5-Day Tanzania Safari Tours

4.8/5 – 1,041 Tanzania Reviews

Tanzania is one of the top safari countries in Africa, and there are many options for a 5-day safari here. You can do a safari in isolation, or combine it with a beach holiday. Zanzibar is only a short plane hop away, and mainland Tanzania has some beautiful, idyllic beaches too. Adventure junkies might want to tag on an epic climb of Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. On a Tanzanian 5-day safari, you can visit the world-famous Northern safari circuit, featuring the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, or the lesser-known Southern safari circuit for an off-the-beaten-track safari. Whichever one you choose, you’ll go home with lots of precious memories, and chances are, one day, you’ll be back for more.

1-20 of 402 5-day holidays, trips, packages & vacations to Tanzania

5 Questions About 5-Day Tanzania Safaris

Expert

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband write and update many Bradt guides together, including the Tanzania guide. She first visited Tanzania 25 years ago, and returns to visit the parks and reserves at least every three to four years. She has led several group safaris in Tanzania.

› More about Ariadne

Is it recommended to do a 5-day safari in Tanzania?

“It is difficult to give a recommended length for a Tanzanian safari. The flight to Africa from most destinations takes quite long, and many travelers also have jetlag to deal with. Taking this into account, most visitors would want to spend at least a week to 10 days in the country to make the trip worthwhile. Many people coming to Tanzania use their entire holiday on a safari of a lifetime. However, others want to combine the safari with some time at the beach, or perhaps a Kilimanjaro climb. A 5-day safari is relatively short, but it will certainly do the trick if you are looking at a beach holiday with a safari extension. Moving camp or lodging every day is tiresome, but with a 5-day safari you should at least be able to spend a couple of nights in one spot. Time permitting, you could perhaps add on another day or two to really make the most of this special experience.”

What can I fit in during a 5-day safari in Tanzania?

“There are many 5-day safaris on offer in Tanzania, but when settling on an itinerary, you should never try to fit in too much. Think quality time over quantity. Spend a bit longer in one place rather than rushing around moving between parks and reserves. The most popular tours are in the Northern circuit. You can comfortably visit the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti on a 5-day safari. If driving there and flying back, you could decide to base yourself in the Western Corridor or the northern Serengeti, away from the crowds in the central Serengeti. For variety, you can also add on Lake Manyara National Park or Tarangire National Park. The latter is very rewarding in the Dry-season months. But this would then obviously shorten the time you can spent in the Serengeti. There are options in the Southern safari circuit as well. Wildlife is perhaps slightly less abundant here, but there are fewer visitors, and more opportunities for boating and walking excursions. Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park form a popular road-safari combination. And for a real off-the-beaten-track experience you could also add a night in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Alternatively, Ruaha National Park is perhaps the jewel of the south, and you won’t get bored spending five days and four nights in this magical place.”

What kind of accommodation can I expect on a Tanzania safari?

“Tanzania’s tourism industry is very established, and you should be able to find accommodation that is just right for your safari, or even better than expected. Maybe you’re on a tight budget, or maybe you want to splurge on a luxury holiday. Maybe you are looking for an authentic bush experience, or you prefer a home-away-from-home experience with all the creature comforts you are used to. Tanzania has the right accommodation for every type of visitor. There are no-frills budget accommodation options on the outskirts of the parks and reserves. If you need a place to eat a hearty meal and lay down your head at the end of an exciting day, these establishments offer all you need. There are many mid-range options as well. Many of them are inside the parks, which has obvious benefits compared to basing yourself outside the boundaries. Some of them are larger hotels, reminiscent of ordinary town hotels, but often with spectacular views. Others are small tented camps that lack facilities such as air-conditioning and carpeted floors, but offer an authentic back-to-nature experience with outdoor dining and camp fires at night. Budget permitting, there is a whole range of luxury accommodation to choose from too. Many of the smaller boutique lodges ooze sophistication, and their designs are often out of this world. The food, service and guiding are obviously unparalleled too.”

Which animals can I expect to see on a Tanzania safari?

“You’re in for a treat on a Tanzanian safari; all the popular parks and reserves teem with wildlife. For sheer numbers, the Northern circuit parks are best. Especially so if you plan your trip to coincide with the annual wildebeest migration, when millions of blue wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move together in search of greener pastures. These enormous herds attract lots of predators as well. Lion and cheetah are usually nearby, and if you’re lucky you could see a leopard feeding in a tree. When booking a safari in the Dry season, you might want to include Tarangire NP. Huge herds of elephant congregate here when water gets scarce elsewhere. If you decide to visit the southern Tanzanian parks, such as Ruaha and the vast Selous, you might get lucky with wild dog. These parks are some of the last strongholds of these endangered animals. Ruaha is known for big prides of lion, and you might also appreciate the variety of antelope here. Unusual species, such as roan and lesser kudu, are regularly spotted.”

How much does a 5-day safari cost in Tanzania?

