Private Multi day Safari tour in Tanzania

Planning a safari in Tanzania is often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and this 9-day private tour promises just that. Although we haven’t taken the journey ourselves, the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and seasoned provider give us confidence that this trip offers memorable wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and genuine local immersion.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the variety of activities—from walking safaris with armed rangers, to canoe safaris on Lake Momella—adds layers of adventure you won’t find in a typical game drive. Second, the comprehensive itinerary covers some of Tanzania’s most iconic parks, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, ensuring you get a diverse slice of the country’s wilderness. Lastly, the highly praised guides and authentic experiences seem to deliver both educational insights and genuine moments of awe.

That said, at nearly $4,000 per person, this tour is an investment. Travelers should consider whether the physical activity levels, such as walking safaris and long game drives, match their fitness and comfort levels. Overall, it’s best suited for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those eager for an immersive, all-encompassing journey through Tanzania’s wilderness.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire provide a well-rounded wildlife experience.
• Active Encounters: Walking safaris, night game drives, and canoe safaris allow for closer animal interactions.
• Expert Guides: Multiple reviews highlight guides like Peter and Josef, who are praised for their knowledge, patience, and friendliness.
• Authentic Experiences: From walking with Maasai warriors to night game drives, the tour offers genuine local and wildlife encounters.
• Value for Wildlife Lovers: The combination of game drives, walking safaris, and stunning scenery make this a worthwhile investment.
• Physical Demands: Some days involve long walks and game drives, so a moderate fitness level is recommended.

A Detailed Look at the 9-Day Tanzanian Safari Experience

This private safari tour offers an in-depth look at what makes Tanzania such a special wildlife destination. The tour’s design focuses on blending thrilling game viewing with active, participatory experiences, perfect for those who want more than just sitting in a vehicle.

Day 1: Arusha National Park – Wildlife, Canoes, and Mountain Views

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from your Arusha hotel or airport, setting the tone for a personalized journey. The first stop is Arusha National Park, famous for its diversity of flora and fauna. Expect a 4-hour walking safari with an armed ranger—a rare chance to see animals like giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalo, and even monkeys, up close and in their natural habitat.

Travelers who enjoy a mix of activity and wildlife will find this refreshing; reviews from past guests emphasize the professionalism and patience of guides like Peter, who is praised for his expert driving and deep knowledge. The walk is guided, typically with an armed ranger, ensuring safety while allowing a more intimate wildlife encounter.

After lunch, a canoe safari on Lake Momella unveils a different perspective. Here, you’ll glide close to hippos, buffalos, giraffes, and waterbirds, with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro and Meru mountains in the background. This activity allows for stunning photo opportunities and an authentic connection with nature. Reviewers note the uniqueness of this experience, describing it as “a spectacular way to get close to animals without noise or disturbance.”

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park – Spectacular Birdlife and Night Game Drive

Day 2 offers a morning game drive in Lake Manyara, famous for its flamingos feeding on algae when in season and its diverse wildlife. Past guests highlight the ease of spotting lions, hippos, antelopes, and zebras within a short drive, with some reviewers mentioning the park’s large bird populations as a real highlight.

Following lunch, a guided walking safari inside the park is an excellent way to break from vehicle-based game viewing. Accompanied by an armed ranger, this walk provides a closer look at the terrain and the smaller wildlife and bird species often missed on traditional safaris. In the evening, the tour continues with a night game drive, lasting approximately three hours, which many travelers find thrilling as nocturnal animals become active—an experience some describe as “magical.”

Days 3-4: Serengeti National Park – The Iconic Landscape and Wildebeest Migration

Traveling to Serengeti is a highlight in itself, with scenic views of the Ngorongoro Crater along the way. The journey involves a long game drive en route to Nabi Hill Gate, where your driver stops for lunch. The landscape here is breathtaking, and previous guests often mention the panoramic views and the animal sightings from the vehicle.

Once in Serengeti, the focus is on full-day game drives and sunrise safaris, with early mornings starting at 5:45 am. You’ll see lions, crocodiles, hippos, and possibly the wildebeest migration, depending on the season. Reviewers rave about the diversity of wildlife—“You might see lions gathering around the wildebeest migration or relax at the hippo pools”—and the chance to witness nature’s drama unfold in the wide-open plains.

The Kopjes (rocky outcrops) are notable for sheltering lions and providing vantage points to admire the vast landscape. The guides are praised for their ability to find animals in the vastness, making each day feel like a wildlife treasure hunt.

Days 5-6: Ngorongoro Crater – The Natural Wonder

A day begins early with a drive to Ngorongoro Crater, passing through Serengeti plains and stopping at the Olduvai Gorge, famous for human evolution discoveries. Reviewers mention this optional stop as a fascinating detour, adding context to the landscape.

