6 days 5 nights safari Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks

The best feature of this safari is its route through three of northern Tanzania’s major wildlife areas, with sunrise game drives built into the plan. You get elephants in Tarangire, the wide open Serengeti, and a six-hour visit inside Ngorongoro Crater, all in one compact trip.

I like the small maximum group of seven, which should make wildlife stops less crowded inside your vehicle. I also like the practical setup: airport pickup, a guide, five lunches, five breakfasts, four dinners, and a cook or lodge meals included in the price.

The main caution is the pace. You spend long hours on rough park roads and change areas several times. Also, the supplied details name both Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Airport for pickup, so confirm your exact arrival point before you pay.

Key points at a glance

• Three famous parks in six days: Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro are covered without adding extra days.
• Sunrise wildlife drives: Early starts are planned in Serengeti and before the Ngorongoro Crater visit.
• Strong wildlife potential: Tarangire is especially good for elephants, while Serengeti offers a chance to see the Big Five and predators.
• Maximum of seven people: This is smaller than many budget safari groups.
• Meals are largely covered: Five breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners are included.
• Flexible human support: Humphrey is repeatedly described as quick to answer questions and help with changes.

What this six-day safari is really like

At $2,560 per person, this is not a quick park outing. It is a full northern Tanzania circuit with airport transfers, a guide, meals, accommodation, and several long game-driving days rolled into one price.

The route is designed for variety rather than a slow stay in one park. Tarangire gives you a strong opening day with elephants and distinctive scenery. Serengeti gets the largest share of attention, including two sunrise drives. Ngorongoro then provides a dramatic final wildlife day inside the crater.

That variety is the chief value. You are not betting the whole trip on one park or one type of animal. The tradeoff is time in the vehicle. Days two through six are listed at roughly seven or eight hours, and some of that includes transfers between parks, not just animal watching.

Cubs Expeditions limits the group to seven people. That matters on safari. A smaller vehicle load gives you more room for camera gear and makes it easier to share sightings without the crowded feel of a large minibus. The guide becomes especially important here, and the named guides connected with this trip include Mohamed, Amani, Shaibu, and Aziz.

Day 1: Airport pickup and a quiet start in Arusha

The first day is intentionally simple. You are collected at the airport, driven to Arusha, and taken to a hotel for dinner and the night.

There is a small detail to settle before departure: the itinerary describes pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport, while the meeting information names Arusha Airport. Those are not the same airport, so send your flight details and ask for written confirmation of the pickup location.

This overnight in Arusha is useful after an international flight. You do not have to begin with a park transfer or a dawn game drive. Dinner is included, and the next morning starts after breakfast.

Do not expect a sightseeing day in Arusha from the information provided. Think of it as an arrival and rest night. That is a sensible choice for a safari with several early starts ahead.

Day 2: Tarangire and its elephant country

After breakfast, you drive to Tarangire National Park for a game drive and a picnic lunch. The listed day lasts about seven hours before you return to Marera View Lodge, outside the park, for dinner and the night.

Tarangire is a good first park because it offers a different feel from Serengeti. It is particularly associated with elephants, and the supplied description singles them out as one of the park’s main attractions. You may also encounter other wildlife, but no exact sightings can be promised.

The picnic lunch keeps the day moving. You are not returning to a hotel in the middle of the drive, so more of the daylight can be used inside the park. That also means you should expect a basic outdoor meal rather than a long restaurant stop.

The overnight location deserves attention. Marera View Lodge is described as more than 30 minutes outside Tarangire. That is not a problem in itself, but it means the day does not end inside the park. You will make another transfer after the wildlife drive, which adds road time.

Day 3: The long road to Serengeti

Day three is one of the longest. After breakfast, you travel toward Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The route includes a stop at Naabi Hill Gate, where you have lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive toward Serengeti until sunset.

