What You Need to Know: A luxury safari with us uses the same private Land Cruiser and Mweka-trained guide as every level, with top lodges and camps, often inside the parks: for example Gibbs' Farm in Karatu, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on the crater rim and Four Seasons or Serengeti Serena Lodge in the Serengeti. Prices start at US$1,120 per person for 2 days and US$3,130 for the 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari (2 travelers).
Luxury Lodges We Book
| Area | Luxury lodges |
|---|---|
| Arusha | Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana, Gran Meliá Arusha, Four Points by Sheraton, Mount Meru Hotel, The African Tulip |
| Karatu | Gibbs' Farm, Acacia Farm Lodge, Escarpment Ngorongoro, Maasailand Coffee Lodge, Starwold Karatu Lodge |
| Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro Serena Lodge and Lion's Paw (on the rim), Meliá Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Oldeani |
| Central Serengeti | Four Seasons Serengeti, Meliá Serengeti, Serengeti Serena Lodge, Nyota Luxury Tented Camp, Naisula Serengeti Camp |
| Southern and northern Serengeti | Malaika Ndutu Luxury Camp, Masek Tented Lodge, Malaika Mara River Luxury Camp, Serengeti Ark Safari Lodge, Mara Mara Tented Lodge, River Camp |
| Tarangire | Elephant Springs by Karibu Camps, Maramboi Tented Lodge, Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge |
| Lake Manyara | Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge |
These are lodges we book, or similar: we aren't limited to them and can arrange other lodges to suit your priorities. Your quotation names the lodges for your dates; seasonal luxury camps fill early for February and July–October.
Luxury Safari Prices
| Safari | Luxury, per person (2 travelers) | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| 2-day Tarangire and Ngorongoro | US$1,120 | US$890 |
| 3-day Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro | US$1,780 | US$1,320 |
| 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro | US$3,130 | US$2,195 |
| 6-day northern circuit | US$4,910 | US$3,190 |
| 7-day safari | US$5,965 | US$3,680 |
What Changes at Luxury Level
| Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle and guide | Private Land Cruiser, Mweka-trained guide | The same |
| Lodges | Comfortable lodges and tented camps | Top lodges and camps |
| Locations | Inside and outside the parks | Often prime spots inside the parks, with views |
| Food | Good lodge meals | Fine dining, often all-inclusive drinks |
| Extras | Pools at some lodges | Spas, private decks, butler service at some |
Luxury Extras We Can Add
- A sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti (US$490) or Tarangire (US$460)
- Fly-in legs with Auric Air or Coastal Aviation to save driving
- A night in a seasonal camp near the herds at Ndutu or the Mara River
- A private dinner or bush breakfast, arranged with your lodge
- A few days on Zanzibar to finish; see our honeymoon safaris
Is a Luxury Safari Worth It?
The wildlife is the same at every level; what you pay for is location, space and service. A lodge inside the Serengeti or on the crater rim means less driving and earlier starts; a fine room and food make long days easier. For a honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime trip many guests find it worth it. If wildlife is all that matters, mid-range with one special night is a good compromise.
Book luxury camps early, especially in migration season, and consider flying between parks to save time and enjoy more of the lodges. Tell us about special occasions so we can let the camps know.
A Luxury Safari, Day by Day
| Day | Route | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha – Tarangire | Elephant Springs or Maramboi Tented Lodge |
| 2 | Tarangire – Karatu | Gibbs' Farm |
| 3–4 | Ngorongoro highlands – Serengeti | Four Seasons Serengeti or Serengeti Serena Lodge |
| 5 | Serengeti – crater rim | Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or Lion's Paw |
| 6 | Ngorongoro Crater – Arusha, or fly to Zanzibar | — |
On this kind of trip we often suggest flying one leg to save a long drive, and a sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti.
How and When to Book a Luxury Safari
Send your dates, the number of travelers (with children's ages) and your lodge level, and we reply with a written quotation naming every lodge. A 30% deposit confirms your safari and the balance is paid on arrival, by Pesapal (card or mobile money) or bank transfer in US dollars.
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
The best luxury camps, especially in the northern Serengeti from July to October and the southern Serengeti in February, fill up a year ahead. Booking early gives you the best choice of camps; the shoulder months, such as November or early June, offer the same lodges with fewer guests.
Luxury Beach Stays on Zanzibar
Many luxury safaris end on Zanzibar, at a beach hotel with a pool, spa and fine dining. Flights from the Serengeti or Arusha take about an hour, and we can arrange a helicopter transfer from the airport to your resort for a memorable arrival. Our 14-day honeymoon safari and Zanzibar itinerary shows a full luxury plan, from Chem Chem and The Highlands to a villa on Zanzibar's south-east coast.
Common Questions About Luxury Safaris in Tanzania
Is the vehicle different on a luxury safari?
No. Every level uses the same private Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and the same guides.
Can we mix luxury and mid-range lodges?
Yes. Many guests splurge on one or two nights, often on the crater rim or in the Serengeti.
Are drinks included at luxury lodges?
At some lodges, yes; others charge for drinks. Your quotation says which.
How far ahead should we book a luxury safari?
Three to six months for July–October and February, when the best camps fill first.
Can we fly between parks on a luxury safari?
Yes, with Auric Air or Coastal Aviation, to save long drives.
Is a luxury safari worth the price?
If comfort, location and service matter to you, yes: luxury camps are often in the best wildlife areas.
Can a luxury safari include a balloon flight?
Yes: a sunrise Serengeti balloon flight is a popular addition, booked with your safari.
The Bottom Line
A luxury safari keeps the same guide and vehicle and adds the best locations and service. Mix it with mid-range if you want one or two special nights rather than all of them.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers (with children's ages) and your lodge level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team in Moshi will reply with a written quotation.