East African Safari And Zanzibar Beach – 1 night Arusha | 2 nights Tarangire | 2 nights Ngorongoro Crater | 3 nights Serengeti | 3 nights Masai Mara | 3 nights Zanzibar
Overview
Stan & Angela had been referred to me by a previous client that travelled to Botswana in 2018. The couple had been planning a visit to East Africa for a few months but were still unsure of where to go and found it a little more tricky to plan for a journey to Africa than other areas of the world as there is so many options and properties to choose from. They had emailed me their initial thoughts and interests and with this information, I put together an itinerary that would incorporate all their interests with a few suggestions. We focused the itinerary on excellent game viewing and a chance to experience the great river crossing in the annual migration. I chose Lodges that were perfectly positioned to make this a successful journey. The couple arrived with high expectations and left with all their bucket list items ticked off!
Trip Highlights
- Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Big Five Game Viewing
- Lake Manyara Wildlife
- Ngorongoro Crater Magic
- Masai Mara National Park
- Zanzibar Beach Bliss
- Tarangire National Park
- Wildebeest Migration
- Abundant Birdlife
- Serengeti Migration Camp
- Sand River Luxury Camp
- Stone Town & Spice Tour
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met after disembarking from the aircraft by our Customer Service Manager who will assist you with customs and immigration formalities and proceed to the arrivals lounge.
In the Arrivals Lounge, you are met by your driver who will transfer you by road to your lodge set on the gently rolling foothills of Mount Meru on the outskirts of the vibrant town of Arusha. You are met at reception and assisted to your Double Room for your overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening is spent at leisure. (Road Transfer Time: approx. 1 ½ hours)
Located in the northern highlands of Tanzania, beneath the twin peaks of Mt. Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is the safari capital of the country. The city is close to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park on Mount Meru.
Arusha’s ideal location near the major national parks and its highland setting make it a peaceful idyll of relaxation before the start of an exciting journey.
This morning you enjoy breakfast before you are met by your Driver and transferred by road to Arusha Airport for your Light Aircraft Transfer to the Tarangire National Park. Arriving at the Kuro Airstrip, you are met by a Guide from the Tarangire Tree Tops Camp and enjoy a scenic road transfer to your camp for your 2-night stay.
Arriving at your Tree Tops Camp, you are met and assisted to your Luxury Tree Tops Suite. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before departing on your first afternoon game drive in the Tarangire National Park.
Returning to Camp in the late afternoon, you spend the evening at leisure.
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s least known National Parks. It is over 2,800 square kilometres in size and is situated about 3 hours’ drive southwest of Arusha. It is named after the Tarangire River that winds its way through the Park. The landscape and vegetation are incredibly diverse and the hilly landscape is dotted with many Baobab trees, high grasses, dense bush, and swamps, tinged green all year round.
After breakfast, you will leave the Tarangire National Park behind and connect with your light aircraft transfer to the Manyara Airstrip in the Karatu Region. Arriving at the Manyara Airstrip, you are met by a member from the Manor House and you are transferred by road to your elegant up-country hotel for your 2 night stay.
You are assisted to your Luxury Cottage upon arrival at The Manor House and there is time to settle in before exploring the Lake Manyara Region. Your guide will take you on a journey through the Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy a leisurely game drive in the park before you are taken back to the lodge for a scrumptious dinner.
The crater, having been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which covers more than 8,300²km. Thanks to anti-poaching patrols, the crater is now one of the few places in East Africa where visitors can be certain of seeing black rhino, with the number now approaching 25. Leopard may occasionally be seen in the trees of the forest surrounding the crater, while cheetahs are also present. Countless flamingo form a pink blanket over the soda lakes, while more than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted.
This morning you are transferred to the Manyara Airstrip for your light aircraft transfer to the Lobo Airstrip in the Northern Serengeti National Park. Arriving at the airstrip, you are met by a lodge member and transferred by game viewing vehicle to your Luxury Migration Camp hidden among the rocky outcrops of the vast Serengeti National Park.
Settle into your Luxury Tented Suite before you set off on your afternoon game drive in the Serengeti National Park. Returning to your lodge in time for dinner before retiring for the evening.
The plains of the Serengeti literally seem to go on forever, stretching to the horizon and only interrupted by bizarre rock formations. The vast Serengeti ecosystem encompasses an almost continuous wildlife area of over 30,000 square kilometres, comprising the Serengeti National Park itself, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Maswa Game Reserve, the Loliondo, Grumeti and Ikorongo Controlled Areas and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in neighbouring Kenya.