The appeal here is the change in scenery as you move from the high country around Ngorongoro toward the open Serengeti. The road is part of the experience, but it is also the day most likely to feel tiring. The schedule lists about eight hours.

You spend the night at Serengeti Heritage Tented Lodge, with dinner included. Because the game drive continues until sunset, this is not a day for a late, relaxed arrival. Pack water, sun protection, and a small bag with anything you need during the drive rather than burying it in your main luggage.

The plan calls this a sunshine game drive after lunch, meaning you continue watching for animals as you enter the Serengeti area. The strongest feature of this day is not a guaranteed animal sighting. It is the chance to begin your Serengeti experience while still traveling through the park rather than waiting until the following morning.

Day 4: Serengeti at sunrise and again after lunch

This is the safari’s main wildlife day. You leave early for a sunrise game drive, with a focus on finding predators. After the morning drive, you return to the lodge for lunch, then go out again until about 3:30 p.m.

Early starts make sense in Serengeti. The cooler first hours are specifically used to search for predators, and sunrise also gives you the best chance to see the park before the heat of the day. You should be ready for a very early departure, not a leisurely breakfast.

The split between a morning drive and an afternoon drive is a good practical design. You get a serious wildlife session at dawn, a proper meal and rest at midday, then several more hours outside. It is easier on your body than driving without pause from morning until evening.

The Serengeti is the strongest part of the trip if your main goal is big-animal viewing. The tour description points to the Big Five, and the experience record includes reports of seeing all five, though rhinos were sometimes viewed at a distance. That is a useful reality check: a strong sighting is possible, but wildlife is never a checklist.

Day 5: One last Serengeti drive before Ngorongoro

You begin day five with another sunrise game drive and another search for predators. After lunch, you continue driving through Serengeti while making your way back toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you spend the night at Ang’ata Tented Camp.

This day gives you a second chance at animals you missed earlier. It also prevents Serengeti from becoming a rushed one-night visit. On the other hand, the return route means part of the day is spent relocating rather than staying in one area for extended viewing.

The overnight camp is an important part of the safari’s style. Some accounts describe three nights of camping as basic but acceptable, while other arrangements refer to midrange lodges and tented accommodation. Since the supplied itinerary names several properties, ask exactly which nights are in lodges and which are in tents.

That question matters most if you are comparing this trip with a higher-priced lodge safari. Basic camping can be perfectly workable after a day outdoors, but it is not the same product as a private room with full lodge services. The price looks more attractive when you understand the accommodation level clearly.

Day 6: Six hours inside Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, you descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a six-hour game drive with a picnic lunch. You then drive back to Arusha for the night.

The crater is a fitting final day because it concentrates a great deal of wildlife into one enclosed setting. The schedule gives you six hours inside, which is enough time for a serious visit rather than a brief look from above. The supplied experience record includes complete Big Five sightings across the safari, with rhinos seen at a distance, and Ngorongoro is one of the places where that kind of sighting may be possible.

The descent and return to Arusha make this another long day. The itinerary lists about eight hours, and the final drive back is not a small add-on. If you have an evening flight, do not assume this schedule will get you to the airport in time. The plan says overnight in Arusha, so arrange your departure for the following day unless the operator confirms another plan.

The picnic lunch keeps you in the crater for the full game drive. That is better for wildlife time, though you should be prepared for a simple meal in the field.

Guides, cooks, and the human side of the trip

The guide can make or break a safari. You are not simply being driven between marked attractions. Your guide decides where to pause, how long to watch, and how carefully to scan the brush for animals.

Names associated with this experience include Mohamed, Amani, Shaibu, and Aziz. Amani is described as an especially strong guide, while Shaibu is praised for experience and professional driving. Mohamed is noted for finding all five of the Big Five during one six-day trip.

The support side also gets strong attention. Humphrey is repeatedly described as responsive, including when plans changed at short notice. That is useful if you are arranging a safari from overseas and need clear answers about airport pickup, lodging, or a family group.

