Safari in Tanzania 5 days: Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti

Traveling through Tanzania’s top national parks is a dream for many wildlife lovers, and this 5-day safari by Safari Crew Tanzania promises an experience packed with iconic landscapes, legendary animals, and expert-guided insights. Whether you’re a seasoned safari enthusiast or a first-timer eager to tick off the Big Five, this tour aims to deliver both adventure and comfort in a well-structured package.

What truly sets this safari apart is the team’s extensive experience—over twenty years in the field—and the glowing reviews from travelers who call it “the trip of a lifetime.” We love the focus on authentic, tested routes that promise genuine sightings, as well as the personal touch in guiding and organization. The three key highlights? Professional guides with in-depth local knowledge, carefully curated itinerary stops, and a balance of wildlife viewing with comfortable accommodations.

That said, the price point at around $3,050 per person isn’t the cheapest, but considering park fees, private transportation, full-board meals, and expert guiding, it’s a solid value for such an immersive experience. However, travelers seeking ultra-luxury lodges or a very flexible schedule might find the fixed itinerary less adaptable.

This tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, first-time safari visitors, and anyone wanting a comprehensive Tanzanian experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Let’s explore what makes this safari special and whether it’s the right adventure for you.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience: Guides like Jerimiah and Kahim are praised for their in-depth knowledge and friendly approach, enhancing wildlife sightings.
• Authentic safari routes: The itinerary covers top parks—Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti—each offering unique landscapes and animal encounters.
• Well-organized logistics: From transportation in private 4x4s to meals and park fees, everything is arranged to keep you comfortable and focused on wildlife.
• Incredible wildlife sightings: From lions and elephants to flamingos and rare species, the parks are teeming with life.
• Authentic local insights: Many reviews mention guides sharing cultural and social context, enriching the experience.
• Value for the price: All essential costs are included, ensuring a seamless adventure without hidden expenses.

Why Choose a 5-Day Tanzania Safari?

This safari isn’t just a checklist of parks; it’s a thoughtfully designed journey that balances wildlife viewing with cultural insights and comfort. Over five days, you’ll explore some of the most iconic landscapes in Africa—each with its distinctive flavor—and come away with a broad understanding of Tanzania’s breathtaking diversity.

The value here is in the details: private transportation means you’re not sharing a vehicle with strangers, and the full board ensures you’re well-fed with local and international cuisine. Plus, park fees and insurance are included, avoiding last-minute surprises. Travelers consistently praise the guides—like Jerimiah, who’s admired for his depth of knowledge and dedication—that really elevate the trip.

While the price might seem steep, it’s justified by the quality of experience, seamless organization, and the chance to see wildlife from close quarters. Many reviewers highlight how this safari exceeded their expectations—some noting that they saw the Big Five, and others mentioning rare sightings like rhinos or lions with cubs.

If you’re looking to tick off your wildlife bucket list, want a well-executed trip that balances adventure and comfort, and are ready for an authentic African safari, this tour hits the mark.

Daily Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: Lake Manyara

Your adventure begins with a morning departure from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park. Despite its modest size—just 330 square kilometers—Manyara packs a punch with its variety of habitats. You’ll notice the lush forests fed by natural springs, the sprawling savannahs, and marshy areas on the lake’s edge. The environment supports an impressive array of animals, including large colonies of baboons, vervet monkeys, elephants, giraffes, and over 380 bird species.

Travelers love the diversity here; one reviewer even mentioned the large flocks of pink flamingos from December to March, creating a striking spectacle. The park’s small size means wildlife sightings are frequent, and the early morning drive is perfect for snapping photos of animals grazing amid stunning scenery. Expect about 7 hours of game viewing, with park fees included, making it a full but rewarding day.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

The next stop is Ngorongoro Crater, a highlight of any Tanzanian safari. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an active volcanic caldera, formed over 2.5 million years ago, and now a massive natural enclosure teeming with wildlife. The crater’s rim soars about 600 meters above the caldera floor, offering breathtaking views.

Inside, more than 25,000 animals roam freely, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and the elusive leopard. While giraffes don’t venture here—due to limited browse—the abundance of other species makes it one of the richest wildlife habitats in Africa. Reviewers frequently mention the “incredible variety,” with guides like Jerimiah sharing detailed insights on animal behavior and ecology.

The drive into the crater takes around 8 hours, but visitors agree that the experience is worth every minute. The terrain varies from open plains to lush watering holes, with countless opportunities for stunning photos and close-up animal encounters.

Day 3 & 4: Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is the crown jewel of this safari. Over these two days, you’ll explore its vast plains—home to over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and a lion population of more than 2,700. The landscape alone is worth the early wake-up calls; endless grasses, acacia trees, and dramatic sunsets create the perfect backdrop for game drives.

