Living Among Lions

Traveling to Tanzania for a safari often promises unforgettable wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural moments. The Living Among Lions tour, offered by Soul of Tanzania, has earned a stellar reputation — a perfect 5-star rating from 191 reviews — and is highly recommended by 99% of travelers. Priced at $3,872 per person, this five-day adventure packs a lot into a carefully curated itinerary, making it one of the best options for those seeking a luxurious, authentic experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the guides are frequently mentioned as knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate — ensuring a smooth, fun, and deeply informative trip. Second, the itinerary offers a balanced mix of iconic highlights like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, blended with less touristy areas such as Lake Manyara, giving you a broader perspective of Tanzania’s wilderness. Third, the emphasis on flexible, personalized game drives means you can enjoy each park at your own pace.

A potential consideration? The price is on the higher end, but many reviewers point out that the price reflects the quality of guides, accommodations, and the exclusivity of the experience. It’s an investment in comfort, expert wildlife spotting, and memorable moments.

If you’re after a safari that combines luxury, expert insight, and authentic encounters—especially if you love wildlife photography or want to maximize your chances of seeing the Big Five—this tour could be perfect.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Highly praised for their knowledge, patience, and ability to find elusive animals.
• Diverse Itinerary: Combines Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, offering a well-rounded safari experience.
• Flexible Schedule: Full-day game drives allow you to enjoy each park without feeling rushed.
• Authentic Encounters: The tour offers chances to see big cats, rhinos, hippos, elephants, and more.
• Luxury and Comfort: Thoughtfully chosen lodges and meals ensure a relaxing trip after exciting days.
• Value for Wildlife Lovers: The price reflects an all-inclusive, high-quality adventure with expert guiding.

Overview and What You’ll Love

The Living Among Lions tour is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive safari experience without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and a carefully balanced itinerary. The size of the group is not specified but the tour is private, ensuring a personalized experience.

We love the way this tour combines iconic parks with lesser-trodden paths, providing a well-rounded view of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes. The guides, often praised for their expertise and friendliness, are a highlight — with reviewers mentioning guides like Emmanuel, Losioki, Njere, and Cleopa as exceptional. Their ability to spot animals, anticipate crossings, and share insights turns a good safari into a truly memorable one.

The tour’s inclusion of full-day game drives means you spend plenty of time in the wild, increasing your chances of seeing the Big Five and other sought-after animals. And, with flexibility built into the schedule, you can choose to do morning, afternoon, or full-day drives based on your preferences.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Lake Manyara

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from your hotel at 8 am, followed by a scenic drive across the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park. Though small—just 205 square miles—Manyara offers some of the most vibrant scenery among Tanzania’s parks, with lush acacia forests, giant figs, and Mahogany trees that create a striking backdrop for wildlife viewing.

Expect to see giraffes, elephants, impalas, and buffaloes, along with the famous tree-climbing lions and flamingos by the lake shore. The park’s well-known residents include ground hornbills and crested eagles, adding an element of birdwatching to the game drives. It’s a good introduction to African wildlife and scenery, and some reviewers mentioned the park’s smaller size makes animal sightings easier and more concentrated.

Day 2: Transition to Serengeti

After an early breakfast, you’ll head toward the Serengeti, with a spectacular drive through the crater highlands. A quick stop at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater offers a breathtaking view—a moment many travelers describe as unforgettable. This viewpoint provides a sweeping vista of the crater floor, often called the “eighth wonder of the natural world,” thanks to its high walls and abundant wildlife.

The drive into Serengeti—meaning “endless plains”—takes you into one of the largest and most renowned parks globally. Expect sweeping grasslands dotted with acacia trees and an ongoing spectacle of predators, prey, and the famous migration if you’re visiting during the right season.

Day 3: Full Day in Serengeti

This day is dedicated entirely to exploring Serengeti. The tour offers flexible scheduling: you might do a morning game drive, return for a relaxed lunch, and then venture out again in the afternoon, or opt for a full-day drive with a picnic lunch. The aim is to maximize wildlife sightings, with some reviewers noting this flexibility as a major plus.

Expect to see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and possibly the elusive leopard. Several reviews highlighted how guides like Losioki and Julius bring a wealth of knowledge, pointing out animals you might never spot on your own, and sharing fascinating facts about their behavior and habitat.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater

An early start is recommended to catch the best animal activity and a stunning sunrise. After an exhilarating morning game drive in the crater, you’ll return for brunch and then descend into Ngorongoro for the afternoon. The crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a natural amphitheater filled with wildlife—almost a microcosm of Africa.

This area is known for its dense concentration of animals, including the rare black rhinoceros, lions, elephants, and hippos. If luck is on your side, you’ll witness a lion pride, a herd of elephants, or even a black rhino up close. The crater’s high walls and lush landscape create a striking setting that many reviewers describe as breathtaking.

Day 5: Final Day in Ngorongoro & Return to Arusha

The last morning involves an early descent into the crater for one final wildlife encounter. Expect to spend a few hours exploring the terrain, enjoying a picnic lunch by Hippo Lake, and soaking in the scenery. Afterward, you ascend and head back to Arusha, usually arriving around 5 pm—though this can be flexible if you have flights or other plans.

Reviewers mention that guides like Wilson and Habibu are excellent at spotting animals, making these last moments in the wild both exciting and rewarding. The early game drive often reveals more active animals, and the sight of a sunrise over the crater is frequently described as one of the highlights.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Guides: Consistently praised for their professionalism and ability to locate animals, guides like Emmanuel, Losioki, Njere, Cleopa, and Wilson are the backbone of this experience. Several reviews note their patience, enthusiasm, and wealth of knowledge, which significantly elevates the safari.

Wildlife Encounters: The itinerary maximizes the chances to see the Big Five, with some guests lucky enough to spot rare black rhinos and elusive cats. The full-day game drives are instrumental in allowing ample time to observe and photograph animals.

Authentic Experiences: From the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara to the vast plains of Serengeti, the tour offers a rich variety of scenery and wildlife. Many travelers appreciated the less touristy parts of the parks, providing a more genuine encounter with nature.

Luxury and Comfort: Accommodations and meals are included, with reviewers noting the lodges are beautiful and meals delicious. The emphasis on comfort after long days of wildlife viewing is a valuable part of the package.

Value for Wildlife Lovers: While the tour’s price may seem steep, reviews confirm that the quality of guiding, the diversity of locations, and the overall experience justify the cost. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager for a well-rounded, high-quality safari.

Practical Considerations

The tour begins early at 6 am, which is standard for safaris—giving you the best chance to see active wildlife and enjoy stunning sunrises. The private nature of the tour means your group won’t be sharing the vehicle with strangers, allowing for more personalized attention.

Transportation is likely in a comfortable, well-maintained vehicle suited for game drives, according to reviewers. The flexible schedule allows you to tailor your days, whether you want a slow morning or multiple game drives in a day.

The tour includes four breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners, ensuring you’re well-fed for each adventure. Tips for guides are recommended at around $10 USD per day, a common practice in safari tourism.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For those who want a high-end safari experience paired with expert guiding, this tour offers remarkable value. The combination of well-chosen parks, flexible game drives, and attentive guides like Emmanuel, Losioki, and Wilson make it a standout option for wildlife enthusiasts.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to see the Big Five, enjoy the scenery at their own pace, and come away with stunning photographs. The focus on comfort and authenticity helps ensure a trip that’s both exhilarating and relaxing.

While the price is on the higher side, many travelers feel it’s justified by the quality of the experience, the knowledge of the guides, and the chance to witness Tanzania’s wildlife in all its glory. This tour strikes a good balance for those seeking a premium, memorable safari.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes all accommodations, meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), park entrance fees, and the services of expert guides. Pickup is offered, and the tour is private.

Are the game drives flexible?
Yes, the itinerary emphasizes flexibility. You can choose to do morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives based on your preferences, which many reviewers found to be a major advantage.

How experienced are the guides?
Guides like Emmanuel, Losioki, Njere, Cleopa, and Wilson are highly praised for their knowledge, patience, and ability to spot wildlife. Multiple reviews mention their professionalism and dedication.

What wildlife is most likely to be seen?
Expect to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros), along with hippos, giraffes, impalas, flamingos, and possibly cheetahs or hyenas, depending on the season.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour offers some flexibility, especially regarding game drive timing and length, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences.

Is this tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. The guides’ skill in animal spotting and anticipating crossings enhances wildlife photography opportunities, as many reviews highlight.

Final Verdict

The Living Among Lions tour provides a thoughtfully crafted, high-quality safari experience that balances wildlife viewing with comfort and personalized service. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see Tanzania’s iconic animals with expert guides in a flexible, private setting.

If you’re after a safari that offers genuine encounters, stunning scenery, and the chance to learn from passionate guides, this tour is an excellent choice. While it requires a significant investment, the reviews consistently show that many travelers feel it is worth every penny for the memories and photographs they bring home.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an authentic adventure, this tour is set to deliver a safari experience you’ll never forget.