6 Days Affordable Safari Holidays
Tour Highlight
Take a 6-day safari holiday to four of Northern Tanzania’s most magnificent natural sites. This voyage will take you through the famed Serengeti National Park, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the varied landscapes of Tarangire National Park, and the stunning Lake Manyara National Park.
During the safari, you will see a variety of landscapes, from the Serengeti’s huge savannahs, known for their plentiful animals and open plains, to Tarangire’s lush wetlands and towering baobab trees, which are home to large elephant herds. Lake Manyara National Park is home to a unique soda lake that attracts flamingos and other species. The Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcanic caldera, is home to a spectacular concentration of animals, including the Big Five, set against a breathtaking landscape. Every day, you will be driven by a skilled local expert in a 4×4 safari vehicle, while your camp personnel will handle all logistics, allowing you to totally immerse yourself in the spectacular wildlife and sceneries.
We take pride in crafting personalized safari itineraries tailored to your preferences and budget. From our first email to your final airport drop-off, we ensure every detail is handled with care, delivering exceptional customer service every step of the way.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Gembe Adventures representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the Safari.
In the morning you will start your safari with a drive to the Tarangire National Park. The park, roughly the size of Luxemburg, covers an area of approximately 2,600 km². The landscape of savannah, seasonal swamps and giant baobab trees is home to Masai giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeest, eland, fringe-eared oryx, the weird-looking long-necked gerenuk and over 550 species of birds. But it is the elephants, Tarangire is famous for and the park, where herds of up to 300 animals roam, is probably one of the best places in East Africa to see them and to get close to these giant creatures. After an extensive game drive, you will arrive at a campsite inside the park, where you will spend the night in a tent. Welcome to your 6-day camping safari in Tanzania!
After breakfast you will drive to the smaller Lake Manyara National Park. The park is known for its over 400 bird species, primate-filled forests 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, impalas and teeming groups of noisy monkeys and baboons in the forests near the lake. In the afternoon, after an extensive game drive, you will travel to the small multi-cultural village of Mto wa Mbu, on the outskirts of Lake Manyara National Park. You will camp at a campsite where you can relax at the pool or bar.
Today you will continue to the lush highlands where crops such as wheat, corn and coffee are grown. While travelling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area you might stop for a breath-taking view over the Ngorongoro Crater before continuing to the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti means “endless plains” in the language of the Masai and you will see the grassland savannah stretching to the horizon. Bizarre rock formations called kopjes dot the grassy landscape where predators are often seen. Depending on the season you will witness the migration of thousands of animals for which this park is famous for. You will arrive at your campsite in the Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti in the late afternoon. After supper you will fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush.
The whole day will be spent on a game drive in the Serengeti, a highlight of your 6-day camping safari in Tanzania. The areas that you visit will 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. The yearly trek is determined by the rainfalls and the location of the herds might vary from year to year but your guide will know where to find the animals 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.
After breakfast you join another game drive in the Serengeti National Park. This morning you might spot animals you haven’t seen yet. The Serengeti is also home to the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard – and today you might be able to see all the members of this group. After lunch at a picnic site, you will drive in direction of the Ngorongoro Crater. As soon as you have reached the edge of the crater, the caldera opens up before you. Over 25,000 animals live in this approximately 20 km wide crater. You will spend the night at a campsite directly on the crater’s edge with fantastic views over the caldera.
Rise and shine! After breakfast at daybreak you drive down into the crater. Inside the world’s largest caldera, you will see a diversity of wildlife ranging from black rhinos, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, lions and leopards to elephants and mountain reedbucks in the forests on the slopes. You might also see buffaloes, spotted hyenas, rare wild dogs and some of the more than 500 bird species of the area. After an intensive game drive and a picnic lunch, you will leave the caldera in the afternoon and travel back to Arusha where you will arrive in the early evening. Your 6-day camping safari in Tanzania has come to an end and we hope to see you again soon!
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
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 4x4 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.
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.
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.
Yes, certain vaccinations and medications are recommended before traveling to Tanzania. It's advisable to consult with a travel health specialist or your doctor well in advance of your trip. Common vaccinations include those for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever (particularly if coming from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area). Malaria is prevalent in many parts of Tanzania, so taking antimalarial medication is highly recommended. Additionally, ensure you are up to date with routine vaccinations such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), and polio.
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.
A typical day on safari in Tanzania often starts early, around sunrise, to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and increased animal activity. After a light breakfast, you'll embark on a morning game drive, returning to camp for brunch or lunch. The midday hours are usually spent relaxing at the lodge or camp, as wildlife activity slows down in the heat. In the late afternoon, you'll head out for another game drive, returning by sunset. Dinner is typically enjoyed at the camp, followed by time to unwind and share stories of the day. Some lodges also offer evening activities such as stargazing or cultural performances.
