6 Days 5 Night Safari

A six-day route through Tanzania’s northern safari parks gives you a fine mix of scenery and wildlife: monkeys in Lake Manyara’s groundwater forest, elephants beneath the escarpment, open Serengeti plains, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, and dry-season animals around Tarangire’s river. The Big Five are possible, with black rhino, elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopard all found in the crater.

I like the small maximum group of 12, which should make wildlife viewing and guide interaction easier, and I like that park fees, camping equipment, transport, and meals are bundled into the price. The main consideration is the schedule: six days covers a lot of ground, so you should expect long drives and confirm the exact accommodation plan before paying.

Key points at a glance

• Six major safari stops: Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire form the core of the route.
• Strong wildlife focus: The parks offer chances to see elephants, lions, buffalo, leopard, black rhino, hippos, monkeys, giraffes, birds, and more.
• Guide-led game drives: A professional driver-guide accompanies you, explains what you see, and helps position the vehicle for photographs.
• Full-board pricing: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, along with national park entrance fees and camping equipment.
• Group size capped at 12: This is a useful middle ground between a private safari and a large coach tour.
• Price: At $2,772 per person, the package can be good value if the listed accommodation and all six days of meals are delivered as described.

A six-day route through Tanzania’s northern parks

This safari begins in the Moshi area, with the stated meeting point at Kilimanjaro Airport. From there, your driver takes you toward the first campsite and explains the scenery and any animals seen along the way.

The route is appealing because each park offers something different. Lake Manyara is compact and varied, Serengeti is famous for its open plains and migrating herds, Olduvai Gorge adds human origins to the trip, Ngorongoro delivers concentrated wildlife viewing, and Tarangire brings a strong bird and elephant focus.

The tradeoff is distance. You are not staying in one park for several nights. You are moving across a large part of northern Tanzania, and that means some days will be built around driving as well as game viewing.

Day 1: From Kilimanjaro Airport to the first campsite

Your driver picks you up and takes you to the campsite. The day is mainly about arrival, settling in, and beginning the journey into safari country.

The drive itself is part of the introduction. You will see changing scenery as you leave the airport area, and the guide is expected to explain both the surroundings and any wildlife spotted along the route. That can make the transfer feel less like dead time.

Because the exact first campsite and driving duration are not specified, ask for those details before departure. You should also confirm the vehicle arrangement, especially if you are carrying camera equipment or large bags.

Day 2: Lake Manyara beneath the Rift Valley escarpment

Lake Manyara is one of the most scenic stops on the route. Approaching from the east, you see the Rift Valley escarpment rising behind the lake. The combination of cliffs, forest, water, and grassland gives the park a varied look in a relatively short area.

The groundwater forest is especially appealing. Monkeys move through the tall trees, while elephants may rest in the shade near the escarpment. Around the lake, you might find hippos and a wide range of water birds, including flamingoes, storks, and pelicans.

Lake Manyara is also associated with tree-climbing lions. Seeing one in the branches is never guaranteed, but the possibility gives this game drive a special focus. Your accredited guide accompanies you and explains the animals and habitats as you go.

One detail needs clarification here. The overview refers to Lake Eyasi, while Day 2 specifically refers to Lake Manyara National Park. These are separate places, so ask the operator to confirm which lake and park are included in your actual route.

Day 3: Serengeti and the movement of the herds

Serengeti National Park is the major wildlife draw of the trip. Its name is linked with huge open plains and the annual movement of wildebeest and zebra in search of fresh pasture.

The migration is seasonal, so timing matters. The herds move north from breeding grounds in the southern plains, but their exact position changes during the year. You should treat the migration as a possibility rather than a fixed event at a particular spot.

Even without seeing a crossing or a vast moving herd, Serengeti offers the sense of space that makes a safari here special. The day is guided by a professional driver-guide, whose knowledge of roads and animal behavior can help turn a long drive into better wildlife viewing.

The supplied experiences place particular emphasis on guides who work hard to find animals and position vehicles for photographs. Names such as Danny, Tenga, Arnold, and Peter Minja are associated with especially warm feedback, but guide assignments can change. If a particular guide matters to you, request that person early and do not assume availability.

Day 4: Olduvai Gorge and the Ngorongoro Crater rim

On the way to Ngorongoro, the route passes Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in East Africa. It is often called the Cradle of Mankind because of discoveries linked to early human development.

This stop adds a welcome change of pace. After several wildlife-focused drives, you get a chance to think about the much older human story of the region. The guide accompanies you through this part of the journey and provides context as you go.

You then continue to Ngorongoro Crater, a huge intact volcanic caldera. The crater’s steep sides hold grassland, woodland, wetlands, and water, creating excellent conditions for wildlife.

The transition from Olduvai to the crater is one of the strongest features of the program. You are not simply checking parks off a list. You are moving from geological time, to human origins, to a concentrated wildlife area within a single day.

Day 5: Ngorongoro’s Big Five potential

Ngorongoro is often the wildlife centerpiece of this route. The crater floor contains a high concentration of animals, and the enclosed setting can make sightings feel more reliable than in a wide-open park.

The Big Five listed for the crater are black rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo, and leopard. You could also see many other species, but no safari can promise a complete list. Leopards and rhinos, in particular, can require patience and luck.

The guide is with you throughout the trip, and guide skill matters here. A good driver-guide helps you understand what you are seeing, watches the behavior of other vehicles, and looks for strong viewing angles without turning the day into a frantic chase.

The crater is also a place where you should expect other safari vehicles. Its reputation brings visitors, and the narrow concentration of wildlife means sightings can attract attention quickly. The reward is a strong chance of seeing animals. The cost is a less solitary experience than you might find in a quieter area of Serengeti.

Day 6: Tarangire’s river and birdlife

The final day takes you to Tarangire, described as both a strong birding destination and a park with large numbers of game. During the dry season, the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the area, drawing animals toward it.

That seasonal pattern gives the park a clear character. Elephants are an important attraction, and the river area can be productive for wildlife viewing when surrounding water sources dry up. Bird lovers should pay close attention, since the park is specifically included for its birdlife as well as its larger animals.

Tarangire makes a good closing stop because it offers a different feel from Ngorongoro. Instead of focusing mainly on a crater floor, you are watching animals gather around a vital water source and scanning a park known for birds.

The schedule says the professional guide accompanies you throughout the trip, but it does not state the exact end point or airport transfer arrangement after Tarangire. If you are flying out that day, confirm the departure timing and final drop-off before booking flights.

Guides, vehicles, and the human side of the trip

The strongest theme in the available feedback is the staff. Guides are repeatedly described as friendly, attentive, and good at finding animals. Several guests also appreciated drivers who stopped to help, worked patiently with photographers, and tried to find useful viewing angles.

That matters more than polished sales language. Safari days involve long hours in a vehicle, changing weather, rough roads, and plenty of time when nothing obvious is happening. A guide who explains the area, keeps the mood comfortable, and stays alert can make a major difference.

Photography is another clear strength. Guides such as Tenga and Arnold were praised for finding good spots and angles, while Danny received a personal shoutout for making the experience memorable. Do not expect every guide to use the same approach, but the company’s guiding style appears focused on both animal sightings and photographs.

The group limit of 12 is worth noting. It is not the same as having a private vehicle, but it is far more manageable than a large bus. Ask how many people will actually share your vehicle, since the maximum group size may not equal the number in every departure.

Camping, lodges, and meals

The package includes camping equipment and full-board accommodation described as double occupancy lodge safari. Those two descriptions do not perfectly match, so get the accommodation standard in writing.

Some feedback praises comfortable beds, good food, and a hotel stay in the Serengeti. Another description presents the lodging as wild and rustic, with striking sunset views and giraffes visible near the room. Taken together, you should expect a safari setting rather than a city hotel, with comfort levels that may vary by property.

Meals are included for the full trip: five breakfasts, six lunches, and six dinners. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. That is useful because food in remote park areas is not something you want to arrange day by day.

You should still ask what drinks, snacks, and bottled water are included, since the package only specifies the three main meals. Personal expenses are not included, so budget for anything outside the stated plan.

Is $2,772 per person a fair price?

At $2,772 per person, this is not a budget day trip. It is a multi-park safari with entrance fees, transport, a driver-guide, camping equipment, accommodation, and full-board meals.

The value is strongest if you want a ready-made route and do not want to organize each park, permit, transfer, and meal separately. Entrance fees alone can add up quickly across several national parks, and having one company coordinate the movement between Moshi, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire simplifies a complicated journey.

The price is harder to judge until you confirm the lodging category, vehicle type, and group size. A private safari, premium lodges, or a smaller vehicle would normally justify a higher cost than shared camping. Ask whether airport pickup is included in the price, because the highlights list says airport transfer while the exclusions say transfer to and from the airport is not included.

The published score is 4.9 from 57 ratings, with 98 percent recommending the experience. The repeated praise for guides, food, staff care, and wildlife viewing supports the idea that the package offers solid value, but those practical accommodation and transfer questions still deserve clear answers.

Who should book this safari?

I would recommend this trip to someone visiting northern Tanzania for the first time who wants the major parks in one organized package. It suits people who care about wildlife variety, want a professional guide, and prefer not to handle park logistics themselves.

It is also a good fit for photographers, families, study groups, and small groups of friends. The guide attention and group cap are useful, while the full-board setup removes much of the daily planning.

I would be more cautious if you dislike long drives, need guaranteed luxury accommodation, or want a slow trip with several nights in each park. Six days is efficient, but it is also busy. You should expect a broad introduction to Tanzania rather than a relaxed stay in one reserve.

The cancellation terms are worth reading before you commit. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least six full days before the start time. Cancellations two to six full days ahead receive 50 percent, while cancellations less than two full days ahead are not refunded. The stated cut-off follows local time.

Should you book the Zara Tours safari?

Book it if your priority is a well-organized northern Tanzania route with strong wildlife potential, full-board meals, park fees, and an attentive guide. Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire give you a broad range of scenery and animals in less than a week.

Before paying, ask Zara Tours to confirm three things: the exact accommodation type, the airport transfer cost, and how many people will share your vehicle. If those answers match your expectations, $2,772 can be a sensible price for such a packed safari. If you want more time at each park or higher-end lodging, consider a longer or more private option.

FAQ

Where does the safari start?

The stated meeting point is Kilimanjaro Airport in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. The tour location is listed as Moshi.

How long does the safari last?

The experience lasts approximately six days and includes five nights.

Which national parks and sites are included?

The route includes Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. It also passes through Olduvai Gorge.

Is airport pickup available?

Pickup is offered, and the stated starting point is Kilimanjaro Airport. However, the inclusions and exclusions conflict about airport transfers, so confirm whether your specific airport transfer is included in the price.

Are park entrance fees included?

Yes. National park gate fees and entrance fees are included.

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes five breakfasts, six lunches, and six dinners.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. Accommodation is included on a full-board, double-occupancy basis. Camping equipment is also included, but you should confirm the exact lodging and camping arrangement.

Can I request vegetarian meals?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the operator when booking.

How many people can join the safari?

The maximum group size is 12 people. The exact number sharing your vehicle should be confirmed before departure.