Who has never dreamed of going on an adventure in a 4 × 4 at the meet the wonderful wild animals of the African savannah ? Ride at full speed in the footsteps of the most impressive and elegant animals in the world? Admire scenes of animal life between a mother is her little one? Observe the parts of hunting African felines?
A safari is a extraordinary experience that we can live as close as possible to this wild fauna in an entirely natural environment.
When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?
Tanzania enjoys a equatorial climate where he does good life all year round.
However, when planning your safari, you have to take certain parameters into account.
Indeed, Tanzania knows two periods of rain:
- March to June
- October to December
Some will therefore advise you to avoid to go on safari during the rainy period to maximize your chances of enjoying pleasant, non-rainy weather.
However, leaving during the dry season, namely from end of June to October, you will not have the chance to witness the impressive wildebeest migration. This migration is observable between April and June.
As for me, I went on a 5-day safari in Tanzania at the beginning of June. During this period I was able to witness the migration of wildebeest and benefit from excellent weather without rain.
What program for a 5-day safari in northern Tanzania?
Many agencies will offer you similar 5-day safari programs. However, you also have the option of choosing the parks you want to visit. Indeed, in the event that you opt for a private safari, you can negotiate with the agency the parks you want to explore.
As for me, I went on a safari alone, so I joined a group. There were 6 of us in the car with the same program.
This program included:
- Day 1 - Tarangire National Park
- Day 2 - Lake Manyara
- Day 3 - Serengeti National Park
- Day 4 - Serengeti National Park
- Day 5 - Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
According to the companies the Programs can took place in a different order, but you will usually see these same parks.
Regarding myself, I found the program to be very good, it allows us to see the different parks with their own specificities.
La success on this program obviously depends a little luck because your safari will be more or less successful depending on the animals you will be able to see.
For some 5 days is not enough if you did not have the chance to see everything but conversely if you have the chance to see all the animals you wanted a 5 day safari is sufficient.
Program schedule for a 5-day safari in Tanzania
Having had this immense chance to observe many animals during my 5-day safari, I will share it with you to give you an idea of how a safari in Tanzania goes.
For information, I chose a camping safari so it is easier for me to tell you about the safari in 5 days camping rather than a lodge.
Day 1 - A day safari in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania
For my part, before going on the safari I had already spent nearly three months in Tanzania so I did not need to book a safari to pick me up directly at the airport etc.
So the first day a taxi came to pick me up at the hotel in Arusha to take me to a meeting point where I met my fellow travelers and our guide.
So we were 6 tourists (couples or single people) plus the guide.
Once the presentations are made, we leave for Tarangire National Park. This park is located approximately 2/3 hour drive from Arusha.
The cars used for safari in the northern parks of Tanzania are very similar. These are 4 × 4 types with a sunroof that allows you to stand up so you have a better view of the animals and the savannah.
So we arrived in late morning at the park entrance from Tarangire.
From here, our guide distributes us meal trays for lunch. Be extremely careful, the picnic area is frequented by many monkeys who take advantage of the lack of attention of tourists to come and steal the meal (fruit, cookies, sandwiches, etc.). Be careful because they are very smart and fast.
Once our stomachs are full, we set off in our 4 × 4, roof open, to explore Tarangire Park.
This park is notably known for its baobabs as well as for the many elephants that we meet there.
When we were walking around I was amazed by all this vegetables which I wasn't necessarily expecting.
For this first day I was able to see antelopes, giraffes, elephants taking a mud bath, lionesses napping under the trees, as well as beautiful views of this magnificent green park with all its baobabs.
After about 4 hours of walking in the park of Tarangire, we headed towards our camping located outside the park, just minutes away.
Once installed in our tents, we joined to drink a small beer for some and tea or coffee for others accompanied by popcorn.
At the end of each day, before dinner, we were given a small "aperitif" of tea / coffee and popcorn.
In addition to the guide, each group has its cook. The meals served are not typical Tanzanian meals, but rather "European style" meals. The quality of the meals depends on the talents of your cook. Concerning me, the meals were good although not very varied.
