DAY 1: KIA LODGE, ARUSHA
Arusha
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.
Day Itinerary
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport ex international flight, you will be met outside the International arrivals hall by AMA Safaris -Tanzania representative. After introduction you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Kia Lodge, BB
Overnight: Kia Lodge
Welcome to KIA Lodge, “your door to Tanzania”, at less than 5 minutes drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lodge is situated on a secluded hill in the heart of beautiful savannah scenery that is so typical for East Africa. Guests can admire the vast views of the African plains and of course the grand Kilimanjaro Mountain that shows her snowy top mostly in the morning and at sundown.
Because of its location, the KIA Lodge is an ideal safe haven for arriving and departing Tanzania, climbing the Kilimanjaro or traveling on to the northern safari destinations. The friendly service, Zanzibar style reception, typical African decorations, and tropical restaurant offer a warm welcome to into the Tanzanian culture. Drink a Kilimanjaro beer in the open bar, enjoy over a hundred species of birds in the savannah garden, or relax at our hilltop swimming pool with great views of Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru, the Blue Mountains and the Maasai plains all around.
At KIA lodge we will ensure that you are looked after in a unique friendly and peaceful environment, helping you to prepare for your safaris or climbs and cosseting you on your arrival or return home. With our beautiful gardens we can honestly boast the fact that we are not just an airport hotel but also a true lodge where you can immediately get a real taste of Africa!
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
DAY 2 – 3: KIRURUMU MANYARA LODGE, LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK
Lake Manyara National Park
Situated in Tanzania’s central-northern region with the Lake Manyara on its east and the Manyara Escarpment to its west, the Lake Manyara National Park offers breathtaking views and a large variety of habitats supporting an array of wildlife. This small park is home to surprising biodiversity and features a magnificent landscape of acacia woodlands, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, algae-streaked hot springs, swamps and the lake itself. The park supports 400 species of bird, and the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. Other species include giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, the Cape clawless otter, and Egyptian mongoose. Don’t miss the opportunity to see thousands of flamingos on the lake, the renowned tree-climbing lions, and large families of elephants strolling through the forest.
Day Itinerary
Breakfast and check out followed by a safari briefing and introduction to your driver guide. Depart for Lake Manyara. Check in at Kirurumu Manyara followed by lunch. Afternoon game drives at Lake Manyara National Park. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. The next day will be spent on morning and afternoon game drives at Lake Manyara National Park with overnight at the lodge on Basis – Full Board.
Overnight: Kirurumu Manyara Lodge
Kirurumu Manyara Lodge is set high on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, enjoying a marvellous, uplifting and panoramic view eastward over Lake Manyara, the Rift floor and Mt. Losimingori. Behind Kirurumu, the Ngorongoro Highlands rise in green and fertile splendour and form the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge, the Serengeti.
Manyara Lodge offers 27 tented rooms, 2 honeymoon suites, 2 family cottages, fully en suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, electricity, bar complete with sun-deck and panoramic views of the rift valley and dining room with waiter service. The lodge offers activities including Maasai guided ethno botanical walks, mountain biking available on request, half-day treks / hikes and fly camping in forests on special request.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 4: NDUTU SAFARI LODGE, NDUTU
Ndutu
Set in the Arusha Region, Ndutu is situated in the northern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area within the magnificent Serengeti. The surrounding landscapes are covered in sweeping grasslands which provide the perfect habitat for the migratory route for hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, antelope and zebra. Visitors can look forward to exploring the forest around Lake Ndutu, spotting an array of wildlife, and visiting the fascinating archaeological site at the Olduvai Gorge. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on a game drive to view the spectacular herds of the annual Great Migration, enjoy a scenic hot air balloon ride over the plains and take a guided tour with the local Maasai and learn about culture and traditions. Other commonly spotted species include: leopard, lion, cheetah, caracal, serval, African wildcat, and a variety of prolific birdlife.
Day Itinerary
Breakfast and check out with picnic lunch, depart for Ngorongoro. Descend into the crater floor for a game drive until mid afternoon. Ascend up the crater rim and proceed to Ndutu Safari Lodge for check in. Dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge
A traditional Safari lodge in an outstanding wildlife location. Ndutu Safari Lodge comprises thirty four simple and comfortable stone and thatch en-suite cottages extending from a relaxed central bar and dining area, a meeting place for friends over the past 50 years. Each cottage has a private veranda looking out onto the ever-changing waters of Lake Ndutu. Steeped in history and famous for our homely warmth and generous hospitality, we have built a reputation as consistently being the choice of expert guides, professional wildlife photographers, filmmakers and biologists alike. The reason? It’s simply the best place in the Serengeti ecosystem to watch and enjoy predators and prey, herds and hunters and is one of the finest locations to witness the extraordinary speed and spectacle of cheetah hunting their prey.
We pride ourselves on doing the simple things well. Wonderfully comfy beds, hot showers, delicious home cooked meals, friendly service and not forgetting our tempting homemade cookie jar! Join us after a full day of wildlife viewing around our famous Ndutu campfire under the stars where you can relax, sharing stories with friends, as the moon rises above the towering acacia trees.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 5 – 6: KIMONDO MIGRATION CAMP NORTHERN SERENGETI -(Open July -Oct).
Northern Serengeti
The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.
Day Itinerary
Breakfast and check out. Depart for Northern Serengeti in pursuit of the migrating herds. Arrive at Asilia’s Kimondo Migration Camp for check in followed by lunch. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight stay. The next day will be spent on full day game drive or morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park. Accommodation at Kimonndo Migration Camp on Full Board.
