From Arusha: 7-Day Luxury Safari to Lake Manyara & Serengeti

Planning a safari through Tanzania’s iconic landscapes sounds like a dream, and this 7-day luxury safari promises an adventure filled with wildlife, stunning vistas, and comfortable, high-end accommodations. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, it’s clear that this experience is designed for travelers who want the best of Tanzania—without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

What truly catches the eye are the chance to see the Big Five, witness the Great Migration, and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ngorongoro Crater. Plus, staying in luxurious lodges and tented camps ensures you’ll be comfortable after exciting days of game drives. However, keep in mind that such a VIP experience comes with a price tag of $6,895 per person, which is justified by the quality of the lodges, guides, and inclusions.

This tour would suit travelers who value expert-guided wildlife viewing, appreciate luxury accommodations, and want a well-rounded experience covering Tanzania’s most famous parks. If you’re seeking a classic safari with a bit of indulgence and comprehensive coverage, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Wildlife & Migration: Witness the iconic Great Migration and Big Five in their natural habitat.
• Luxury Experience: Enjoy top-tier lodges and tented camps with all meals included.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance wildlife spotting and park understanding.
• Diverse Landscapes: From crater lakes to expansive savannahs, the scenery is breathtaking.
• Balanced Itinerary: Well-paced days with morning and afternoon game drives.
• Value for Price: Includes transportation, park fees, accommodations, and meals, making it a comprehensive package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Safari Experience

This 7-day journey through Tanzania’s most renowned parks offers a seamless combination of adventure and comfort. It’s designed for those who want to tick off the Big Five, see the wildebeest migration, and enjoy the scenery in style—all within a manageable, organized framework. The tour’s highlight is the chance to witness the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti, a spectacle few get to see in their lifetime.

What we love about this safari is how it balances wildlife encounters with luxurious stays. Staying at places like the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge or the Mara Mara Tented Luxury Lodge means you’re not just out on game drives, but also returning to plush accommodations, often with incredible views or poolside relaxation. The guides, who are praised for their knowledge and professionalism, help you understand the wildlife and landscape at a level that enhances every sighting.

A possible consideration is the cost—$6,895 per person isn’t cheap, but when you factor in the quality of lodges, expert guides, transportation, and all meals, the value becomes clearer. This safari is best suited for travelers seeking a hassle-free, high-end experience that covers the highlights of Tanzania’s wilderness.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Starting from Arusha, your journey begins with a drive to Lake Manyara, a park famous for its birdlife and the legendary tree-climbing lions. The game drive here is a great introduction to Tanzanian wildlife, as you’ll likely see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and perhaps some warthogs or buffalos. The park’s lush environment offers vibrant scenery, especially around the lake.

Traveling with a guide means you’ll get insider tips on the best spots for wildlife viewing. One reviewer notes, “Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, pointing out animals I’d never have spotted on my own.” The picnic lunch provided allows you to enjoy a meal amid nature, a nice touch that blends comfort with adventure.

Day 2: From Karatu to Serengeti National Park

After an early breakfast, you’ll cross the Ngorongoro Highlands en route to Serengeti. This part of the trip is where the landscapes truly change, from lush highlands to the vast plains of the Serengeti. The drive itself offers opportunities for spotting wildlife like zebras and ostriches along the way.

Once inside Serengeti, your game drive begins immediately. Staying at the Serengeti Serena Luxury Lodge means you’ll be in the heart of the action, with a chance to unwind in style after a day of sightings. Reviewers appreciate the luxurious feel here, mentioning the “comfortable rooms with spectacular views of the plains.”

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Day 3-4: Northern Serengeti & the Migration

The Northern Serengeti is where the great wildebeest migration happens, and you’ll spend two full days exploring this dynamic region. During July to September, it’s the stage for dramatic river crossings, battling crocodiles and stampeding hooves.

Your guide is praised for spotting rare animals and explaining migration patterns. As one guest states, “Watching thousands of wildebeests cross the river at dawn was a scene I’ll never forget.” The luxury tented lodge in the north offers both comfort and an authentic safari atmosphere, with some reviewers highlighting the “surprisingly cozy” tents and the chance to enjoy the sounds of wildlife at night.

Day 5: Return to Central Serengeti

After an early breakfast, you’ll continue tracking the migration, with a picnic lunch during a game drive. This day offers more opportunities to see predators like lions or cheetahs stalking prey, especially in the lush areas of the Serengeti.

Later, you’ll drive back to the central part of the park, where the accommodations are equally luxurious—think elegant tents or lodges with expansive views. Guests mention how the guides’ local knowledge makes game viewing more meaningful, often with close sightings of big cats.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater

A highlight of the safari is the early morning transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater, famous for its concentrated wildlife, is a must-see. You’ll descend into the crater floor, where animals like rhinos, elephants, and lions roam freely.

Witnessing the sunrise in the crater is often described as “breathtaking,” with some guests remarking it’s “one of the best views of my life.” The guide’s expertise is again evident, helping you spot elusive wildlife and explaining the crater’s special ecology.

Day 7: Ngorongoro & Return to Arusha

Your final day begins early for another game drive in the crater, maximizing wildlife sightings before heading back to Arusha. This last drive offers a fitting conclusion to your Tanzanian adventure—an opportunity to soak in the scenery and reflect on the animals you’ve seen.

The transfer back to Arusha is smooth, and many reviews note that the guides make the experience engaging and insightful, leaving you with a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s wilderness.

The Quality of Accommodation and Transportation

Staying in luxury lodges and tented camps is one of the most appreciated aspects of this safari. The Serena lodges, with their elegant rooms, lush surroundings, and often prime locations, elevate the experience beyond simple wildlife viewing. Guests consistently mention the comfort, cleanliness, and attentive service as adding significant value.

Transportation is handled via reliable, comfortable vehicles equipped for game drives, with the entire experience designed for convenience. The itinerary is structured to allow plenty of time in each park, with two game drives per day, balancing activity with relaxation.

The Value of All-Inclusive Pricing

At $6,895 per person, this tour covers all game drives, accommodations, meals, park entrance fees, and transportation. This level of inclusivity is especially convenient for travelers, removing the need for separate bookings or surprises. The all-inclusive nature also ensures you’re well-fed with local and international cuisine, often enjoyed with scenic views during breaks.

Given the high quality of the guides, accommodations, and the scope of the parks visited, the price reflects a premium experience—aimed at those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free safari without sacrificing comfort.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Weather & Clothing: Pack layers—early mornings and evenings can be chilly, while daytime temperatures vary.
• Bring binoculars and a camera: The scenery and wildlife are photogenic, and binoculars help spot distant animals.
• Respect wildlife: Always follow guide instructions for safe distances and behaviors.
• Children & health: Not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or those with back problems due to the nature of the terrain and early mornings.

Who Will Love This Safari?

This safari is best suited for adventure seekers who appreciate comfort, wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the Big Five and the migration, and travelers who want a seamless, well-organized experience. It’s perfect if you’re after quality accommodations, expert guides, and a broad overview of Tanzania’s top parks without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.

If you’re on a tight budget, this might feel steep, but for those valuing a premium experience, the inclusions and curated itinerary offer solid value. It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer guided tours over self-drive safaris, as the guides’ local knowledge significantly enriches the experience.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes game drives, accommodations, meals as per the itinerary, park entrance fees, and transportation. Everything needed for the safari is covered, making it a hassle-free experience.

Are international flights included?
No, international flights are not included. Travelers need to arrange their own flights to and from Tanzania.

Can I pay later or reserve my spot?
Yes, the tour provider offers the option to reserve and pay later, allowing flexibility in planning your trip.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years, so it’s better suited for adult travelers or older children.

What should I bring?
Essential items include a hat, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and binoculars. Respect wildlife rules by not smoking and maintaining a safe distance.

What is the best time to see the Great Migration?
July to September is ideal for viewing the migration in Northern Serengeti, especially around river crossings.

How experienced are the guides?
Guests praise the guides for their knowledge, with many noting their ability to spot wildlife and share insightful stories about local ecology.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day luxury safari offers an excellent blend of wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and high-end comfort. The carefully curated itinerary ensures you see the most iconic sights—the Serengeti’s plains, Ngorongoro’s crater, and Lake Manyara’s birdlife—while enjoying the convenience of all-included services.

If you’re after a well-organized, upscale adventure that covers Tanzania’s key parks and provides guidance from experienced professionals, this tour is hard to beat. It’s a chance to see some of Africa’s most incredible landscapes and animals, all while relaxing in style.

For those who value culture, expert insight, and quality accommodations, this safari is designed to deliver. Just remember, it’s an investment, but one that promises unforgettable memories and stunning scenery that will stay with you long after you return home.

You can check availability for your dates here: