2 nights Masai Mara | 3 nights Serengeti | 2 nights Ngorongoro Crater | 4 nights Zanzibar
Tour Highlights
- Nairobi Kenya
- Masai Mara Magic
- Big Five Game Viewing
- Kenya to Tanzania
- Serengeti National Park
- Wildebeest Herds
- Ngorongoro Crater Tour
- Serena Hotel Luxury
- Zanzibar Beach Bliss
- Zanzibar City Sightseeing
Client Review
Thank you so much for helping us plan the great holiday, Kerry.
Our friends recommend you, as they said you were good, and I see why they say this.
We want for our holiday lots of safari and to see the local culture. The holiday was fantastic with many game drives and we saw so many lions.
The sunset in Africa is the best and the stars at night are amazing.
Thank you for making my dream come true
Tour Consultant's Overview
In the first email Jose sent me, he told me that his dream for many years was to visit the Serengeti and see the open African plains and an African Sunset! Friends of theirs had travelled with us the year before, so suggested that Jose get in contact with me to help him plan his trip. Jose and Selina were very keen on adding in more safari at Masai Mara and also visiting the Ngorongoro Crater. So after a few emails and keeping within their budget, we found the perfect itinerary for them, that also allowed a few days on Zanzibar at the end.
Welcome to Africa! After disembarking from the aircraft you will clear customs and immigration formalities and proceed to the arrivals lounge where you will be met by our representative and assisted to the transfer vehicles that take you to your hotel.
After breakfast at your lodge, drive to Masai Mara. You will traverse the Rift Valley and ascend its western rim into the Masai land. Red-clad, with spear Masai warriors tend their herds of cattle among the wildlife, admirably unmoved by the presence of large predators. The most spectacular feature in the Mara is the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from the plains of Serengeti that cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara’s grasslands from late June, tracked by predators and circled by vultures as the journey unfolds. Arrive in time for check in and lunch at your camp. After some relaxation depart for a game-drive in search of wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
You enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in this spectacular game reserve, with superb photographic opportunities. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago You may opt for an early morning balloon excursion to experience the panoramic Mara from a birds-eye view (Optional and not included in the price). The flight over this African Paradise lasts about an hour and on landing a lavish champagne-style, picnic breakfast is served.
Today after breakfast, and transfer back to the Airstrip for your scheduled flight to The Serengeti via Migori. Here you will be met and transferred by road to the Kenya/Tanzania border. You clear customs and immigration formalities on both sides of the border and transfer to Tarime Airstrip on the Tanzania side for your flight to the Serengeti National Park.
On arrival you will be met by the camp driver/guide at the Seronera Airstrip. Enjoy a short game drive en route to the camp for lunch. The vast grasslands of the renowned Serengeti National Park provide what many consider to be the quintessential African game viewing experience.
Spend mornings and afternoons game viewing in the vast expanse of the Serengeti for a chance to see the great herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles or a pride of lions lounging in the shade.
Meaning ‘endless plains’ in the language of the Maasai, this land of immense open spaces is home to literally millions of large herbivores, as well as the accompanying carnivores. The Serengeti is renowned for having the largest concentration of migratory animals in the world, and is also famous for its large lion population. The Serengeti National Park forms part of a huge conservation area, encompassing the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as well as the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. With no fences or man-made barriers, huge numbers of wildlife move freely throughout this area.
After breakfast at your hotel, drive through Ngorongoro Highlands to your lodge situated on the rim of the crater. The crater covers over 250 square kilometers (over 100 square miles) of land and is the home of the rare black rhino, prides of lion, elephant, cheetah and great herds of buffalo, antelope and wildebeest.
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.
After breakfast at your lodge, you will drive back to Arusha for lunch and later be transferred to the airport to catch your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at the Zanzibar Airport you will meet our representative and you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.
You will enjoy breakfast at your resort and the days will be spent at leisure. You can opt to go on a half day city tour (optional and the price is not included) to discover the exotic Stone Town. This tour gives you an introduction to the unique culture and history of this island that was once ruled by the Sultans of Oman. Visits to the National Museum, the Anglican Cathedral, the City Market, the House of Wonders, the Arab Fort and the narrow twisting streets of the city give a glimpse of its exotic and mysterious past.
After breakfast at your resort you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport to connect to your home bound departure flight.
Situated in the Westlands suburb, the hotel bustles with activity and captures the charm and crisp service of an English country inn. It has a quaint charm and the lobby and reception glow with brass figures, wood paneling and Kenyan marble underfoot. Light flows into the hotel through louver window which allow views of the gardens. The hotel has 171 rooms and is built in several wings rambling under mature trees. The central garden areas are traversed by pathways. All rooms are ensuite with a telephone, TV, tea and coffee making facilities. Other facilities include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, safari boutique, casino, business centre, conference centers, and hair salon and health club.
This camp sits on the 25 million year pre-historic land which spans virtually all stages of life’s evolution and the fossil record. It comprises 40 luxury tents, located within the Maasai Mara National Reserve adjacent to the Mara River famous for the wildebeest migration. Everything about it is outstanding. The much anticipated property comprises 40 luxury tents overlooking the plains of the Maasai Mara and includes luxury ensuite bathrooms, walk-in closets and a sun deck for relaxation while watching game. Its opening adds another dimension to the Mara, already a famous national reserve in the world.
