No. of Days: 18
ARUSHA/ TARANGIRE NP/ LAKE EYASI/ NGORONGORO CCA/ SERENGETI NP/ ZANZIBAR/ DAR ES SALAAM
It is the diversity of Tanzania that enthrals; or maybe it is the warmth of the welcome that compels return. Perhaps it is the nature of your experience – whether with the wildlife or the communities – which seems to open a window to an old Africa that tucks itself away in your memory, never to budge. This trip will include all of that, plus something for each member of the family, as you travel through the famous destinations of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit and culminate on the spice island of Zanzibar.
YOUR TRIP
Day 1
The eagerly anticipated day has finally arrived; travel to the airport for your flight to Tanzania with a quick stop in sunny Doha to acclimatise to the pending heat (arranged by you).
AIR TRAVEL
Day 2
Arrive into Dar es Salaam International Airport at 17:00. Met at the airport you will transfer through the chaos of the city to the calm of the Mediterraneo hotel on Kawe Beach. A former planter’s residence, this hotel is the perfect place for a relaxed final night contemplating two amazing weeks to come. The proprietors are Italian, so the pasta is worth returning for!
MEDITERRANEO HOTEL – BREAKFAST & OVERNIGHT STAY
Day 3
Transfer to the Domestic Terminal for your 09:00 connecting flight to Arusha. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be met by your guide and make the short (approximately two hour drive) to Tarangire Sopa Lodge. Arriving in time for your evening game drive, this will be your first introduction to the wildlife of northern Tanzania. As the dusk falls, look out for those cat’s eyes.
TARANGIRE SOPA LODGE – FULL BOARD – 1 ACTIVITY
Day 4
Up early, as this is the best time to see wildlife in Africa, you will go for a morning gamedrive. The Tarangire River at this time of year is a magnet for all the herbivores of the savannah. Elephants are numerous and you even have the chance to spot some of the rarer species of antelope. Ask your guide to point them out. After the drive, you will transfer north west, past Lake Manyara and Lake Eyasi to the most spectacular destination yet: the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. The largest unbroken caldera in the world, Ngorongoro is a spectacular natural arena whose grasslands attract a staggering range of wildlife. Your accommodation tonight will be equally spectacular. The Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is built on the eastern rim of the Crater, offering spectacular views of the grasslands below. After arrival here, go for an exploration of the rim and enjoy the finest sundowners in Africa.
NGORONGORO SOPA SAFARI LODGE – FULL BOARD
Day 5
Up early this morning for sure. Vehicle time in the crater is limited to six hours in order to manage the environmental impact of tourism activities, but don’t worry, that is plenty of time to experience life 600m below the crater rim. Look out for one of the 26 black rhino to be found in the crater, a rare sight indeed. In the afternoon head northwest for 3 hours to the famous Serengeti National Park, home of the Great Migration. Approaching the lodge will be a game drive in itself.
SERENGETI MBALAGETI LODGE – FULL BOARD
Day 6
Your first full day in the Reserve; this is where you will find cheetah in their natural habitat and an environment straight out of ‘The Big Cat Diaries’. The large herds will be in the far north of the Reserve now, but there will still be masses of wildlife to attract you. Don’t forget to look at the smaller things – get your guide to explain a little about the tracks and signs of the bush. Also, don’t forget to look in the air. Bird life numbers over 500 species in Tanzania and identifying the varying species is an addictive challenge. This will be your last night in the bush, so make the most of it and breathe deeply the air of the open plains (but careful of the smoke from the camp fire!).
SERENGETI MBALAGETI LODGE – FULL BOARD – 2 ACTIVITIES
Day 7
Your second full day in the Reserve. Wake early to enjoy the best of the day as the soft light of morning is ideal for photography. It is nice to feel a slight morning chill, safe in the knowledge that the day will grow hot. Revel in the sense of space provided by the open plains. Get tracking.
SERENGETI MBALAGETI LODGE – FULL BOARD – 2 ACTIVITIES
Day 8
After a final morning game drive, you will make the transfer to the Serena Airstrip and take the (normally) 12:00 flight across to Zanzibar, that most famous of spice islands. Here two thousand years of history meets a thoroughly modern approach to luxury tourism, which combine to make it very hard to leave. Landing at Zanzibar Airport, you will be met and driven across the island to the village of Bweju on the East coast of the island. Here is located your home for the next eight nights: Breezes Beach Club & Spa. Kick off your shoes; you won’t be needing those for a while.
KONO KONO BEACH VILLAS – HALF BOARD
Day 9 to Day 16
Island life is yours to enjoy for the next eight days. You can experience excursions to historic Stonetown, a UN World Heritage Site; Jozani Forest for the indigenous and habituated Red colobus monkeys and Safari Blue for dolphin adventures, mangrove snorkelling and local feasting. The Breezes Spa is ready to offer relaxing massages and revitilising treatments; whilst down on Paje Beach, kite surfers wait to teach you the secrets of the wind. Alternatively, grab that book you’ve been meaning to finish and settle down for quality time with the sun lounger. Careful, you could get used to this life.
KONO KONO BEACH VILLAS – HALF BOARD – HALF BOARD
Day 17
All good things must come to an end. Shake off the sand and pack your bags. Today you will be taken to the airport for the 14:30 flight back to Dar es Salaam and a transfer to the international terminal in time for your early evening flight back to the UK.
Karibuni tena – Welcome back soon.
Day 18
Land in the UK. Have fun sorting all of those photos.
