Safari, Cultural Discovery and Relaxation in Zanzibar

14 Days
4618 $us

Map

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Kilimanjaro International Airport - Arusha City

  • Day 2 : Tarangire National Park - Arusha City - Lake Manyara

  • Day 3 : Maasai Village - Lake Natron

  • Day 4 : Lake Natron

  • Day 5 : Serengeti National Park - Lake Natron

  • Day 6 : Serengeti National Park

  • Day 7 : Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Karatu

  • Day 8 : Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi

  • Day 9 : Lake Eyasi

  • Day 10 : Lake Eyasi - Arusha City - Zanzibar Airport - Kiwengwa Beach

  • Day 11 : Kiwengwa Beach

  • Day 12 : Kiwengwa Beach

  • Day 13 : Kiwengwa Beach

  • Day 14 : Kiwengwa Beach - Zanzibar Airport

DAY 1 : Kilimanjaro International Airport - Arusha City


Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, our representative will meet you and drive you to your hotel for a first evening in Tanzania. Arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. The city hosts and is regarded as the de facto capital of the East African Community. Arusha is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate.

The road transfer from the Kilimanjaro International Airport to your lodge will take about 1 hour, so sit back and enjoy the ride through the city's sub-urban arriving at your lodge for a well deserved overnight.

Night at Ilboru Safari Lodge


DAY 2 : Tarangire National Park - Arusha City - Lake Manyara


Early morning you will be picked up from your hotel and drive to Tarangire National Park for a full day of game viewing and photographing. The Park is located about 2 hours from Arusha city. Imagine hundreds of zebra stripes reflecting in still waters. Imagine the looming silhouette of elephants burnt into the crimson sunset. Imagine the sight of ghostly baobab trees scattered across shimmering grasslands. These features are not figments of imagination – these features are just a taste of what Tarangire is all about! The most spectacular feature of Tarangire is that it serves as a place of refuge for the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania.Elephant viewing in Tarangire is outstanding and it is likely that you will see hundreds of elephants in a single day.

Night at Maramboi Tented Camp


DAY 3 : Maasai Village - Lake Natron


The morning will be spent sharing in the native village of Maasai families, discovering their culture. The Maasai are a Nilotic ethnic group of semi-nomadic people located in Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are among the most well known of African ethnic groups, due to their distinctive customs and dress and residence near the many game parks of East Africa. We will also do a walk to learn more about aboriginal plants. After that you will return to camp for breakfast and then start to walk across peaceful animal corridors in the Great Rift Valley. This will give us the opportunity to see Africa from a slow pace perspective. While walking, our guide will educate you on aboriginal plants and birds. The walking safari is specifically designed to circle back to camp. You will then go back to camp for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, your driver guide will pick you up from the camp and you will drive out to Lake Natron. You drive via Engaruka Town towards Lake Natron on a partly bumpy and dusty road. En route you see many Masai villages, termite mounds, gazelle, giraffe, zebra, baboons, bee boxes, and birds such as vultures, ostrich, starlings, Cory Bustards, and kites. The transfer takes you some 4 hours. After checking in at your campsite and some lunch you go in the afternoon on a guided walk around Lake Natron the lowest point of the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania (600m / 2000 ft) and famous for a vast numbers of flamingos and other water birds due to a high concentrate of in sodium carbonate, algae, and zooplankton. You can go for a hike up the Ngare Sero River which flows in the Lake Natron In contrast to the surrounding dry landscape, here you can find a small paradise.

Night at Lake Natron Camp on a Full Board basis


DAY 4 : Lake Natron


After breakfast you visit Lake Natron to see the flamingos Lake Natron is famous for. If you wish, you can walk at the lake shore in salty water. Lake Natron is one of the most alkaline lakes in the world. Home to millions of tiny crustaceans, the lake is a haven for literally thousands of lesser flamingo's and it is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds on earth. The area around the lake is dry and desolate. The strangely beautiful landscape is the attraction in this area.

After a strenuous walk up the stream, we reach the source of the river, in cascading waterfalls the river gushes out of the mountains. It is an excellent swim in the river and under the waterfalls for a nice cool-down from the hot sun. There may be baboons or other wildlife in the gorge. You will return to camp where your cook would have prepared you dinner. Enjoy your meals under the stars before retiring for the night.

Please note that Lake Natron has a very hot weather. It is therefore strongly recommended to bring protective clothing, hat and sunscreen.

