6 Days: Classic Camping( Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti And Ngorongoro).

Planning a Tanzanian safari can feel overwhelming—so many parks, options, and experiences to choose from. That’s why we’ve put together an honest, detailed look at a 6-day camping adventure offered by Seven Wonders Safaris, which covers some of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, a thorough review of the itinerary, reviews, and available details reveals a lot about what you can expect—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about this safari? First, the intimate size (max 6 travelers) promises personalized attention and a chance to connect more deeply with the wild. Second, the stunning variety of parks—from the dotted baobabs of Tarangire to the sweeping plains of Serengeti—means you’ll see a diverse array of wildlife. Third, guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and friendly staff—many reviews highlight guides like Hoza and Julius, who are praised for their patience and expertise. But a possible consideration? The bumpy, dusty roads, especially in remote areas, aren’t for everyone, and you should be prepared for some rough rides.

This tour fits best for adventurous travelers who love camping, wildlife photography, and authentic safari experiences. If you’re after luxury lodges, this might not be your best pick, but if you want to get close to nature on a budget that still offers great value, this could be perfect.

Key Points

• Authentic camping experience provides immersive wildlife encounters.
• Expert guides are highly praised for their knowledge and patience.
• Diverse parks ensure a wide variety of animals and landscapes.
• Excellent value for a six-day safari, including all fees and taxes.
• Delicious meals prepared by skilled chefs add comfort to roughing it.
• Group size limited to six enhances intimacy and personalized service.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Day 1: Tarangire National Park

The safari kicks off with a pick-up from your hotel in Moshi before heading into Tarangire, often called the “Elephant Kingdom” thanks to its large herds. The game drive, which lasts about 10 hours including lunch, promises stunning landscapes dotted with ancient baobabs and a mob of elephants that often steal the show. Reviewers note that the guide’s expertise ensures you’ll see the park’s best features, making the early hours quite rewarding. The drive is long but filled with opportunities to spot giraffes, zebras, and possibly the park’s famed tree-climbing lions.

Day 2: Lake Manyara

Next, you’ll visit Lake Manyara—a compact but astonishing park. Its birdlife is exceptional, boasting over 450 species, and it’s famous for the elusive tree-climbing lions. The diversity here is remarkable: water forests, open grasslands near the soda lake, hot springs, and dense woodlands. Many reviews highlight the picnic lunch in this scenic setting, with some mentioning how the landscape’s backdrop— the Great Rift Valley wall—makes for spectacular photos. Expect about 9 hours of game viewing, with chances to see flamingos, elephants, and maybe even hippos.

Day 3 & 4: Serengeti National Park

A highlight of the trip, the Serengeti, lives up to its reputation as the world’s most famous wildlife sanctuary. The journey from Ngorongoro to Serengeti is about 10 hours, passing through stunning scenery and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Once in Serengeti, the focus is on full-day game drives—you’ll be out until late, immersed in the endless plains. Reviewers emphasize the extraordinary wildlife sightings, including herds of wildebeest, zebra, and predators like lions and cheetahs stalking their prey. Many mention the possibility of witnessing the migration (May to December), although even in the off-season, the abundance of animals makes it worthwhile.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Maasai Village

The day starts with an early game drive in Serengeti, followed by a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called a “Natural Wildlife Paradise.” The crater’s year-round water and grazing make it a permanent haven for wildlife. Expect to see elephants, rhinos, lions, and even the elusive black leopard. One reviewer mentioned the trip’s value-added Maasai village visit, blending cultural insights with your safari adventure. The drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro is about 8 hours, with a dinner and overnight stay nearby.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Up Close

The final day involves a descend into Ngorongoro for a 6-7 hour game drive with a picnic lunch on the crater floor. Many reviews highlight how the constant wildlife presence makes this a memorable end to the safari. The lush environment supports a large and diverse animal population, and the scenery—crater walls towering above you—is breathtaking. The day ends with a drive back to Moshi, approximately 9 hours, wrapping up your adventure.

Practical Details and What They Mean for You

Transportation & Group Size

The tour features private transportation for the entire duration, with a maximum of 6 travelers. This small group size means you’ll get more personalized attention, fewer crowds during game drives, and a better chance to ask questions and interact with guides.

Timing & Duration

Starting early, around 12:00 am from Kilimanjaro Airport, you’re in for long, active days, often 8-10 hours on game drives. The itinerary is packed, so be ready for early mornings and some bumpy roads, especially in remote parks.

Cost & Value

At $1,538.47 per person, the price includes all fees, taxes, private transport, game drives, meals (6 breakfasts, 5 dinners, 6 lunches), and park entrance tickets. Reviewers consistently mention this as excellent value, especially considering the variety of parks visited and the quality of guiding and food. The meals are cooked by a professional chef, making the safari more comfortable despite the camping setup.

Accommodation & Meals

Camping can be an adjustment if you’re used to luxury lodges, but many reviewers praise the delicious, hearty meals prepared on-site. The guides and chefs are known for their hospitality, with one reviewer noting that the food was tasty and healthy—even in the wilderness.

Reviews & Guides

Guests rave about guides like Hoza and Julius, citing their patience, wildlife knowledge, and ability to spot animals in tough terrain. One review describes Hoza as “super cool” and praised his ability to find wildlife, making the game viewing very rewarding. The guides’ familiarity with the parks and their passion for wildlife really shine through in the reviews.

What Our Reviews Say

Guests consistently rate this safari highly—most reviews hover around 4.8 to 5 stars. Common praise points include expert guiding, beautiful landscapes, and excellent value. Several reviewers mention that the guide’s knowledge made a big difference—spotting animals others might miss, explaining animal behaviors, and sharing insights about parks and wildlife.

However, some reviews mention the dusty, bumpy roads, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Packing good binoculars, dust masks, and sturdy shoes can make a big difference. Also, a few guests felt the experience was slightly disorganized or that the wildlife sightings depended on luck, but these are typical safari considerations.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This adventure appeals most to small-group travelers seeking an authentic, budget-friendly safari experience. If you’re comfortable camping and want to explore multiple iconic parks with knowledgeable guides, this tour offers great value. It’s ideal if you’re eager to see the Big Five, wildebeest migrations, and stunning landscapes without paying for luxury lodges.

If you’re after a more luxurious experience, or prefer a very relaxed pace, this might not meet those expectations. But for those craving adventure, genuine wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, this safari hits the mark.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
All fees and taxes, private transportation, game drives, meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), and park entrance tickets are included, making it a straightforward package without hidden costs.

How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended. You’ll be spending 8-10 hours on game drives, often in bumpy, dusty conditions. Pack comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and dust masks if needed.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
Since this is a camping safari, you’ll stay in tents, but reviewers say the meals are tasty and the guides work hard to ensure a comfortable experience. Expect a rustic but well-organized setup with good food.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
The tour is best suited for those with moderate physical fitness. Older travelers should consider their comfort with long drives and rough roads, but many reviews mention the guides’ helpfulness and the enjoyable nature of the wildlife viewing.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, and possibly rhinos—especially in Ngorongoro. The variety depends on the season, but the parks are known for their abundant and diverse animals.

How many days does the safari last?
It’s a 6-day adventure, with early mornings and full days of game viewing. Expect around 8-10 hours on the road each day, so bring patience and a sense of adventure.

Can I customize this safari?
While the itinerary is fixed, some reviews mention that guides are flexible and willing to adapt plans, such as swapping Lake Manyara for Lake Eyasi or adding cultural visits.

What makes this safari a good value?
Considering the parks visited, the quality of guiding, meals, and inclusions, travelers find it competitive, especially given the small group size and comprehensive coverage of Tanzania’s highlights.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day camping safari offers a fantastic way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife without the high price tag of luxury lodges. The small group size, seasoned guides, and diverse parks create a travel experience packed with memorable encounters—perfect for those eager to see the Big Five, endless plains, and dramatic landscapes.

While the camping setup means rougher accommodations, many guests find the authentic, up-close experience and delicious meals more than compensate. It’s a trip that suits travelers who value adventure, natural beauty, and cultural insights, all wrapped in a budget-conscious package.

If you’re ready for long days in the wild, love photography, and want to explore Tanzania’s top parks, this safari promises a journey filled with amazing sights, expert guides, and genuine experiences. Just pack your essentials, prepare for some dust, and get ready to see some of the most incredible wildlife Africa has to offer.