6 Days Tanzania Big Five & Cultural Safari

6 Days / 5 Nights | Arusha • Tarangire • Lake Eyasi • Ngorongoro • Serengeti • Arusha
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Tour Details

Go beyond the classic safari on a six-day journey that combines some of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife with authentic cultural encounters around Lake Eyasi.

From the elephants and baobabs of Tarangire to the extraordinary wildlife of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, this safari takes you through some of northern Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes.

What makes this journey different is the opportunity to meet members of the Hadzabe and Datoga communities, learn about traditional ways of life, and gain a deeper understanding of the people who call this part of Tanzania home.

Best for: Travellers seeking an authentic Tanzania experience, couples, families, cultural enthusiasts, first-time visitors and anyone wanting to combine the Big Five with meaningful cultural experiences.

At a Glance

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Safari Style: Private guided safari
Starting Point: Arusha
Ending Point: Arusha
Destinations: Tarangire, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro and Serengeti
Main Experiences: Big Five safari & cultural encounters
Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Meals: Full board during the safari

Per Person, Based on 2 Pax Sharing

Pricing & Seasonality

Comfort Level High / Peak Season (Jul–Oct, Dec–Jan) Low / Green Season (Apr–May, Nov)
Mid-Range Tented Camps / Lodges $2,750 – $3,100 $2,300 – $2,550
Luxury Safari Lodges $4,600 – $5,400 $3,800 – $4,300
Price Includes
Price Excludes
  • Custom 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fridge, and charging ports.
  • Professional English-speaking Driver-Guide.
  • All Lake Eyasi tribal fees & local indigenous guide fees (Hadzabe & Datoga experiences).
  • All national park entry fees, concession fees, and Ngorongoro Crater descent permits.
  • Full-board accommodation (Breakfast, Picnic/Hot Lunch, Dinner).
  • Unlimited mineral water and soft drinks in the vehicle.
  • AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover.
  • International flights & Tanzania entry visa ($50/$100).
  • Gratuities for safari guide ($20–$30/day) and local tribal guides.
  • Optional Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari ($600/pax).
  • Personal travel insurance and alcoholic beverages at lodges.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park

Distance/Time: ~120 km | 2.5-hour drive.

Morning departure from Arusha to Tarangire National Park. Full-day game drive exploring giant baobab trees and massive elephant herds along the Tarangire River. Picnic lunch in the bush.

Overnight: Tarangire Simba Lodge / Maramboi Tented Camp (Mid-Range) or Sanctuary Swala (Luxury).

 

Day 2: Tarangire → Lake Eyasi

Distance/Time: ~90 km | 2-hour drive.

Scenic drive toward the Great Rift Valley escarpment into the Lake Eyasi basin. Afternoon walk along the salt lake shores, birdwatching, and meeting local community guides ahead of the early-morning cultural tracking.

Overnight: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge / Kisima Ngeda Camp.

Day 3: Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience → Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Distance/Time: ~60 km | 1.5 hours drive to Crater Rim.

Early dawn hunting expedition with the Hadzabe bushmen (one of Africa’s last hunter-gatherer tribes), learning traditional tracking, bow-making, and bush survival skills. Visit the skilled Datoga blacksmiths to see traditional metal smelting and arrow crafting. Afternoon drive into the Ngorongoro highlands.

Overnight: Rhino Lodge / Ngorongoro Farm House (Mid-Range) or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Luxury).

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Floor → Serengeti National Park

Distance/Time: ~160 km | 3.5-hour drive.

Early 600m descent into Ngorongoro Crater floor for a 5-hour Big Five search (high probability of black rhino). Afternoon ascent and transit through the Olduvai area into Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley) with an evening game drive.

Overnight: Thorn Tree Camp / Central Serengeti Camp (Mid-Range) or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Luxury).

Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Sunrise game drive tracking predators across the Seronera River valley and rocky kopjes. Full day exploring endless plains with picnic lunches in the wild. Optional dawn Hot Air Balloon Safari ($600/pax).

Overnight: Same as Day 4.

Day 6: Serengeti → Arusha

Distance/Time: ~330 km | 6–7 hours drive back (or optional flight upgrade from Seronera Airstrip).

Sunrise game drive exiting the Serengeti. Scenic drive back across the highlands to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for evening flight connections.

FAQ

What is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania offers incredible wildlife experiences year-round, but the best time depends on your interests.

  • June to October: Dry season, perfect for game viewing and witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
  • November to May: Green season, with lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching. The calving season in the Serengeti (January to February) is also a highlight.

Can I change the dates of my safari after booking?

Yes, we allow date changes, subject to availability and our booking terms. If you need to reschedule, please notify us as soon as possible. Changes made within a specific time frame (e.g., 30 days before departure) may incur an additional fee, depending on accommodations and services already reserved.

What is the cancellation policy for my safari?

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy allows flexibility depending on the notice period. For detailed terms, we’ll provide all booking conditions during the reservation process, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.

Our cancellation and refund policy is designed to offer flexibility:

  • 60+ days before departure: Full refund minus a small administrative fee.
  • 30–59 days before departure: 50% refund.
  • Less than 30 days before departure: Non-refundable.
    However, we recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations due to emergencies.

Can I modify my itinerary after booking?

Yes, you can request changes to your itinerary, such as adding activities, extending your stay, or altering accommodations. Changes are subject to availability and may incur additional costs. Please contact us as early as possible to make adjustments.

How do I confirm my safari booking?

To confirm your safari booking, a deposit of 30–50% (depending on the package) is required at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is typically due 30 days before your safari begins. We’ll provide detailed payment instructions and receipts for your records.

Do I need travel insurance for my safari?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unforeseen events such as cancellations, medical emergencies, or trip interruptions. Many travel insurance policies also cover safari-specific needs like evacuation and loss of belongings.

Are safaris suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! We offer family-friendly safaris with activities tailored for kids, including shorter game drives, cultural experiences, and accommodations with family rooms. Your children will love learning about wildlife and nature in a safe and engaging environment.

How does Private Explorers promote sustainable tourism?

At Private Explorers, sustainability is at the core of our operations. We:

  • Support local communities by contributing 20% of profits to projects like Tuleeni Children’s Home.
  • Partner with eco-friendly lodges and camps that prioritize renewable energy, water conservation, and waste management.
  • Minimize environmental impact through low-impact safari practices and promoting responsible wildlife viewing.
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