We combine a walking safari through northern Tanzania’s great gamelands with four nights on the ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar. With the Great Rift Valley as a backdrop we ramble through the bush in Tarangire National Park and follow nature trails in the acacia woodlands around Lake Manyara. We also walk through Ikoma’s rural landscape and trek around the steep rim of an ancient volcanic crater. We camp on the ridge before driving across the crater plains and the Serengeti Desert in search of lions. For some rest and relaxation we fly to the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. Here we can snorkel in the sparkling waters, explore the Old Town and learn about the island’s rich history with a ‘Spice Tour’.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Land Only join tour Arusha; drive to Lake Manyara National Park; nature walk
After the arrival of the group flight we head south-west via Makuyuni to Lake Manyara N. Park. Lake Manyara is nestled at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley and for a national park only 330 sq km, of which up to 200 sq km is the lake from which the park receives its name, it is the perfect introduction to a variety of habitats, ecosystems and animals found in Tanzanian parks. The various habitats of the lush forests, the acacia woodlands, the grassy floodplain, the alkaline lake surface and the volcanic peaks are home to prey and predators large and small. As well as over 400 species of bird! This afternoon we make our first foray on foot in search of some of the area’s flora and fauna. (approx 1-2 hrs)
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2:
Drive to Serengeti National Park
Today we have a long but rewarding journey into the world famous Serengeti National Park. The scenery and views are spectacular as we traverse the Ngorongoro Crater and transit through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We pass several Maasai homesteads and then arrive at the Olduvai Gorge, where in 1959, anthropologists Dr and Mrs Leakey discovered the remains of an almost intact human skull named ‘Nutcracker Man’. It was here at this important prehistoric site, together with other startling discoveries, that have contributed to the furthering understanding of early human development. Olduvai Gorge and the fossils that it contains give a unique insight into the way that this part of the world has changed and humans with it. Accompanied by a local guide we visit Olduvai Gorge visitor centre and museum to learn more of this fascinating place and its secrets. Later today we will enter the Serengeti at Naabi Hill Gate. Serengeti is the Maasai name that means the “endless grass plains” and it is through these plains interspersed with granite outcrops that we travel to our lodge. Once in the Serengeti we’ll move slowly through the park, keeping a close eye out for game as we head to our campsite in the central Seronera area.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
Game drives in Serengeti; travel to Ikoma
This morning we continue our game-viewing in this iconic park. Here we see the daily drama of the struggle between prey and predator, large and small, from lion, leopard and cheetah to elephant, giraffe and buffalo. Every turn of the game drives reveal something of this stunning world where more than 500 species of birds have also been recorded. Continuing our game search we make our way later this afternoon to Ikoma on the western border of the park. Depending on the weather, there may be the possibility to take an unforgettable optional early morning balloon safari today, allowing you to see the Serengeti from a completely unique and different perspective. This can be pre-booked direct with the supplier before departure to guarantee a place. (Please see details below)
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
At Ikoma; walking safari
Located just outside the Serengti National Park boundary on the path of the migrating wildebeest between Kenya and Tanzania, Ikoma provides the opportunity for guided game walks - an incredibly exciting and safe way to experience the bush and its inhabitants at close quarters in the company of a ranger. We make an early morning walk with time to rest at camp in the afternoon. (Walk approx 2 hrs) Later you may like to take the opportunity for a night game drive to see some of the nocturnal animals that one usually only hears about, such as leopard, aardvark and bateared foxes. Learn and experience first hand the sounds of the African bush at night - a very different 'creature' from the one seen during the day!
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
To Ngorongoro Crater
Re-tracing our steps this morning we head back through the Serengeti to Naabi Hill and onto the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here we reach the rim of the huge bowl-like crater, a nearly circular depression with a diameter of 20 kilometres. Our campsite tonight is on the crater rim and there may be time for a walk this afternoon to discover more of this stunning area. (Approx 1-2 hrs)
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
In Ngorongoro Crater; drive Tarangire National Park
We descend from the upper rim, driving down a steep track that drops about a staggering 600m to the grassy plain, lake and marshes of the basin floor below. This winding track is restricted to small 4WD vehicles. Among the animals to watch out for are elephant, blackmaned lion, cheetah, buffalo and rhino. The perennial marshes teem with birdlife. The crater itself, technically classed as a caldera, owes its existence to the violent fracturing of the Rift Valley over a period of some 25 million years. At one time a volcano occupied this spot that then became extinct and collapsed into the empty magma chamber beneath it; leaving only the gigantic natural basin and is now considered a veritable “Garden of Eden”. After our half day game drive in the Crater today, we drive to our final base in Tarangire National Park.
Overnight Standard Camping (C+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7:
Morning walking safari; PM drive to Arusha
Tarangire National Park derives its name from the Tarangire River that flows through the length of the park. One of the most striking features of the park are the majestic old baobab trees with massive silvery trunks and gourd-like fruit that dominate the skyline. Tarangire has the greatest concentration of wildlife outside of the Serengeti Ecosystem and is part of a larger ecosystem that extends further south into the Maasai Steppes. The permanent water sources of the park attract large herds of elephants and other herbivores to them. The park is home to the shy fringed eared oryx and the gerenuk antelope not seen in other parks. This morning we will enjoy a walking safari, enjoying the wonderful location, views and game of this stunning area (Approx 2 hrs) This afternoon we will return to Arusha.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8:
AM free ; PM Fly to Zanzibar
After a free morning in Arusha, this afternoon we fly into the exotic and friendly island of Zanzibar and transfer to our hotel on the north coast.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9:
At North Coast
Your time is free for personal exploration and relaxation. Spend time watching the fishermen bringing in their catch or go out in one of the dugout canoes with them and try your hand at line fishing. Stroll or cycle along the beach or visit nearby villages. Alternatively, with a mask and snorkel, you can explore the colourful reef offshore, teeming with tropical fish. You may even choose to explore the surrounding area by mountain bike. Scuba diving is available.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10:
AM free; drive to Zanzibar Town
This morning will be free for you to enjoy your idyllic surroundings. This afternoon we will transfer to the capital of Zanzibar with its white washed houses and labyrinth of narrow streets. Today the alleys are filled with colourful bazaars, hawkers selling a myriad of goods and everywhere the atmosphere is permeated with the smell of spices.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11:
In Zanzibar Town
Those who wish can take a walking tour of Stone Town followed by a tour of the island (including lunch) and learn more of Zanzibar’s history, visit the Sultan’s palace and see clove plantations established by the Sultan in the 19th century.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12:
Tour ends Zanzibar
Included meals: Breakfast
