6 Days Luxury Lodge Safari To Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Planning a Tanzanian safari that combines stunning wildlife with comfort and authenticity can be a challenge—unless you opt for a carefully curated 6-day luxury lodge safari. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and reviews paint a picture of an experience that balances adventure, luxury, and value. Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned safari-goer, this trip offers a comprehensive glimpse into Tanzania’s most iconic parks, all wrapped in the comfort of lodges that elevate the experience.

What we love about this safari? First, the chance to see tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara. Second, the vast, ever-changing landscapes of the Serengeti, perfect for photographers. Third, the Ngorongoro Crater’s dense concentration of wildlife, which is hard to beat. One thing to keep in mind: the price tag of nearly $5,000 per person might seem steep, but it reflects the quality of lodges, guides, and the diversity of the parks visited. This tour suits those wanting an all-encompassing safari with comfortable accommodations and a mix of guided game drives and memorable experiences.

Key Points

• Incredible wildlife diversity across four major parks in Tanzania.
• Luxury lodges provide comfort after full days of game viewing.
• Expert guides (as implied by reviews) enhance the experience with local knowledge.
• Well-paced itinerary balances game drives with opportunities for scenic views and cultural insights.
• All-inclusive package with pickup, park fees, and accommodation simplifies planning.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a premium, authentic safari experience.

The Allure of the Itinerary

This safari’s itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize wildlife sightings and scenic beauty, all while offering a comfortable journey. The 6-day schedule covers some of Tanzania’s most famed parks, each with its unique charm and ecological significance.

Day 1: Lake Manyara – A Dramatic Introduction

Starting from Moshi, the drive to Lake Manyara is about a few hours, but the highlight here is arriving in time for lunch at your lodge and then heading out for an afternoon game drive. Lake Manyara’s distinctive feature is its massive soda lake, which attracts flamingos and other birds, along with large herds of elephants. Reviewers mention the park’s dramatic location at the foot of the Great Rift Valley’s escarpment, creating spectacular scenery.

One standout here is the tree-climbing lions, a rare sight that makes Manyara’s safari experience special. Travelers consistently comment on the park’s varied habitat—ranging from lush forests to open plains—making it a prime location for spotting different animals in a relatively compact area.

Day 2 & 3: The Vastness of Serengeti – Iconic Wilderness

The journey from Manyara to the Serengeti involves passing through the highlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering breathtaking vistas. Once in the central Seronera region, the landscape shifts to endless plains dotted with acacia trees, an image synonymous with African safaris.

You’ll enjoy a lunch upon arrival, followed by a game drive in the afternoon. The Serengeti is known for its immense size (14,500 km²), meaning you’d need multiple visits to see everything, yet even a single day offers chances to see lion prides, cheetahs, elephants, and maybe even a predator stalking prey in the distance.

Day 3 is particularly exciting, with an optional hot air balloon ride (at extra cost) over the plains—an experience reviewer described as floating silently while wildlife scurries below. The morning game drive along the Sogore River Circuit promises sightings of topi, ostrich, and possibly even cheetah or lion, especially around water sources.

Ngorongoro Crater & Conservation Area – The Big Game Concentration

Day 4 takes you into the Ngorongoro Crater, a highlight of this safari. The drive down over 600 meters into the crater offers a surreal landscape, full of wildlife supported by a permanent water source. The dense population of animals, including wildebeest, zebra, and elephants, is one of the park’s main draws, and the opportunity to see predators in action is high.

A stop at Olduvai Gorge enriches the day with a taste of human history—an added bonus for those interested in anthropology. The crater’s year-round water and fodder supply make it a wildlife magnet, and the chance to see predators like lions and hyenas in close proximity adds to the thrill.

Day 5 & 6: Tarangire – The Elephant Playground

The last stretch takes you to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. The landscape here is a mix of woodlands and wetlands, attracting a variety of species during Tanzania’s dry season.

The early morning game drive on Day 6 offers one last chance to spot wildlife, followed by a transfer back to Moshi or the airport. The park’s natural setting and the chance to see rare species like the Greater Kudu and Fringed-eared Oryx make it a fitting finale.

What Makes This Safari Stand Out

Comfort and convenience are key, with planned lodge accommodations and included park fees streamlining your trip. The transportation is likely comfortable, with a small group size (max 15 travelers as noted), which allows for more personalized attention from guides.

Reviews mention the professionalism of the tour operator, Exceed Expectations Tours & Safari, and emphasize the level of service. One reviewer, who had to postpone their trip, appreciated the company’s flexibility and accommodating nature, which hints at good customer service. The guides’ knowledge probably adds value—helping you spot elusive animals and explaining the parks’ ecological significance.

This tour’s value for money stems from the comprehensive park coverage, quality lodges, and expert guidance, making it competitive against private safaris that can cost significantly more.

Practical Considerations

While the price is nearly $5,000 per person, it includes park entry fees, transfers, most meals, and accommodations, which would be costly to organize independently. The duration of six days strikes a balance—long enough for a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed.

One thing to note: the tour starts early, often around 12:00 am, giving you plenty of daylight hours for game drives. Be prepared for some long days, but the reward is the chance to witness prime wildlife behavior and scenic vistas.

Authentic Experiences & Insider Insights

A review highlights the trip’s unexpected flexibility, with the company being accommodating when schedules shifted. This suggests a reliable and customer-focused operation. Several reviewers appreciated the stunning views and good value for money, with one mentioning that the safari exceeded expectations.

In particular, travelers seem to value the opportunity to see wildlife in action, whether it’s lions resting in the shade or elephants bathing in a watering hole. The presence of knowledgeable guides likely enhances these moments, adding context and storytelling that enrich the trip.

The lodges are a key part of the experience—providing comfortable beds after days of adventure and often offering scenic views of the parks. These accommodations, combined with the carefully planned itinerary, help balance the thrill of wildlife encounters with restful evenings.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day luxury lodge safari offers a well-rounded, comfortable, and immersive experience of Tanzania’s most celebrated parks. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want high-quality wildlife viewing combined with the convenience of guided tours and comfortable lodges.

The itinerary covers diverse ecosystems—from the soda lakes of Manyara to the endless plains of Serengeti, the predator-rich Ngorongoro, and the elephant-filled Tarangire. It’s suited for those seeking a premium experience that balances adventure, scenery, and comfort.

While the cost might seem substantial, the variety of parks visited, the inclusion of park fees, and the level of service justify the price for many travelers. If you’re after a safari that delivers both iconic wildlife moments and excellent value, this could be your perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wilderness.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this safari? Yes, the package includes transfers between parks and accommodations, ensuring a smooth journey throughout.

Can I customize the itinerary? The itinerary appears fixed, but some tours offer optional activities like hot air balloon safaris at additional cost.

Are meals included during the safari? While the itinerary mentions lunch, most meals are typically covered at the lodges, but it’s best to confirm with the tour operator.

How many people will be in the group? The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience personalized.

What should I pack for this safari? Pack comfortable clothes for game drives, camera gear, sun protection, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Is this tour suitable for families or first-time safaris? Yes, it’s a good introduction to Tanzania’s national parks, suitable for those seeking a combination of comfort and adventure.

To sum it up, this safari is designed for travelers who want a well-organized, scenic, and wildlife-rich adventure without sacrificing comfort. From the iconic landscapes of Serengeti to the dense game concentrations of Ngorongoro, it offers a balanced mix of nature and luxury. If you’re after an authentic, memorable experience with excellent value, this tour could be your next great African adventure.