Food is another consistent strength. The safari includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified, and cooks such as Halid and Hamid are singled out for plentiful, well-received meals. You should still ask which meals are prepared by a cook and which are served by the lodge, since the answer may vary by night.

Tips and personal expenses are not included. Budget for gratuities to the guide, cook, and other safari staff, plus anything personal.

Accommodation: comfortable enough, but ask precise questions

The itinerary names Marera View Lodge, Serengeti Heritage Tented Lodge, and Ang’ata Tented Camp. Those names suggest a mix of lodge and tented accommodation, but the exact room arrangement is not fully clear from the supplied details.

Some accounts describe clean, humble lodging with a working toilet, warm shower, and comfortable bed. Others describe three nights of basic camping that were considered fine for the price. That range tells you what to clarify before booking: ask for the property name for every night and whether the accommodation is a permanent tent, lodge room, or camping setup.

This is not a luxury safari based on the information supplied. It is a practical midrange or budget-minded trip, depending on the final lodging plan. If you care more about wildlife time, meals, and a small group than polished rooms, the arrangement may suit you well.

Does $2,560 offer good value?

The price includes a great deal: airport pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, game drives, five breakfasts, five lunches, four dinners, accommodation, and access to three major safari areas over six days.

The value is strongest if you want a complete route without arranging each transfer yourself. The cost also includes the convenience of a guide who handles the driving and wildlife search while you watch, photograph, and take notes.

The price is less compelling if you expect a luxury lodge stay every night. Accommodation is the key variable, and the camping references make it important to confirm what is included. A group of up to seven also means this is not a private vehicle for one couple or family unless you book the available places together.

Group discounts are offered, which may improve the value for families or friends. The experience is also listed with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this safari?

I would consider this trip for a first Tanzania safari when you want the major parks in one week and prefer a guided package over independent planning. It suits people who can handle early mornings, long drives, picnic lunches, and changing accommodation.

It is also a good match for solo visitors who want a small group rather than paying for a private vehicle. Families and groups of friends may benefit from the group discount and the seven-person limit.

I would look elsewhere if you need a slow schedule, guaranteed lodge rooms, or a short transfer each day. I would also ask for a detailed accommodation list before paying, especially if you are planning a honeymoon or expect a higher level of comfort.

FAQ

How long is the safari?

The safari lasts six days and five nights, approximately.

Which national parks and conservation areas are included?

The route includes Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including a game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater.

Where does the safari start?

The meeting information names Arusha, Tanzania, and Arusha Airport. The day one itinerary describes pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport, so you should confirm the correct airport with Cubs Expeditions before booking flights.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. Airport pickup and drop-off are included in the listed inclusions.

How many people can join the safari?

The maximum group size is seven travelers.

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes five breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners. Picnic lunches are used during some game-drive days.

Is a professional guide included?

Yes. A professional guide and game driving are included.

Are game drives offered at sunrise?

Yes. Sunrise game drives are planned in Serengeti on days four and five, followed by the Ngorongoro Crater visit on day six.

Where do you stay?

The itinerary names Marera View Lodge, Serengeti Heritage Tented Lodge, and Ang’ata Tented Camp. Confirm the exact accommodation for each night before booking.

Is the safari suitable for most people?

The activity information says most travelers can participate, and the group is near public transportation. The itinerary does include several seven to eight-hour days and early starts.

Are tips included?

No. Tips and gratuities for safari staff, along with personal expenses, are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book this safari if you want three major northern Tanzania wildlife areas, repeated sunrise drives, included meals, and a small group at a clear package price. The strongest reasons are the Serengeti time, the six-hour Ngorongoro visit, and the practical support linked with Humphrey and the safari team.

Before committing, confirm the airport, the exact accommodation for all five nights, and whether your price includes the lodging standard you expect. If you are comfortable with early mornings, long road days, and simple tented accommodation, this is a well-rounded way to see Tanzania’s best-known parks in six days.