11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS ARUSHA/LAKE MANYARA/SERNGETI/NGORONGORO NATIONAL PARK PLUS ZANZIBAR BEACH

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

Volcanic Mountains.
Lake Manyara.
Ngorongoro Crater.
Big 5 of Africa.
Wildebeest
Bird Watching
Blue water of Zanzibar.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
(130 km, 3 – 4 hours)

The beginning of your Tanzanian safari adventure is in Arusha, where we will come and collect you in your safari vehicle from your hotel, residence, or the airport.
Once on board, you will head west with your expert African safari guide and make your way through the northern countryside to Lake Manyara.
Known for its nearly four hundred bird species, Lake Manyara is an ornithologist’s dream, and a great way to start any safari experience.
You’ll arrive in the late morning and roll straight into your first game drive.
Along with the million or so flamingos you’re likely to encounter, other birds that you can discover here includeGreat white pelicans, Yellow-billed storks, Marabou storks, Grey herons
Lunch will be served picnic-style inside the park so that you can have as much time as possible surrounded by nature.
Early evening, you will head to your chosen camp or lodge for dinner and time to rest before your adventure continue.
Accommodation Options at Lake Manyara
Standard options:
Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp.
Migunga Tented Camp.
Luxury options:
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.

DAY 2: Lake Manyara National Park- Serengeti National Park
(290 km, 5 to 6 hours)

Arise early for breakfast and ready for your departure.
This morning you will journey through the geologically stunning plains and ranges of Tanzania, through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and across the Serengeti.
To ensure that you have as much time as possible within the wondorous scenery that packs every inch of this park, you will have a picnic lunch.
You will eat with the grasses and animals of the Serengeti surrounding you, and your safari guide on hand to help you spot and identify all the creatures you come across.
The afternoon will see you continue your game drive across the plains and you will end the day at the accommodation you’ve chosen.
Dinner and overnight at your Serengeti Lodge/Camp.

Accommodation Options at Serengeti

Standard options:

Acacia Central Camp.
Kati Kati Tented Camp

Luxury options:

Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.

DAY 3: Full Days in Serengeti National Park

Today is your first full day exploring the iconic Serengeti is in your hands.
After you have breakfast you will head out into the park for your morning game drive.
Morning is a special time in the savannas of Tanzania, the animals are active after their night’s rest, whilst the air is still cool and sun low on the horizon.
This is a perfect chance to see such animals as Wildebeest, Crocodiles, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Monkeys and many more.
Next you can choose to have a picnic lunch in the park and continue on an afternoon game drive.
Alternatively, you can request to return to your camp or lodge for lunch, take time to relax and rest and then head out on an evening game drive.
At sunset return to your Lodge/Camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

As if experiencing safari in one of the most famous parks of Africa wasn’t enough, you are presented with a truly unique opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti as dawn breaks on a new day for the majestic creatures.
Along with the balloon ride you are treated to a champagne breakfast and a chance to witness the down chorus from a fresh perspective. This is optional at an extra cost of $450 per person.
You can opt for breakfast at your accommodation and a morning and afternoon game drive that will include a picnic lunch.
Whichever way you choose to explore the forested and grassed areas of the vast expanse of protected territory, you are sure to be treated to a most memorable experience.
There is an abundance of wildlife that inhabits the lands of the Serengeti.
Your expert Tanzanian safari guide will be able to help you track, spot, identify, and find the best and safest way to photograph the animals you’ve travelled so far to see.
Your last evening in this part of the Serengeti is rounded off with dinner and overnight at your Camp/Lodge.

DAY 5: Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Another early start for breakfast before you set out on a game drive south towards the Ngorongoro Crater.
On the way, you are invited to visit a village of the Masai people. These nomadic people have lived on the lands for thousands of years and have a deep knowledge and respect for the plains. They will welcome you with a traditional dance and singing, followed by a chance to walk around the village and visit one of their traditional homes. This is optional at an additional cost of $25 per person.
As well as being home to the wondrous beasts you’ve been discovering, these lands of the Great African Rift Valley were the place we evolved into humans. Dr Leakey found myriad tools, fossils, and other evidence to show that proto-humans had lived here nearly two million years ago.
For $45 you can visit the museum and archaeology site of Dr. Leakey at Oldulvai Gorge. This is also optional.
With so much to discover, you’ll take lunch in the park as a picnic.
Later take a final game drive to see you to your camp or lodge inside Ngorongoro Crater for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options at Ngorongoro
Standard options:
The Castle of Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Farm House.
Luxury options:
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
Acacia Farm Lodge

DAY 6: Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater

Millions of years ago, a volcano exploded and left behind what is now the biggest volcanic crater on the planet that’s not filled with water.
After breakfast, you will set out in exploration of the area which has a wide array of mammals for you to spot.
A whole ecosystem exists within the confines of the crater, with grasslands, streams and even a lake that is host to flocks of bright pink flamingos.
Ensuring you get all the time that’s available surrounded by the beauty of the scenery, you will be given a picnic lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
The luscious green plains offer an interesting background for your photography, contrasting the expectations of a dusty and dry plain that most people on safari in Africa expect.
Late afternoon will see you ascend the crater and return to your chosen accommodation.
Dinner and overnight at your Lodge/Camp.

DAY 7: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha by Road, Arusha to Zanzibar by Plane
(191 km, 3 to 4 hours, 1 hour 40 minutes flight)

As the safari part of your trip of a lifetime comes to a close, you will have one last chance to pass through the scenic parklands after breakfast.
From Ngorongoro Crater you will track eastwards back to the capital, Arusha, with the countryside of Tanzania passing you by.
From the city, you will have lunch and then fly to the idyllic island of Zanzibar.
For so many a place that is almost mythical, filled with stories of culture and exoticism, this is your chance to visit a place that doesn’t make it on to most travel lists.
Upon landing you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your accommodation on the coast.
Your afternoon is yours to relax, unwind, and explore.
You can discuss with the receptionist of your resort your options for adventurous trips and historic tours around the archipelago.
Dinner will be served at your accommodation and the evening can be spent as you please – just like time at the beach should be.
Accommodation Options at Zanzibar
Standard options:
The Loop Beach Resort.
Kikoi Boutique Hotel
Luxury options:
Passion Boutique.
The Z hotel Zanzibar.

DAY 8: Full Day in Zanzibar

Fresh sea breezes are stark contrast of the dry air that sweeps across the mainland plains.
Your itinerary is unplanned for you time on Zanzibar, with your only commitment being meal times, all of which are included at your accommodation.
There are plenty of options to explore this island that is so steeped in history.
The trading history of the island goes as far back as the eighth century and myriad cultures and religions have landed here and spread their ideas and traditions.
Zanzibar is a true melting pot, brimming with Swahili, Arab, and European influences.
You can choose to take a tour around the capital of the region, Stone Town. Stories abound in this ancient trading post, with tales of Arab slavers and British cannon fire sure to offer you a history lesson like no other.
All of the trips and tours that you can take during your time in Zanzibar are booked locally at additional costs.

DAY 9: Full Day in Zanzibar

After days in a safari vehicle, it’s time to let your muscles relax and let your feet loose from your sensible shoes. Is there a better feeling than warm sand between the toes with pristine ocean swirling around your feet?
Time at the beach can be as active or chilled as you choose, just be sure to be at your accommodation in time for your meals each day.
Whether your idea of a beach break is a lounger, a book, and paddling in the shallows, or snorkeling, windsurfing, or even scuba diving, Zanzibar will meet your expectations.
The ocean is a perfect blue, the sand fine and white, sea air rolls in fresh and there is still plenty of nature to experience too.
However you choose to enjoy your time on Zanzibar, you are sure to appreciate the difference from your time out on the savanna during your African safari.

DAY 10: Full Day in Zanzibar

Once a world renowned node in the international spice trade, Zanzibar is still known for it’s plantations of cloves, vanilla, and nutmeg, among other spices and you are able to take a Spice Tour around the island to learn about the history of the trade, how the plantations developed, and the effects on local culture the international trade had.
If history, farms, and spices aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities including visits to the other islands that make up the archipelago.
Less developed and more rugged than Zanzibar, and arguably even more stunning, a boat trip around different lands can be arranged locally and your exact itinerary matched to your requirements.
How to spend your last day on Zanzibar is entirely up to you, with any activities available from local agencies, at additional cost.
Be sure to be at your accommodation for your meal times, which you can confirm at the hotel or resort you choose to stay at.

DAY 11: Zanzibar - Arusha by Plane
(1 hour 40 minutes)

As sublime as island life can be, especially after your adventures across the Serengeti, the time always comes to return to reality.
From your chosen accommodation on Zanzibar, we will collect after breakfast and transfer you to the local airport.
Your next destination is down to you. Whether you will return to Arusha to take an onwards flight or stay in the country longer, or you choose to visit Dar E Salaam to take in a different aspect of Tanzanian culture, we will see you on to your next destination.

What's Included