Dar es Salaam/Ngorongoro CCA/Serengeti NP/Mafia/Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam
Includes: full board basis and includes all in-country transport and fees.
Not included: Drinks, gratuities, International Flights and additional activities.
Day 1
You’ve done it: all the arrangements fell into place; the ceremonies were completed without a hitch and now you can just think about yourselves. Get on a plane. Destination: Tanzania.
Day 2
Arrive in Dar es Salaam. It is Sunday so the streets will be quiet and you will be driven through the city to the Kempinski Hotel, Dar’s premier hotel. Situated close to the waterfront, the Kempinski offers luxury and variation. The sushi is the best in Tanzania and watching the lights of the city join the East African night from the Level 8 bar with a glass of something cold in your hand offers the perfect introduction to the city.
Day 3
After an early(ish) breakfast, you will be driven to the domestic airport for the 09:00 flight to Arusha, the capital of northern Tanzania and gateway to the parks. Met at the airport, you will be driven to Gibb’s Farm, a place designed for relaxation. Set on the borders of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Gibb’s Farm offers its famous African Living Spa, a range of activities running throughout its grounds, or the chance to just unwind.
Day 4
Today you descend into the Ngorogoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken, unflooded caldera and a unique ecosystem which supports a bewildering array of wildlife. Our expert guide will help train your eye to spot the lion snoozing in the shade of the acacia and explain the complicated story of the savanna. After a picnic lunch and six hours in the park you will arrive at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, hugging the rim of the crater itself. The clear star-filled skies of winter make this a marvellous time to be in the Ngorongoro.
Day 5
From the Crater you move northwest to the expanse of the Serengeti National Park. Here, seas of golden grass hide stalking predators and from the seclusion of the river lines leopard watch the massing antelope. Travelling in your own private safari vehicle, the park is yours to explore; let our guide draw you deeper into wild Africa. Tonight you will stay at the Sayari Camp on the banks of the Mara river. Sayari is a tented camp, but think permanent luxury rather than a wet weekend in Wales.
Day 6
This is your trip, so you can do as much or as little as you wish. Your guide and vehicle are on hand to take you where you wish, whether chasing a particular siting or exploring a particular area of the park that has captured your interest. Sayari also offers walking safaris, which are a wonderful way to discover the more subtle interactions of the life that surrounds you.
Day 7
This is your last day in the north of the Serengeti enjoying the hospitality of Sayari. As a contrast, perhaps today you will delight in doing absolutely nothing. Lounge on your veranda, with a book on your lap and sleep on mind. Listen to the birds; feel the gentle breeze play across your skin. As the afternoon progresses, maybe it is time for something cold…
Day 8
One long game drive as you cross the Serengeti to your new destination of Dunia Camp. Dunia is another superb tented camp where luxury is provided with minimal impact on the savanna in which it is situated. Take it easy this afternoon as tomorrow morning will be an early start.
Day 9
A special day. Rising early, you will be taken to the Seronera airstrip and the silk, wicker and hot air that will lift you high in the sky to float in silence above the savanna. It is useless to try to describe this experience, but you will certainly never forget it. Memories newly formed go well with a champagne breakfast.
Day 10
Now it is time for a change; bid goodbye to the savanna and prepare to welcome the Spice Islands and the warm, turquoise Indian Ocean. You will fly from the Seronera Airstrip across northern Tanzania to Mafia Island, less known, but equally attractive island sister to Zanzibar. Met at the airport, you will be driven across the island to Shamba Kilole Lodge, one of the newest attractions on the island situated within the Mafia Island Marine Park. Shamba Kilole is an intimate lodge, developed in partnership between long term residents of Mafia and the local community. The gardens are mesmerising, the food is Italian and an ocean breeze keeps you cool.
Day 11
Once again the fabulous choice: to do or not to do? Mafia boasts some of Tanzania’s best diving; whale sharks coast off Kilondoni, creepers mask the ruins of Mafia Mjini in mystery and a delightful menu makes an afternoon nap an attractive prospect.
Day 12
Shamba Kilole must feel like home now, but perhaps you may feel like an excursion to the northern tip of the island. This can be arranged.
Day 13
Time to go offshore? Take a sail in a traditional mashua and enjoy lunch on your own deserted sandbank.
Day 14
People never want to leave Mafia, but it would be a shame to miss Zanzibar. So, once again, you take to the skies for the short flight to Zanzibar. Met at the airport, you will be driven across the island to the secluded south east coast of the island and the wonderful destination of Anna of Zanzibar. This delightfully small lodge is based on the idea of providing elegance, simplicity and comfort, combining the best of old Zanzibar with current expectations. Anna is yours for the next six nights; it is your last destination. Reflect on what you have experience, enjoy the present, and anticipate a wonderful future.
Day 15
The beach calls – eventually.
Day 16
Take a trip into Stonetown, the historical heart of the island and a UNESCO World Heritage site. By no means is it pristine, but the tangled streets are intricate and enthralling; the colours are dazzling and the smell of spice and coffee intoxicating. Did I mention the extremely good cake? Excellent local guides can be organised to tell you the story (abridged!) of 2,000 years of turbulent history.
Day 17
If you dived on Mafia, then why not compare the waters of Zanzibar using the expertise of Zanzibar’s premier dive operator?
Day 18
In the Jozani Forest, habituated Zanzibar red colobus monkeys swing through the trees in search of food while the young play in bundles of limbs. They are habituated and have no fear of humans, so pay them a visit. In the afternoon you may like to take a tour of a spice plantation – a feast for the senses and a glimpse of the darker side of an island often called paradise.
Day 19
This is your last full day on the island, make it long and slow.
Day 20
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Today you will be driven back to the airport for the flight to Dar es Salaam and your return journey to the UK. But take comfort in the fact that Tanzania remains, waiting for your return. Karibuni tena – Welcome again.
