VISTAS OF PLAINS AND SPICE – OPTION A
DURATION: 14 DAYS
DEPARTURE POINT: ARUSHA
RETURN POINT: ZANZIBAR
Day 1 Arusha – Lake Manyara
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
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
Day 4 Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 4 hours)
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, stopping off at Olduvai Gorge en route. The Gorge acquired its name from the Sansevieria bush that grows profusely in the area, named Olduvai by the Maasai. The Gorge is about 50km long and in some places around 90m deep and is found between the Crater and the Serengeti. It was first discovered by a German entomologist named Professor Kattwinkel, who instigated an expedition just before the First World War. Later, the exploration was continued by Dr Louis Leakey and his wife, who in 1959 found humanoid remains of Zinjanthropus, later renamed Australapithicus Boisei, an early form of man. You will have time to walk through the simple small museum at the gorge, where you can view copy displays of some of the finds as well as pictures of what life was like for the gorge’s earliest inhabitants. 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 mists 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
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
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 after lunch to connect with the mid day flight to the Selous. This flight is approximately three hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a guide and transferred to the camp to freshen up. The following three days will be filled with morning or afternoon game drives, walking safaris and boat trips on a shared basis, on the Rufiji River and its picturesque lagoons.
Overnight at Selous Luxury Camp on a full board basis plus shared activities
Day 8 Selous Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game activities, walking safaris and boat trips
Overnight at Selous Luxury Camp on a full board basis plus shared activities
Day 9 Selous Game Reserve
Morning and afternoon game activities
Overnight at Selous Luxury Camp on a full board basis plus shared activities
Day 10 Selous Game Reserve – Zanzibar
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to the stylish Serena Inn, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean.
Overnight at Zanzibar Serena Inn on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 11 Zanzibar
This morning you’ll transfer to the north 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 on a half board basis in Deluxe room
Day 14 Zanzibar
Today you’ll transfer back to Zanzibar Airport to connect with your departure or onward arrangements.
End of our services.