On our first evening, after dinner we were treated to a show of acrobatics and African music.
Obviously, be aware that these activities take place with the aim of selling small souvenirs to tourists.
We usually went to bed around 21:30 p.m. / 22 p.m.
Day 2 - A day safari at Lake Manyara in Tanzania
The alarm goes off and we get ready to go have our first breakfast. Breakfasts are generally composed in a similar way, namely, fruit, eggs, ham, potatoes, tea / coffee, bread.
For our second day, head for the Lake Manyara park located just 5 minutes from our campsite.
This park is amazing because we start in a dense and tropical forest. Many species of monkeys live there among the trees.
Advancing inside the park we discover the magnificent Lake Manyara which is home to many species of birds including.
We observe the animals that wander along this large lake.
On this day we were once again spoiled by seeing 3 lionesses perched in trees above the path then 3 others lying on the track. This forced us to turn around.
We were also able to observe zebras, giraffes, elephants, antelopes, flamingos and other bird species but also hippopotamuses etc.
The day is cut off by a small picnic with boxing lunches prepared by our cook in the morning.
At the end of the day, after a good drive around Lake Manyara, we return to the campsite.
Our second night was done at same campsite than the first.
Know that at the organizational level Africans are not the most stressed or even the most organized.
Indeed, it is not uncommon for the schedule to have to change compared to what was planned at the beginning ... You have to know how to adapt, put things into perspective, take a step back! Believe me, having spent three months there, you will need it in Africa.
Day 3 & Day 4 - Two days Safari in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
Early in the morning to reach the park of Serengeti which is a 4 hour drive from our campsite. Take the opportunity to take a nap if you wish or to admire the landscapes of this magnificent country which is Tanzania.
Le Serengeti is the park that attracts the most people, we arrive at the entrance of the park at the beginning of the afternoon. After a small picnic we start to get lost in the immense plains of the Serengeti.
Here the landscape is very different, it is drier plains, beaucoup less greenery and trees than in the first parks.
It therefore seems easier to spot the animals in the Serengeti.
The Serengeti reserve is home to very many animals, on our first day we observed a cheetah catching an antelope for his dinner, a leopard and her cub, buffalo and wildebeest, giraffes and a magnificent sunset in the middle of the African savannah with its exceptional colors.
Obviously, some security measures are to be taken:
- He's strongly advised against eating in your tent at night or even keep food in his tent. Indeed, the "meal" corner is in a refectory space protected by grids so as not to be attacked by animals.
- If you get up at night to go to the bathroom, be careful, there may be animals lurking around the tents. Your guide will probably tell you his little anecdotes about accidents he may have witnessed during his years of experience.
Don't be surprised, at night we often hear hyenas around.
This is a great experience, You will not be disappointed.
Le next day, awakening at dawn to enjoy the sunrise in the Serengeti. Indeed, after breakfast, we go to watch the sunrise in the middle of the wild fauna of the Serengeti.
Personally, the sunset and sunrise were among the most beautiful moments that I experienced during this safari.
The fourth day started strong with lions and lionesses. The first male lions we see. Subsequently we saw, Elephants, zebras, hippopotamuses, cheetahs, leopard etc.
The tour of the Serengeti ended with the migration of part of the wildebeest. It was impressive to be surrounded by so many beasts running in all directions.
-
- We go quietly towards the exit of the Serengeti park, direction our last
- .
This camp was located at the top of the Ngorongoro crater, at an altitude of 700 meters. It was cold, cold shower .. so prepare yourself well!
Day 5 - A day in the Ngorongoro crater reserve in Tanzania
The last day of the safari begins with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater. It is an ancient volcano that has collapsed making it a 700-meter-deep crater that is home to many wild animals.
The day started quickly as we hadn't even come down to the bottom of the craters that a lioness out of nowhere jumped onto the path right next to our car.
Then a few meters lower, once we got to the bottom of the crater, we saw a lion and a lioness, lying quietly watching the buffaloes around them.
