Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Adventure
Karibu Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be greeted by your private, English-speaking guide, a local expert with extensive knowledge of Tanzanian wildlife and culture. They will assist with your luggage and transfer you to your luxurious hotel in Arusha, the vibrant "safari capital" of Tanzania. The drive takes approximately one hour, offering your first glimpses of Tanzanian life. Arusha sits at the foot of Mount Meru, providing a stunning backdrop. Settle into the Gran Meliá Arusha, a 5-star hotel boasting elegant rooms, a refreshing pool, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Mount Meru. Enjoy a welcome drink and relax after your journey. This evening is yours to unwind and prepare for your safari adventure.
(Overnight: Gran Meliá Arusha - Luxury 5 Star) (Meal: B - Breakfast the following day)
Day 2-3: Tarangire National Park: Land of Giants & Baobab Trees
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on an unforgettable journey to Tarangire National Park. Renowned for its impressive elephant population, Tarangire is a haven for these gentle giants. The park's landscape is dominated by majestic baobab trees, also known as the "Tree of Life," which can live for over a thousand years. Over two days, you'll experience thrilling game drives, encountering not only elephants but also zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hartebeest, impalas, and various gazelle species. Tarangire is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a diverse array of birdlife, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller. Your expert guide will share their knowledge of the park's ecosystem and the behavior of its inhabitants. Enjoy picnic lunches in scenic spots within the park, and in the evenings, relax at the Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge, offering a unique treetop experience with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
(Overnight: Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 4: Tarangire - Ngorongoro Crater Rim: Maasai Culture & Crater Views
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire, maximizing your chances of wildlife encounters. Afterward, you'll journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes and Maasai villages, offering a glimpse into the traditional life of this semi-nomadic tribe. We'll pass through the bustling village of Mto Wa Mbu, a melting pot of cultures, where you can sample local produce like the sweet "red bananas" and perhaps purchase handcrafted souvenirs. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, stopping at a viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the crater floor below. The crater, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," is a collapsed volcano, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. Check in to the Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp, a luxurious tented camp perched on the crater's edge, offering unparalleled views and a truly immersive experience.
(Overnight: Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater: The Eighth Wonder of the World & Black Rhino Sanctuary
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique ecosystem, home to an incredible concentration of animals. The crater floor is a microcosm of Tanzania's wildlife, with diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to forests and a soda lake. You'll have the chance to see the "Big Five," including the endangered black rhinoceros, as well as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. The crater is also home to large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as a variety of birds, including flamingos that gather on the soda lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery. Your guide will provide insights into the crater's geology and the unique adaptations of its wildlife.
(Overnight: Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 6: Serengeti National Park: The Great Migration Begins & Kopjes Landscapes
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique ecosystem, home to an incredible concentration of animals. The crater floor is a microcosm of Tanzania's wildlife, with diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to forests and a soda lake. You'll have the chance to see the "Big Five," including the endangered black rhinoceros, as well as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. The crater is also home to large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as a variety of birds, including flamingos that gather on the soda lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery. Your guide will provide insights into the crater's geology and the unique adaptations of its wildlife.
(Overnight: Ngorongoro Lions Paw Camp) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 7-8: Serengeti National Park: Endless Plains & Big Cat Encounters - Following the Migration
Spend two unforgettable days exploring the Serengeti's vast plains. Your expert guide will tailor your game drives to follow the movements of the Great Migration, if present during your travel time, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles undertake their epic journey in search of grazing. Even if the migration is in another area, the Serengeti offers exceptional game viewing year-round. You'll have ample opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and a vast array of other wildlife. The Serengeti is also a birder's paradise, with over 500 species recorded. Your guide will share their expertise on the park’s ecology and the animals' behavior. Enjoy picnic lunches in the heart of the Serengeti, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of this incredible ecosystem. (Optional: A hot air balloon safari is available on either day for an unforgettable aerial perspective of the Serengeti. The pick-up takes place at the camp at around 4:00 a.m. and ends after a stylish champagne breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti at around 10:00 a.m. Pre-booking is essential, as slots fill quickly.) (Overnight: Meliá Serengeti Lodge) (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 9: Serengeti - Zanzibar: From Safari to Seaside Paradise – Spice Island Bound
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, maximizing your chances of wildlife encounters. Afterward, you'll be transferred to Seronera Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. As you fly over the Serengeti, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the vast plains and the meandering rivers. Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar, you'll be met by your transfer and whisked away to your luxurious resort on Zanzibar's northeast coast. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Check in to the Meliá Zanzibar, a 5-star resort boasting pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical gardens. (Overnight: Meliá Zanzibar) (Meals: B)
Day 10-13: Zanzibar: Relaxation & Island Exploration – Beaches, Spices & History
Unwind and enjoy the idyllic beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar. Relax at your luxurious resort, indulge in water sports, or explore the rich culture and history of this spice island. Visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and vibrant markets. Take a spice tour and discover the aromatic flavors of Zanzibar's famous spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Explore the island's pristine beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and soak up the sun. (Overnight: Meliá Zanzibar) (Meals: All Inclusive)
Day 14: Departure – Farewell to Paradise
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a final swim in the pool or the ocean before your transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your departure flight. Depart with incredible memories of your Tanzanian safari and Zanzibar beach escape. (Meal: B)