Departs on Saturdays and Mondays

From:  Arusha Town Center at 1400 hours

To:      Zanzibar Airport  (checkout from the Resort is by 10am)

ITINERARY

Day 1  Arusha – Lake Manyara (approximately 2 hours)
You depart Arusha in the afternoon and pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. At the town of Makuyuni you turn North West and continue the journey up through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara.
Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena on a half board basis

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
It would be difficult to find a more dramatic setting than the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.  Situated at the edge of an escarpment, this deluxe lodge overlooks both the Great Rift Valley, which formed millions of years ago, and the beautiful soda lake of Manyara with its lavish supply of bird life.  The birds themselves have provided the inspiration for the lodge’s architecture.  Graceful, curving and free flowing, it is built in the local circular style and exudes an atmosphere of peacefulness where man and nature co-exist.  From the patterns in the reception area resembling bird migration paths, to the soft geometric designs in the bedrooms, there is barely a single straight line in its design. The bar and restaurant offer guests both indoor and outdoor seating at each meal. Sumptuous menus, buffets and barbecues are served to guests alongside authentic African dishes.

Lake Manyara
From whichever direction you approach Manyara, the first view is spectacular. From the east, the Rift Valley wall rises several hundred metres to form an impressive backdrop to the lake. From the west, if one is perched at the top of the escarpment, the park lies far below, with a long green strip of water that glistens in the sunlight. The vegetation around the lake’s shores is surprisingly varied and comprises mostly forest, acacia woodland and open grassland. The park covers an area of 330 sq km of which about 230 sq km is the lake itself. You can always find hippo in the Simba River, elephant in the forests and a resident herd of Cape buffalo on the open plains at Mahali Pa Nyati, which means, ‘The place of the buffalo’ in Swahili. In addition, there are approximately 400 species of birds and with some luck you might see tree-climbing lions.

Day 2   Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park
After breakfast enter your safari vehicle and spend the morning exploring and driving through Lake Manyara National Park. About midday return to the lodge for lunch and then depart for Serengeti National Park with some game viewing en route arriving at your lodge as the sun begins to set.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis

Day 3   Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park exploring this famous park and all that it has to offer.
Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on a full board basis

Serengeti Serena Lodge
The Serengeti Serena reflects both the local culture and the surrounding environment.  Set high on a hill with magnificent views of the sweeping Serengeti, the lodge is reminiscent of a traditional African village.  Rondavels built in the time-honoured hut style, house luxury bedrooms with en suite facilities. Simple in design, yet sophisticated in content, the Serengeti Serena’s decor highlights African arts and crafts, including woodcarving, bead making and pottery. Everything from key tags to headboards for the beds has been specially made.  This uniquely African design skilfully incorporates the comforts and attentions to detail that are the hallmark of every Serena Lodge.  Therefore, if you wish to stay in a lodge, but want more of an African experience, then you will thoroughly enjoy your experience here.

Serengeti National Park
In the local vernacular, Serengeti means ‘The endless plains that go up to the sky’. And they do just that. It is therefore easy to understand why this is the most popular and spectacular of all game parks in East Africa. Covering 14,765 sq km, one of the striking features of this park is the series of large granite outcrops that dominate the vast plains, making it very different to the Masai Mara. Life in the park centres on the triangular trek of several million hooves. This movement never stops, as the animals constantly seek out new grazing pastures. Every year, after the South’s short November rains, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, eland, topi and hartebeest gather in their thousands on the Serengeti’s southern plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands. Then, around April, they head towards the western corridor of the Serengeti, where many overflow into the Masai Mara around July/August. They remain here until late October/November, when Tanzania’s new rains prompt the move south again, towards Lake Ndutu and Lagaja. This yearly phenomenon also affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of other species, who rely on the migratory herds for their survival. These include predators, gazelles, birds and lowly insects, not to mention the grasses and trees that are fertilised by droppings. Another of the highlights here, is the early morning balloon safari (optional tour – cost not included)

Day 4   Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 4 hours)
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains.  After a picnic lunch you continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 5   Ngorongoro Crater
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest wildlife zoo. After breakfast, you descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning’s mist and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It’s an awesome wildlife experience.  A picnic lunch is served overlooking a small lake populated with hippos.  You return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on a full board basis

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Your accommodation is at the stunning Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Built of stone and covered with a profusion of flowering plants, the lodge feels as if it’s actually part of the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.  The walls and terraces were designed around the existing contours of the site, making this beautiful lodge appear to be absorbed into the very earth on which it is built.  The result is a unique accommodation with unhindered views of the wealth of animal and bird life that fill the vast crater below.

Day 6   Ngorongoro Crater – Tarangire National Park (approximately 3 hours)
Departing Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast and proceed to Tarangire. After lunch the remainder of the afternoon will be spent on a game drive.
Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis

Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire is recognised as one of the best parks on the northern circuit for elephant viewing during the dry season and Tarangire Sopa is ideally placed to experience this.  The lodge welcomes guests to its vast marble-floored reception area with cold flannels and iced juice. In the pretty gardens a large circular pool with a central island, a pool bar and elegant wooden loungers demonstrates the lodge’s commitment to comfort. Delicious barbecue lunches are often served here. A broad veranda wraps itself around the lodge and gives prime viewing for the waterhole below, which is filled during the dry season and becomes a magnet to wildlife. The rooms at the lodge are simple, comfortable and spacious and arranged in groups of four, in African-style buildings. Large sliding doors open to a private balcony.

