When all the safari adventure is at an end, where better to head than the picture-perfect beaches of the Zanzibar archipelago? Lounge on the exotic beaches while watching the traditional dhows sail in at sunset or get to grips with the rich Swahili cultural heritage of these islands.
Day 1:
Lake Manyara National Park.
Leave from Arusha in the morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park; enter to the gate passing through the cool shade of the groundwater forest before reaching the lakeshore. The Park is best known for its tree climbing lions, but you are more likely to an encounter elephants, buffalo, primates and astounding bird life. Leave the park in late afternoon to Kirurumu Tented lodge. All meals included.
Day 2:
Serengeti National Park.
In the morning you depart for the Serengeti National park passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, en-route game drive along the vast Serengeti plains followed by afternoon game viewing to the center of the park. Spend a dinner and overnight at Serengeti Kati Kati Tented lodge.
Days 3:
Serengeti Park Full day.
Full day game drives in the Serengeti, home to the greatest concentration of large mammals on earth. Non-migratory species include large prides of lions, solitary leopards, cheetah and graceful impala. The landscape is characterized by vast stretches of open plains, punctuated by kopjes, rock formations that have survived from the Pre-Cambrian period, and open woodlands. Spend a dinner and overnight at Serengeti Kati Kati Tented lodge.
Day 4:
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
An early breakfast, collect your picnic lunch boxes for another game drive through the central Serengeti until mid-day. After lunch leave the Serengeti to the southern part border of Ngorongoro and the famous Serengeti plains to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, arrive there in late afternoon. Dinner and overnight on top of the crater rim at Rhino lodge.
Day 5:
Ngorongoro Crater tour
An early morning breakfast then descend into the crater floor (2000 feet) for a game viewing through the lerai forest with its yellow-barked acacias, searching for giant-tusked elephant, rare black rhino and black-manned lion. Ascend the crater wall to the Lake Manyara escarpment for your dinner and overnight at Kirurumu Tented lodge. All meals included.
Day 6:
Tarangire National Park
After morning breakfast drive to Tarangire National park for a game viewing in the national park, famous for its giant baobab trees, large herds of elephants, plains game and predators. Tarangire also boasts a large variety of spectacular bird life including endemic species. Leave the park after lunch and drive back to Arusha then to the Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar.
Arrive into Zanzibar Airport:
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the heart of Stone Town where your hotel is located. Overnight at Al Johari Boutique Hotel (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
Zanzibar has a rich history but it truly became a centre of trade once it was settled by the Portugese, the first Europeans to settle here, during the age of exploration in the 16th and 17th Century. Zanzibar once held the title of being Africa’s major hub of trade before the mainland became more settled and tamed (if Africa could ever be considered tamed). Zanzibar is also known as the ‘Spice Island’ due to this period when spice was its major trade followed closely by the slave trade and ivory. Zanzibar still today flourishes with the trade of spices, its most common exports being cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper.
UNESCO listed Stone Town is rich in history and culture, with a labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling bazaars and ancient buildings. The architecture is a fascinating mix of Swahili, Arab, Persian, European and African styles, testament to the influence that trade brought to the region. Overnight – Stone Town.
Day 7:
Stone Town & Spice Tour This morning you will be met by your guide and taken on a guided tour of Stone Town and a Spice Tour en-route to the Eastern beach resort of Kiwengwa where you will get the opportunity to see a spice plantation and the process involved in harvesting these perfumed ingredients that we today take for granted but were once as precious as gems or gold with pirates often cruising the coast pilfering ships for their precious spice cargo. Lunch will be your own arrangement. The rest of the day will be at leisure to enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, dinner and overnight at the Sultan Sands Island Resort.
Days 8 – 10:
Relax on the beach Spend the next two days at leisure, relaxing on one of Zanzibar’s beautiful white sands and soaking up the sunshine.
For those feeling active, there’s a wide range of excursions available. Perhaps opt for a spot of snorkelling or scuba diving to see the incredible coral reefs teeming with exotic fish and perhaps the odd dolphin in the azure waters. Other activities in or above the water include fishing, windsurfing or various boat trips. Traditional dhow cruises are offered by the locals and are a great way to see the local lifestyle or island hop to some of the smaller uninhabited islands. Also consider a day trip to Jozani Chwaka Bay national Park – home to the rare Kirk’s Red Colobus Monkey, Syke’s Monkey and Ader’s Duiker. Overnight at the Sultan Sands Island Resort with all meals included.
Day 11:
This morning you will be met by your driver and driven to Zanzibar Airport for your flight home. Sadly our arrangements come to an end. We hope you have enjoyed the magic that is Zanzibar. (breakfast only)
Price for the above package for 2 people is USD 3,720USD per person. All inclusive!
Expenses of a personal nature, laundry, telephone calls, drinks and beverages and personal travel insurances.
Tipping/gratitude to the supported staff
International Airfares & Visa entry fees to Tanzania
Airport transfers
Accommodation in Arusha town
