Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape – 12 Days

Points of Interest : Kilimanjaro, Arusha

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by a local representative and driven to your lodge in Arusha, where you spend your first evening in Tanzania. Arusha is an important international diplomatic hub and is often considered the capital of the East African Community. Surrounded by some of Africa’s most famous landscapes and national parks and lying at the foot of Mount Meru on the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, the city enjoys a pleasantly mild climate.
The transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your lodge takes around one hour.

• Meals included : Not specified
• Accommodation : Lodge in Arusha

Points of Interest : Tarangire National Park, Arusha

Early in the morning you are collected from your hotel and driven to Tarangire National Park for a full day of wildlife viewing and photography. The park lies about two hours from Arusha. Tarangire’s most striking feature is that it serves as a sanctuary for the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania. This makes elephant viewing here outstanding, and it is likely you will see hundreds of elephants in a single day.

• Meals included : Not specified
• Accommodation : Safari lodge or camp near Tarangire (double room)

Points of Interest : Lake Natron

Today you visit a Maasai village and gain insight into the daily life of this traditional culture. In Laiboni you see how people live in harmony with their livestock and learn more about their everyday routines and customs. After lunch you drive for around four hours to Lake Natron.

This remote alkaline lake, set beneath dramatic volcanic scenery, will be your base for the next explorations.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation : Maasai Giraffe Eco Camp (Lake Natron)

Points of Interest : Lake Natron

After breakfast you visit Lake Natron to observe the flamingos for which the lake is famous. One of the most alkaline lakes in the world, Lake Natron is home to millions of tiny crustaceans and is one of the most important breeding grounds for lesser flamingos, creating a haven for thousands of these elegant birds.
You then hike upstream along a creek to reach the source of the river, an excellent spot for swimming. The river gushes down from the mountains in cascades and waterfalls, forming natural pools in a spectacular canyon landscape.
Finally, you return to camp, where your cook has prepared dinner. Enjoy your meal under the stars before retiring for the night.

• Meals included : Not specified
• Accommodation : Maasai Giraffe Eco Camp (Lake Natron)

Points of Interest : Serengeti, Lake Natron

Enjoy a half-day drive through the heartland of Tanzania, passing Maasai herders in bright red robes tending their cattle against wide-open vistas. You reach the famed Serengeti National Park in time for an afternoon game drive.
Located in the north of the country, the Serengeti covers 14,763 square kilometres of grasslands and savannah, as well as riverine forests and woodlands. In addition to the great migration of hoofed animals, the park is renowned for its healthy populations of other wildlife, especially the Big Five. Around 500 bird species have been recorded here, including ostrich, secretary bird, marabou stork and many vulture species.

• Meals included : Not specified
• Accommodation : Tanzania Bush Camp (Serengeti) or similar tented camp

Points of Interest : Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring the sweeping plains of the Serengeti. Exceptional concentrations of wildlife, magnificent scenery and vast untouched areas make this one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. You begin with an early-morning game drive to spot animals grazing in the soft light of sunrise and predators heading out to hunt before resting during the heat of the day.
For lunch you can either return to your camp or enjoy a packed picnic at one of the many designated picnic sites in the park. In the afternoon you continue your game drive, watching for lions and other big cats as dusk approaches.
You arrive back at camp in time for a sundowner before dinner.

• Meals included : Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Accommodation : Tanzania Bush Camp (Serengeti)

Points of Interest : Arusha

Today you visit the Ngorongoro Crater, formed when a huge volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago. Your safari starts early in the morning. As you descend into the crater you pass through lush forests that are home to numerous elephants and buffalo.
Once you reach the crater floor, your experienced guide leads you across the grasslands, through the remarkable fever tree forest, along the shores of Lake Magadi and around the surrounding swamps. A picnic lunch is served in the midst of this natural amphitheatre, surrounded by wildlife that roams freely in this extraordinary paradise.
Later you drive back towards Arusha for the night.

• Meals included : Breakfast and dinner
• Accommodation : Pazuri Inn (Arusha)

Points of Interest : Zanzibar City, Arusha

Today you swap savannah for the sea. A domestic flight takes you from Arusha to Zanzibar. On clear days you may enjoy stunning aerial views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey to your ultimate beach escape.
On arrival at Zanzibar Airport you are transferred to Jambiani Beach on the southeastern tip of the island. The rest of the day is at leisure. Stretch out on the white-sand beach and take in the sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. The crystal-clear, turquoise waters remain a pleasant 25–27°C year-round.

• Meals included : Not specified
• Accommodation : Beach hotel at Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar

Points of Interest : Zanzibar City

Swim with PADI-certified dive instructors among some of the most beautiful marine life on the planet. Zanzibar is a diver’s paradise, offering colourful coral reefs, large bommies and huge sea fans teeming with an incredible variety of reef fish.
A range of dive courses is available, including Discover Scuba Diving, Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. If you are interested, please inform your travel consultant in advance so arrangements can be made.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Zanzibar Queen hotel

Points of Interest : Zanzibar City

Enjoy another free day by the Indian Ocean. If you dream of sailing across these waters on a traditional vessel, a Blue Safari is the perfect option. Spend the day exploring Zanzibar’s surrounding islets by dhow, a traditional wooden sailing boat.
You can look forward to a barbecue lunch on a sandbank, snorkelling excursions in clear lagoons or simply sunbathing on the soft sand. Please speak to your travel consultant to book the Blue Safari in advance.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Zanzibar Queen hotel

Points of Interest : Stone Town

Today you explore Stone Town, the largest city in the archipelago and also its capital. Your guided tour takes you to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum, the former residence of Dr. Livingstone and the imposing Arab Fort.
You wander through winding alleyways past intricately carved wooden doors, old Arab merchant houses, churches and countless mosques, before arriving at the colourful market, where you can shop for hand-crafted souvenirs and local products.

• Meals included : Breakfast
• Accommodation : Kholle House, Stone Town

Points of Interest : Zanzibar City

Sadly, today marks the end of your journey in Tanzania. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time before heading to the airport for your onward or return flight.

• Meals included : Not specified
• Last day : Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight