Day 3
Included morning game drive in Lake Manyara - Fuel up for the day’s activities with breakfast before setting off on a morning game drive through the Lake Manyara National Park. Having been used for sport hunting up to 1920, this national park is now a protected environment and vital to the conservation of many of its resident species. From tree-climbing lions to the flamingos and hippos that dwell in the shallows around the park’s watering holes, wildlife is front and centre in Lake Manyara. Take a break from your safari experience at midday for a packed lunch in the Tanzanian bush.
After coming face-to-face with Lake Manyara’s vibrant ecosystems, your morning’s drive will continue deep into the northern Tanzanian savannah to the iconic Serengeti National Park. Known around the world as a safari mecca, home to the ‘Big Five’ and the staging ground of the Great Migration from July to September, there’ll be no shortage of thrilling wildlife encounters as you make your way to your next camp, the five-star Serengeti Explorer Lodge. Boasting luxury accommodation as well as spa treatments, an infinity swimming pool and fitness suites, this is a safari retreat like no other. Refresh yourself in the comfort of your new surroundings before heading down to your choice of the hotel’s restaurants for dinner.
Day 4
Included morning and afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park - After a relaxing night and early breakfast, you’ll join your guide on a game drive through the Serengeti National Park, a popular route of the Great Migration from July to September. This annual event regularly sees over one million newly calved wildebeest, gazelles and zebra traverse the Serengeti’s savanna terrain in search of water and grazing areas.
Outside of the summer months, and the Great Migration, the Serengeti is certainly not short of dramatic sights to behold either. From chasing the ‘Big Five’ – the African lion, leopard, black rhino, African elephant, and Cape buffalo – to witnessing East Africa’s famous big cats in their natural environment, the region promises thrilling wildlife encounters across its savannah landscapes year-round.
This evening, retire to your safari lodge for dinner under the Tanzanian sky with your fellow guests.
Day 5
Included game drive and stop at the Olduvai Gorge prehistoric site - Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before checking out and joining a game drive en route to your next hotel in Karatu. As you traverse Serengeti National Park, keep your eyes peeled for some of the most impressive wildlife known to man in their natural habitats with the endangered Black Rhino and other ‘Big Five’ species known to inhabit the area. You’ll also have the chance to refuel on the move with packed lunches provided.
As you make your way through Karatu, follow in the footsteps of some of history’s most well-known archaeologists as you come upon the ‘cradle of mankind’ in the Olduvai Valley. Renowned as one of the most important prehistoric sites across the face of the globe, the Olduvai Valley invites guests to explore the origins of human life and discover some of the best-preserved evidence of early civilisation.
Arriving at your next lodge in the late afternoon, why not treat yourself to a relaxing sundowner under the setting sun before dinner?
Day 6
Included visit to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Great Rift Valley - Ready yourself for the morning’s activities with breakfast at the hotel as you prepare to venture into some of Tanzania’s most renowned landscapes. Join your expert local guide for a drive through part of the Great Rift Valley, which stretches over 4,000 miles from Lebanon to Mozambique. Enjoy a packed lunch on the move, immersed in the region’s natural beauty, as you make your way towards the Ngorongoro Conservation area - a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with diverse and colourful ecosystems.
The day’s focus, however, lies in the region’s namesake, the Ngorongoro Crater. This striking volcanic caldera, amongst the largest of its kind, boasts picturesque natural environments from dense forests to savannah plains. Descend along the imposing rock walls, standing at an incredible 2,000 feet at certain points, into the heart of the crater for an afternoon of sightseeing amongst herds of zebra, gazelles, and wildebeests. Home to over 30,000 different animals and a bounty of native plant life, and surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes, Ngorongoro Crater promises a truly unique safari experience
After an exciting outing, you’ll ascend and drive back to your lodge arriving before sunset for dinner.
Day 7
Fly to Zanzibar - Following a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, and with a packed lunch ready, you’ll be heading to Arusha’s airport for your short flight to Zanzibar - one of the jewels of the Indian Ocean. After landing, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of the island, taking in traditional island villages nestled amongst swaying palms and makuti (a traditional African style of roofing using dried coconut leaves) thatched buildings.
Upon arrival on Zanzibar’s east coast, take your time settling into your base for the next four nights . Your resort, famed for its hospitality, offers luxury spa and pool facilities, and sits within touching distance of pristine white sand beaches. Perhaps enjoy some time to explore the grounds before dinner is served.
Day 8
At leisure - Enjoy the final three days of your tour on Zanzibar’s beachfront. You’ll have plenty of ways to spend your time available to you with an optional daily activity programme provided by the hotel’s staff. From kayaking on the Indian Ocean and an on-site diving pool to the resort’s African-inspired wellness centre – which boasts four treatment rooms, two Jacuzzis, a steam room, a sauna, and a fitness centre – you'll be spoilt for choice.
You can also immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s culture, if you’d prefer, with visits to the neighbouring palm-studded coastal towns, Kiwenga and Pwani Mchanga. Your stay in Zanzibar will be all-inclusive, so you’ll have more time to focus on what matters, enjoying breakfast, lunches, dinners, and drinks from the comfort of the resort.
Day 9
At leisure - Spend the day enjoying Zanzibar's paradise beaches
Day 10
At leisure - Today is your final day to make the most of Zanzibar. Pick up some last minute gifts or simply relax ahead of your flight home.
Day 11
Overnight return flight to UK - Share unforgettable memories over breakfast, as you draw your safari and coastal escape to a close with a return flight to the UK.
Day 12
Land back in the UK - Touch down in the UK this morning with memories to last a lifetime.