• Tanzania

5 Days Living Among Lions – High-End

Duration

5 Days

COUNTRIES

Tanzania

PACE

Relaxed

BEST TIME

July to March

PRICED FROM

$ 5,300 pp

  • The Journey

At Glance

This is one of our most popular tours as it allows you to spend a very reasonable amount of time in the Serengeti (2 nights) and still have the chance of exploring Ngorongoro and Manyara or Tarangire National Parks. You can either do the tour by land (circle itinerary) or fly back from the Serengeti to remove the backtracking.

  • HIGHLIGHTS
01
You’ll be collected from the airport.
02
Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Starting point

Arusha

Finishing Point

Arusha

Number of Travellers

Any size

Transport

4x4 Land Cruisers

Destinations

Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Arusha & Serengeti

Tour Category

High-End

  • EXPLORE THE ROUTE

On the map

Itinerary
Day 1
Lake Manyara
Day 2 - 3
Serengeti
Day 4 - 5
Tarangire
↺ View whole route
  • DAY BY DAY

Itinerary

Each leg below covers your route, where you stay, what you’ll do, and how you’ll dine — all fully adjustable with your travel designer.

Day 1

Lake Manyara National Park

CHECK IN

Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge

Meals Plan

Lunch & Dinner

Getting there

Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge

  • Luxury Safari Lodge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Pool
  • Bar and lounge

Nestled on the Great Rift Valley escarpment overlooking Lake Manyara, Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge offers an exclusive luxury retreat where contemporary comfort blends seamlessly with the beauty of northern Tanzania. Surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic landscapes, the lodge provides spectacular views across the lake and serves as an ideal gateway to Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit.

Designed with natural stone, wood, and earthy African-inspired décor, the lodge creates a warm and elegant atmosphere while offering guests exceptional privacy. Its strategic location places visitors within easy reach of Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, making it an excellent stop for both luxury safaris and relaxing escapes.

Day 1• Exploring Lake Manyara's Scenic Wilderness

You’ll be picked up from your hotel at 8 am and start a beautiful journey across the Great Rift Valley for a full day game drive. Although small in dimension (205 sq miles), the park has breathtaking scenery and is well famous for its lush acacia forest, giant figs and mahogany trees. It is also home to a growing population of baboons and blue monkeys. Permanent residents of this park also include giraffes, elephants, impalas and a huge number of buffaloes. The lake is also home to a large number of hippos. The landscapes of Lake Manyara are something that can not be described in words. The game drives along the lake provide stunning photo opportunities of giraffes and buffaloes in the foreground and the lake in the background. Some extra tours are possible, including a bike tour or a boat excursion. In the afternoon, you’ll return to the camp for dinner.

NOTE: You can replace this park with Tarangire NP or add an extra day and visit both.

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Bird Watching, Game Drive

Drinks included

Coffee & Tea&Drinking Water

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
Day 2 – 3

Serengeti National Park

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Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Meals Plan

Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast

Getting there

Four Seasons Safari Lodge

  • Luxury Safari Lodge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Spa
  • Sundowner cocktails

Located in the heart of Serengeti National Park, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti offers an extraordinary combination of world-class luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Positioned near a wildlife watering hole overlooking the endless savannah, the lodge provides guests with a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most spectacular ecosystems.

Designed as a luxurious sanctuary within the wilderness, the lodge blends elegant African-inspired architecture with modern comfort. Guests can relax in beautifully designed accommodations, enjoy exceptional dining, and experience the thrill of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife roaming freely across the Serengeti plains.

Day 02• Serengeti National Park

After an early breakfast, depart towards the most famous national park in the world, the Serengeti. The driving itself, although long, is spectacular. This will be an unforgettable moment for anyone seeing it for the first time. As you progress well into the Serengeti, you will see why the name means, in local language, “endless plains”. The park has 6,900 sq miles (18,000 sq km) and for most of it, the plains will stretch to the horizon defying your senses and perception of distances. It is the home of the Great Migration and to 2 million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras and all kinds of antelopes. As for big cats and large predators, it’s the place of choice to look out for lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas, with many television scenes like the famous River Crossings having been filmed in this park.

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Game Drive, Wildlife Viewing, Sundowners, Photographing

Drinks included

Coffee & Tea&Drinking Water

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
Day 03• Serengeti National Park

You’ll spend a full day in the Serengeti National Park. We are completely flexible with your preferences and this day will be organized according to your wishes. On every day of the safari, your guide will discuss with you the best timings for you, including the game drives and the wake up time. For example, on this day, you could do a morning game drive, return to the camp for lunch and relaxation then finish with an afternoon game drive. Alternatively, you could do a full day game drive with a picnic lunch.

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Game Drive, Bush dinners

Drinks included

Drinking Water

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
Day 4 – 5

Ngorongoro Crater

CHECK IN

The Highlands

Meals Plan

Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch

Getting there

The Highlands

  • Luxury Tented Camp
  • Bush dining
  • Hot showers
  • Outdoor fire

Perched on the slopes of the Olmoti Volcano within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, The Highlands offers a unique and exclusive safari experience surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Tanzania’s northern highlands. The camp’s distinctive dome-shaped suites combine contemporary design, comfort, and sustainability while providing breathtaking views across the volcanic landscape.

