DAY 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park.

After breakfast, we depart to Tarangire National Park, named after the Tarangire River which runs through it. This ‘river of warthogs’ is the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. In places, the vegetation is quite dense, including elephant grass, acacia woodlands and lush groundwater forest. The park is well known for its elephant families, which can often be seen congregating by the river. You may also see giraffe, bushbuck and hartebeest. These animals are closely followed by a range of predators, including lions and leopards. There are more breeding species of birds found in Tarangire National Park than anywhere else on the planet!

After lunch and an extensive game drive, we head for our luxury partner lodge near the park for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Escarpment Luxury Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Lake Manyara National Park.

After breakfast, we will drive to Lake Manyara National Park. This is a relatively small but diverse park, 120km west of Arusha. The park’s namesake is the shallow, Salt Lake. It covers a large area of the park, flooding and drying with the seasons and is home to thousands of flamingos and over 500 other bird species. On your exploration of the park you may see monkeys, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant and with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. The park is known for its diverse landscapes; not only open grassy plains, but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab dotted cliffs.

After lunch and an extensive game drive we will drive back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Escarpment Luxury Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Ngorongoro crater to Serengeti National Park.

After breakfast, we will continue towards the fertile highlands where wheat and corn are grown by the Iraqw people. Along the way, we'll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to see baboons, or even leopards and elephants in the dense undergrowth. Arriving at the edge of the Crater our eyes are welcomed by the breath-taking views of the intact volcanic caldera and home to the highest density of big game in Africa. 

Ngorongoro Crater is like a forgotten world, concealed by the steep volcanic walls is a pristine wilderness including sweeping savannah, pockets of acacia woodland and glistening lakes and swamps. The crater was created when a large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago. It is famous for both its geological delights and for being a natural reserve which is home to some of the densest large mammal populations in the whole of the African continent. The drive down the into the Crater is an adventure in itself and when you reach the crater floor, you quickly find yourself amongst large numbers of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and more than 500 bird species. The crater provides you with the best chance of seeing the endangered black rhino, which with luck can be spotted in the open grasslands.

After a picnic lunch at Ngorongoro, we ascend up the edges of the crater and then an continue with an en-route game drive to Serengeti National Park.

Accommodation Nyota Luxury Camp (All Inclusive)

DAY 5: North Serengeti (following the migration)

After breakfast we head towards the far northern reaches of the Serengeti National Park, also known as the Wagakuria. We will do a game drive en-route from the Lobo area to the Wagakuria area. As we head north, good sightings of giraffe, plain game, herds of buffalo and elephants can often be seen. 

While the Serengeti boasts abundant wildlife, it is perhaps best known for the annual Great Migration. Vast numbers of wildebeest; accompanied by large numbers of zebra and antelope move in an annual pattern, constantly seeking fresh grazing. The precise timing of the migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns each year. During the end of July to September the migration can be found in the Northern Serengeti where they are crossing the Mara River, and its awaiting Nile crocodiles, heading for the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara.

After lunch and an extensive game drive, we head for our partner luxury tented lodge (ensuite with electricity and running water) for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Serengeti River Camp (All Inclusive)

DAY 6: North Serengeti National Park and Mara River

After breakfast, we will continue our exploration of the Northern Serengeti region, including the nearby Mara River in hopes of spotting a river crossing. 

The Mara River crossing is one of the most spectacular events in Serengeti. Nervous wildebeest and zebras, gather by the thousands along the banks of the river waiting for the ideal moment to cross. Harassed behind by lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas and ahead by giant Nile crocodiles, many hundreds if wildebeest perish as some hazard the river crossing while others detour it, trying to reach the mineral rich grass of Maasai Mara where they will spend at list two months before they start to migrate again to their ancestral birthing ground in Southern Ndutu where it will all start again. 

But the beauty of the landscape, stretching without end beneath an infinite sky of northern Serengeti, changes something within the watcher, who becomes more aware of the place of humankind within the drama of the animal world. 

After a full day game drive and hopefully a sight of the crossing, we will return to our tented lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Serengeti River Camp (All Inclusive)

DAY 7: North Serengeti National Park and Mara River

Depending on what we see on Day 6, we will head out to explore other sites.

After a full day game drive and hopefully a sight of the crossing, we will return to our tented lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Serengeti River Camp (All Inclusive)

DAY 8: Transfer to Kogatende Airstrip for flight to Zanzibar. (not included)

After breakfast, we continue with our en-route drive inside the Serengeti as we head to Kogatende airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar (bot inclluded) for the two-night optional add-on trip to Zanzibar. 

Arriving at the airport in Zanzibar, you will be picked up by your guide for a tour of Stone Town. The Stone Town of Zanzibar retains its historical feel and is virtually intact. It contains many fine buildings that reflect its particular culture, which has brought together elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium. 

After the tour, you will continue straight to your accommodation in Nungwi for overnight.

Accommodation: Z hotel Zanzibar (B)

DAY 9: North coast of Zanzibar (Nungwi)

Enjoy a free day to relax on pristine beaches, indulge in spa treatments, or get your adventure on with water activities. 

With white coral sand that seems to glow even after nightfall, Nungwi has lots of activities, but can still feel secluded. Nungwi’s expansive coastline is wide open for

swimming and snorkeling in some of Africa’s most pristine, reef-rich waters. It’s one of the rare Zanzibar beaches untroubled by severe high and low tides, making it perfect for all-day water activities.

Deep sea fishing near Nungwi is top-notch, with opportunities to catch kingfish, dorado, yellowfin tuna and enormous striped marlin from the Indian Ocean. There are plenty of other activities on offer as well -- walking tours, sunset cruises, diving excursions and parasailing to name a few -- but all it really takes is a sunset sighting of traditional dhow boats bobbing in the sea to be captured by this enchanting African beach.

Accommodation Z hotel Zanzibar (B)

DAY 10: Onwards transfer to the airport.

After breakfast, and a bit of relaxation at the hotel in Zanzibar, you will be transferred straight to the airport to mark the end of your epic adventure.