Descending into the crater, you’ll enjoy a 6-hour game drive on the crater floor, with a picnic lunch. The crater’s unique ecology makes it one of Africa’s most incredible wildlife spectacles. Expect to see endangered black rhinos, lions, elephants, and zebras. Many guests highlight the impressive density of animals—”You can see a large pride of lions, wildebeests, and flamingos around Soda Lake”—and appreciate the chance to see predators and prey within a confined, accessible space.

Days 7-8: Walking Safaris Along the Crater Rim

These days are dedicated to walking safaris along the rim of Ngorongoro, which are rare and highly praised by reviewers for their authenticity. Accompanied by Maasai warriors and armed rangers, you’ll trek through acacia forests, with routes covering about 17 km each day. Guests love the chance to see smaller animals, birds, and the landscape from a different perspective—”Walking through the forest with Maasai guides added a personal touch and a connection to local culture.”

Overnights are at bush camps like Leianai and Ilkiepusi, offering rustic, yet comfortable, experiences. Reviewers mention the good organization, friendly guides, and the “feeling of being truly out in nature” during these walks.

Day 9: Tarangire National Park – The Last Wildlife Encounter

The final full day is spent in Tarangire, renowned for its large herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and predators during dry season. The game drive includes picnic lunches, and guests report seeing thousands of zebras and wildebeests, making it a wildlife spectacle comparable to Serengeti.

The landscape is dotted with Baobab trees, adding to the picturesque quality of your drive. Reviewers appreciate the variety of bird species, including kingfishers and lovebirds, which add a vibrant splash of life to the scenery. The day wraps up with a drive back to Arusha, concluding a safari filled with diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and active pursuits.

Why This Tour Delivers Value

The combination of active pursuits and traditional game drives means you’re not just sitting in a vehicle; you’re walking, canoeing, and night driving, which adds layers of excitement and intimacy with nature. The guides’ reputation for professionalism shines through in reviews, with guests noting their patience, knowledge, and friendliness as key to a smooth experience.

The itinerary’s variety ensures you see the big five, witness the wildebeest migration (season permitting), and explore different ecosystems—from lakes and plains to forests and crater floors. You’ll enjoy local cultural elements like Maasai walking safaris, enriching the wildlife experience with an authentic touch.

The accommodation—mainly campsites—offers a rustic, bush experience that many travelers find rewarding, and the included meals ensure you’re well-fueled for the adventure. Guests frequently praise the quality and variety of food, which makes the whole trip more pleasurable.

Cost and value: At $3,900 per person, this tour provides extensive coverage of Tanzania’s top parks and activities. Considering the included transportation, guides, activities, and meals, many reviewers feel it’s a worthwhile investment for serious wildlife lovers.

However, the physical demands—long walks, early wake-ups, and vehicle rides—mean this trip is best for travelers with moderate fitness levels eager for active adventure.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This safari is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a mixture of wildlife viewing, active exploration, and cultural encounters. It suits those eager to see iconic parks with expert guides and isn’t afraid of some physical activity. If you value authentic experiences, stunning landscapes, and the chance to get close to animals on foot or by canoe, this tour is a strong contender.

It’s also perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want a comprehensive experience covering the Northern Tanzania circuit—Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara—without sacrificing the thrill of active pursuits.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While the tour involves walking safaris and long game drives, reviews suggest that travelers with moderate fitness levels will manage well. Some days involve walking 17 km, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included for the duration of the trip, with most meals served at campsites or lodges. Guests praise the quality and variety of food provided.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll see lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and potentially rhinos. Night game drives increase your chances of spotting nocturnal animals, and the walking safaris may reveal smaller creatures and birds.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
Most nights are spent at campsites, which offer a rustic bush experience. Some reviews mention comfortable setups with good organization and friendly staff. It’s an authentic way to connect with nature, though it’s more basic than luxury lodges.

Is transportation comfortable?
Guests report that all transportation is covered, with experienced drivers/ guides ensuring smooth travel. Vehicles are suited for game viewing, and the private nature of the tour means your group travels exclusively together.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so it can often be tailored to your interests and physical abilities. However, specific customization options are best discussed directly with the provider, AAA Express Adventure Ltd.

Final Thoughts

This 9-day Tanzania safari offers a well-rounded, active, and authentic adventure for those eager to explore the country’s top parks and wildlife. From walking safaris and canoe trips to game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it balances excitement with comfort. The guides’ reputation for professionalism, combined with the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, makes it a strong choice for adventure-minded travelers.

While it requires a good level of physical fitness and investment, the experiences and memories you’ll take away are truly priceless. Whether you’re a wildlife fanatic, nature lover, or cultural explorer, this tour promises a chance to see Tanzania in a way that few other trips can match.

To sum it up, this safari is best suited for active travelers who want a detailed, immersive experience in Tanzania’s wilderness. If you’re looking for authentic encounters, expert guides, and stunning scenery, this tour offers exceptional value and unforgettable moments. Just pack your sense of adventure and a good pair of walking shoes—you’re in for a journey of a lifetime.