Serengeti Serena Lodge is set high on a hill with breathtaking vistas of a landscape teeming with game. The wildlife defines the Serengeti – countless zebra, buffalo, gazelle, wildebeest and other species make it their home. Big game feed in full view of the lodge itself. The terrain is the main stage for the great wildebeest migrations, an awesome spectacle involving millions of these beasts. The lodge design is simple but stunning. From the overall impression to the smallest detail, the lodge is rich in local atmosphere created by indigenous handicrafts and art. Accommodation is in 66 luxurious en-suite rooms housed in rondawels. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, gift shop and evening entertainment.
Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge in Tanzania clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most perfect volcanic crater on Earth. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the Crater 600 meters below. hanging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, this luxury safari lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind', the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock- enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheater far below. The location, the service and the luxury accommodation make Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge the ultimate destination for a unique safari experience in Tanzania.
A luxury beachfront resort with traditional Swahili charm, Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is situated on the finest white, sandy beach on the east coast of the island of Zanzibar. Set in 30-acres of tropical gardens with over 1,000 palm trees, the resort is one of Zanzibar’s most prestigious properties offering the ultimate in beach comfort: excellent accommodation; fine wining and dining; a host of sports and leisure facilities; the famous Oasis Spa; and our award-winning service. Free WiFi is also available throughout the Resort. As well as being a magical destination for holidaymakers wishing to soak up the sun and the enchanting culture of Zanzibar, the resort also offers excellent facilities for meetings, conferences and group incentives. Our weddings and events team can also plan your private party, your wedding ceremony and reception and, of course, your honeymoon.
Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is Bluebay’s premier brand. The resort shares a 500m stretch of beach with its sister property – Sultan Sands Island Resort. All rooms at Bluebay are spacious, bright and beautifully decorated in Zanzibari style with hand-carved furniture. The comfortable Garden Rooms overlook the grounds, while the popular Superior Rooms are elevated, offering views over the gardens to the beach and ocean beyond. The exclusive Junior Suites are only 30 metres from the ocean and are split level with a large seating area, magnificent verandah and even a private garden with outdoor shower. Finally, there are two beachfront Sultan Suites: the ultimate in opulence, privacy and luxury – a Sultan would expect nothing less!
"It is impossible to give a fair description of the size and beauty of the Crater, for there is nothing with which one can compare it. It is one of the Wonders of the World" quote by the late Professor Bernhard Grzimek - famous and respected naturalist. Spanning roughly 8,300 sq kms (3,192 sq miles), the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a perfect microcosm of East Africa: it combines spectacular scenery and valuable archaeological sites with mountains, forests, grassland plains, extinct volcanoes and a staggering profusion of wildlife. Central to the Area is the Ngorongoro Crater, the floor of which covers an area of 260 sq kms (100 sq miles). The road meanders along the rim of the crater affording breathtaking views and descends 2,000 feet to the crater floor.
Ngorongoro Crater is really a caldera, the sunken or collapsed cone of a volcano. It is the largest inactive, unbroken and unflooded caldera in the world. Living on the floor of the crater are bull elephants, lions, hyena, zebra, wildebeest among others living on the grasslands and acacia forests. The crater also has a soda lake - Lake Magadi, the word magad translates to salt water in Maasai. The lake attracts greater and lesser flamingo and other water birds. The crater is best known as a highly successful sanctuary for the endangered black rhino. The settings in which you watch the animals are beautiful; the crater is an outstanding place for photography as well as direct observation. The ground water springs are said to be highly nutritious and the Maasai bring their cattle into the crater daily to drink as they have done for centuries.
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. Other interesting features in this forest include the coastal evergreen bushland, mangrove forest, saline grassland and ground water forest, though these may require longer walks to reach.
Spice Tour:
On the Spice Tour, you will see a wide variety of spices being grown - cardamom, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, and lemongrass, among others. Your guide will explain about the spices being grown. Watch a local man spring up a coconut tree, singing at the top of his lungs the whole way. He brings down a couple of coconuts that they break open so you can drink the milk and each the coconut flesh. Various fresh tropical fruits that are in season can be sampled and local home grown spices can be bought, which help support the farm and local community.
Mtoni Palace Ruins:
Beit el Mtoni is one of the oldest buildings of Zanzibar and it was the largest palace on the island during the reign of Sultan Sayyid Said, who moved the capital of his Omani empire form Muscat to Zanzibar during the first half of the 19th century. But around the 1880s the palace was abandoned and fell into ruin. Although severely deteriorated, Mtoni Palace still offers visitors a glimpse into the world of the Arabian royalty once living there. Entering the palace from the coast line, one steps into the former reception hall. Most guests would not go any further when visiting Beit el Mtoni, since the women in the palace were not to be seen by stranger’s eyes. But now, visitors can step over the threshold and walk in the footsteps of the Omani household. A visit continues into the inner courtyard, the palace garden and the well preserved bathing complex. One row of baths was used by the courtiers, whereas a separate domed aisle was uniquely reserved for the use of the Sultan and his first spouse. After the tour of the Palace and baths, enjoy a Traditional Taarab Concert and Zanzibari dinner followed by Spice coffee, Lemongrass Tea and traditional sweets like Halua and Kashata. All profits go to the Mtoni Palace Conservation Project.