It is a world heritage site and is home to the Big Five, as well as over 70 smaller mammal species and more than 540 bird species, both residents and migrants.
This morning you depart the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. A member of your Camp will transfer by road to the Lobo Airstrip for your Light Aircraft Transfer to Masai Mara Airstrip in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Arriving at the airstrip, you are met by a member from your new Camp and transferred by game viewing vehicle to your Camp ideally located on the banks of the Sand River.
Upon arrival at your Camp, enjoy a leisurely check in and lunch before you are assisted to your Tented Suite for your 3-night stay. Enjoy time at leisure before departing on your afternoon game drive. The evening is spent overlooking the Sand River while you enjoy a dinner under the stars.
The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya covers an area of 1 510 square km. This vast protected landscape is one of the top wildlife destinations in Africa and is Kenya’s flagship conservation area. It has fenceless borders with several private conservancies, as well as with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, forming the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The lack of fences allows one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth to make place unfettered – the great migration.
The Masai Mara was named for the Maasai people who inhabit the area, and for the Mara River, which flows through this great reserve. In addition to the abundant wildlife in the reserve, no Masai Mara safari would be complete without a cultural experience with the Maasai people.
A member from your Camp will transfer you by road to the Masai Mara Airstrip for your Light Aircraft Transfer to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you are assisted with your connecting flight to Zanzibar Airport.
At Zanzibar Airport, you are met by your Driver before being transferred by road through the lush Island to your resort along the Northwest Coast of the Island. Arriving at your Resort, you are welcomed with a refreshing beverage before you are assisted to your Luxury Villa for your 3-night stay.
Settle in and enjoy the view from your Villa. The afternoon and evening is at leisure to explore the resort, sunset walks along the beach or relax in the comfort of your Villa.
Zanzibar off the coast of mainland Tanzania is without doubt the number one beach location in East Africa. It is an archipelago of islands with tropical white-sand beaches, fringed by coral reefs, greened by lush, fertile plantations, and with an incredible history and a fascinating culture. The warm tropical air is suffused with the intoxicating aroma of fruit and spices. The islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper and, for this reason, the Zanzibar archipelago is sometimes called the Spice Islands.
The islands of Zanzibar are a rustic, unspoilt paradise, enabling you to experience an exotic and luxurious Indian Ocean island holiday without the crowds. The crystal-clear tropical waters surrounding the islands of Zanzibar are home to some of the world’s most diverse sea life and colourful reefs.
The perfect location for honeymooners or couples, each suite has its own plunge pool and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. A personal butler takes care of your needs during your stay, arranging activities and excursions ranging from private dhow cruises to dolphin spotting while you relax and unwind. Included in your nightly rate at Kilindi Zanzibar are Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Activities.
A range of water sports and other activities can be arranged at the Recreation & Water Sports Centre including: Big Game Fishing, Snorkeling, boat trips & dhow cruises. A wide choice of excursions and day-trips are also available, including: Stone Town Tour; Spice Tour; Jozani Forest; and Prison Island.
If you would prefer to spend your stay at leisure on the beach or being pampered, visit the Kilindi Spa. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Kilindi’s tropical gardens we invite you to discover Kilindi Spa.
Reflecting its picturesque island setting and inspired by the natural elements, the spa offers a range of treatments in a serene and elegant setting to improve well-being and enhance relaxation.
Enjoy breakfast and time at leisure overlooking the Indian Ocean before you are transferred by road to Zanzibar Airport. Arriving at Zanzibar Airport, you bid farewell to the Resort Member before connecting with your International Flight Home.
Arusha: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Set on the outskirts of Arusha on Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation, Arusha Coffee Lodge is just five minutes from Arusha Airport and the ideal stopover on a Tanzanian safari. Retaining its luxurious historic atmosphere, the lodge has wonderful views of towering Mount Meru and is well-placed to access Tanzania’s famous safari destinations.
Arusha Coffee Lodge offers spacious accommodation in 18 private chalets – formerly old plantation cottages – that come complete with a lounge and a balcony that offers beautiful views of the surrounding coffee plantation. The rooms are furnished with a ceiling fan, a double bed, small lounge area and an en suite bathroom.
Take a walk along the rows of emerald-green plantations or relax with the freshest cup of coffee you will ever have at the coffee shop and patisserie. Fine dining is available, as are spa treatments and cosy firelit lounges.
Arusha Coffee Lodge offers an a la carte menu at Redds African Grill House and serves delectable Tanzanian cuisine and other African specialities to the backdrop of log fires. Sundowners and drinks can be enjoyed at the cosy Safari Bar while the lodge naturally serves only the best coffee which can be sampled at the coffee shop and patisserie.
Tarangire National Park: Tarangire Tree Tops Camp
On the edge of Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Treetops’ unique location in Randilen private conservancy allows for night game drives, game walks and sundowners. Access to both Tarangire National Park and Randilen provides the best Tarangire experience.
Tarangire Treetops’ spacious open-faced rooms are built in the treetops with magnificent views over the Tarangire plains. The lodge is built around one of the 1,000-year-old Baobab trees famous to Tarangire.
Each treehouse boasts one of the largest bedrooms to be found in any camp or lodge in East Africa – with a floor space of 65 square metres – and all with an exotic double shower en-suite bathroom. With furnishings that create warmth and demonstrate a commitment to local craftsmanship, the ‘up-in-the-air’ experience is completed by the open-fronted room design affording views across the Tarangire plains from an expansive but private balcony.
Each room offers a unique and special view, oriented to enjoy the sunset in the evening, sunrise in the morning or affording a view over the waterhole and animal trail in front of the lodge. The lodge Facilities on offers include 24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool and a restaurant.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Manor
The Manor lies hidden in a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate close to Ngorongoro crater. With a feel reminiscent of the luxury hotels of a golden era, The Manor has an excellent restaurant, snooker room and manicured gardens. The luxurious and spacious cottages are furnished with plush decor, fireplaces and elegant bathrooms.
Enjoy a walk or horse ride through the coffee plantations, take a coffee tour and learn about the process of coffee farming or simply relax by the pool and enjoy the tranquil environment in the highlands. Each Manor Cottage Suite has its own private entrance and adjoining private sun terrace. A double open-fronted log-burning fireplace divides a room interior that mirrors the traditional Cape Dutch architecture. The en-suite bath and shower room possess a Victorian-style claw-footed bath, as well as twin vanity basins and large ‘rainfall’ shower.
The lodge Facilities on offers include 24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Internet Access (Complimentary), and Library, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant & a Spa.
Serengeti National Park: Serengeti Migration Camp
The Serengeti Migration Camp is hidden amongst rocky outcrops in the northern part of the Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is rich in game throughout the year and provides the stage for the world’s largest animal migration, when up to 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle make their way north into Kenya’s Masai Mara.
You can explore this spectacular area on game drives in specially designed 4×4 vehicles, and on bush walks conducted by armed, highly trained and knowledgeable guides. Between game viewing activities you can take a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoy a sundowner on the deck.
The split-level lounge, cigar bar, restaurant, sundecks and swimming pool are perched among the outcrops and overlook the vast and rugged landscape. At Serengeti Migration Camp you can enjoy elegant dining overlooking the river, with inventive dishes using, wherever possible, locally sourced produce. Menus draw on international themes with a modern twist on classic dishes.
Comprising of 20 luxurious elevated tents, each with spacious and richly furnished bedrooms, Serengeti Migration Camp blends seamlessly into the environment. Each of the tents is surrounded by its own 360-degree veranda deck, which in turn creates your very own private sanctuary to enjoy the constant game sightings and the ever-present sounds of the bush.
Masai Mara National Reserve: Sand River Mara Camp
Set in the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve beneath a grove of towering and shady trees, Sand River Masai Mara overlooks its namesake, the Sand River. This picturesque location has been sensitively developed with a design aesthetic that reflects the glamorous heyday of the 1920s when ‘safari’ was a dreamy Out of Africa experience but with a modern ‘low impact’ philosophy.
Communal lounges, dining and entertainment areas serve just 16 elegant canvas suites, which are divided into two camps of six and 10 tents, each set-in glorious seclusion with private views over the river. Your private butler is on hand to ensure your stay is tailored to your preferences. The camp’s 16 canvas suites are built on raised hardwood decking that extends into a spacious veranda with private river views. The sumptuous décor is a nod to the elegance of long-past safari days with mosquito-netted 4-poster beds, carved writing desks and richly textured fabrics. Generous en suite bathrooms feature large bathtubs as well as delightful outdoor showers.
Morning and afternoon game drives provide thrilling big five encounters year-round and access to one of the greatest spectacles in Africa during the Wildebeest Migration, in which hundreds of thousands of gnu (Wildebeest) and Zebra pass through from July to November.
