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 flight ETA …hrs, you will be met outside the International arrivals hall by our 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.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

DAY 2: MBALI MBALI TARANGIRE RIVER CAMP, 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

0800hrs: After breakfast, check out and drive to Tarangire National park. Arrive in time for lunch at your camp. After lunch, proceed for an afternoon game drive. Tarangire National park is the 06th biggest park in Tanzania with elephant herds of up to 300.

This park has the largest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania after the Serengeti ecosystem.  Tarangire’s pythons climb trees, as do its lions and leopards, lounging in the branches where the fruit of the sausage tree disguises the twitch of a tail. Meals and overnight at Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp – LDBB

Overnight: Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp      

Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp is set within 25,000 hectares of concession area, included on the land is a branch of the Tarangire River itself, which the camp overlooks. The property is in a great location for game viewing since it is only 3.5km from the main entrance to Tarangire National Park.

Traditional grass thatching adorns the roof of the main lodge structure, which is set off the ground on an elevated deck. The breezy lounge boasts ample seating in a relaxing open-air environment. The dining area, where culturally inspiring meals are served, consists of simple safari style seating and the elevated position allows for excellent views over the riverbank below. Both the dining and lounge areas are married into a proper bon-fire area and game viewing deck that also overlook the same stunning views. The lodge’s small, informal gift shop offers the families of the nearby Maasai villages a chance to sell some of their handmade wares.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 3: ESCARPMENT LUXURY 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

0800hrs: After breakfast and check out, you will drive with game drive enroute to Lake Manyara. Arrive at your lodge in time for check in and lunch. Afternoon game drives in Lake Manyara National Park until sunset. Meals and overnight at Escarpment Luxury Lodge – LDBB

Overnight: Escarpment Luxury Lodge         

Escarpment Luxury Lodge is situated just outside Lake Manyara National Park within a narrow corridor formed by the looming cliffs of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the shores of the beautiful lake. The lodge offers a spreading deck surrounding the main lodge, ensuring breath-taking views of the lake and the gorge upon which the lodge is perched. Watch pelicans sweep the skies as you enjoy sundowners and see the sun slip down into the hills while listening to the sounds of Africa.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 4 – 5: ZIWANI LODGE, LAKE EYASI      

Day Itinerary

0800hrs: After breakfast and check out. You will drive Lake Eyasi arriving at your lodge in time lunch. You will stay at your lodge for 2 NIGHTS to enjoy the cultural activities.

Meals and overnight at Ziwani Lodge – LDBB 

Exclusions (optional, extra cost):

Beverages, Laundry, Excursions, Spa Treatments, Personal purchases, phone calls and gratuities

ACTIVITY FEES – are all based with a minimum of 2 guests (exclusive of transport)
Hadazabe USD $150 per group of 2 – 4 guests
Datoga USD $40 per person
Village Walk USD $30 per person
Walk to Lake Eyasi and Fishing USD $25 per person
NB: Fishing depends on or subject to the water level of the Lake

Lake Eyasi

Tucked between the Kidero Mountains in the south and the Eyasi Escarpment in the north, Lake Eyasi is set in a remote, dry, arid landscape located just south of Tanzania’s renowned Serengeti National Park. This seasonal lake features dry salt beds; a variety of birdlife such as flamingos and pelicans; and is surrounded by woodlands, forests and ancient baobabs. Visitors can learn about local cultures and visit the pastoralist Datoga people as well as the nomadic hunter-gatherer Hadzabe group. Other popular activities include: bird watching, hiking, walking safaris and soaking up the spectacular views. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Oldeani Mountain, the swampy valley of Yaeda and spectacular Serengeti.

Overnight: Ziwani Lodge     

Ziwani Lodge is located on an escarpment overlooking Lake Eyasi in northern Tanzania and offers sweeping views of the Rift Valley. The property boasts of 7 sophisticated cottages all with beautiful views and a natural cooling system. Guests will also have access to a swimming pool for cooling off in the heat of the day and a small library.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 6: NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE, NGORONGORO CRATER

Ngorongoro Coservation Area

Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations.

Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking and visiting a local Maasai village. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on an excursion to the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.

Day Itinerary

0800hrs: After breakfast check out and proceed to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the largest intact caldera in the world. Its enduring charm stems from its overwhelming physical beauty and the abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor. Arrive at your lodge for lunch. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure. Meals and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge – LDBB

Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge          

Perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. Sensitively constructed so as to take nothing from its environment whilst affording endless views over the heat-shimmering reaches of the crater below, the clustered boulder-built buildings of the Lodge hug the crater rim, linked by rope-lashed timber walkways that skirt the buttressed roots of ancient, liana-hung trees.

The interior, radiating out from the primeval log fire glowing at the heart of the Lodge, blends the concentrated hush of a game-viewing hide with the ochre, rust and charcoal images of a prehistoric cavern. Lit by flaming wall-lanterns, clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron spears, bright-beaded robes and intricately carved artefacts of the Maasai, the Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style. As for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient Ngorongoro Crater delivers a theatre of vistas, most unchanged since the dawn of time.

Strung around the crater rim, each with its own rock-enclosed balcony, the rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, Maasai carvings and flamboyant prehistoric wall motifs depicting fleeing giraffes, stylised gazelle and plunging buffalo. Each room draws on a cave-grey, indigo-blue and jasper-red colour-scheme, is fully air-conditioned and enjoys uninterrupted views over the Crater’s unmatched splendour.

At the end of an action-packed day, guests can also follow a gentle nature trail that loops around the Lodge through moss-hung glades and plunging ravines, take a guided walk to the Crater’s rim, relax with a herbal massage, or watch as the burning sun sinks behind the mountains from a unique vantage point on the craggy heights of the Crater’s rim.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 7: NGORONGORO SERENA SAFARI LODGE, NGORONGORO CRATER

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, leave with packed lunches and descend into the crater floor in your Jeep 4×4 vehicles for a crater tour. The central bowl, the caldera, has sides roughly 1,950 feet high and a flattish center with a diameter of about ten miles. The crater walls are forested but four-wheel drive vehicles will take you down into this primeval paradise of woodland, lake, river, swamp and plain that shelters around 20,000 animals. Return to the lodge later this afternoon.

Meals and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 8: EMBALAKAI CAMP, SERONERA – CENTRAL SERENGETI       

Day Itinerary

0800hrs: After breakfast, check out and drive from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti National is undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Arrive in time for lunch and settle in. Later proceed for an afternoon game drive returning to the camp in the evening. Meals and overnight at Embalakai Camp.

Seronera

The Seronera region, in the central Serengeti, is set directly on the Great Migration route, and offers excellent viewing of this incredible annual phenomenon, when countless wildebeest flood across the plains. While migratory game populations fluctuate seasonally, Seronera is still a wildlife hotspot at other times of the year, sheltering the Big Five, among many other species. A number of small campsites provide accommodation and visitors can enjoy hot air balloon trips and walking safaris as well as guided game drives.

Overnight: Embalakai Camp   

Embalakai is intimately set in the heart of the Serengeti, allowing guests to take a break from the crazy busy, fast-paced world out there. The greatest Luxury comes from being able to truly connect with nature, the heart of our very existence. Embalakai Camp offers the opportunity to hit the pause button on the regular daily grind giving guests the priceless gift of time, taking a moment to relax on the deck or by the campfire under the Serengeti dark velvet night sky, looking up at the millions of stars overhead in the pure unfiltered wilderness. There is no greater feeling than ‘letting go’ and embracing the beauty of present moment life, living on natures clock where time is determined by the sunrise and sunset, allowing the day’s events in between to unfold in their own magical and furtive ways.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 9: EMBALAKAI CAMP, SERONERA – CENTRAL SERENGETI

Day Itinerary

Optional Balloon excursion – extra cost. Full day in Serengeti National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Meals and overnight at Embalakai Camp.

