Best of Tanzania & Spice Island (Zanzibar)

Day 1 – Arrive in Arusha and drive to Ngorongoro Crater

Starts in Arusha Town. Lunch in Arusha. Drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands to your lodge situated on the rim of the crater. The crater covers over 102 square miles (250 square kilometres) of land and is the home of the rare black rhino, lion, elephant, cheetah and great herds of buffalo, antelope and wildebeest. Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on half board basis.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Regularly voted as one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge in Tanzania clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and the most perfect volcanic crater on Earth. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the Crater 600 meters below. Hanging the contours of the jagged Crater rim, this luxury safari lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind’, the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock-enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheater far below. The location, the service and the luxury accommodation make Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge the ultimate destination for a unique safari experience in Tanzania.

 

Day 2 – Full Day in Ngorongoro

Today you will descend 2000 feet (over 600 metres) to the floor of the crater for a half day crater tour. Explore the forest areas that are inhabited by monkeys and elephants, the lake area, where you may see the flamingos and the open savannah where the lions hunt for food. Lunch at your lodge. Afternoon at leisure (Optional – Guided walk on the crater rim – US$ 20 per person). Overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge on full board basis.

Day 3 – Drive to Serengeti (Central) National Park 

After breakfast drive to Olduvai Gorge, site of Louis and Mary Leakey’s renowned archaeological discoveries. Their findings include some of the man’s earliest known ancestral remains. Continue to Serengeti National Park in time for lunch.  This enormous park supports every variety of animal imaginable – from large predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah to the smaller herbivores they prey on. Afternoon game drive. Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on full board basis

Serengeti Serena Lodge

 Set high on the saddle of a tree-clad ridge, commanding panoramic views across the Serengeti, this lodge is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style. Winner of numerous awards from the world travel press, it is perhaps the finest venue the Serengeti has to offer.

Centrally located adjacent to the famous 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 ‘vanishing horizon’ pool, which looks out over the ‘endless plains’ after which the Serengeti is named.

Situated close to the world-famous 2-million-year-old paleolithic site of Ol Duvai, ‘birthplace of mankind’, the lodge has been styled to offer a showcase of cultural performance, heritage and traditional art, which is best illustrated by the lavish Makonde carvings decorating both the rooms and the stunning domed dining room.

As for wildlife, the Serengeti National Park offers not only all the members of ‘The Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), but also the annual ‘migration’ of over one million wildebeest and their attendant cast of predators.

Accommodation is in 66 luxurious en-suite rooms housed in rondavels.  Other facilities include a restaurant, bar,  swimming pool, gift shop and evening entertainment.

Day 4 – Full Day in Serengeti (Central) National Park

Breakfast at your lodge. Morning and afternoon game drives. More than two million wildebeest, Thompson’s gazelle and zebra gather during the migration, attracting the attention of their predators such as lion, hyena, cheetah and leopard. Overnight at Serengeti Serena Lodge on full board basis.

Day 5 – Drive to Lake Manyara National Park

Breakfast at your lodge. Depart for Lake Manyara to arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park whose inhabitants include hippos, monkeys, tree climbing lions,  flamingos and other variety of birdlife. Overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge on full board basis.

 Lake Manyara Serena Lodge

It is difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting for Lake Manyara Serena Lodge: on the edge of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment, overlooking the Great Rift Valley and the stunning Manyara soda lake. Tree climbing lions are but one lure.

The extraordinary birdlife has made this place world-renowned among ornithologists, who come to observe the masses of pink flamingoes and great birds of prey. The abundant birdlife inspired the design of this lodge: swooping curves are complemented by soft, geometric patterns; stylish murals depict bird migration patterns. The circular shape of the buildings is a tribute to indigenous architectural tradition. Beyond the superb standards of hospitality offered, there is a spirit of tranquility that prevails.

Day 6 – Depart for Arusha and Fly to Zanzibar

Drive to Arusha town for lunch and continue to the airport for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar

(air fare is not included in the below prices) Your flight will land at Zanzibar Airport.

Zanzibar is known as the spice island which once produced most of the world’s cloves. This ancient Arab isle was ruled by the sultans of Oman, and the opulence of this period can still be sensed. Pirates and explorers considered it their stepping stone into African interior. Come explore it’s exciting past.

After disembarking from the aircraft you will be met by our representative who will assist you to collect your luggage and  transfer you to your resort situated on the South East Coast of the island for overnight at the Breezes Beach Resort & Spa on half board basis.

For centuries the historic spice Island of Zanzibar has evoked a mystical and magical dream: Fascinating history, exotic spices, sandy beaches and a hospitable people.

This beautiful resort is situated along a pristine, untouched beach stretching as far as the eye can see.

Breezes Beach Club & Spa stretches along the south-east coast of the tropical island of Zanzibar. In this idyllic setting you can enjoy personalized service and long, lazy days in the sun.

Zanzibar is famous for its abundant variety of exotic spices and seafood delicacies. Breezes Beach Club & Spa has 4 distinct restaurants where you can enjoy delicious, varied cuisine incorporating traditional Zanzibari elements. Complement your meal with a selection of the finest wines and spirits.

All rooms are spacious, fully air-conditioned with en suite bathrooms and personal safe box and refrigerator. All the rooms are identical in terms of size and décor and have sofa functioning as a full extra bed. The rooms are located in landscaped gardens. Superior deluxe rooms are situated on the upper floor of the bungalow with a large, private balcony. Deluxe rooms and standard rooms are located on the ground floor with terrace.

The club offers restaurants, bars, lounge, swimming pool, fitness center, spa and a water-sports center.

Days 7 & 8  –  Full Days in Zanzibar

The “spice island” of Zanzibar, located 26 miles off the coast of Tanzania, is a prime location from which you can enjoy the Indian Ocean’s clear turquoise waters. Combine this with the stirring slave-trade history that comes alive in Stone Town, and you have the perfect complement to your African safari adventure.
Your days in Zanzibar will be leisurely. You can enjoy snorkeling, swim with dolphins, try your hand at windsurfing, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, walk through a forest filled with monkeys, or simply relax on the beautiful white-sand beaches. Enjoy the many amenities of your beautiful Indian Ocean beach resort. Optional activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and enjoying the full-service spa (some activities are at additional expense). Embark on an exciting excursion to Kizimkazi where it is sometimes possible to swim with the dolphins.  Overnight at Breezes Beach Club on half board basis.

Day 9 – Depart

After breakfast at your resort you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport to catch your onward flight (flight not included in price package).

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you’d like to book this trip, please contact us.

Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.

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SPECIAL AIRFARES: Kutrubes Travel can assist you with your flight reservations to your destination with all major carriers. We offer special rates through our various airline contracts. Please call us or email us with your proposed travel plans and we will be sure to accommodate you and respond quickly.

Kutrubes Travel also offers a variety of other tours throughout this region. Contact us for detailed itineraries and descriptions.