Overview:

Game drives in Tanzania's world famous game parks - Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and then a stay on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar Island, with time for water sports, and to visit the red colobus monkeys at Jozani Forest

Please note safari itineraries are given as a guide only. A safari is a journey and true journeys in Africa unfold and are of an adventurous nature. The unexpected can arise, so do allow for this.

We leave Nairobi on day one for the drive south to Tanzania through sweeping and often arid plains dotted with whistling thorn. We cross into Tanzania at Namanga where you are sure to be tempted by Maasai selling beaded jewellery and
wooden carvings. We have our Departure Meeting to go through the details of life on the truck, our rosters and relax over our first group meal.
Meals: (Dinner)

Game viewing is often at its best early in the day, so we rise early and head out to explore more of the Serengeti. Our game drives continue through the morning. This is Siringit– “the place where the land moves on forever” for the Maasai. We leave the plains and enter more mountainous terrain on crossing back into the Conservation Area in the afternoon. A visit to a Maasai boma is arranged and we are entertained by the traditional jumping dance performed by Maasai warriors. We can also visit a local school. The Olduvai Gorge Museum is also a stop off point where you can find out about the work of the Leakey’s into the origins of Man. Our overnight camp tonight is near the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. We are at altitude here, so wrap up warm tonight.
Optional excursions: Balloon safari, Olduvai Gorge Museum, Maasai Boma.

Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

This morning we are up before sunrise to visit Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater is a perfectly intact volcanic caldera and
known as the ‘Noah’s ark’ of game reserves. During our morning game drives we might view the ‘big 5’, lion leopard,
elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as plains game peacefully grazing including, zebra, gazelle, impala and wildebeest. Hippopotamus can usually be found lolling in the pools and Lake Magadi can be rimmed with the pink of greater and lesser flamingo. We stop off in the bustling village of Mto Wa Mbu with its extensive markets where we can wander and buy Maasai souvenirs. We enjoy a prepared barbeque tonight back in the Arusha campsite.
Meals: (Breakfast/Dinner)

Dawn sees us on the road south. On a lucky day snow-clad Kilimanjaro might come into view. At 5,895 metres it is Africa’s highest mountain. As we travel our surrounds become increasingly lush. We arrive in Dar es Salaam to park up by the coast to camp for the night, listening to the waters of the Indian Ocean lapping nearby.

Meals: (Breakfasts/Dinners)

The last few days of our safari gives you the option of spending four days on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar.
Day 7 - We travel by ferry this morning to arrive in Stone Town, the ancient capital of Zanzibar Island. Arriving in early
afternoon we check in to our hotel within the traditional capital. Stone Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 2000. With its classic Swahili architecture of towers, courtyards and narrow alleys fronting on to shops, houses and mosques the old town will catch your imagination. In the main built of coral stone in the 19th century, the buildings have large verandahs with wooden balustrades and elegantly decorated balconies, and distinctly ornate wooden doors often
with brass studs. A Spice Tour on the island allows you to test different spices and fruits as well as find out a little of the island’s history. You can enjoy sundowners at Africa House whilst watching the traditional dhows sail in the harbour against the sunset andwander the evening food markets for Zanzibar pizza and other seafood delicacies.
Day 8 sees us heading to the beach for a three-night stay in beach cottages at Kendwa. Here you can relax on the long
white palm fringed beaches, and snorkel and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. There is beach volleyball and fun beach bars. There are also different excursions to enjoy. An hour away from Stone Town you can take a walk in the Jozani Forest, home of the red colobus monkeys or head south to swim with the dolphins off Kizimkazi Beach. There are also opportunities to visit Prison Island with its giant tortoise and to snorkel in crystal clear coral waters. Mnemba Atoll is a boat ride away just off the north east coast, and has superb corals and gorgeous schools of reef fish. Turtles who breed on the island, and dolphins can be seen with a little luck. Seasonal whale shark and humpback whales can be seen gliding past.

Further details as to arrangements for your optional time on Zanzibar Island: We make core arrangements well ahead of time so we are assured our groups are comfortable in popular beach cottages to the north of the island and for a night in the capital. The tour leader travels over to the island with the group to ensure that all runs smoothly. Other excursions available include snorkeling excursions to Prison Island famous for its giant tortoise, as well as Mnemba Atoll, dolphin boat trips, a trek in Jozani forest to see the red colobus monkeys and fishing. Scuba diving can be arranged from the Dive Centre near our beach cottages.

Meals: (Breakfasts/Dinners)

Today we travel back to Dar es Salaam for a last night by the Indian Ocean, and bid farewell to our fellow travelers.

Meals: (Breakfast)