its flamingos and tree-climbing lions. The short drive from Migombani allows for an early start, giving you the chance to see elephants, monkeys, and hippos with the lake’s pink hues as a stunning backdrop.

This last day encapsulates the safari experience—close encounters with wildlife in a beautiful setting, finishing with a drive back to Moshi and onward travel plans.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides and Personal Service: Reviewers consistently praise guides like Lazaro, Justin, David, and Miraji for their professionalism, responsiveness, and care. Their ability to spot animals and share insightful information enhances every moment.

High Animal Density and Diversity: The parks included in this trip are among Tanzania’s best for wildlife. The chance to see all Big Five animals, especially the rare Black Rhinoceros, is a major draw.

Comprehensive Itinerary: The combination of Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara covers a broad spectrum of Tanzanian landscapes and ecosystems, offering a well-rounded safari experience.

Cultural Experiences: Visiting a Maasai village adds an authentic touch, giving insight into local traditions and lifestyles that often go unnoticed in typical safari packages.

Long, Immersive Game Drives: Expect full days in the wilderness with plenty of time for wildlife viewing, photography, and appreciating nature’s grandeur.

Value for Money: Given the inclusions—meals, park fees, private guiding, and transfers—the price appears fair. Based on reviews, guests feel they received excellent service and memorable moments worth the investment.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers incredible value and an authentic experience, it’s important to consider the physical demands. Long days, early starts, and extended hours in the vehicle are common. The tour is private, which means a tailored experience, but that also involves a higher cost compared to group packages.

The reviews mention no issues with guides’ language skills, and the flexibility and professionalism seem to make the long days more manageable. The tour’s inclusion of meals and the option for pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport streamline logistics, making the planning easier.

Transportation

The safari is conducted in a private vehicle, comfortable enough for long drives, with scenic routes that add to the adventure. Expect to be in the vehicle for several hours each day, but the guides are skilled at making the experience enjoyable.

Timing and Duration

Starting early at 8:00 am each day, the schedule is designed for optimal animal viewing. The total duration of about six days balances enough time in each park without feeling rushed.

Price and Inclusions

At $1,890, this tour offers a comprehensive experience with accommodations, park fees, meals, and guided game drives. It’s a good value considering the level of personalization and expert guiding.

The Sum Up

This 6-Day Big Five Safari in Tanzania offers an immersive, expertly guided adventure for wildlife lovers. Its carefully curated itinerary covers some of Tanzania’s most iconic parks, with a strong focus on seeing the Big Five—including the rare Black Rhinoceros—among diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of professional guides speaking your language, long full-day game drives, and cultural interactions like a Maasai village visit. The reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides, stunning animal sightings, and the sense of being surrounded by nature make it a memorable trip.

While the long days and extensive vehicle time may not suit everyone, those passionate about wildlife photography, natural scenery, and authentic safari experiences will find this tour well worth the investment. It’s best suited for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth adventure that balances wildlife, scenery, and cultural insights in one seamless package.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Since it involves long days of driving and early mornings, it’s best for travelers comfortable with extended periods in a vehicle. Children and older travelers should consider their stamina before booking.

Are guides available in different languages?
Yes, the guides speak multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, French, German, and English, which helps create a more engaging and tailored experience.

Does the tour include park entrance fees?
The itinerary notes free admission tickets, which suggests that park entry fees are included in the price, but always confirm this at booking.

What should I pack for the safari?
Bring lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, and some warm layers for early mornings or evenings.

Is meals included during the tour?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day, making it easier to focus on the safari without worrying about logistics.

Can I customize the itinerary or extend my stay?
Since this is a private tour, modifications may be possible—discuss with the provider beforehand for tailored options.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change unexpectedly.

This tour truly stands out for its authentic wildlife encounters, expert guiding, and cultural highlights. If you’re dreaming of a safari that combines adventure, comfort, and the chance to see Africa’s most iconic animals, the 6-Day Big Five Magic Safari offers a rewarding journey into the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness.