Tanzania Luxury Safari

Traveling to Tanzania for a safari often tops many bucket lists, and with good reason. The Tanzania Luxury Safari offered by Savannah Explorers promises an elite experience filled with exceptional wildlife sightings, comfortable accommodations, and expert guidance. While I haven’t personally embarked on this journey, a thorough look at the reviews and itinerary suggests that this tour could be one of the best ways to see Tanzania’s iconic parks in style.

What immediately draws us to this safari is the combination of personalized service, incredible game viewing, and value for money. The fact that it includes unlimited mileage during game drives and full board meals makes it a hassle-free, immersive experience. Plus, the mention of professional guides, modern vehicles, and insurance coverage such as AMREF Flying Doctors adds peace of mind.

A possible consideration is the price point of $5,500 per person, which may seem steep but appears justified when factoring in the quality of vehicles, guides, and inclusions. This tour suits travelers who want a high-end, well-organized safari without sacrificing authenticity. It’s especially appealing to those seeking a comprehensive itinerary that covers diverse parks and provides the comfort of a luxury experience.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Comfort: Full board, picnic lunches, drinks, and insurance for peace of mind.
• Expert Guides & Modern Vehicles: Guides are knowledgeable, and vehicles come with features like pop-up roofs for better wildlife viewing.
• Flexible & Personalized: Tours can be tailored to your preferences, making each safari unique.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Karatu ensure diverse wildlife and landscapes.
• Value for Money: Despite the high cost, reviewers confirm the experience is well worth the investment.
• Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters: Big game sightings, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and hippos, are common highlights.

An Honest Look at the Safari Experience

The Booking & Preparation

Starting from Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport, travelers are greeted and driven to Arusha for the first night. This initial transfer sets a relaxed tone for the trip, and most reviews note the professionalism of the guides and staff. The team at Savannah Explorers is praised for their responsiveness, with some travelers mentioning how the office handled itinerary adjustments smoothly—an important detail for anyone concerned about logistical hiccups.

The Vehicles & Guides: Why They Matter

The safari vehicles are 4×4 Land Rovers or Toyota Land Cruisers equipped with pop-up roofs, allowing unobstructed views—crucial for photography and wildlife spotting. Many reviewers mention their guides by name—such as Gerry and Emmanuel—highlighting their deep knowledge, professionalism, and passionate approach. One reviewer exclaimed, “Emmanuel is the best guide ever!! It was the best experience in our life!!!” which suggests that guides truly make or break the safari.

Guides are often praised for their ability to spot animals early, keeping the group ahead of the crowds, and for sharing insightful info about animal behavior and park ecosystems. The guides’ dedication to ensuring guests see the Big Five and other key species is evident in reviews describing how they were “driven around every park to spot the animals,” maximizing sighting opportunities.

The Itinerary: A Perfect Balance of Sights and Experience

Day 1: Arriving in Moshi or Kilimanjaro Airport, travelers are chauffeured to Arusha for the night. Many use this as a relaxing buffer before the safari begins, and some take a brief town tour if time permits. This initial step helps adjust to the new environment.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park: Known for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a stunning start to the safari. The drive from Arusha takes just a couple of hours, leaving ample time for a game drive and a picnic lunch. Reviewers describe Tarangire as “famous for big herds of elephants, the huge baobab trees, and the high number of predators,” making it a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.

Day 3: Serengeti National Park: Leaving Tarangire after breakfast, the group heads toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area and then crosses into Serengeti. The drive lasts about four hours, with a game drive upon arrival. The Serengeti is the star of any safari—over 15,000 square kilometers of savannah, and a playground for lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and elephants. One reviewer notes, “Serengeti is more than 15,000 square kilometers of savannah full of lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and many other wild animals.” You can expect to spend the afternoon spotting wildlife and soaking in the spectacular scenery.

Day 4 & 5: Serengeti & Ngorongoro: The second day inside Serengeti offers more opportunities for wildlife encounters, often with early mornings and long hours in the vehicle. Many reviews mention how guides prioritize early morning game drives, which are prime times for spotting elusive animals like cheetahs or hunting lions. The highlight on Day 5 is descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, a densely packed wildlife haven, featuring everything from wildebeests to rhinos. One reviewer described it as “a high density of wild animals,” emphasizing its reputation as a must-see.

Day 6: After a relaxed breakfast, travelers can enjoy some final moments at the lodge or do some shopping in Karatu before being transferred back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport. This wrap-up phase is appreciated for its flexibility and the chance to reflect on the trip.

