Tanzania: Big 5 Tour

Exploring the Big 5 in Tanzania: An Honest Review of the Manyara Region Tour

If you’re dreaming of spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos in their natural habitat, the Tanzania Big 5 Tour promises an immersive wildlife experience. We’ve taken a close look at this group tour to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your Tanzanian adventure.

What really caught our eye? First, the opportunity to see the Big 5 in a single trip — a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Second, the sunrise and sunset game drives that maximize wildlife sightings and spectacular scenery. Third, the bush lunches that add a touch of luxury and authenticity to the safari experience.

However, a possible consideration is the group format, which might feel less personalized for some travelers. The price of $543 per person offers good value, especially when you factor in all included activities and park fees. This safari is well-suited for travelers who want a balanced, accessible introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife without the need for camping or overly strenuous schedules.

Key Points

• Wildlife in Action: Opportunities to see the Big 5, including lions, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, and more.
• Scenic Game Drives: Sunrise and sunset drives for optimal viewing and photography.
• Authentic Bush Lunches: Enjoy meals amid the wildlife in designated picnic sites.
• All-Inclusive Price: Covers park entry, guides, meals, and transfers, offering transparency and ease.
• Group Tour Format: Ideal for social travelers but less private than a private safari.
• Expert Guides: Fluent in multiple languages and experienced in wildlife spotting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What to Expect from Tanzania’s Big 5 Tour

This tour offers a solid, no-nonsense approach to Tanzania’s incredible game parks, combining adventure, comfort, and the chance to see iconic wildlife. With a price tag of $543 per person, it provides good value considering the inclusions like park fees, guides, and meals. We love the idea of sunrise and sunset game drives — these tend to be the best times for seeing animals as they become more active in the cooler parts of the day.

While the group setup might not appeal to those seeking complete privacy, it’s perfect for travelers who enjoy shared experiences and socializing with fellow wildlife lovers. The tour is designed to be accessible and straightforward, making it ideal for first-timers or those with limited time but a serious wildlife bucket list.

The tour’s focus on Big 5 sightings ensures an exciting and diverse safari, with additional animal encounters like giraffes, flamingos, hippos, and wildebeest enriching the experience. The inclusion of bush lunches allows you to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature, elevating the safari from merely observing to truly living the adventure.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Tarangire National Park — The First Big 5 Spotlight

Your adventure begins at Tarangire, famed for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. The early morning sunrise game drive sets the tone for the day, with the chance to spot three of the Big 5: buffalo, elephants, and lions. The guides are seasoned experts — one reviewer mentioned that the guides are friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, making the wildlife encounters even more rewarding.

You’ll be on the lookout for cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, and a variety of birds, all of which thrive in this park’s diverse landscape. The highlight, besides the big cats and elephants, is the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural behaviors during the cooler morning hours.

Midday features a bush lunch — a picnic set up in a designated park area, allowing you to relax amidst the wilderness. Some reviews highlight the quality of the food, describing it as “decent and filling,” with plenty of water, beer, or juice to keep you refreshed.

In the evening, you’ll go on a sunset game drive, when animals tend to be more active and the lighting offers excellent photo opportunities. The day concludes at Ngedere Lodge, where comfortable accommodation provides a good rest after an exciting day.

Day 2: Ngorongoro to Arusha — Covering the Big 5 in a Single Day

The second day is intense but rewarding. It kicks off with an early sunrise game drive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where your chances of spotting all Big 5 animals increase. The crater’s unique ecosystem is a wildlife hotspot, with plentiful wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and giraffes grazing around Lake Makat.

Here, you’ll likely encounter a variety of bird species, including flamingos, which add color and vibrancy to the landscape. The guides will help you spot animals in the crater’s dense vegetation and open plains — many travelers mention how knowledgeable and attentive the guides are, making sure everyone gets great views.

Lunchtime is another picnic adventure, offering a chance to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature’s quiet beauty. Afterward, around 3:00 pm, the group begins its journey back towards Arusha, ending the safari with a sense of accomplishment and plenty of photo memories.