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a large population of animals in Africa. We were able to observe zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, hyenas, and above all a rhinoceros. Although there are only 20 left in this reserve, we were lucky enough to see one from afar… But that's it already!
It was the last animal of the Big five to see (elephants, lions, rhinos, leopard buffaloes).
After a good day of moping in Ngorongoro Park, we slowly returned to Arusha where our guide dropped us off at the end of the evening.
How much does a 5 day safari in Tanzania cost?
No matter where you go, know that a safari is a relatively expensive activity compared to other activities.
Obviously, the safari price will depend on the duration of your safari but also choice of accommodation.
A safari in Lodge will cost much more than a motorhome safari the more comfort you want, the more you will have to pay.
Also, a private safari will cost more than safari in a shared car.
So there are many criteria to take into account when you look at the price of the safari.
To give you an idea, I have prepared the two paintings following.
The first takes the entrance fees to each of the parks per person :
| Northern Tanzania National Parks | Entrance fees per person |
| Serengeti National Park | US $ 80 for 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro Crater | US $ 80 + US $ 295 by car |
| Lake Manyara | US $ 53 |
| Tarangire National Park | US $ 53 |
The second table gives a price range for a 5 day safari in Tanzania depending on the options chosen (after negotiations). The more you travel, the more the price will be interesting.
In my table, I take the example of a person traveling alone (my case when I went on the safari) or a couple.
| Type of safari over 5 days | Housing type | Price of the safari for 5 days / pers |
| Private safari (2 pers.) | Camping | US $ 900 - US $ 1 |
| Private safari (2 pers.) | Lodge | US $ 1 - US $ 300 |
| Shared safari (max 6 pers.) | Camping | US $ 700 - US $ 900 |
| Shared safari (max 6 pers.) | Lodge | US $ 1 - US $ 500 (add. $ 4 for 000 pers) |
How to dress for a safari?
For a safari it is important to dress comfortably and to cover yourself sufficiently because with the sunroof you can get cold quickly.
It is therefore advisable to always keep a small jacket with himself.
In addition, take a scarf that will allow you to cover yourself with dust because there is a lot of it.
For more information about what clothes to take on a safari, I advise you to read my article "What to put in your suitcase for a safari in Tanzania" where I describe in detail the things I took for my safari.
If you want more information or have contacts with local guides, do not hesitate to contact me at this address: [email protected]
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- How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
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Hello,
can you recommend an agency to prepare a safari?
cordially
Hello Céline,
Thank you for your message !
Yes I can give you a contact indeed! Would you like to go with the agency or directly with the guide with whom I went on Safari?
If you want to go through the agency I can give you the contact of a person who speaks French, otherwise if you want to go through the guide directly I can give you his contact details.
Tell me what you prefer!
Hello, thank you for this well-written article.
Could you give me the name of the agency AND the name of the guide you went on the safari with? in English or French it's OK for me. Thank you.
Hello,
Thank you for your comment 🙂
No problem, send me an email to the address in the contact part and I'll send you this (to avoid giving the number like that) 😉
The agency manager spoke French but the guide English anglais
Hello,
I would like to do the Safari directly with a guide, can I have a contact please?
You're of a big help here, great content on the blog !!!
Thank you in advance !!
Hello,
Thank you very much 🙂 I send you this 😉
Hello, I would also be interested in the coordinates, is it cheaper if we go directly through the guide or it is better to contact the agency? Knowing that for economic reasons I would like to share the safari… Thank you 🙂
Hello,
Yes indeed it is cheaper to go directly through the guide but it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want someone to organize everything for you (from your arrival at the airport until your return to the airport (with hotels etc)) it is better to go through an agency because a guide will not take care of it. this side.
Finally you can always discuss it with him.
I did the same, being alone I shared the car with other people. The guide may ask you to find other people to share the car with, but they can also find everything for you.
I can email you the name of my guide and his number but he does not speak French. Are you interested?