Night at Lake Natron Camp on a Full Board basis


DAY 5 : Serengeti National Park - Lake Natron


Enjoy a half-day drive across Tanzania’s heartland, passing red-robed Maasai herding their cattle. Arrive at the famous Serengeti National Park in time for an afternoon game drive, enjoying the mystical, blaze orange sunset as you head to camp. The park covers 14,763 km² (5,700 square miles) of grassland plains and savanna as well as riverine forest and woodlands. The park lies in the north of the country, bordered to the north by the national Tanzania and Kenyan border, where it is continuous with the Maasai Mara National Reserve. To the south-east of the park is Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the south-west lies Maswa Game Reserve, and to the western borders are Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves, to the north-east lies Loliondo Game Control Area.

As well as the migration of ungulates, the Serengeti National Park is well known for its healthy stock of other resident wildlife, particularly the "Big Five", named for the five most prized trophies taken by hunters (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhinoceros & buffalo), the park also supports many further species, including cheetah, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, topi, eland, waterbuck, hyena, baboon, impala, African wild dog and giraffe. The park also boasts about 500 bird species, including ostrich, secretary bird, Kori bustard, crowned crane, marabou stork, martial eagle, lovebirds and many species of vultures.

Night at Ang'ata Camps Serengeti


DAY 6 : Serengeti National Park


Morning departure for a safari through the famous Serengeti. The Serengeti Plain is a natural savannah straddling Tanzania and Kenya. The most common species found in the "endless plains" are black wildebeest, impala, zebra and buffalo. It also includes jackals, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, elephants, almost all types of antelopes and a rich bird life where birds of prey, big and small, and a various species of vultures are well represented. The Serengeti is probably the most famous game reserve in Tanzania. The park covers 14,763 km square, but the ecosystem is much larger, extending over the Masai Mara, Kenya and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Night at Ang'ata Camps Serengeti


DAY 7 : Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Karatu


After breakfast, you will leave the camp/lodge for a morning game drive in the Serengeti plains with a picnic lunch. You will enjoy a morning of game viewing and photographing. There is simply no better place in Africa to observe the large carnivores and since many are resident, excellent encounters are available year round regardless of the season or where the great migratory herds are located. It is not unusual to see all four large predators (lion, hyena, leopard and cheetah) during the course of a day in the central Serengeti.

In the afternoon we will leave the endless plains of Serengeti driving towards the Ngorongoro highlands. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a large area containing active volcanoes, mountains, archaeological sites, rolling plains, forests, lakes, sand dunes and Ngorongoro Crater, a true natural wonder of the world. The views at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater are sensational.

After some onroute game drive, at the end of the day you will be driven to your Lodge or camp location arriving in time to enjoy the beautiful sunset, dinner and overnight will be at the lodge.

Night at Tloma Lodge


DAY 8 : Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi


Today, you will visit the Ngorongoro crater, the main feature is a large, unbroken, unfolded volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago, is 610m (2,000 ft.) deep and its floor covers 260 km² (100 sq. mi). The crater floor is mostly open grassland with two small wooded areas dominated by Acacia xanthophloea.

Game drives through the Ngorongoro Crater begin early in the morning in closed safari vehicles with pop – up roofs. Accompanied by an expert driver guide, a magnificent experience is sure to be had! The descent into the crater is one of scenic beauty, as you make your way through lush forests, home to numerous elephants and buffalo. As you reach the inside of the Ngorongoro Crater, marvelling at the incredible landscape around you, your guide will take you through the grassy crater floor, the unbelievable fever tree forest, the banks of Lake Magadi and the surrounding marshes. Lunch is served picnic style, surrounded by the natural wonders around you as well as the exceptional wildlife, roaming freely, with which you share this extraordinary paradise.

After your full day's safari you will ascend from the crater and you shall be driven to Lake Eyasi which is located 2 hours from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area arriving for dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Night at Kisima Ngeda Tented camp


DAY 9 : Lake Eyasi


This cultural day takes you to the heart of several unique tribes in the world. Hadzabe live around Lake Eyasi south of ngorongoro conservation in northern Tanzania. Hadzabe or Tindiga are the last remaining ancestors of the original hunter and gatherer ethnic who first inhabited Tanzania. They're skilled hunters and they use several methods to attract wild animals and birds.