“There are many variables in the cost of a holiday, therefore it is difficult to put a price on a 5-day safari in Tanzania. Expect a starting price of US$950 per person for a 5-day budget tour, while luxury tours start at about US$2000. Before booking a tour, it makes sense to get a few quotes. There is the comfort level to consider. Tours range from budget (camping or lodges or a combination of both) to luxury and even luxury+. Private tours are usually more expensive than shared tours. To save valuable time, it might make sense to use internal flights on a 5-day safari. The flights can be costly though. The accommodation on fly-in safaris is usually at the upper end, so that makes these packages even pricier. To save money, consider traveling in the off season, which mostly corresponds with the Wet season. However, it rarely rains all day and there are many positives in traveling at this time. Think about the lush landscapes, the abundance of birds and baby animals, and most of all, the lack of crowds. ”

Tanzania Safari Reviews

4.8/5 1041 Reviews

Expert

Melissa Shales –

Melissa is an award winning travel writer for Fodors, Frommers and Insight, including guides to Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Tanzania – migration highway

5/5

I am fully aware that I have given Tanzania a perfect score but with reluctance (because I grew up in Zimbabwe and therefore feel disloyal in saying this) I have to vote Tanzania my top favourite, absolute perfect game-viewing country in...

Full Review

Expert

Mark Eveleigh –

Mark is a travel writer who grew up in Africa and has written over 700 titles for CNN Traveller, Travel Africa, BBC Wildlife and others.

As a safari destination Tanzania has it all!

5/5

Tanzania as a safari destination has it all: if this is your first safari and your driving ambition is to get some amazing sightings and to rack up the big 5 as soon as possible then Ngorongoro Conservation Area is probably the best place...

Full Review

Emanuel –

Reviewed: Feb 7, 2021

I would highly recommend Friendship Adventure to anyone looking to have an unforgettable trip!

5/5

I have just finished amazing 10 days of safari in Tanzanya.This was my first safari experience in Africa! Everything was wonderful, much better than what I expected! The tour was very well organized by Friendship African Adventures Safaris...

Full Review

ShaNae McCleskey –

Reviewed: Dec 19, 2020

The most eye-opening and life-changing experience I’ve ever had.

5/5

I’m writing this review many years late. But my appreciation for Tanzania, the people I met there, and the wildlife is still a driving force in my life. I went in 2012 and my tour guide on this safari was Loth Kornelio and his team. They...

Full Review

DMBT195 –

Reviewed: Dec 17, 2020

An Awesome Experience Worth Repeating

5/5

Did a 3D/2N "Camping Safari" that was arranged through Swahili Paradise Tours & Safaris. From start to finish it was an easy process and pleasant experience dealing with everyone from Jimmy to Mashaka, Juma (Driver) and Paul (Chef who made...

Full Review

Luna –

Reviewed: Sep 1, 2020

A respite from quarantine

5/5

After a few months of restrictions of our normal activities, we decided to return to our favorite destination, Tanzania. We have traveled with African Big Cats in the past and would not consider traveling with any other tour company....

Full Review

All 1041 Tanzania Safari Reviews

Cookie Settings

Manage Cookie Settings

Functional cookies

Analytical cookies (anonymous)

Advertising and social media cookies

Your Safari

Tour Length

Rates in USD $ – Change Currency

Comfort Level

Private or Shared Tour

Safari Type

Operator Rating

Specialized Tours

Other Tour Features

Filter by Operator

Filter by Accommodation

Operators From

5-Day Tanzania Safari Tours

5-Day Tanzania Luxury Safari Tour

5-Day Serengeti Discovery

5-Day Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Tarangire

5-Day Best of Mid-Range Northern Circuit

5-Day Northern Parks Budget Safari Tent

5-Day Comfort Safari Experience

5-Day Mid Range Group Tour

5-Day Living Among Lions - Luxury

5-Day Explore Tanzania Safari Year End Promotion

5-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire Tour

5-Day Combined Selous Reserve - Mikumi National Park

5-Day Tanzanian Budget Camping Safari

5-Day Wildlife Adventures Northern Circuit Safari(Big-5)

5-Day Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara

5-Day Budget Camping Safari

5-Day Predators Safari

5-Day Top Notch Wildlife Safari & Cultural Experiences

5-Day Tarangire Serengeti Ngorongoro & Manyara Safari

5-Day Tanzania Amazing Camping Adventures

5-Day Visit Northern Circuit

Related Searches

5 Questions About 5-Day Tanzania Safaris

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

5 Questions About 5-Day Tanzania Safaris

Is it recommended to do a 5-day safari in Tanzania?

What can I fit in during a 5-day safari in Tanzania?

What kind of accommodation can I expect on a Tanzania safari?

Which animals can I expect to see on a Tanzania safari?

How much does a 5-day safari cost in Tanzania?

Tanzania Safari Reviews

Tanzania – migration highway

As a safari destination Tanzania has it all!

I would highly recommend Friendship Adventure to anyone looking to have an unforgettable trip!

The most eye-opening and life-changing experience I’ve ever had.

An Awesome Experience Worth Repeating

A respite from quarantine