Hello ! Thank you for all this valuable information! When I click on "which agency to choose for a safari" nothing happens and refers me to the article which tells about the safari.
I am very very interested to have the coordinates of your agency or guide with the budget. Thank you so much !
Hello Magali,
Thank you for your comment, indeed, there was a small internal link problem that I just modified. By clicking on "which agency to choose for a safari" you will find the right article now 🙂
I saw that you sent me an email, so I'll give you the contact details by email 😉
Hello,
We are leaving as a couple in July in Tanzania.
I would like to know the name of the agency with which you made your safari? And possibly other agencies that you can imagine. We have our flight and our first night in Arusha. We are therefore looking for an agency for 5 days of safari with accommodation during the safari (camping budget).
Thank you for your future advice,
Ophélie and Thibaut
Hello,
Can I put you in touch with a guide directly to avoid going through an agency if you're interested?
Hello,
Yes with pleasure.
Ophelia and Thibaut
It's sent 😉
Hello ! Thank you very much for sharing your experience. My best friend and I have planned to go to Tanzania in July, but we find that the private safari tours are too expensive and it is more fun to be with others. Can you send me the name and contact of your guide? I see that in the previous comments there are Ophélie and Thibaut who are planning to go to Tanzania in July for a 5 day safari, just like us! You can maybe put us in contact or share their email so that we do it together if our dates coincide 🥰
Thank you!
Hello,
I am emailing you my contact for the safari.
As for Ophélie and Thibault, I will see with them first if that interests them and if so I will put you in contact with pleasure 🙂
Find an agency to organize a safari in Tanzania
4 adultes
Hello,
I'll send you an email 🙂
A story that makes you dream !!! Thank you for your sharing. I would like for my honeymoon to go on a safari in Tanzania. Could you give me the information about your guide? Thank you
Very nice honeymoon in preparation 🙂
I'll send it to you by email 😉
Thank you very much for your articles on tanzania which inspired me so much.
My partner and I want to go to Tanzania for a 3/4 day Safari and then go to Zanzibar for 5 days at the end of October. can you please send us the coordinates of your guide (english ok for us)?
Mercii
Great, thank you for reading 🙂
I'll send it to you by email 😉
Hello, thank you for this great blog! Without indiscretion, how much did you pay for this safari? We would be super interested in doing the same kind of safari as you, could you send us the contact of the guide and the agency? And if we only go through him, does he take care of booking the tents and picking us up and bringing us back to the airport? Thank you so much anyway! Good day !
Hello,
Thank you for this comment 🙂 Yes of course, I send you the info by email and indeed the guide takes care of all this 😉
Hello,
We are leaving at the beginning of October for Tanzania 🙂
I contacted a guide but it is a little more expensive than what you give as price. I'll try to negotiate but if you have the name of your guide / agency I'm crazy.
Thanks in advance 🙂
Hello,
Since then, I have learned that the entry fees in the parks have increased a bit so maybe that's why it's a little more expensive. But I let you see directly with my guide. I'll send you this by email 😉
Hello Margaux, can I have the name of the guide and the agency? thank you
Hello, I am sending you an email 😉
Hello,
The article is very interesting, thank you very much. Could you give us the name of the guide or local agency with which you traveled?
Yours.
Hello,
I sent you an email 😉
Hello Margaux,
We are in Tanzania with a friend and we would like to do a 5 day camping safari during the month of June, or even July, would it be possible to have the contact of your guide please?
Thank you very much
Hello,
I just sent you an email 🙂
Peace, mercy and blessings of God
أشخاص من تاريخ 7/20 7/ى 27
Hello Marguax,
We will be traveling in August for a 3rd day Safari Tour. Wäre es möglich, den Kontakt Ihres Reiseleiters zu haben?
Thank you very much
Hello
I would like to have the contact details of an agency.
Thank you
Franck
I'll send you an email 😉
Hello !
Your article was great thank you very much!
Could you send me the contact of your guide please 😀
Hello, I answered you by email 🙂