With an authentic safari experience, superb cuisine, a well-stocked cellar, sparkling pool, hot-air ballooning and your private viewing deck, Sand River Masai Mara offers a winning combination.
Zanzibar: Kilindi Zanzibar
Entwining the subtlety of Scandinavian minimalism with dramatic architectural touches of Middle Eastern heritage, the white-domed guest rooms of Kilindi Zanzibar peak out from within 20 hectares of lush tropical garden and look out onto the idyllic blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This serene retreat on the north-west coast of Zanzibar exudes luxury while encouraging an open, ‘back-to-nature’ ambience.
15 pure white Pavilion Suites are privately spaced within the 20-hectare tropical garden and come complete with private plunge pools and a separate rainfall shower room with views out over the ocean. The Main Pavilion features an alfresco terrace where dining takes place. A 25-metre infinity pool offers stunning views over the ocean and onto the horizon.
At Kilindi you can expect the highest quality of delicious food from the top chef. Enjoy freshly prepared breakfasts in the dining area or in the privacy of your own room. Begin your day with fresh fruit juices, pancakes and a full English breakfast spread. Lunches often include a mezze platter of light meals made from fresh ingredients, while dinner is a more formal affair with a menu that includes a variety of meat and fish dishes. Choose to enjoy your meals in the outdoors on the terrace or, for something more memorable and romantic, on the pristine beach.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Tarangire National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Elewana Tarangire Tree Tops
Tarangire National Park is transacted by the Tarangire River which in the dry season becomes a life source for an abundance of animals, including thousands of elephants. The lush swamplands are home to one of the largest populations of breeding birds, and 550 species of bird have been recorded within the park’s boundaries. The red earthed and white-grassed landscape of Tarangire is punctuated by magnificent baobab trees and termite mounds and is home to a myriad of animals.
Enjoy the offerings of Tarangire National Park on a game drive with an expert Elewana guide. Elewana Tarangire Treetops is a short 45-minute drive from the entrance of the national park, however being in a wildlife area adjacent to the park your game drive begins as soon as you are in the car. Other activities available during stay at Tree Tops are Sunset Hill Sundowners, Night Drives and Bush Walks.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Lake Manyara National Park: Afternoon Game Drive
With the Lake on its east and the Manyara Escarpment to its west the Lake Manyara National Park offers breath-taking views and a large variety of habitats. Acacia woodlands, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. And thanks to this the small Park can support a large number of animal species and incredible bird life. Manyara has the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world and the lions here are also renowned for their tree climbing.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Full Day Game Drive
The Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, once a gigantic volcano, is the largest intact caldera in the world. Some maintain that before it erupted, it would have been higher than Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
Today, long since having collapsed and eroded, it is an extensive highland area with the famous 600 m deep Ngorongoro Crater as its focal point. Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth.
Activities inside the Ngorongoro Crater itself are limited to game driving; there are a couple of picnic spots in the park but getting out of the vehicle is strictly limited to these areas. You drive down the winding road to the plains within the crater. You spend the day in the crater and enjoy the game viewing opportunities that the crater has to offer.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Serengeti National Park: Daily Safari Programme at Serengeti Migration Camp
Whilst the annual migration is the Serengeti’s most famous attraction, the Park is also renowned for its lion, many of which have been fitted with radio-transmitter collars so that their movements may be tracked, and additionally for its wealth of cheetah, zebra, giraffe, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, eland, impala, klipspringer, hippo and warthog.
Day-long game drives are a must in the Serengeti. You can set-off early with champagne picnic breakfast and stay out all day carrying your delectable picnic lunch. You will be delighted and awed by the sheer numbers of game including the big-five.
Other activities at Serengeti Migration Camp are the romantic picnics as the camp has special permission from the park authorities to use a private picnic site on top of a hill offering stunning views over the Serengeti plains that can be enjoyed in total privacy.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Masai Mara National Reserve: Daily Safari Programme at Sand River Camp
Blessed with an astounding year-round concentration of animals and site of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve provides an unsurpassed wildlife experience. Covering an area of 1 510 km² (583 square miles), the Masai Mara is a land of breath-taking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless landscapes. With abundant elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah alongside the migratory wildebeest and zebra, the reserve is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise.
Leopard are frequently encountered; endangered black rhino find shelter in dense thickets and rafts of hippo and enormous crocodiles are found in the Mara River. The reserve is also home to over 450 bird species
Sand River Camp is situated in a secluded area of the Masai Mara National Reserve. This allows guest to enjoy an exclusive safari during their stay. The Sand River is quite literally on the Migration route and guests are often fortunate to be able to watch wildebeest and zebra crossing the Sand River from the comfort of their tent veranda. Daily activities at Sand River Camp include 4×4 game drives, Bush Meals or Sundowners and option activities include a visit to the local school, Cultural Visits and Hot Air Balloon Safaris.
SUGGESTED Zanzibar: Additional Activities at Kilindi Zanzibar
Scuba Diving, Snorkelling and Deep-Sea Fishing:
Experience the beautiful Minai Bay Conservation Area whilst cruising in one of the traditional Zanzibari dhows. Get a chance to see the dolphins, as well as swim on one of the pristine sandbanks. Your tour will also visit some of the nearby islets and provide opportunities to snorkel at the coral reefs or Scuba Dive off the Mnemba Atoll.
Your full day includes snorkeling equipment with guides and instructions and a sea food barbeque with fish, calamari and slipper lobster served hot from the grill. If you would prefer to be above water, three professional deep-sea fishing boats are on offer. All are equipped to the highest international safety standards.
They also have the latest technology, with GPS navigational aids, echo sounders and fish finders. August to November provides really good sport for the big Yellowfin Tuna, one of the strongest fish around. Big Blue Marlin and several Striped and Black Marlin are also found, as well as Sailfish. During this season, multiple hook ups are normal, when the ocean can come alive with huge schools of Tuna in pursuit of smaller fish.
Visit the Jozani Bay National Park:
Jozani Forest lies 35kms South-East of Zanzibar Town with an area of about 1,000 hectares. It is the only remaining natural forest on Unguja island where long ago you could find leopards and antelopes.
At present it is the habitat for the Red Colobus Monkeys and the Blue Sykes Monkey. The Red Colobus monkey is one of the most endangered and rarest species on this planet. The Red Colobus monkeys that are found in this Forest are very friendly and love to be photographed and can be viewed at close quarters by the help of your guide.
Dhow Sunset Cruise:
Following a short 10-minute transfer arranged by the hotel, you will join the dhow crew who in turn will warmly welcome you aboard a wooden sailing dhow.
This hand-crafted dhow, constructed with the same traditional techniques that have been used for a thousand years, we will then take sail to begin what will be an undeniably memorable 2-3-hour journey along the coastline of north-west Zanzibar.
As part of this exotic and iconic experience, you will have the opportunity to snorkel in the warm and soothing ocean and admire the marine life that can be found along the Kendwa reef. Snacks and a selection be provided ahead of your return to Kilindi and your evening dinner.
INCLUDED IN PRICE Zanzibar: Stone Town & Spice Tour
Tour of Stone Town:
Steeped in history, Stone Town was once the hub for trading ivory, spices and slaves. The Portuguese, Arabs, Sultans of Oman and British have all passed through Stone Town, creating a unique blend of architecture and culture. Stone Town is an UNESCO world heritage site.
During the tour you will see the City Market where tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and fresh fish are sold, Visit the old Anglican Church of Christ, Visit the Sultan’s Palace Museum built for members of the Sultan’s family, House of Wonders built in 1883, Africa House formerly the English Club, Forodhani Park, a local evening food market and The Old Fort built by Arabs for defence against the Portuguese
Spice Tour:
For centuries Zanzibar has grown and exported spices to the four corners of the world. The islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. The Spice Tour begins with a meal at a spice restaurant, followed by a tour of the plantation, where you will see how the spices grow, discover what they taste like (freshly picked from the trees and bushes as you walk round the plantation) and what they have been used for in the past and in modern times.
Angela & Stan S ,USA, 15th September 2019
We are back home from our Tanzania Trip. Our guide was wonderful, very knowledgeable and a great companion. He seemed to know everyone and everywhere to go to find the animals in all the different parks . He was also very calm and when every other vehicle would be racing to a spot where an animal was sitting, he would take his time and somehow come to that area and find the perfect viewing spot among the vehicles already there. We saw the black Rhino, very rare to see, pretty close up. Saw many other animals that were rare to see. Plus, not too pleasant but part of nature to see a loin killing a Zebra. Plus, plus, a Cheetah with 6 cubs walked over to us and the cubs went under our vehicle for several minutes until their mother called them. There were so many animal experiences like this to mention them all. The Lodges were more than we expected, the rooms were great and the food excellent. Box lunches were tasty and plentiful with great variety. Personnel were friendly and helpful at all times. Thanks for all your help, we will be back in the near future to explore Botswana