5 Days Tanzania Private Lodge Safari
Tour Highlight
Join a 5-day Lodging safari in Tanzania to experience the beauties of Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and a large chunk of the Southern Serengeti. Depending on the time of year, you will see thousands of wildebeests and zebras migrating.
During this tour, you will see flamingos and other waterfowl at Lake Manyara National Park, explore the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and see the unique animal life of Serengeti National Park. With any luck, you might be able to see the Great Migration and the Big Five. Your excursion will be in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a competent local guide, and your team will handle all responsibilities, allowing you to fully enjoy the Experience.
Tour Plan
In the morning you will travel from Arusha to the small Lake Manyara National Park. The park is known for its over 400 bird species, primate-filled forests (look out for the long-tailed Guenon monkeys) and grassy plains. A large area of the park is covered by the alkaline Lake Manyara, which is home to colonies of flamingos and other water birds. Apart from elephants, you might also spot giraffes, hippos, wildebeests and impalas while the forests near the lake are teeming with noisy groups of monkeys and baboons. After lots of game viewing, you will leave the park in the afternoon and travel to a campsite in Mto wa Mbu. Here you can relax at the pool or the bar, before supper is served. You will spend the night in a tent.
After breakfast you will drive towards the fertile highlands where the Iraqw people grow wheat, corn and coffee. At midday you will reach the plains of the Serengeti National Park, one of the largest parks in Tanzania and a highlight on your 5-day Tanzania camping safari. The Serengeti has a diversity of habitats and landscapes including short grass plains, savannah, thick bush, swamps, mountains and lakes. Depending on the season you will witness the migration of thousands of animals for which the park is famous for. You will arrive at your campsite in the Seronera area in the central Serengeti in the late afternoon.
The entire day is dedicated to game viewing in the Serengeti National Park. The areas that you will visit depend upon where the migrating herds are (predators usually follow closely behind the trekking animals). During the short rainy season in November and December the herds move from the hills in the north to the plains in the south. During the longer rainy season from April to June they return up north. This circle of life is determined by the rainfalls and the locations of the herds might vary from year to year. Your guide will know where to find the herds and where to see them best. Apart from wildebeests and zebras you might also spot predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs. You will spend another night at a campsite in the Seronera area.
The morning will be spent on another game drive in the Serengeti and you might spot animals you haven’t seen yet. You will stop for a picnic lunch and then continue towards the Ngorongoro Crater. Once you reach the crater rim you will have fantastic views of this 600 m deep collapsed volcano. Your campsite for the night will be on the crater’s edge and you will be able to enjoy this once in a lifetime view as the sun sets over the crater.
After an early breakfast you will drive down into the crater on a steep and narrow road. The slopes are forested but soon the landscape changes to savannah dotted with the occasional acacia tree. Here the wildlife is just breath-taking and with a little luck you might see the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. You should also see warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, hippos and some of the more than 500 bird species of the area. After an entire morning of game viewing and a picnic lunch in the crater you will slowly make your way back to Arusha, where you will arrive in the early evening.
Included/Exclude
- Airport pickup and drop off
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Overnight accommodation according to the itinerary
- Meals while on safari
- Mineral water
- All government taxes
- All mentioned activities
- All national park fees
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the safari for emergency evacuations
- International or Local Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
The best time to go on a safari in Tanzania largely depends on what you want to see. Generally, the dry season from late June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. Additionally, the Great Migration in the Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move in search of greener pastures, peaks around June and July for river crossings and from late January to February for the calving season.
Tanzania is home to some of the most renowned national parks and reserves in Africa. The Serengeti National Park is famous for the Great Migration and abundant wildlife. Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers an incredible concentration of wildlife in a stunning volcanic caldera. Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees, while Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife. The Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park in the south offer more remote and less crowded safari experiences.
Tanzania offers a variety of safari experiences to suit different interests and budgets. Classic game drives are the most common and allow you to see wildlife from the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle. Walking safaris provide a more intimate experience, allowing you to explore the bush on foot with a knowledgeable guide. Hot air balloon safaris in the Serengeti offer a unique perspective of the landscape and wildlife from above. Night safaris, available in certain parks, give you the chance to spot nocturnal animals. Additionally, cultural safaris can be arranged to visit local tribes and learn about their way of life.
Packing for a safari requires careful consideration to ensure comfort and practicality. Essential items include light, breathable clothing in neutral colors to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting insects. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are crucial for protection from the sun. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or boots are recommended for walking safaris. Binoculars and a good camera are essential for wildlife viewing and photography. Additionally, bring insect repellent, a first aid kit, any necessary medications, and a reusable water bottle. Layered clothing is advisable as temperatures can vary greatly from morning to evening.
Tanzania is generally considered safe for tourists, and the safari industry is well-regulated with experienced guides and operators. However, as with any travel, it’s important to exercise common sense and take precautions. Always follow the instructions of your guide, particularly when it comes to wildlife viewing and safety. Be aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings. In terms of health, it’s important to take preventive measures against malaria and stay hydrated. It’s also advisable to check travel advisories and register with your embassy before traveling.
Yes, many lodges and tour operators in Tanzania cater to families and offer child-friendly safari experiences. However, it’s important to choose the right itinerary and accommodations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone. Some lodges have age restrictions for certain activities, such as walking safaris, but they often provide alternative activities for younger children. Family tents, educational programs, and specialized guides can enhance the experience for kids. It’s also essential to consider health precautions, such as malaria prevention, and ensure that your children are comfortable with the travel arrangements.
Most international travelers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha, or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. Arusha is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, while Dar es Salaam is the entry point for southern parks like Selous and Ruaha. From these airports, you can take domestic flights or arrange ground transportation to your safari destination. Some safari packages include internal flights to save travel time.
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