Visit Hadzabe community to explore their local ways of life, participate in hunting collecting fruits and wild honey gathering. Also practice local skills of using Bow and Arrow during hunting activities. In the afternoon, meet the nomadic tribe Datoga. Visiting the Datoga tribe will complete your cultural experience at Lake Eyasi. The Datoga are skilled craftsmen and blacksmiths. You can visit their habitat and experience their culture. Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime!

Night at Kisima Ngeda Tented camp


DAY 10 : Lake Eyasi - Arusha City - Zanzibar Airport - Kiwengwa Beach


Today we return to Arusha. You will drive past the Ngorongoro Highlands stopping for picnic lunch along the way. In Arusha, you will have the chance to do some shopping for souvenirs, Maasai art, and post cards from the local markets and shops. Our guides are there to assist you in finding the best items. It is also a day to recuperate, relax at the hotel pool, and savor a delicious dinner.

You will be flown from Arusha to Zanzibar by one of the domestic flights. Enjoy a scenic flight with great views over the landscape. On clear days you might be able to see the both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Sit back and enjoy the flight as you head to your ultimate beach holiday!

Upon your arrival at Zanzibar airport, our representative will meet you and drive you to your hotel for a first evening in the archipel.

This day is at your disposal. Relax on the white sand beach while enjoying the beautiful landscape that offers the Indian Ocean. The crystal clear water of the sea is at a stable temperature throughout the year between 25 ° C and 27 ° C. Lined with powdery white sand beaches, an azure water and coral reefs, Zanzibar is one of the most idyllic tropical destinations.

Night at Shooting Star Lodge


DAY 11 : Kiwengwa Beach


Swim amongst some of the most stunning sea life in the world with PADI-certified dive instructors! Zanzibar offers quintessential Indian Ocean diving, with colorful reefs, big bommies and enormous sea fans orbited by an amazing cast of reef fish. Courses are available include: Discover Scuba Diving, Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. If Diving interest you, please let know your representative for pre-booking.

Night at Shooting Star Lodge


DAY 12 : Kiwengwa Beach


Sailing on a traditional Swahili dhow is a great experience in itself. Add the sunset, the gentle breeze and the peace and calm out there in the azure waters… and it turns into an unforgettable holiday memory!

Night at Shooting Star Lodge


DAY 13 : Kiwengwa Beach


There are some magnificent diving and snorkeling sites around the Nungwi peninsula, most notably the famed Mnemba Atoll. Snorkeling packages can be booked directly at the lodge.

A full day trip on the traditional dhow, the “My Lady”, will take you there for extensive forages into the tropical underwater world, swimming and sun bathing on a remote and picturesque beach.

You can choose from two favorite snorkeling spots – one in shallow and one in deeper water. Swim with the dolphins (although their presence can’t be guaranteed) or go for a spot of fishing and catch your own lunch. Don’t worry if you don’t get a bite – we’ll buy from the local fishermen and set up a beach barbecue just for you!

Night at Shooting Star Lodge


DAY 14 : Kiwengwa Beach - Zanzibar Airport


After breakfast and depending on your departure time, you will be drop off at the airport to take your flight to Dar Es Salaam International Airport.


Amini Maasai Lodge

A special place where you immediately will come to rest and reflect on the essentials. In the middle of the wilderness of the Maasai steppe are seven bungalows with hand crafted furniture with great view on the Kilimanjaro, Africa‘s highest mountain. Behind it and until the border of Kenya there is the savanna, home to the Maasai people. This is the right place to get to know them and their traditions and rituals, together with a slowing-down of your own lives’ pace. It‘s all about being together, traditions, stories and learning from each other.
Accommodation :-Category: 3*
http://africaaminilife.com/en/locations/

Planet Lodge

Planet Lodge is a unique hotel with comfortable and stylish individual chalets set on 4.5 well-manicured acres with spectacular views of Mount Meru. Each chalet has a bedroom and a sitting room, as well as a private balcony from which to enjoy the views and the ambiance. The restaurant serves local and international fare, and the bar and lounge are pleasant places to relax indoors or out. The lodge also has a outdoor pool set on a beautiful garden with great view of Mount Meru.
Hotel Half Board-Category: 3*
http://www.planet-lodge.com/

Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge

Located on a gentle slope overlooking the lake, Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge offers stunning views over the seasonal soda lake and up to the Ngorongoro Conservatio Area. All the 14 spacious rooms are scattered within the vast property and are tastefully furnished with great attention to detail, the décor blends elements from the surrounding landscape with modern comfort, and have private verandah overlooking the lake.
Accomodation-Category: 3*
http://lakeeyasi.com/