7 Day The Great Savannah Luxury Safari All Inclusive

Planning a safari in Tanzania can feel overwhelming, with so many options claiming to offer the “best” experience. But if you’re after a well-rounded, authentic adventure that combines luxury, wildlife, and cultural insights, the 7 Day The Great Savannah Luxury Safari All Inclusive from Tales of Tanzania Safaris really deserves a close look. It’s a package that promises not just sights but memorable moments—like encountering herds of elephants, spotting elusive Big Five animals, and feeling the vastness of the Serengeti.

What we love about this safari: its seamless balance of comfort and adventure, the depth of wildlife experiences, and the opportunity to connect with local Maasai culture. The tour also scores high for its expert guides who bring the parks alive with their knowledge. But, a possible consideration is that it’s quite a packed schedule—so travelers who prefer slow-paced, leisurely safaris might find it intense.

This tour caters best to those eager for a comprehensive Tanzania experience without sacrificing comfort. If you’re seeking a well-organized, all-inclusive adventure that ticks off major wildlife hotspots—from Tarangire to Ngorongoro—this could be the ideal choice.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Luxury: Comfortable accommodations, meals, and game drives included for a hassle-free experience.
• Wildlife Highlights: Big herds of elephants, the Big Five, tree-climbing lions, and more await.
• Cultural Encounter: Optional Maasai Village visit adds a local touch.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance wildlife spotting and cultural insights.
• Efficient Itinerary: Well-paced visits to key parks in a manageable 7-day schedule.
• Value for Money: At $4,570 per person, it offers a premium experience with significant convenience.

First Impressions and What to Expect

The 7-Day Great Savannah Safari aims to give travelers a complete taste of Tanzania’s iconic landscapes and animals. It’s priced at $4,570 per person, which, considering the inclusions—luxury accommodations, meals, game drives, and transfers—translates to a solid value. You’re paying for seamless logistics, expert guidance, and quality lodges, which can make a significant difference compared to piecing together an independent trip.

From the outset, the tour emphasizes comfort and ease. Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport is included, and you’re transferred to a hotel in Arusha for some rest or light exploration. This initial day is perfect for acclimatizing, especially after long flights, and offers a gentle introduction to the region.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arriving in Tanzania often means adjusting to a different pace and environment. The tour’s first day is about settling into your hotel, which offers a welcome recharge. You’re free to relax, enjoy a swim, or explore Arusha a bit—giving you a chance to get a feel for the local vibe before heading into the wilderness.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

The journey begins with a 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive herds of elephants and towering baobab trees. Traveling in a private vehicle with a guide allows for flexibility—your guide will be eager to point out interesting wildlife and landscape features.

Expect to see herds of elephants congregating around the Silale Swamp, a major water source that draws animals during the dry season. Reviewers highlight the park’s diversity, noting that it’s not just elephants—the lions and leopards are also active here. The landscape varies from lush riverbanks to open plains, giving a dynamic safari experience.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

Next, you’ll visit Lake Manyara, a park famed for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems. Here, the groundwater forest is a favorite spot for seeing blue monkeys and other primates. The lake, often pink with flamingos, is a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing.

Travelers mention the park’s lush jungle-like setting and the chance to see giraffes, elephants, lions, and leopards. The terrain’s variety means that each game drive offers something different—from the lakeshore to the forested areas.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

The Maasai Village visit is a highlight, where you can learn about the traditions of Tanzania’s last nomadic tribe. The Serengeti’s endless plains then take center stage, with wide-open spaces dotted by acacia trees and rocky kopjes, perfect for spotting predators like leopards hanging out near the riverine forests.

This day introduces the iconic landscape most visitors dream of—flat, expansive, and teeming with wildlife. Reviewers emphasize the thrill of seeing animals in their natural habitat, with guides often able to spot wildlife from great distances thanks to their expertise.

Day 5: Serengeti Game Drives

An early morning game drive is the star of this day, with the cooler temperatures and animal activity making for excellent sightings. You’ll then enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax before another round of game viewing in the late afternoon, culminating with sunset views over the plains.

This approach—combining early morning and late afternoon drives—maximizes wildlife sightings, especially big cats returning from hunts. Guides are praised for their sharp eyes and ability to share fascinating insights, making each game drive feel personalized.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater

Driving to the Ngorongoro Crater offers a breathtaking scene—an enormous caldera that functions as a natural zoo. Here, the concentration of wildlife is remarkable, with lions, hyenas, buffalo, zebras, and the chance—if luck’s on your side—to see rhinos.

The views from the crater’s rim are spectacular, especially in the morning mist, as noted by travelers. The compact ecosystem allows for excellent game viewing in a relatively small area, making it a must-visit. Lunch inside the crater is included, allowing you to spend more time observing animals.

Day 7: Departure

On your final day, after breakfast, it’s time to head back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport. The tour ends with a transfer, leaving you with lasting memories and, hopefully, a collection of stunning photos.

Why This Tour Works Well

Wildlife Diversity: From elephants in Tarangire, lions and flamingos at Lake Manyara, to the predators and the Big Five in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, this safari offers a comprehensive set of Tanzanian wildlife experiences.

Comfort and Convenience: Staying in quality lodges with all meals included means you can focus on the adventure without worrying about logistics. The private tour setup ensures a tailored experience, with guides who are both knowledgeable and attentive.

Cultural Encounters: The Maasai Village visit provides a meaningful cultural dimension, enriching the safari beyond just animals and landscapes.

Efficient Schedule: The 7-day itinerary covers all major highlights without feeling overly rushed. It balances travel time and game viewing, which many travelers appreciate—reviewers note that the days are well-paced.

Expert Guides: Review snippets praise guides like Dismas, who make the game drives engaging with their local knowledge and spotting skills, often pointing out details that travelers might miss on their own.

Value for Money: While the tour cost is substantial, it includes accommodations, meals, and all activities, streamlining your trip and reducing unexpected expenses. Plus, the quality of lodges and guides seems to match the price.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Transportation: The transfers from Arusha to parks are by private vehicle, offering comfort and flexibility. Expect some driving—around 2 hours from Arusha to Tarangire, and similar distances to other parks—so prepare for a full day of travel on some days.

Timing: Early morning game drives are highlighted as the best time for wildlife sightings, especially big cats. Pack layers, as mornings can be cool, especially in Ngorongoro.

Group Size: Since this is a private tour, your group will be exclusive, providing a more personalized experience. Guides are praised for their attentive and friendly approach.

Dietary Needs: The tour can accommodate special diets like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, just make sure to specify when booking.

Booking and Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes this a flexible option, especially if your plans are subject to change.

Final Thoughts: Is This Safari Right for You?

If you’re after a well-organized, comfortable, and wildlife-focused safari, this 7-day package offers a solid mix of iconic parks and scenery. The inclusion of cultural visits adds a special touch, making it ideal for travelers who want more than just animal sightings.

For those looking for a luxury experience with expert guides, the tour’s high reviews on guide knowledge and views make it a trustworthy choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate a structured itinerary but still want opportunities for spontaneous wildlife encounters.

While it’s a somewhat intensive schedule, most reviewers agree that the quality of wildlife encounters and accommodations justifies the pace. If you prefer a more relaxed, less packed safari or are on a tighter budget, you might want to explore other options, but for a comprehensive, hassle-free Tanzanian adventure, this tour hits many marks.

FAQs

What is included in the price?
The tour includes all accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), game drives, transfers, and select cultural visits. It’s designed to be all-inclusive, providing convenience and comfort throughout.

Are transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport included?
Yes, pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport is included, making arrival and departure smooth.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes, the tour can cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary requirements—just specify this when booking.

What is the typical group size?
Since it’s a private tour, your group will be exclusive, ensuring personalized attention from guides.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect large herds of elephants in Tarangire, lions, giraffes, and flamingos at Lake Manyara, and the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards—in Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Is the tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
While the package is flexible for solo travelers and families, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a packed schedule and early mornings.

How experienced are the guides?
Reviewers mention guides like Dismas, who are highly knowledgeable and attentive, making each game drive informative and engaging.

What about cancellation policies?
Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering peace of mind if plans change unexpectedly.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply after a hassle-free luxury safari, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Tanzania’s most famed parks and landscapes. Its combination of expert guides, quality lodges, and a well-structured itinerary makes it a standout choice for those looking to create lasting memories in Africa.