The Serengeti National Park extends over an area of 14.763 square kilometres, which makes it one of the largest protected areas in the country. Just as its name suggests (Serengeti means “never ending plains”), this is an immense plain, a large animal sanctuary bordered on the east by the Ngorongoro volcanoes, and on the west by Lake Victoria, into which drain the main rivers that cross the plains (Grumeti, Seronera, Orangi). And in the midst of this “sea of grass” rise the rocky outcrops known as kopjes, refuge for a great number of smaller animals, as well as lions and leopards. However, the thing which catches most of our attention is the sheer number of animals present: zebras, wildebeest, Thompson´s and Grant´s gazelles, hartebeest, topis, buffalos, lions, jackals, hyenas etc. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 10: OLAKIRA MIGRATION CAMP (Best in December – March), NDUTU   

Day Itinerary

0800hrs: This morning, you’ll depart by road to Olakira Migration Camp in the Southern Serengeti. This is the ultimate amphitheatre for the Great Migration at this time of year as more than 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra arrive here in December, staying through February and March as the calving season begins. Later depart for an afternoon game drive. Meals and overnight at Olakira Migration Camp – LDBB

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.

Overnight: Olakira Migration Camp (Best and Open Dec – Mar)   

Immerse yourself in the Great Migration at Olakira Migration Camp. You will feel the earth vibrate during brave winter crossings of the mighty rivers in the north, or be moved beyond measure by the mass summer calving on the south’s grassy plains.

Olakira follows the massive herds of wildebeest to two spectacular locations in the north and south of the Serengeti National Park. Home from December to March is the southern Serengeti, where herds of wildebeest calve simultaneously and the plains throng with new life. As the dry days of winter arrive, Olakira relocates north to the confluence of the Mara and Bolongonja rivers for spectacular game viewing at the Mara River itself and around the Lamai Wedge.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 11: OLAKIRA MIGRATION CAMP (DEC – MAR), NDUTU

Day Itinerary

Full day spent in Ndutu area with morning and afternoon game drives.

Meals and overnight at Olakira Migration Camp – LDBB

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 12 – 13: RUAHA RIVER CAMP, RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

Ruaha National Park

Following its recent expansion, Ruaha is currently East Africa’s biggest national park and the second-largest on the African continent. It is also Tanzania’s most sizeable elephant haven and home to a profusion of bird species, including kingfishers, plovers, egrets, hornbills and sunbirds.

Crocodiles and hippos thrive in the Great Ruaha River, which flows along the sanctuary’s eastern border and in the dry season between July and November, animals flock to the last remaining water sources, presenting an exceptional wildlife spectacle. There are a number of accommodation options available but some close for the wet season in March and April.

Day Itinerary

After Breakfast, transfer to a local airstrip for scheduled Coastal Aviation flight to Ruaha National Park.

On arrival at Msembe Airstrip Ruaha at approximately 1130hrs, you will be met by the camp guide and transferred to the camp where you will spend the next 2 nights.

Meals and activities as per the camp’s schedule. Overnight: Ruaha River Camp

Basis

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

DAY 14 -15: RUFIJI RIVER CAMP, SELOUS GAME RESERVE      

Selous Game Reserve

The remote and little-visited Selous Game Reserve covers more than 5% of Tanzania’s total area and is the largest of its kind in Africa. At an unbelievable 55,000km² it is almost twice the size of Belgium and four times larger than the famous Serengeti in the North. The landscape here has remained almost as it was before tourism began and the massive park has only a few accommodation options.

