Useful Information
| Language | No problems communicating in English with tourism-related professionals |
| Cost | A 5-days budget Safari trip which includes all accommodation, transport and food cost 1000$ per person. Basic accommodation in low-budget hotels and tents in designated camping spots inside the National Parks. |
| Currency | US dollars are widely accepted and prefered over the local currency. Withdrew some Tanzanian Shillings for shopping in local markets. |
| Moving around | We traveled in an 8-seat safari jeep, shared among our group of four adults, along with our driver and cook. |
| Safety | Traveling with an experienced driver felt very safe, and I strongly recommend against self-driving. Walking around felt safe during the day, though it became a bit uncertain after dark. Inside the national parks, you’re completely safe while inside the safari vehicle—stepping out is not allowed due to the presence of wild animals. Camping in tents within the parks is also safe, as long as you follow the guides’ instructions carefully, since there are no fences separating you from the wildlife. |
| Time of Visit | August 2022 was the time of visit |
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
The objective of the first day is to travel from your home contry to Arusha, Tanzania. You can save a lot ot time if you have already arranged your 5-days Safari before arriving in Tanzania.
Upon landing at Arusha Airport, you’ll be greeted by the stunning backdrop of Mount Meru, a perfect introduction to the natural beauty that awaits you in Tanzania. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a private transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel in Arusha. The drive offers a first glimpse of Tanzania’s landscapes, from bustling local markets to open fields framed by distant mountains. It’s a smooth and comfortable journey (if you ignore the many potholes), allowing you to soak in the new surroundings without the hassle of navigating transportation on your own.
Once you arrive at your hotel, it’s time to settle in and unwind. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant or relax, taking in the serene atmosphere. Since this is your first day in Tanzania, it’s best to spend the evening resting after your long journey. In case you arrive late, take it slow because the next few days will be tiring. You’ll need to recharge for the exciting adventure that begins tomorrow, as your safari experience is just around the corner! Arusha, a gateway city to some of Africa’s most famous national parks, offers a calm and inviting place to prepare for your upcoming wildlife encounters.
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
To experience the rich diversity and attractions that central Tanzania presents, we opted for the suggested five-day safari departing from Arusha. This journey includes driving from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, as well as visits to a Maasai camp and Materuni Waterfall, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Your journey begins early as your safari driver arrives to pick you up at dawn, ready to head toward Lake Manyara National Park. The drive takes about two hours, passing through the beautiful Tanzanian countryside, where you’ll see rolling hills, lush greenery, and small villages along the way. As you get closer to Manyara, the landscape changes, signaling the start of your safari adventure. Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its varied wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and its unique tree-climbing lions, offering an exciting introduction to Tanzania’s natural wonders.
Around midday, you’ll stop for lunch at a designated camp spot inside the park, surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature. Enjoy a packed meal prepared by your safari team before continuing your exploration of the park. In the afternoon, you’ll have more opportunities to spot animals, including hippos near the lake and various bird species that inhabit the area. As the day draws to a close, you’ll exit the park and arrive at a hotel in the nearby village of Mto Wa Mbu. Here, your safari cook will prepare dinner, giving you time to relax after a day filled with wildlife. After dinner, you’ll settle in for a peaceful night, ready for the adventures that await tomorrow.
Day 3: Drive to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Crater
Your day starts early as you pack up your belongings and leave Mto Wa Mbu, ready for an exciting journey toward Serengeti National Park. The drive is long but rewarding, offering stunning scenery as you pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you’ll make brief stops to admire the breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater, a vast volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife.
Though you won’t explore it today, these photo stops offer a sneak peek into the natural beauty that you’ll fully experience tomorrow. Continuing the drive, the landscape shifts from the highlands to the iconic Serengeti plains, known for their seemingly endless horizon and wildlife.
Upon arriving in the Serengeti, you’ll spend the afternoon on an extensive safari, where wildlife sightings are abundant. Herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles roam the plains, while lions, cheetahs, and leopards lurk nearby, ready to hunt. You might also spot elephants, giraffes, and a variety of bird species in this vibrant ecosystem. As the sun begins to set, you’ll head to a public campsite, where you’ll set up your tents in the heart of the Serengeti wilderness.
The safari cook will prepare dinner, which you’ll enjoy in the shared dining area of the campsite. Surrounded by the sounds of nature, you’ll fall asleep with the thrill of knowing you’re camping right next to the wildlife of one of Africa’s most famous national parks.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
As the sun rises over the Serengeti, you’ll wake up, have a hearty breakfast, and pack your belongings, preparing for the next leg of your adventure.
Your journey takes you back toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll spend the day exploring one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Before leaving the Serengeti, you’ll stop for lunch at a public campsite near the park’s entrance, enjoying a meal with the stunning backdrop of the surrounding plains. Afterward, you’ll continue the drive to Ngorongoro, eagerly anticipating the day’s wildlife encounters.
Ngorongoro is renowned for its dense concentration of animals, and during your game drives, you’ll have the chance to see a wide variety of species. From lions and elephants to rhinos and flamingos, the crater floor is teeming with life. As the day winds down, you’ll ascend to the crater’s rim, where the views are incredible and the air is noticeably cooler due to the high altitude. You’ll set up camp in a designated campsite at the edge of the crater, preparing for a night under the stars.
Your safari cook will prepare dinner, and you’ll enjoy a warm meal in the crisp mountain air before heading to bed. With the sounds of the crater’s wildlife echoing in the distance, you’ll rest well, ready for another day of exploration.
Day 5: Morning Safari in Ngorongoro Crater and Return to Arusha
Your final day on safari begins before dawn, as you wake up early to enjoy Ngorongoro Crater at its most serene. After a quick breakfast, you’ll pack up and descend into the crater just as the sun begins to rise. This early start helps you avoid the safari jeep traffic and allows for more intimate wildlife viewing.
The crater’s diverse landscape, from forests to grasslands and lakes, provides a habitat for an extraordinary variety of animals, and you’ll likely spot lions, elephants, buffalo, and perhaps even the rare black rhino as you explore. The cool morning air, combined with the peaceful surroundings, makes for a perfect last day of safari adventure.
By midday, it’s time to start the journey back to Arusha. Before leaving the Ngorongoro area, you’ll stop to visit a Maasai village, where you’ll meet members of this iconic tribe. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about their way of life, from traditional dances to their unique customs and deep connection to the land. Afterward, you’ll continue the drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late evening.
Once back at your hotel, you can relax, have dinner, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days.
Day 6: Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Plantation Visit
After breakfast, you’ll set off for a scenic drive to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, where you’ll hike to the stunning Materuni Waterfall. The hike is refreshing, with lush greenery and a chance to immerse yourself in the local landscape.
Upon reaching the waterfall, you can take in the beauty of the cascading water and perhaps even dip your feet in the cool waters. Afterward, you’ll visit a nearby coffee plantation, where you’ll learn about the traditional methods used by local farmers to grow, harvest, and roast coffee beans. This interactive experience will give you a deeper appreciation of Tanzanian coffee and its rich history.
Once the coffee tour is complete, your driver will take you back to Arusha Airport for a short flight to Zanzibar (or fly back home if you are not visiting Zanzibar this time).
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