More Great Tours Nearby

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers full-board accommodation before and during the safari, including lodge stays that balance comfort with affordability. This setup ensures you’re well-fed and rested without the extra cost. All park fees, government taxes, and guide services are included, providing a transparent price point of $543.

The experienced guides speak multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Chinese, which is helpful for international travelers seeking expert narration and wildlife spotting tips. The safari is conducted in a 4×4 open-top jeep, giving everyone a clear view of the wildlife and landscape.

Extras like drinks and meals are covered, including water, beer, juice, wine, or spirits, depending on your preference. Transportation is arranged from the airport, simplifying logistics for travelers arriving in Arusha or Zanzibar.

What’s Not Included

Travelers need to arrange their international flights, visas, and travel insurance independently. The tour doesn’t include the shuttle ticket back to the airport, so plan accordingly. Also, the tour explicitly bans drones, alcohol, drugs, and feeding animals — rules designed to keep both visitors and wildlife safe.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

The safari runs in a group format, which can be a plus or minus depending on your preference. The game drives typically start early in the morning and continue into the late afternoon, aligning with animal activity peaks. The 4×4 safari jeeps open at the top offer panoramic views, enhancing your wildlife photography experience.

Group sizes aren’t specified explicitly, but reviews suggest a comfortable number that allows for social interaction without feeling crowded. The tour includes roundtrip airport transfers, making arrivals and departures straightforward.

Flexibility and Booking

You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility if your travel plans are uncertain. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

Authentic Insights from Previous Travelers

One reviewer praised the friendly and professional guides who were “helpful in spotting animals and sharing interesting facts.” Others appreciated the well-organized itinerary, noting that the game drives were well-timed for optimal wildlife viewing.

A traveler mentioned that the bush lunches were surprisingly good, with some saying, “It felt like dining in the wild, but with proper comfort and good food.” The sunrise and sunset drives were highlighted as highlights, giving a different perspective on the landscape and animal behaviors.

Some reviewers pointed out that the group size and shared experience made the adventure lively and social, though it might not suit those seeking complete privacy or a private guide.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Big 5 safari is an excellent choice for travelers who want a cost-effective, well-organized introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife. It’s perfect if you value expert guides, flexible booking options, and a balance of adventure and comfort.

The inclusions and itinerary make it a practical option for those who want to see the iconic animals without the hassle of camping or overly complex arrangements. If your goal is a comprehensive, immersive wildlife experience with authentic moments like bush lunches and scenic drives, this tour delivers.

However, if you prefer private safaris, luxury lodges, or a more personalized approach, you might want to explore other options or consider a private guide for more tailored experiences.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Absolutely. The organized group format and experienced guides make it accessible for those new to safaris, ensuring you see key wildlife without the need for prior experience.

How many animals can I expect to see?
You’ll likely see the Big 5, plus giraffes, flamingos, hippos, zebras, and wildebeest. The guides are skilled at spotting wildlife, even in challenging terrain.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
The tour includes full-board lodge stays that balance comfort with practicality. You’ll stay at Ngedere Lodge, which reviews describe as cozy and well-situated.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for early mornings and afternoons, sun protection, binoculars for better viewing, and a camera with a good zoom lens for wildlife photography.

Can I join if I don’t speak French or Spanish?
Yes. The guides speak multiple languages, including English. Confirm your preferred language at booking.

Is there a recommended age for this tour?
It’s generally suitable for most ages, but pregnant women are advised against participating due to the travel nature and early mornings.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve your spot online via GetYourGuide with the option to pay later. Make sure to provide your name, group size, and flight details.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.

Are drinks included?
Yes, water, beer, juice, wine, or spirits are included during meals and on game drives.

What if I want a private safari instead?
This tour is group-based, but look for private options if you prefer more personalized service.

For anyone eager to tick off the Big 5 in a well-organized, budget-friendly way, this Tanzania safari offers a memorable, authentic wilderness experience. It’s a chance to connect with nature, enjoy scenic drives, and create stories that last a lifetime.

You can check availability for your dates here: