7-Day Ultimate Luxury Safari in Tanzania: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Location
Full Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your private safari guide and driver. Receive a warm Tanzanian greeting and a seamless transfer to the luxurious Gran Meliá Arusha. This elegant hotel is set amidst lush gardens with breathtaking views of Mount Meru. After check-in, unwind at the infinity pool or indulge in the hotel’s spa facilities (spa treatments available at an extra cost). Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Arusha town, visit local craft markets, or relax in the serene ambiance of your hotel.
Accommodation Option: Gran Meliá Arusha – a 5-star hotel offering sophisticated rooms, fine dining, and luxury amenities.
Meals: Dinner at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant featuring international and local cuisine.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on your journey to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for its ancient baobab trees, massive elephant herds, and seasonal migration of wildlife. Enjoy a thrilling morning and afternoon game drive where you may spot elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species. Midday, pause for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
By late afternoon, arrive at Lemala Mpingo Ridge, a luxurious lodge perched on an escarpment with panoramic views of the park. Spend your evening relaxing in your private suite with a plunge pool or gather around the campfire for stargazing.
Accommodation Option: Lemala Mpingo Ridge – luxury tented suites with expansive decks and unmatched views of the Tarangire landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic in the park), and Dinner at the lodge.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but ecologically diverse gem known for its tree-climbing lions, pink flamingos, and thriving hippo pools. During your game drive, explore the lush forests where baboons, vervet monkeys, and an array of birds reside. Witness the beauty of the shimmering alkaline lake that draws thousands of flamingos and pelicans.
Later, check into Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, a luxurious retreat nestled on the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The lodge offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding savannah. Spend your evening enjoying the infinity pool, spa treatments, or a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Accommodation Option: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge – an opulent lodge blending traditional African charm with modern luxury.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4: Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart for the iconic Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its vast open plains and abundant wildlife. En route, pass through the lush highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where scenic views of the crater await.
Upon reaching the Serengeti, settle into the luxurious Melia Serengeti Lodge. After lunch, set out for an afternoon game drive to encounter the park’s majestic wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and possibly cheetahs. Witness the golden sunset over the Serengeti as you return to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation Option: Melia Serengeti Lodge – a 5-star lodge offering refined luxury, spectacular views, and impeccable service.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Experience a full day of game drives in the heart of the Serengeti. Your expert guide will navigate the park’s diverse landscapes, from grassy plains to rocky outcrops (kopjes), home to predators like lions and leopards. Witness the incredible diversity of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and hyenas.
Opt for a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari (available at an extra cost) to soar over the Serengeti at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Midday, return to the lodge to relax before heading out for an evening game drive to catch nocturnal animals in action.
Accommodation Option: Melia Serengeti Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a leisurely morning game drive in Serengeti as you head towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop along the way to take in the panoramic views and spot more wildlife. Pass through stunning landscapes and stop at cultural sites, such as a Maasai village, for an enriching cultural experience (optional, with an extra cost). Check in at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp, nestled on the crater rim, and spend your afternoon relaxing at this serene retreat. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding highlands and prepare for the thrilling game drive planned for the following day.
Accommodation Option: Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp – an eco-luxury camp offering exceptional service and proximity to the crater.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 7: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater & Return to Arusha
Begin your final day with an early breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most wildlife-dense regions in the world. Spend the morning exploring the crater floor, where you may spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) as well as hippos, zebras, and flamingos.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this unique natural wonder before ascending the crater rim and starting your journey back to Arusha. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your luxurious safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (picnic in the crater).
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: 6 nights of luxury accommodation in 5-star lodges and camps, including 1 night at Gran Meliá Arusha (Arusha), 1 night at Lemala Mpingo Ridge (Tarangire), 1 night at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge (Lake Manyara), 2 nights at Melia Serengeti Lodge ( Serengeti), and 1 night at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp (Ngorongoro).
- Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified in the itinerary, including picnic lunches during game drives.
- Game Drives: All scheduled game drives in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro National Parks with an expert safari guide.
- Transportation: All transfers in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide, including transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Park Fees: All entrance fees to national parks, reserves, and conservation areas.
- Cultural Experience: Optional visit to a Maasai village (additional cost for cultural experience).
- Beverages: Water, coffee, and tea during meals.
- Safari Guide: Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide throughout the trip.
- Safari Activities: All activities listed in the itinerary, including game drives, and access to lodge facilities like pools, spa treatments (extra cost for treatments), and stargazing.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Full day of exploration on the crater floor, including a picnic lunch.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: Optional hot air balloon safari over Serengeti (available at an additional cost).
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania.
- Visa Fees: Visa fees for entry into Tanzania (if applicable).
- Personal Expenses: Items such as laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.
- Spa Treatments: Spa treatments at lodges and hotels (available at an extra cost).
- Optional Activities: Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary, such as the hot air balloon safari.
- Gratuities: Tips for safari guides, lodge staff, and drivers.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, including medical and emergency evacuation coverage.
- Alcoholic Beverages: All alcoholic drinks are not included unless specified by the lodge or hotel.
- Optional Maasai Village Visit: Additional cost for a Maasai cultural experience.
- Additional Meals and Beverages: Any meals and beverages outside the itinerary.