Overnight: Kimondo Migration Camp (Open July – Oct)
Kimondo is a mesmerising mobile safari camp that tracks the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration from the dramatic Lamai Wedge and Mara River in winter to the lush southern Serengeti grasslands in the height of summer. Handcrafted from wood and canvas in an exotic blend of traditional East African safari style with a subtle Moroccan influence, Kimondo Migration Camp has just nine elegant and airy tents, each with a king-sized cast-iron bed, en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, and private veranda.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 7 – 8: SERENGETI SERENA SAFARI LODGE, CENTRAL SERENGETI
Central Serengeti
Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. This picture-perfect landscape is characterized by endless stretches of savannah-covered open plains, interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite, scattered with acacia woodlands and covered in a network of rivers and streams. The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, waterbuck, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, jackal, serval and much more. Popular activities include: game viewing, cultural tours, horse riding safaris, and hot air ballooning over the spectacularly scenic terrain.
Day Itinerary
Breakfast and check out. Drive towards central Serengeti with game drive en-route. Arrive for check in at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge followed by lunch. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight stay. The next day will be spent on full day game drives or morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park. Accommodation at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge on Full Board.
Overnight: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is situated high a tree clad ridge, commanding panoramic views across the Serengeti. The lodge is a fusion of traditional African architecture and modern style. Centrally located adjacent to the Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge has been designed to blend completely into the living landscape. A series of traditional domed rondavels are widely spaced throughout the grounds, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. On the very edge of the ridge is a pool, which looks out over the endless plains. The lodge has been styled to offer a showcase of cultural performance, heritage and traditional art, illustrated by the lavish Makonde carvings which decorate the rooms and the stunning domed dining room.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 9 – 10: TARANGIRE SOPA LODGE, TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, situated within Tanzania’s spectacular Manyara Region, is an awe-inspiring national park comprising of granite ridges, river valleys, mixed vegetative landscapes, and free-roaming wildlife. During the annual dry season the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. With lion being among the most commonly spotted animal, it is a rare day that a visitor does not spot this majestic animal prowling or grazing. Tarangire is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as Oryx and gerenuk are seen regularly. This expansive area is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the wondrous mountains to the south.
Day Itinerary
Breakfast and check out. Drive towards Tarangire National Park with a game drive en-route to the lodge. Arrive for check in followed by lunch. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight stay. The next day will be spent on a full day game drive or morning and afternoon game drives in Tarangire National Park. Accommodation at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on Full Board.
Overnight: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. Close to the town of Arusha and hosting Tanzania’s highest concentration of elephant population in Africa, perhaps than anywhere else in the world. It has a horizon dominated by the magnificent baobab trees, Legend says that baobab tree once angered God and it was thrown to earth and planted upside down. The trees are known to live for hundreds of year, some say thousands of years.
Tarangire sopa Lodge has 75 large and airy rooms, accommodating 150 guests. Built to blend with the vastness of its surroundings, the Lodge nestles amongst the rocky outcrops in the north-east of the park. As the Lodge is one of only a handful in this park, visitors are often rewarded with an exclusive feel to their safari. Each of the suites has its own private lounge with mini-bar, en-suite bathroom, large bedroom with 2 queen size beds and a balcony. The Lodge has telephone facilities, satellite TV, a conference room and a uniquely-designed swimming pool with a central island.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 11 – 14: OCEAN PARADISE RESORT & SPA, PWANI MCHANGANI, ZANZIBAR
Pwani Mchangani
Set on the Zanzibar Archipelago’s largest island, Unguja, Pwani Mchangani is a village known for its spectacular seaside location. It boasts traditional huts, tucked under coconut palms meeting azure waters. Visitors can look forward to snorkelling and diving through the offshore coral reefs, strolling along the uncrowded pristine white-sand beach, enjoy delicious cocktails at a rustic beachfront bar and soak up the sun while relaxing on a lounger. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a spectacular sunset over the calm waters of the warm Indian Ocean and enjoy an array of thrilling water sports. Popular activities include: fishing, swimming, surfing, kite surfing, and stand up paddle boarding.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast at the lodge, then depart back to Arusha. You will be transferred to Arusha Airport for your PW 425 flight to Zanzibar. The flight departs at 1450hrs and arrives in Zanzibar at approximately 1610hrs. You will be met up on arrival and transferred to your beach resort where you will spend the next 4nights. Meals and Accommodation at Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa, Basis – Half Board
Overnight: Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa
Situated on Zanzibar’s picturesque North East coast, overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean, it is as the name suggests a little piece of paradise. At Ocean Paradise Resort Zanzibar, you will be greeted by a blaze of colour as you sweep down the imposing driveway, saluted by a Masai warrior as you pass through the entrance gate and be captivated as you arrive in reception and look out over the resort and the azure blue sea.
Mature coconut palms swinging in the breeze, white sandy beach, beautiful landscaped gardens, and traditional style round chalets with pitched makuti roof, a stunning waterfall feature and the largest swimming pool in Zanzibar are just some of the sights that await you. A big smile and the greeting of “Jambo” will be the first words you hear, as you begin to feel the warmth that the people of Zanzibar are famed for.
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
DAY 15: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
Breakfast at the resort followed by check out. 1320hrs: Pick up from your hotel and transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your PW 427 flight departing at 1655hrs back home. End our services
Basis
Breakfast