Located away from the busy crater rim, The Highlands provides a peaceful wilderness retreat where guests can experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro ecosystem, ancient forests, and rich Maasai culture. Its elevated position creates a cool, tranquil atmosphere and makes it an exceptional base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding attractions.

Day 04• Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

On this day we suggest a very early wake-up call in order to do an early morning game drive (when the animals are more active) and to see one of the best sunrises you’ll ever witness. After the game drive, we will return to the camp for a rewarding brunch and then we’ll proceed to Ngorongoro, the 8th Wonder of the Natural World. The crater spreads for 102 sq miles and has 2,000 ft high walls, making it virtually Noah’s ark. It inhabits almost every species of wildlife that is indigenous to East Africa. It’s one of the very rare locations in the whole continent where you can witness the black rhino. The crater has a river, several swamps, a soda lake with a great concentration of flamingos, a forest and open plains. It’s also famous for its elephants which are the largest in the world and have huge tusks. Ngorongoro Crater is truly a Wonder of the Natural World.

You will reach Ngorongoro in time for a sundowner.

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Wildlife Viewing, Game Drive, Photographing

Drinks included

Coffee & Tea&Drinking Water

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
Day 5• Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

We will start the day very early and descend into the crater floor for an incredible morning of wildlife viewing in one of the most stunning places on earth. After the game drive, there will be time for a picnic lunch near the beautiful Hippo Lake. After lunch, we will have time for a short game drive then ascend the crater and exit Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards Arusha. We expect to be back in Arusha around 5 pm although we are flexible in case there is a flight to catch or another situation.

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Game Drive

Drinks included

Coffee & Tea&Drinking Water

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
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Price inclusions

  • What's included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Not included
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • WHEN T O TRAVEL

The best time to go

Month High / Low Crowds Price Verdict
Jan 26°C 15°C Quiet, mild, occasional rain
Feb 26°C 15°C Cool and calm
Mar 26°C 16°C Spring opens up
Apr 25°C 16°C Warm days, light rain
May 24°C 15°C Ideal all-rounder
Jun 24°C 13°C Dry season begins
Jul 24°C 13°C River crossings, busy
Aug 25°C 13°C Hottest demand, book early
Sep 26°C 13°C Warm days, thinner crowds
Oct 27°C 15°C Golden and gentle
Nov 27°C 16°C Wettest month
Dec 26°C 15°C Festive and mild
  • Booking Process

How do we plan your trip?

01

Tell us your dream

Share where you long to go and what would make it unforgettable .

02

We craft the journey

A tailor-made itinerary matched to the right camps and seasons.

03

Refine together

We shape every detail until the journey feels entirely your own.

04

Travel, fully held

A dedicated team is with you from landing to homecoming.

  • GUEST REVIEWS

What our travellers are saying

5.0/5

  • BASED ON 25 REVIEWS
  • GOOD To KNOW

Practical information

Visas

Most nationalities receive South African entry on arrival; Zimbabwe issues an e-visa or visa on arrival. We confirm requirements for your passport.

Heath

Low-risk malaria areas — anti-malarials advised. No mandatory vaccinations from most countries; consult your travel clinic before departure.

Curency

South African Rand; US Dollars are widely used around Victoria Falls. Cards are accepted in cities; carry small USD for tips.

Weather & Climate

Warm days and cool mornings on safari in the dry season. Pack layers — early game drives can be cold even when afternoons are hot.

Packing

Neutral, breathable clothing, a warm layer, sun protection and binoculars. Soft bags are required on light aircraft, with strict weight limits.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi at all hotels and lodges, though deliberately gentle in the bush. Power is 230V; bring a universal adaptor.

  • QUESTIONS

FAQ

Everything you might want to know before you travel. Can’t find your answer? Your travel designer is one message away.

Yes. All Matta Luxury journeys are offered as private experiences unless otherwise requested. You’ll travel exclusively with your chosen companions, accompanied by a professional driver-guide, allowing you to explore Tanzania at your own pace with a personalized itinerary and premium service.

Most of our safaris are suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. Game drives are comfortable and involve minimal physical activity. If your itinerary includes walking safaris, cultural visits, hiking, or mountain trekking, we’ll let you know the activity level in advance and can recommend the best options based on your preferences.

Tanzania is a fantastic destination throughout the year, with each season offering unique experiences.

  • June – October: Ideal for wildlife viewing during the dry season.
  • January – March: Excellent for the wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti.
  • July – September: Great time to witness the Great Migration river crossings.
  • November – May: Beautiful green landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Our travel specialists will help you choose the best time based on the experiences you’re looking for.

International flights are generally not included unless specifically requested. Domestic flights within Tanzania can be included as part of your itinerary, particularly for fly-in safaris or travel between safari destinations and Zanzibar. We’ll clearly outline all included and optional flights in your quotation.

Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular and welcoming safari destinations, and your safety is our top priority. We work with experienced guides, trusted accommodations, and carefully planned itineraries to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Malaria is present in some areas, so we recommend consulting your doctor before traveling regarding preventative medication. Wearing long sleeves in the evenings, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets where provided are simple and effective precautions.

Absolutely. Every Matta Luxury itinerary can be tailored to match your interests, travel style, budget, and schedule. Whether you dream of a luxury safari, a family adventure, a romantic honeymoon, a Kilimanjaro trek, or a Zanzibar beach escape, we’ll create a journey designed specifically for you.

  • Sample itineraries

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