6 – Day Northern Tanzania Affordable Safari

Traveling to Tanzania for a safari is often seen as a bucket-list experience, but finding a package that balances cost, authenticity, and memorable wildlife encounters can seem tricky. This 6-day Northern Tanzania Safari by Professional Safaris stands out as an engaging option that offers a well-rounded adventure without the hefty price tag of luxury tours. It’s a trip that promises a glimpse of Tanzania’s most iconic parks, with a focus on genuine wildlife spotting, guided by experienced professionals.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the itinerary hits some of the most celebrated spots—Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater—each delivering unique landscapes and animal encounters. Second, the inclusion of knowledgeable guides ensures you’ll get insightful commentary and spotting tips that enrich the experience. Lastly, the itinerary’s structure allows for immersive wildlife viewing, with time allocated for game drives and scenic stops — all at a price that appeals to those seeking value.

One possible consideration? The price of $6,000 per person might seem steep for some, especially considering extras like international flights and visas aren’t included. Travelers should also be prepared for early mornings and long drives, which are typical for Tanzanian safaris but might not suit everyone. This tour suits travelers who are eager to witness Tanzania’s wildlife in a structured, guided setting without sacrificing authenticity and expert insight.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife viewing in iconic parks with experienced guides
• Well-planned itinerary balancing game drives and scenic stops
• Inclusive meals, accommodations, and private transfers for convenience
• Opportunity to see the ‘Big Five’, tree-climbing lions, and more
• Ideal for travelers seeking value and comprehensive safari experience
• Not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Day 1: Game Drive in Arusha National Park

The adventure kicks off with a morning game drive in Arusha National Park, just a 45-minute drive from Arusha’s city center. The tour begins around 7:30 am after breakfast at the Arusha Planet Hotel. Expect to see a variety of animals like giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, monkeys, and lots of antelopes. The park’s landscape is a mix of open plains, lush forests, and volcanic craters, providing a variety of backdrops for wildlife photography.

Guests have highlighted the expertise of the guides, mentioning how they not only spot animals quickly but also share interesting facts about the flora and fauna. The small size of Arusha National Park means you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience, with fewer travelers and more personal attention.

Day 2: Full Day at Tarangire National Park

Early next morning, after a solid breakfast, you’ll depart for Tarangire, about a three-hour drive away. The drive itself offers scenic views of Tanzanian countryside and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Tarangire is famous for large herds of elephants and its iconic baobab trees, which dominate the landscape.

Once inside, the focus is on game viewing within the expansive plains and along the Tarangire River, which sustains much of the wildlife. The park’s reputation for elephant sightings is well-deserved, and some visitors noted that guides are adept at locating herds, sometimes even finding elephants with babies. The park’s diversity of birdlife also impresses birders, with over 500 species reported.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

On day three, after breakfast, you’re headed to Lake Manyara, a smaller but remarkably diverse park. The drive from your lodge takes about 45 minutes, and the day is dedicated to full-day game viewing. The park’s highlight is the lions that climb trees, a phenomenon that never fails to fascinate visitors.

The park’s landscape includes the lake, groundwater forests, and the Great Rift Escarpment towering above. Expect to see flocks of flamingos, hippos, and a variety of primates. Lunch is a picnic at a viewpoint overlooking the lake, offering spectacular scenery and photo opportunities. Reviewers appreciated the park’s “compact yet epic” feel, making the most of limited time.

More Great Tours Nearby

Days 4-5: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

The core of this safari is the Serengeti, a massive plain that stretches as far as the eye can see. Early morning departure from the lodge involves a drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, giving a chance to glimpse the famous crater from above. The drive into Serengeti lasts about three hours, and after arriving, you’ll go on an afternoon game drive.

The Serengeti is renowned for its migratory herds and predator encounters. Guides report that depending on the season, travelers might witness thousands of animals searching for water and grazing. The landscape offers a variety of habitats—grassy plains, lakes, and woodlands—making wildlife sightings diverse.

On day five, an early start takes you down into the Ngorongoro Crater, a world heritage site and one of Africa’s Seven Wonders. The crater’s enclosed ecosystem is teeming with lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes, often seen in close proximity. The crater’s natural beauty and wildlife density make it an unforgettable stop.

Day 6: Return to Arusha

The final morning begins with breakfast at the Serengeti camp around 6:30 am, followed by a descent into Ngorongoro for a last game drive with a packed lunch. Afterward, you’ll start the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon.

The journey back provides scenic views of the landscape, and guides are helpful in spotting last-minute wildlife. Reviewers note that the early breakfast and game drive can be tiring but are well worth the effort to maximize wildlife sightings.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers all meals, accommodation, private vehicle, and a professional guide, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Notably, international flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses like tips or souvenirs are outside the package, so budget accordingly.

The quality of accommodations varies but is generally aligned with safari standards, offering comfort and a chance to relax after long days in the wild. Meals are included as per the itinerary, often featuring local Tanzanian cuisine.

Guides and Experience Quality

Multiple reviewers emphasize the knowledge and professionalism of the guides. They are praised for their ability to spot animals quickly and their insightful commentary, adding depth to the safari. One reviewer mentioned their guide, David, who was “exceptionally attentive and knew exactly where to look,” making the wildlife sightings more frequent and memorable.

Guides also help travelers with photography tips and ensure everyone gets comfortable at each stop. The private vehicle arrangement means you won’t be sharing game drives with large groups, allowing for better interaction and flexibility.

Value and Practical Considerations

While the tour costs $6,000 per person, this includes a comprehensive itinerary, experienced guides, most meals, and comfortable lodges. The value lies in the curated experience and expert guidance, which can make wildlife sightings more rewarding.

However, travelers should consider that additional costs like flights, visas, and tips are not included, and long drives and early mornings are part of the package. The tour is best suited for those eager to see Tanzania’s wildlife with a structured, guided approach, rather than independent travelers looking for a budget or DIY trip.

Who Is This Safari Best For?

This safari appeals most to travelers who want a well-organized, guided experience with a focus on wildlife viewing and culture. It’s suitable for those with a moderate to high budget who appreciate comfort, expert guides, and a clear itinerary. It’s also ideal for first-timers to Tanzania, providing a safe and educational way to explore the country’s highlights.

It may not be suitable for very young children, those with mobility issues, or travelers on a strict budget. But if you’re looking for an authentic, all-inclusive experience led by knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a fantastic way to explore Tanzania’s famous parks.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This 6-day safari combines the essential Tanzania wildlife experience with professional guidance and well-planned logistics. You’ll cover a lot of ground—from the forests of Arusha to the plains of Serengeti and the crater of Ngorongoro—all with the comfort of private transportation and expert insights.

It’s a solid choice for travelers seeking a balance of value and adventure, especially those new to safaris or those wanting a comprehensive introduction to Tanzania’s most iconic parks. The experience is authentic, well-organized, and rich with opportunities for wildlife sightings and scenic vistas.

While the price might seem high, the inclusions and guides’ expertise add tangible value—making it a worthwhile investment for a memorable African safari experience.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
All meals as per the itinerary, accommodations, private vehicle, and professional safari guides are included, ensuring a comfortable and guided experience.

Are international flights included?
No, international flights are not included, so travelers need to arrange their own flights to Tanzania.

Can I extend my stay or customize the itinerary?
The information doesn’t specify customization options, but since you can reserve and pay later, you might have some flexibility—check with the provider directly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for babies under 1 year or for travelers over 95 years. It’s more suited for adult travelers or older children who can handle early mornings and long drives.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, camera, credit card, cash, travel insurance, and visa if required. Pack suitable clothing for warm days and cooler evenings, plus essentials like sunscreen and insect repellent.

How long are the game drives each day?
While exact durations aren’t specified, expect early mornings and full days of game viewing, with breaks for meals and scenic stops.

What language is the tour guided in?
English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German are available, making it accessible to a diverse group of travelers.

Is tipping included?
Tips are not included, so you should plan to tip guides and staff if satisfied with their service.

What’s the best time of year to go?
The itinerary doesn’t specify seasonal details, but typically, wildlife viewing is optimal during the dry season, when animals gather around water sources.

Choosing this safari means opting for a well-structured, authentic Tanzanian adventure led by experienced guides, offering a chance to see Africa’s legendary wildlife in their natural habitat. If you’re after value, comprehensive coverage, and memorable moments, this tour is a strong candidate for your Tanzanian safari plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: