5 Days Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara Group Safari: A Real Review
Have you been dreaming of wide-open plains filled with wildlife, the kind of places you only ever see in documentaries? A group safari in Tanzania to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara is potentially just the adventure you are looking for! Getting a group of people together and seeing all those incredible parks can be one of those “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences, very memorable for you and those that come with you.
What to anticipate from your five days
Let’s get right into it: you’ll most likely land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), just a little outside Arusha. Many safaris begin in Arusha because that area is close to some of Tanzania’s most famous national parks, like those you plan on seeing. First impressions might include a slightly different pace of life and landscape than back home, maybe a touch more vibrant too. Usually, the first day mostly consists of getting picked up from the airport, maybe a quick briefing from your tour operator, and resting up so you can get prepared to begin early the next morning. After that, your days will basically be filled with jeep rides, looking at lions, zebras, elephants and stuff, so remember your camera!
Day 1: Lake Manyara’s allure
After an early start on day two, it’s almost time to get going to Lake Manyara National Park! That place is that one park that, unlike some of the others, is very thick with groundwater forest and huge mahogany and acacia trees. So, it’s really easy to think of this location as being very lush, like a contrast to what you would maybe expect to find on safari. As I was saying, it’s a birder’s paradise with tons of flamingoes wading through the shallow waters, maybe as well as pelicans, storks, and cormorants. But, anyway, do keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions; spotting those things snoozing in the branches is a super fun thing. Other than those lions, too, you may catch sight of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest roaming the plains, so you are gonna want to make sure your camera batteries are charging the night before!
Day 2-3: Serengeti’s Endless Plains
Is that the most famous part of your safari now? Right, you are heading to the Serengeti National Park, or as it is called, the “endless plains.” Maybe, if you have seen documentaries about the migration, that might be what you are dreaming about as you arrive here. And it’s likely, I mean typically, this will be where you could spend the next two nights, with your days split between searching for big cats and following the trail of the migrating herds, right? Game drives usually get started early in the morning, as well as continuing into the late afternoon, when the animals tend to be most active too it’s almost, with a break in the middle of the day as you sit in the shade. Basically, picture endless grasslands dotted with acacia trees and huge rock formations known as “kopjes.” These places happen to be awesome spots to look for lions and cheetahs that very much like to survey their kingdom. Actually, some of these places have fantastic views, a good photo location indeed. In some respects, Serengeti is where you can maybe check off seeing the “Big Five” from your list; lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, of course, all live here.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater’s Natural Wonder
Arguably, after the wide-open Serengeti, you’ll head over to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous, rather, for its breath-taking crater. I mean that collapsed volcano made a perfect spot for life, both animals and people too it’s almost. It’s a bit like its own little separate planet; animals hang out here and generally don’t really ever want to leave. Getting down to the bottom of the crater is an adventure, too, it’s almost, because it’s quite a steep drive but one offering lots of wildlife-viewing possibilities as you descend. Possibly, at the bottom, there are so many animals it could be one of the best places in East Africa to see a super high density of wildlife in a very small place. The birdlife in the crater’s lakes is impressive with flamingos, but keep your eyes peeled for rhinos grazing on the open grasslands so you can get that last of the Big Five animals checked off.
Day 5: Departure
That very last day might usually consist of driving back to Arusha so that people can prepare to catch their flights from Kilimanjaro Airport. First, depending on your flight schedule, there’s potentially time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. You might be purchasing Tingatinga paintings and carved animals, just to mention a few common items available. So, just remember you’ll be leaving behind dust, wide open plains, and maybe too many memories to possibly hold, depending on if it’s your first time in Africa, or one of many.
What you may experience
- Wildlife Encounters: Well, maybe prepare for lots of getting very up-close to wild animals! Having these kinds of encounters are actually the main reason you come on safari, of course.
- Cultural Exchange: Meeting and maybe hanging out with local people and finding out more about how they live their life. In some respects, finding ways to get to meet locals can be that chance to experience what living is like in the parks.
- Scenic Beauty: From sunrises over the Serengeti to the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater, get ready to view some locations that were just simply perfect.
- Group Dynamics: I mean you might be going with a group so I guess get prepared to work with people. Depending on personalities that are traveling you might want to find an introvert place to be.
Some things you may want to consider
- Best time to travel: Anytime could be okay! Although that’s usually if you are happy with sunshine or rain. Consider traveling in the dry season so it’s potentially much easier to see animals too.
- What to pack: It is usually, okay to get prepared to pack lots of very light clothes for those very hot days. It also might be very worth remembering things like hats and sunglasses. Don’t forget any medicines you may need.
- Health and safety: Usually talk to your doctor about potential jabs. You will also want to make sure to get all those essentials that you might want for avoiding getting bitten by mosquitoes. That might be DEET-based mosquito sprays, just to be on the safe side.
- Budgeting: Think carefully about how much money that you might be able to spend on souvenirs or tips too it’s almost. Also bear in mind how much water to purchase each day in order to stay safe in the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to go on safari?
Potentially, safaris could be okay, but it is very important to check tour operators are up to date on all safety features. But really, tour operators will generally ensure tourists have as safe a possible stay. It’s still probably a good plan to check for warnings on your country’s official travel page.
What sort of gear should I bring?
So, it might seem okay, it’s almost a certainty you can take binoculars so you can see more detail, right? Pack any cameras to get the best photos of wildlife, right? Sunscreen to protect you from that sun. Get any plug adapters so you may be able to charge electronics. And, okay, so you’ll want very lightweight and neutral colored clothing for a variety of different conditions!
Do these tour group types consider different needs?
Likely, group safaris can and often do consider a range of dietary and maybe mobility needs but it very much depends on a tour company. Actually, you might have to check ahead that you know it’s fine, rather than assuming when you arrive! That’s if, you have any real specific demands in that area!
I’m travelling with Children. Are group safaris family friendly?
Very much like dietary needs and things, some safari groups that very specifically take children are more likely to be set up that way. So basically, research well for that aspect too it’s almost! But usually a “private safari” might be the way to do things instead if kids are very young. However that is potentially more expensive!
What languages are spoken by the guides?
It’s arguably not okay to always assume your guides might communicate to you in one very single language and things like that. Rather, research if the people leading you on safari do definitely know the languages that might get everyone from all over the group in on that experience! Although guides speaking English might happen pretty frequently depending on their background.