This 12 Days Tanzania and Zanzibar Luxury Safari brings you closer to the world’s greatest wildlife movement where over one million Wildebeest and thousands of zebras cross from Kenya’s Mara into Tanzania’s Serengeti for pasture and water. Witness the stampede as the antelopes avoid open jaws of large crocodiles—only to land into an ambush by hungry predators that dot the vast plains of Serengeti, such as lions and leopards. End the East African journey with an intimate encounter with the gentle giant mountain gorillas in their impenetrable jungle home of Bwindi Forests in Uganda.
Arrive in Arusha through Kilimanjaro International airport and be transferred to Arusha Coffee Lodge. It is set in lush tropical gardens on a coffee farm just outside Arusha, lying on the gently rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru, hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, a perfect haven for relaxation either before or after any East African safari. You will be checked into your room where you can relax at your veranda or that of the main house. Later, you will be treated to a welcome dinner—where you will be briefed by our head guide about how your trip will unfold.
After breakfast, checkout of your room and drive to Tarangire National Park, a wild landscape painted with open grasslands, acacia trees and the Tarangire River. You will be checked in your room at Olivers Camp, an eco-friendly lodge with direct access to the dense concentration of wildlife in this remote region. The lodge organizes walking safaris and fly camping. You will be treated to a welcome lunch before going on an afternoon game drive in search of giraffes, waterbucks, zebras and elephants, hartebeest, gazelles and birds including the giant martial eagle.
You will have a guided morning and afternoon game drive destined for abundant wildlife choices. The day will be crowned with a complementary wild sundowner before the dinner and night game drive. This latter experience is a first class ticket to spotting nocturnal animals including African wildcat and the elusive leopard. You are also likely to encounter lions and hyenas as they hunt for their dinner! Overnight at Olivers Camp.
Checkout of the Olivers Camp after breakfast and cross the Great Rift Valley where the Ngorongoro Conservation Area sits. As you enter the Ngorongoro, you will be welcomed by Maasai “enkangs” (homesteads), brace yourself for a thrilling cultural and wildlife experience in this natural ring of Ngorongoro Crater, a 2,000-foot- deep caldera that offers a fascinating miniature of East African wildlife; including buffalos, flamingos, lions and leopards.
Later in the day, you will check in at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, an elegant getaway that is perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, giving unmatched views.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and explore a natural wildlife haven. Many of these animals live their whole life at the bottom of this intact caldera. Watch Zebras, wildebeest, and gazelle mingle together, while herds of buffalos, elephants and rhinos roam around. Catch up with the hippos as they lounge in the water holes where the lions position themselves to ambush preys. Get closer to the lake and watch the Flamingos as they feed and play. In the evening, visit a Maasai village and learn about the tribe’s charming cultural traditions; nomadic lifestyle and how they co-exist with wildlife. Meals and overnight at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Checkout and drive to Serengeti, boundless vast plains, where lions, hyenas and leopards roam. You will be checked in at Asilia Dunia, a permanent tented camp strategically located in central Serengeti; in the popular Moru Kopjes and Serenora. This area offers fantastic game viewing all year around. Have lunch and go for an evening game drive that will be crowned with a sundowner cocktail before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Morning and afternoon game drives offer you incredible sightings of the densest wildlife populations including the big five (lions, elephants, Cape buffalos, leopards and rhinos), supplemented by a variety of birds, and big mammals like cheetahs, a fleet of Thomson’s gazelles, giraffe, warthog, dik dik, bushbuck, waterbuck, eland, impala, and topi. If you plan your trip around November and December or through early July, you will be treated to the legendary annual migration as vast herds of wildebeest and zebras embark on their yearly crossing from Kenya’s Masai Mara. Meals and overnight at Asilia Dunia Camp.
Have a relaxed evening and take a last game drive and transfer to the airstrip for a flight to Zanzibar. Upon your arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, you will be welcomed by our experienced local guide. You will be transferred to Matemwe Lodge, a beachfront hotel perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow, coral-fringed lagoon on the peaceful northeastern coast of Zanzibar Island. It is such a blissful location offering an unbeatable island escape and a relaxing atmosphere for your comfort.
Each of its 12 chic bungalows has a private sea-facing veranda, within walking distance from lush gardens. Don’t hesitate to get your feet up and relax, soak up the sun and explore this beautiful island. You will take a forest tour, explore the Indian Ocean with abundance of water sports and excursions, go scuba diving or snorkeling, or simply soak up the heat of the African sun on the pristine white sand beaches and enjoy endless cocktails.
Have a relaxed breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport in time for check in and departure. This marks the end of your 12 Days Tanzania and Zanzibar Luxury Safari.