The Great Rufiji River and its tributaries are the lifeblood of the reserve, creating a network of forests and woodlands around the lagoons, sandbanks and lakes with tall palm trees adding to the scenic splendour. Because of its size and remoteness, the reserve has over 2,100 species of plants, 350 species of birds, 60,000 elephant, 108,000 buffalos and an estimated 1,300 of the worlds’ roughly 4,000 remaining rare wild dogs, giving guests an opportunity to glimpse all of these exotic animals in true unspoilt wilderness. Boating, walking safaris and fly camping are all available in the Selous.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to a local airstrip for scheduled Coastal Aviation flight to Selous Game Reserve. The flight departs at 1145hrs and arrives in Selous at approximately 1250hrs. You will be met by the camp guide and transferred to your camp where you will spend the next 2 nights. Meals and activities as per the camp’s schedule

Overnight: Rufiji River Camp          

Rufiji River Camp is located on the banks of the Rufiji river, in a point where the ample and tranquil river is animated by many and different species of animals. The tented camp, situated in the heart of the reserve, is environmentally friendly and each tent is equipped with private bathroom and a veranda facing the river.

There is a constant flow of animals coming down to drink at the river offering a permanent show to visitors of the camp. The water is usually full of hundreds of hippos as well as groups of crocodiles that laze in the sun on the sandbanks in the river. A structure in the central part of the camp hosts the restaurant, bar and library, all with a view of the river and the sunset.

Basis

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

DAY 16: THE SEYYIDA HOTEL & SPA, STONE TOWN  ZANZIBAR       

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the camp followed by check out. Transfer to the local airstrip for your scheduled Coastal Aviation flight departing at 1250hrs to Zanzibar arriving at approximately 1450hrs. You will be met at the airport by a Siente Africa guide and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation at The Seyyida Hotel & Spa.

Stone Town

Situated on the beautiful island of Zanzibar, Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of the island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is famous for its winding alleys fringed by grand architecture, bustling bazaars, sultan’s palace, mosques, the House of Wonders, gardens and the extravagant merchants’ houses with their remarkably ornate doors. Stone Town is home to over fifty mosques, six Hindu Temples, a Catholic and an Anglican Cathedral. Visitors can also look forward to visiting the Old Fort along the waterfront; pay a visit to the Palace Museum, and sampling local cuisine at Forodhani Gardens a local seaside market. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a sunset dhow cruise.

Overnight: The Seyyida Hotel & Spa

The Seyyida is an elegant 17 room boutique hotel located in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar. The hotel is ideally situated next to the Palace Museum, and just a short walk away from the celebrated Stone Town monuments such as the Forodhani Garden, House of Wonder and the Old Fort. Each room has been decorated in a Swahili theme using traditional furnishings, providing a style and comfort that is distinctly Zanzibar. All rooms are equipped with king size beds, state of the art bathroom, flat screen satellite TV, mosquito net, air conditioning, minibar, coffee maker and safe deposit box.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

DAY 17 – 20: ZURI ZANZIBAR, KENDWA BEACH ZANZIBAR   

Kendwa

Situated on the tropical island of Unguja, just off the Tanzanian coast, Kendwa is a village along the northwest coast of this beautiful island. It is renowned for its powder-fine white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters boasting an untouched underwater wonderland and fringed by an array of tourist resorts.

Visitors can enjoy snorkelling excursions to explore the abundant marine life living in these azure waters or jumping on a local wooden dhow boat for a picturesque sunset trip. For those looking for some evening entertainment, the full moon party is a definite must.

Don’t miss the opportunity to give back to the community and learn about local Zanzibari culture on a fascinating village tour, great for those looking to go beyond the usual resort activities. Other popular activities include: parasailing, banana boating, scuba diving, and jet skiing.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the hotel followed by check out. 1530hrs: Pick up from The Seyyida Hotel & Spa and transfer to Zuri Zanzibar where you will stay for the next 4 NIGHTS. Optional activities available at an extra cost.

Overnight: Zuri Zanzibar      

Boasting some of the archipelago’s finest offerings, the Zuri Zanzibar hotel offers 300 meters of private, pristine beach and a lush spice garden. Guests can enjoy the region’s gorgeous African sunsets due to the property’s west-facing location on the northern edge of the main island of Unguja.

Basis

Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

DAY 21: END OF ITINERARY      

Day Itinerary

After breakfast at the hotel followed by check out, 1700hrs. Transfer to the Zanzibar Airport for your international outbound flight departing at TBA hrs back home. End of our services

Basis

Breakfast