Your driver/guide will be waiting for you at the airport to transport you to your hotel. Today, you can unwind and relax. The Safari Zanzibar experience will officially begin the following day.
Surrounded by acacias and enormous baobab trees, Tarangire National Park boasts spectacular wildlife and exquisite scenery. It's a birdwatcher's sanctuary, with flocks soaring across the sky, creating a stunning display of hues - blue, purple, red, yellow, green, orange, and white as the sun bathes the golden plains. Majestic wings cut through the silver linings of the clouds, while melodies and soft chatter fill the air.
Massive herds of elephants dominate the landscape, and introverted dwarf mongooses hide in ancient termite mounds. The tranquil river is bustling with wildebeest, zebras, buffalos, impalas, gazelles, hartebeests, and elands, making it the perfect spot to witness lurking predators. Among the predators are lions, leopards, and cheetahs. A delightful dinner will be served at the Fanaka Campsite.
After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Serengeti National Park. "Endless" is the English translation of Serengeti, and the seemingly boundless expanse of its grassy plains, acacia groves, and riverine woodlands is a breathtaking sight. The Serengeti is renowned for the annual wildebeest migration, where thousands of hooves rhythmically pound the ground and shimmering shadows envelop the golden savannah.
During this trip, you may come across lions, eland, gazelle, buffalos, cheetahs, jackals, leopards, zebras, Gaudy agama lizards, and ostriches. You'll spend the day observing the wildlife, and a picnic lunch will be served on a scenic cliff. Tonight's accommodation is located within the Serengeti.
Brilliant orange hues seep out from the sun, extending beyond the horizon. The sky is painted blood red, and the scattered clouds range from soft pink to deep burgundy. As the morning rays warm the lush landscapes, the birds begin their melodious tunes. Your day commences with an invigorating morning game drive that takes you through the central Serengeti. The air is crisp and still, and even the snap of a twig can be heard. Your skilled guide can track down predators using fresh tracks. You might come across hyenas or vultures scavenging remnants of a discarded kill.
The entire day will be dedicated to exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of wildebeest, big cats, wild dogs, and leopards you encounter depends on factors such as the time of year and the location of the herds. Throughout the year, you can spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. Once the game drive concludes, you will head to your accommodation within the Serengeti, where a delicious dinner will be served.
You will begin another morning game drive inside the Serengeti. Shortly after lunch, you will continue your journey to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will overnight at Simba Camp with a spectacular view over the caldera.
In the morning, you will be driven to the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival at Ngorongoro, you will descend into the crater for a game drive on the crater floor. As very few animals migrate in and out of the crater due to its 2,000-ft. high walls, you can expect to see lions, elephants, zebras, hippos, flamingos, jackals, rhinos, antelopes, many birds, and other species. You will overnight at Fanaka Camp in Mto wa Mbu near the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park.
After a delicious breakfast, we will depart for Lake Manyara National Park. The golden Great Rift Valley escarpment and the deep blue waters of Lake Manyara lie beneath a lush blanket of trees. The stunning scenery of the park was famously described by Ernest Hemingway as "the loveliest I had seen in Africa." The diverse wildlife includes striking blue monkeys and hornbills in the forest, while lions, giraffes, buffalos, wildebeests, elephants, impalas, hippos, baboons, and zebras roam the savannah. The soda lake is adorned with rosy flamingos and storks.
After the game drive, we will drive to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will catch your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to Kendwa in the northern region of the island, where you will relax on Zanzibar's stunning beaches for the next few days.
The secluded beach at the hotel is peaceful, and the rising sun resembles a dusty golden balloon on the distant horizon of the sparkling blue sea. Gentle, frothy waves caress the pristine, golden sands covering the shore. A serene sea breeze cuts through the air, offering a refreshing coolness to the warm weather as you unwind. You can partake in an array of exciting water activities and sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, leisurely boat trips, and more.
After breakfast, we will embark on the scenic route to Stone Town, if you have chosen to be a part of this segment of the Safari Zanzibar experience. Our journey includes a detour along the way - the renowned Zanzibar Spice Tour (optional and not included in the tour price). We have designed a customized Spice Tour that covers a wide range of themes. While spices take center stage, we will also explore organically grown herbs and their traditional roles in homeopathic medicine, cosmetics, and, of course, cooking.
After the tour, we will tantalize your taste buds by heading to an aromatic and exceptional spice restaurant. Here, you will have the opportunity to sample the spices and fruits that you saw on the tour. We will then proceed to Stone Town, where you will spend the night.
If you have chosen to do so, we will delve into the history of Stone Town (optional, not included in the tour price). The picturesque setting and warm locals create an otherworldly atmosphere. This tour takes you back through centuries to explore the rich culture of the unique original inhabitants. The ancient Indo-Arabic architecture is complemented by winding alleyways and intricately carved wooden doors.
This tour encapsulates the essence of Zanzibar by taking you to iconic locations including, but not limited to, the House of Wonders, the opulent Palace Museum (People's Palace), Dr. Livingstone's house, and the Arab Fort. You will pass by cathedrals and numerous striking mosques as you wander through the bustling market. The markets are a hub of vibrant ambiance and delicious food. Many stalls are densely packed, showcasing a burst of color, rich fabrics, and ethnic delights.
Depart for the airport and board your flight back home or extend your wonderful Safari Zanzibar vacation.