Best Of Six Days Safari Camping safari

The main reason to choose this safari is its focus on the wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti. The route reaches the Ndutu area, southern Serengeti, and central Serengeti, then adds three of Tanzania’s best-known wildlife parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.

I like the way this trip combines migration country with the Big Five rather than spending all six days in one park. I also like the small maximum group size of six, airport pickup, drinking water, park fees, and most meals included. The drawback is the pace: you spend long hours in the vehicle, and budget camping will suit you only if you are comfortable with basic accommodation.

Key points to know before booking

• Calving-season focus: The route is designed around the Ndutu, southern Serengeti, and central Serengeti areas, where wildebeest are found during the calving period.
• Four major wildlife areas: You visit Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.
• Small group size: The safari accepts a maximum of six people, which gives you a better chance of having room in the vehicle than on a large coach trip.
• Camping keeps the price down: At $1,190 per person, the trip uses budget camping in the Serengeti rather than higher-priced lodge accommodation.
• Raymond is a useful contact: Several booking experiences describe Raymond Ayo as quick to answer questions and helpful with arrangements, including an invitation letter for a visa application.
• Expect full days on the road: Most safari days are listed at seven or eight hours, with game drives and transfers often sharing the same day.

What $1,190 buys you in Tanzania

At $1,190 per person, this is a fairly broad six-day route rather than a slow, lodge-based safari. Your price includes park and entry fees, unlimited drinking water, airport pickup and drop-off, five breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners. That matters in Tanzania, where park fees and long-distance transport can add a lot to the final cost.

You are also paying for access to several different wildlife settings. Tarangire offers elephants and baobabs. The Serengeti is the main reason to book, especially if the wildebeest are in the calving areas. Ngorongoro gives you a concentrated wildlife drive inside a giant volcanic caldera, and Lake Manyara adds birds, flamingos, and Rift Valley scenery.

The tradeoff is comfort. The Serengeti nights use budget camping, and the accommodation named for Tarangire is Jambo Lodge. The details of the tents, bathrooms, bedding, and dining setup are not specified, so I would ask before paying if those points matter to you. The same goes for the night after Lake Manyara, since the schedule says you begin the drive back to town in the evening but does not name the final accommodation.

A small group of up to six is one of the better features for this price. You will still spend plenty of time in a safari vehicle, but a smaller party usually makes it easier to share window space, agree on game-drive priorities, and hear the guide. The tour does not promise a private vehicle, so confirm whether your booking is shared or private.

Day 1 in Arusha: a soft landing before the parks

The first day begins with pickup by Serengeti Landmark Tours and a drive into Arusha. You receive a briefing about the safari and spend the night there before setting off the next morning.

This is not a sightseeing day, but it serves a useful purpose. Arusha is the practical starting point for northern Tanzania safaris, and a pre-safari night gives you time to arrive, sort out luggage, and learn how the next several days will work. Airport pickup and drop-off are included, which makes the first transfer simpler.

The schedule lists eight hours for this day, although the actual amount of driving will depend on where you are collected. Ask for the pickup time, hotel name, and briefing arrangements in advance. Raymond Ayo is repeatedly identified as the person who responds to questions and helps organize details, so he is the natural contact for clarifying this part of the trip.

Day 2: elephants and baobabs in Tarangire

After breakfast, you leave for Tarangire National Park. The park is known for large elephant herds, baobab trees, giraffes, zebras, and lions. The Tarangire River runs through the park year-round and becomes especially important during the dry season, when water draws animals into the area.

Tarangire gives the trip a strong opening. Its scenery is different from the open grasslands of the Serengeti, and the baobabs give the drive a distinctive look. If elephants are high on your list, this is one of the most promising parts of the route.

The description also says you might see the Big Four here, although wildlife is never guaranteed. The more reliable point is the range of animals: elephants, zebra, giraffe, and other species are part of the park experience. You should also keep the phrase tree-climbing lions in perspective. They are associated with the park, but a sighting depends on luck and the guide’s ability to find them.

You spend the night at Jambo Lodge. With about eight hours assigned to the day, this is a substantial park visit followed by travel and settling in. Ask how much time is expected inside Tarangire and whether the drive continues directly to the lodge after the game drive.

Days 3 and 4: the Serengeti and the calving migration

The middle of the safari is devoted to Serengeti National Park. You leave after breakfast with a picnic lunch and take a game drive en route. The plan calls for a late game drive in the Serengeti, followed by budget camping.

This is the heart of the trip. The Great Migration involves more than 1.5 million wildebeest and large numbers of zebra, but the exact position of the herds changes. This safari is built around the calving period, when the route focuses on Lake Ndutu and the southern and central parts of the park. The supplied description refers to more than 8,000 calves being born daily during the calving season, a reminder of why this period draws so much attention.

You should not book this expecting a guaranteed close-up of a birth or a river crossing. Wildlife moves, weather changes, and the herds may not be in precisely the same place from one week to the next. The value of the route is that it puts two full days into Serengeti country rather than treating the park as a quick stop between other destinations.

The wording for Days 3 and 4 is very similar, and both mention a game drive in Ngorongoro before a late drive in Serengeti. Since Ngorongoro is given its own full day later, I would ask the operator to confirm the exact route, camping area, and driving times. Clear details matter here because the Serengeti is large, and hours spent reaching the right area can reduce time watching animals.

Budget camping adds an authentic outdoor feel but also requires flexibility. The accommodation details are not stated, so ask whether tents are supplied, what type of toilet is available, and how meals are served. Pack a headlamp, warm layers, sturdy shoes, and a small bag with the items you need inside the tent. Those are sensible preparations for any basic camping trip, especially when your days begin early and end after game drives.

The strongest praise connected with this operator centers on organization, communication, and guides who work hard to find animals. Names that appear in the feedback include Mud, Rhinocent, and Raymond, though the guide assigned to your departure is not guaranteed. Ask for your guide’s name before the trip and tell the company which matters most to you: migration herds, predators, elephants, birds, or photography.

Day 5: the Ngorongoro Crater wildlife circuit

On Day 5, you head to the Ngorongoro Crater for an early game drive. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania’s most concentrated wildlife areas. The crater is the world’s largest caldera, with broad grassland and a high density of animals.

Ngorongoro is valuable because you can see many species in a relatively compact setting. The plan specifically highlights the Big Five, meaning lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. A sighting of all five is never certain, but the crater gives you a strong chance to see a wide range of wildlife during one game drive.

The scenery changes again. Instead of the wide Serengeti plains, you get the walls of the crater and a sense of being inside a vast natural bowl. The phrase Garden of Eden is often used for the area, but the practical point is simpler: this is one of the best places on the route for concentrated wildlife viewing.

A seven-hour day sounds shorter than the Serengeti days, but the crater drive follows several long transfers earlier in the trip. You may feel tired by this stage, particularly after camping and early starts. That is a fair price for seeing one of Tanzania’s most important wildlife areas, but you should arrive ready for a busy schedule rather than a restful day.

Day 6: Lake Manyara and the ride back to town

The final park is Lake Manyara National Park. The lake covers about two-thirds of the park, while the Great Rift Valley wall rises behind it. The park is known for its birdlife, with more than 400 recorded species and large numbers of pink flamingos.

Lake Manyara gives you a different kind of safari. The focus is not only on large mammals but also on water, forest, bird calls, and changing views. If you enjoy birdwatching, this may be more than a final add-on. If your main goal is the wildebeest, you may find the last day less thrilling than the Serengeti.

The schedule allows about seven hours and says the drive back to town begins in the evening. The end time is not stated, so do not book a tight onward connection without confirming it. The tour includes airport drop-off, but you should provide your flight information early and ask what arrival time the company recommends.

Food, transport, and the rhythm of the trip

Five breakfasts and five lunches are included, along with four dinners. Picnic lunches are specifically mentioned for the Serengeti days, which is practical because long drives inside the parks make a sit-down meal difficult. Alcohol is not included, and you should budget separately if you want alcoholic drinks.

Unlimited drinking water is included. That is a useful saving and one less item to arrange, though you still need personal toiletries and any preferred snacks. Visa costs are not included, and tips for the safari are also separate.

The daily schedule is active. Days 2, 3, and 4 are listed at about eight hours, while Days 5 and 6 are about seven hours. These figures likely include both driving and wildlife viewing, so you should expect time in the vehicle rather than a fixed number of hours spent watching animals.

The maximum group size is six. Most people can participate, but the information does not describe vehicle access, mobility arrangements, or specific accessibility support. If you have mobility needs, contact the operator before booking.

What the strongest praise tells you

The most consistent positive points are fast communication, careful organization, friendly service, and guides who put effort into the game drives. Raymond Ayo is singled out for quick replies and practical help. One person also described receiving assistance with an invitation letter for a visa application, which suggests that the company may help with pre-trip paperwork when asked.

Guide names mentioned include Mud and Rhinocent. Rhinocent is praised for professionalism and for working to provide good wildlife views. These comments are useful, but they do not guarantee that you will have the same guide. Treat them as a reason to ask who is assigned to your departure, not as a promise.

There is also a clear social side to the trip. Some bookings have involved siblings and shared safaris, and the small group format can work well for people who want company without joining a large coach party. If you prefer total control over departure times, meal stops, and game-drive priorities, confirm the private versus shared arrangement before booking.

Cancellation and basic booking advice

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.

Before you commit, ask five practical questions:

• Is your booking shared or private?
• Which campsites and bathrooms are used?
• Who is your guide?
• How are the Ndutu and Serengeti days routed?
• What time will you return to Arusha or the airport on Day 6?

These answers will help you judge the trip more accurately than the headline price alone.

Is this six-day safari right for you?

I would choose this tour if you want a broad northern Tanzania route, a serious chance to see the Serengeti during calving season, and a lower-cost camping format. It is especially suited to first-time safari visitors who want Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara in one trip.

I would think twice if you want polished lodges, short transfers, or a relaxed pace. The route covers a lot of ground, the camping is described only as budget level, and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Ask clear questions about the schedule and accommodation before paying.

For $1,190, the value is strongest in the number of parks covered, included park fees, drinking water, meals, airport transfers, and the small group limit. Book it if those practical savings matter more to you than comfort and unhurried days. The migration focus makes this more than a standard park sampler, but the experience will depend heavily on timing, wildlife movement, and the guide assigned to your vehicle.

FAQ

Where does the safari begin?

The safari begins in Arusha, Tanzania. Pickup is offered, including airport pickup.

How long does the safari last?

The safari lasts approximately six days.

What parks are included?

The route includes Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.

Does the safari focus on the wildebeest migration?

Yes. It is designed to follow the Great Serengeti wildebeest migration during calving, with attention to the Ndutu, southern Serengeti, and central Serengeti areas.

How many people can join the safari?

The maximum group size is six people.

Is accommodation included?

Accommodation is included in the itinerary, with Jambo Lodge named for Tarangire and budget camping listed for the Serengeti. Specific camping facilities are not provided.

Are meals included?

The price includes five breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners. Picnic lunches are mentioned for the Serengeti travel days.

Is drinking water included?

Yes. Unlimited drinking water is included.

Are park fees included?

Yes. Park fees and entry fees are included. Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara entry tickets are specifically included in the schedule.

Is airport transportation included?

Yes. Airport pickup and drop-off are included.

Are tips and alcoholic drinks included?

No. Safari tips and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Are visa costs included?

No. Visa costs are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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