Tarangire National Park
South of Lake Manyara and just over 100km from Arusha, this is a delightful, untamed gem of a park. Covering 2,600 sq km, it abounds with game and the numerous wide-bowed baobab trees create a lasting impression. Tarangire is at its finest during the dry seasons, from between June to October and December to March. This is when the Tarangire River and the various swamps attract the highest concentrations of game, providing a lifeline to thousands of species. This area is best for Oryx, kudu, wildebeest, zebra, elephant and eland but leopards and massive pythons are also found here.

Day 7   Tarangire National Park – Arusha – Selous
Depart after breakfast and head north east to Arusha. The journey will pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. Upon arrival into Arusha, you’ll be dropped off at the airport and provided a picnic lunch as you connect with the mid-day flight to the Zanzibar (flight booked by Ranger Safaris). Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to the stylish Serena Hotel, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean.
Overnight at Zanzibar Serena Hotel in standard room on a bed and breakfast basis

Zanzibar Serena Inn
Zanzibar Serena is a first-class 51-bedroomed hotel offering excellent service and stylish facilities. Its location makes it ideal for short stays and exploration trips into Stone Town. Ten minutes from the airport, it overlooks the ocean and is a short walk away from the bustling harbour. The hotel boasts several fine restaurants, bars and a swimming pool with a view.

Day 8   Zanzibar
This morning you’ll transfer to the south east coast (around 1 hour) to Breezes Beach Club, where you’ll spend the next three days in style, comfort and an extremely relaxed atmosphere.
Stay 3 nights at Breezes Beach Club in deluxe room on a half board basis

Breezes Beach Club
Breezes Beach Club is an hour’s drive south west of the airport and set in tropical gardens and towering palms that run along a stunning stretch of paper-white beach. Being one of Zanzibar’s few privately-run hotels, there are 70 large, tastefully decorated bedrooms, all adding to the romance and friendliness of this classic location. For fine dining, there are restaurants and candle-lit dinners available overlooking the ocean – a lovely way to savour the taste of exotic spices and fresh fish. Some of the many activities include the swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, scuba-diving, water-sports and fitness centres. For those who want relaxation, the Frangipani Spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies to sooth away any stress or exhaustion. There is also the ‘Kili Foot Treatment’ and ‘Après Safari Treatment’ for real post-safari pampering.

Day 11   Zanzibar – out
Today you’ll transfer back to Zanzibar Airport to connect with your departure or onward arrangements.

2023 COST PER PERSON

$9500 YEAR ROUND / MARCH $8550 / 3/28-5/28 CLOSED / NOV TO 15 DEC – $8260

Christmas and Easter supplements apply.

  
Over the festive season, additional nights in Zanzibar may be required to meet minimum stay restrictions.  These will be payable at an additional cost per your Zanzibar rates.

NOTES

• This safari does not include arrival transfer in Arusha nor lunch on arrival.  We are happy to offer these at an additional cost:
• Transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha
• Transfers between Arusha Airport and Arusha
• Lunches in Arusha

An optional balloon safari can be booked at an additional expense for travel whilst in Serengeti National Park at an additional cost.

• Child Rates
• This safari is not appropriate for children younger than 7 years old
• One child aged 7-11 years sharing with 2 adults pays 65% of safari cost
• Two children (under 12 years) sharing their own room pay 85% of adult rate
• Children younger than 16 may not be able to participate in bush walks in Selous
• Third adult pays the per person sharing (no discount)

Cost Includes

• Meet and greet services
• Seat in vehicle safar
• Depart by 4×4 vehicle with photo roof (maximum 7 clients per vehicle) in northern Tanzania
• Shared 4×4 in Selous Game Reserve
• Shared boat excursions and bush walks in Selous Game Reserve
• Services of an English speaking driver-guide
• Guaranteed window seat
• Game drives and crater tour
• All accommodation and meals as specified
• All park fees and government taxes
• One bottle of mineral water per person per day during game drives
• Domestic flight Arusha (or Kilimanjaro) / Selous Game Reserve / Zanzibar (booked by Ranger Safaris) including applicable taxes and surcharges

Cost Excludes

• International flights
• Visas
• Airport tax (pay direct)
• Driver guide or local escort gratuities
• Drinks and dining rooms tips, porterage, personal travel and baggage insurance
• Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature

Additional remarks

• We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
• Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.

Passenger Information

• Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
• All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
• Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in
• Passengers arriving to Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
• Domestic flights (including airline / fuel surcharges)
• * Once itinerary is confirmed flight bookings are made immediately to ensure space is confirmed.  Any amendment to flights will incur $50 per person airline amendment fee. Cancellation of the flight will incur 100% cancellation fees for the flight sectors within the itinerary.

Call or text (818) 353-9500