• Tanzania

5 Days Living Among Lions – Mid-Range

Duration

5 Days

COUNTRIES

Tanzania

PACE

Medium

BEST TIME

June to October

PRICED FROM

$ 3,400 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
Arrival (See Getting There for more details)
02
You’ll be collected from the airport.
03
Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Starting point

Lake Manyara

Finishing Point

Arusha

Number of Travellers

Any size

Transport

4x4 Land Cruisers

Destinations

Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Arusha & Serengeti

Tour Category

Mid Range

  • EXPLORE THE ROUTE

On the map

Itinerary
Lake Manyara
Day 2 - 3
Serengeti
Day 4 - 5
Ngorongoro
↺ 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.

Lake Manyara National Park

CHECK IN

Manyara Escarpment Lodge

Meals Plan

Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch

Getting there

Manyara Escarpment Lodge

  • Luxury Safari Lodge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Bird watching

Set high on the wall of the Great Rift Valley, Manyara Escarpment Lodge looks straight down over Lake Manyara and the forested floor of Lake Manyara National Park. Sixteen private chalets are spaced along the cliff edge, each with wide windows, wooden floors, and a private deck where guests can watch the lake — and the wildlife that wanders through the lodge grounds — without leaving their room.

The lodge sits close enough to the park gate for early game drives and cultural visits into nearby Mto wa Mbu, yet far enough above the valley floor to feel completely removed. It’s a quiet, elevated base for exploring one of Tanzania’s most compact and varied reserves, and a natural stop between the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.

Day 01• Lake Manyara National Park

Pick 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, as well as to a growing population of baboons and blue monkeys. Permanent residents of this park also include giraffes, elephants, impalas, and a huge amount 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 with words, and the game drives along the lake provide stunning photo opportunities of giraffes and buffaloes in the foreground and the lake in the background. Some possible extra tours are possible, including a bike tour or a boat excursion. Afternoon return to the camp for dinner.

Possibility to upgrade your accommodation level.

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

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Game Drive, Wildlife Viewing, Bush Picnics

Drinks included

Soft drinks/sodas&Drinking Water

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
Day 2 – 3

Serengeti National Park

CHECK IN

Enkirari Wilderness Camp

Meals Plan

Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch

Getting there

Enkirari Wilderness Camp

  • Luxury Tented Camp
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bar and lounge
  • Local and international cuisine

Nestled in the heart of Central Serengeti National Park, Enkirari Wilderness Camp offers an authentic safari experience that combines the excitement of the African wilderness with the comfort of a luxury tented camp. Perfectly positioned in one of the Serengeti’s premier wildlife areas, the camp provides exceptional year-round game viewing and easy access to the park’s famous plains, where unforgettable wildlife encounters await.

Surrounded by endless savannah and abundant wildlife, Enkirari Wilderness Camp is designed for travellers who want to experience nature without sacrificing comfort. Spacious safari tents, warm Tanzanian hospitality, excellent cuisine, and personalized service create a memorable safari retreat in one of Africa’s most celebrated national parks.

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 the 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, hyenas, with many television scenes like the famous river crossings having been filmed in this park.

Possibility to downgrade or upgrade your accommodation level.

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Game Drive, Bush Picnics, Wildlife Viewing

Drinks included

Soft drinks/sodas&Drinking Water

MEALS

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

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 and finish with an afternoon game drive, or you could do a full day game drive with a picnic lunch.

Possibility to downgrade or upgrade your accommodation level.

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Game Drive, Wildlife Viewing

Drinks included

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
Day 4 – 5

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

CHECK IN

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Meals Plan

Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch

Getting there

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

  • Luxury Safari Lodge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Room service
  • Sundowner experiences

Perched dramatically on the rim of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge offers one of Africa’s most spectacular safari locations. Built into the crater’s edge using natural river stone and covered with indigenous vines, the lodge blends seamlessly into its surroundings while providing uninterrupted panoramic views across the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inspired by prehistoric rock art and traditional African architecture, the lodge combines authentic character with modern comfort, making it an ideal base for exploring one of Tanzania’s richest wildlife destinations.

Day 04• Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

On this day we suggest a very early wake up in order to do an early morning game drive (when the animals are more active) and see one of the best sunrises you’ll ever witness. After the game drive, we 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 and inhabiting 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. Possibility to upgrade your accommodation level.

Transfer Details

4x4 Safari Vehicle

DAILY activities

Game Drive, Wildlife Viewing, Bush Picnics

Drinks included

Soft drinks/sodas&Drinking Water

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
Day 05• Ngorongoro Crater

We will start the day very early and descend into the crater floor for an incredible morning of wildlife 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 and 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, Airport Transfer

Drinks included

Soft drinks/sodas&Drinking Water

MEALS

  • B
  • L
  • D
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Price inclusions

  • What's included
  • Not included
  • 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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