Guides like Kahim, praised for their friendly, calm demeanor and deep regional knowledge, help uncover the Big Five and other wildlife rarities. Reviewers highlight how guides not only spot animals but also share cultural insights, making each stop educational. The 8-hour drives include stops at strategic locations to maximize sightings, and the park’s size ensures you won’t run out of new vistas or animals to see.

Day 5: Return to Arusha

On the final day, you’ll wind down the safari with a scenic drive back towards Karatu, then descend the Rift Wall towards Arusha. It’s a quieter, reflective journey where you can revisit your favorite moments. Lunch in Arusha marks the end of the adventure, followed by transfer to the airport, with all park fees and transfers included for a smooth conclusion.

Guides and Experience Quality

A recurring theme in reviews is the quality of the guides—like Jerimiah and Kahim—who are praised for their extensive regional knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism. Many travelers comment on their ability to spot animals quickly and their willingness to share cultural stories, making the safari both educational and fun.

One reviewer noted, “Our ranger Jerimiah went above and beyond to share his in-depth knowledge,” which really speaks to the level of expertise you’ll encounter. Guides who speak multiple languages, including Italian, add an extra layer of comfort, especially for international travelers.

Transportation & Comfort

The safari is conducted in private 4×4 vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and exclusive experience. The vehicles are described as spacious and well-maintained, vital for long game drives and taking photos. Traveling in a private setup means you’re not competing for space or waiting on other groups, which many reviewers find crucial for a relaxed experience.

Meals are included throughout, providing sustenance after long mornings of wildlife spotting. Water is available on board, and the full-board arrangement means you won’t need to worry about where to eat or find supplies. Lodging varies but is described as comfortable and fitting for the safari setting.

Value for Money

Though the price is around $3,050 per person, reviews suggest it’s a fair deal considering all inclusions—park fees, transfers, insurance, meals, and expert guiding. Many appreciate the seamless organization, which allows them to focus solely on enjoying the wildlife rather than logistics.

Travelers also mention that the guides share cultural and social insights, enriching the experience beyond just wildlife sightings. This added value helps justify the cost, especially for those seeking an authentic, well-rounded safari.

Who Is This Safari Best For?

This tour is perfect if you’re after a comprehensive, hassle-free adventure that hits all the highlights of Tanzania’s wildlife parks. It caters well to wildlife enthusiasts eager to see a broad range of animals in a relatively condensed timeframe, as well as first-time safari-goers looking for guided expertise.

It’s also suited for travelers who value organized, reliable logistics and knowledgeable guides. If you want to feel confident that transport, park fees, and meals are sorted, and you’re comfortable with a set itinerary, this safari offers excellent value.

However, those seeking ultra-luxury lodges or maximum flexibility might prefer tailoring their own trip or exploring more exclusive options. Similarly, travelers on a tight schedule should note the long driving hours, especially on Day 2, which might be tiring for some.

The Sum Up

For anyone dreaming of a safari that combines wildlife spectacle, professional guiding, and thoughtful organization, this 5-day Tanzania safari offers a compelling choice. It’s well-suited for those who want to see a variety of parks—Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti—and experience the thrill of Africa’s most iconic animals with guides who genuinely know their stuff.

You’ll love the way this tour balances adventure with comfort, making sure you get the most out of every day without feeling rushed. The inclusive price covers all essentials, so you can focus on the awe-inspiring landscapes and animals rather than logistics.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy, enriching, and value-packed safari experience, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s a fantastic way to start or deepen your love affair with Tanzania’s wild side, leaving you with memories that last a lifetime.

FAQ

Is this a private tour? Yes, this is a private safari, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What is included in the price? The tour fee covers the safari circuit in 4×4 vehicles, full board meals, park fees, transfers, all taxes, AMREF insurance, and water on board.

Are guides multilingual? Many guides speak various languages, including Italian, which is appreciated by some travelers for clearer communication and cultural sharing.

How long are the game drives each day? Expect around 7 to 8 hours of game viewing each day, with plenty of opportunities for photos and animal encounters.

What about accommodations? Accommodation details are not specified but are described as comfortable and appropriate for a safari setting, included in the full-board package.

Can I cancel the tour if needed? Yes, cancellations are allowed up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 6 days before the start are not refundable.

Is this suitable for families or children? While the reviews mainly mention adult travelers, the tour’s full organization and vehicle comfort make it accessible for families, but it’s best to check with the provider for specific age requirements.

This detailed review hopefully gives you a clear picture of what to expect from this Tanzanian safari—an authentic, well-organized journey that’s been praised time and again for its guides, wildlife, and overall value. If you’re after an adventure that balances excitement with comfort, this might just be the trip you’ve been waiting for.