Wildlife & Scenery: What You’ll Likely See

From elephants bathing in Tarangire’s rivers to lions lounging in the Serengeti grasslands, the safari promises diverse and abundant wildlife. Reviewers consistently mention sightings of lions, elephants, cheetahs, hippos, and the Big Five. One review notes, “we saw all the Big Fives and many herds of zebra, elephants, wildebeests, and more,” highlighting the trip’s success in wildlife spotting.

The scenery is equally remarkable—vast plains, acacia trees, dramatic crater landscapes, and the iconic Serengeti sunset. Many mention how the pop-up roof vehicles allow for perfect photo opportunities, and guides often stop for stunning vistas or animal moments, making each game drive feel like a curated wildlife documentary.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

While many safaris offer similar parks, Savannah Explorers differentiates itself with personalized service and attention to detail. The tour’s full board meals and picnic lunches ensure travelers stay energized and comfortable throughout long days. The inclusion of air medical evacuation insurance via AMREF Flying Doctors** provides extra safety, which many reviewers appreciated.

On top of that, the reviews frequently praise guides like Gerry, Emmanuel, and Raymond for their dedication and knowledge. Their ability to spot animals early, share interesting facts, and keep guests engaged enhances the overall experience.

Price & Value: Is It Worth It?

At $5,500 per person, this safari isn’t cheap, but reviews suggest it offers excellent value. Many travelers mention the quality of vehicles, guides, and accommodations as well worth the cost. The unlimited mileage on game drives means you won’t feel rushed or limited in wildlife spotting, while the full board meal plan simplifies logistics.

It’s also important to consider that luxury safaris often include extras like insurance and professional guides, which are factored into this price. A review states, “Despite the high price, the experience was well worth the investment,” especially given the seamless organization and personalized service.

The Reviewers’ Perspective

Authentic reviews shed light on what makes this tour special. Many mention guides’ professionalism and friendliness, with some calling guides like Gerry “very professional and fun to be with,” and Emmanuel “the best guide ever.” Guests also appreciated the opportunity to customize the safari and how guides went out of their way to ensure sightings of key animals.

One reviewer sums it up: “Savannah Explorers delivered an absolutely unforgettable safari experience from start to finish,” highlighting the well-paced itinerary, excellent accommodations, and attentive guiding. The fact that 100% of reviewers recommend this tour speaks volumes about its quality.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a luxury experience without sacrificing authenticity. If you value expert guides, comfortable vehicles, and a well-organized itinerary, this safari ticks all those boxes. It’s suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a comprehensive exploration of Tanzania’s top parks.

However, those on a strict budget might find the cost high compared to more basic options. Also, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this curated, high-end tour might feel a little polished—although most reviews indicate it still delivers true wildlife encounters.

The Sum Up

The Tanzania Luxury Safari by Savannah Explorers offers a compelling blend of comfort, expert guidance, and authentic African wildlife experiences. With top-notch vehicles, knowledgeable guides like Gerry and Emmanuel, and a carefully curated itinerary, it provides great value for those wanting a hassle-free exploration of Tanzania’s premier parks.

Travelers who prioritize safety, convenience, and high-quality service will find this safari truly rewarding. It’s ideal for those wanting a mix of adventure and luxury, with the confidence that every detail has been accounted for. From iconic Serengeti sunsets to the bustling Ngorongoro Crater, this trip promises memories that last a lifetime.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $5,500 includes full board meals, picnic lunches, drinks, private vehicle with unlimited mileage, professional guides, and AMREF Flying Doctors air medical evacuation insurance within a 500 km radius.

Are airport transfers included?
Yes, pickup at Kilimanjaro or Moshi airport is provided, along with transportation to and from Arusha and the parks.

Can the safari be customized?
Yes, the tour offers tailor-made safaris designed according to customer preferences, making it adaptable for different interests or special requests.

What type of vehicle is used?
A 4×4 Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof is used, ensuring great wildlife visibility and comfort during long game drives.

How long are the game drives?
Most game drives last between 7 to 10 hours, often including early morning starts, to maximize wildlife sightings.

Is the accommodation comfortable?
While the detailed lodgings aren’t specified here, reviews emphasize the good value and comfort, with many guests feeling well taken care of throughout the trip.

What is the best time to book?
While not specified, most safaris in Tanzania are popular from June to October and December to March, when wildlife viewing tends to be at its peak.

In essence, if you’re after a well-organized, authentic, and luxurious safari experience in Tanzania, this tour checks all the boxes. Expect stunning vistas, incredible animals, and guides who truly care about making your trip unforgettable.