Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar Safari 10 Days

- Multi-Country

Locations in Africa

  Tanzania

Arusha

Dates: 3 Feb; 17 Feb;

Description: Experience Tanzania's varied geography, diverse cultures and fames wildlife reserves on this brief but highlight filled safari. You will travel along the vast plains of Serengeti with its abundance of game, and host to the annual wildlife display - the migration - whilst also experiencing the natural spectacle of the Ngorongoro Crater Reserve. Tanzania has some of the most diverse cultures presenting you the oppurtunities to interact with an assorted mix of people from the famed Masai tribes to the large Muslim population of Zanzibar. Without doubt you will be amazed by Tanzania's varied landscapes, from the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro, to the Serengeti, and along the Usambara mountain ranges to the picture perfect coastline of Zanzibar.

Highlights: Day 01: Nairobi to Arusha
We depart Nairobi and drive south, crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga and continue to Arusha. This is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for your optional excursion to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct this excursions in locally operated Land Rovers, which are specially adapted for safari use. You will be away from the Arusha campsite for two nights. (L, D)

Day 02: Serengeti (Optional)
If you take up the two-night/three day option you will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides. The drive to the Serengeti National Park takes us through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending down onto the plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game in this area is truly astounding. The afternoon will be spent game viewing before setting up camp in the midst of the national park. With some luck we will be able to listen to the nighttime noises of the wildlife! (B, L, D)

Day 03: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
After a full morning game drive in the Serengeti we will return to pull down camp and head back towards the Ngorongoro. Here we travel up to Ngorongoro Crater's edge for our campsite for the evening. We suggest you pack your winter woollies as it can get very cold on the rim of the crater during night times. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
This morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls and 20-kilometre width is a natural wonder, and offers a spectacular view from the rim. The true size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself and the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers a chance to view an incredible concentration of East African mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion, and plain's game. After spending the full morning in the crater you will return to the campsite near Arusha for another night. Both optional excursions will follow the same schedule today. (B, L, D)

Day 05 Arusha to Pangani
We leave Arusha and head towards the warm Indian Ocean. Travelling through the town of Moshi we cross the southern slopes of the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro. There is also an opportunity to view the snowy summit, weather dependant. This calls for a photo stop! Continuing south we pass the Usambara Mountains where we encounter vast sisal plantations on our way to Dar es Salaam. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Pangani to Dar es Salaam
Today is another long days drive through beautiful lush scenery and palm trees. We sent up camp for the night. On arrival in Dar es Salaam, we spend the night at a beach hotel/campsite that is situated to the north of the city, and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island", where we will spend three nights on this legendary island. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. (B)

Please note: From our experience our clients have felt the need to explore the island on their own, therefore accommodation and food is for client's own account whilst on Zanzibar, but our trip leader accompany clients to the island and will be able to book accommodation and tours on the island

Days 08 & 09: Zanzibar
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of the island.

Zanzibar is a seafood lover's paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable cost.

Day 10: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
Leaving Zanzibar, we take the ferry back to the mainland and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania's first city with its colonial buildings and palm-lined port, where we end our safari.

Local Payment: US$180

Optional Excursions:
Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater option (3 day) US$380
Zanzibar Accommodation US$20p/p/n
(Prices subject to change)

Please note: This itinerary should be used as a guide only and may vary from day to day depending on road conditions, weather, political situations, and group decisions. Due to new tourism laws in some of the countries we operate in there may be a truck and crew change during the trip. All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice.

Free Trip

Please note that when you book this trip you are entitled to receive a free 3 day Masai Mara Safari. The Local Payment is still applicable for the trip. This offer must be taken up when booking your main trip. Please ask your travel agent or the Africa Travel Co office for details. Conditions apply.

The staff and management look forward to welcoming you aboard and trust that you will enjoy your trip with us.
"Safari Njema"

Cost in US$: 990 plus a local payment of US$180

Local payment includes three meals per day as per itinerary, accommodation and included highlights/ game park fees.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of maximum 29

Africa Travel Co's Mission Statement: Africa Travel Co is a leading overland tour operator running fun and adventurous overland safaris throughout southern and east Africa, with over 1500 guaranteed departures in both a north and south direction there is frequency as well as a travel option to suit even the most travelled of taste buds. Africa Travel Co has been in operation for over 18 years and boasts hands-on operations bases in Cape Town, South Africa; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Nairobi, Kenya. All Africa Travel Co trips are accompanied by three crew member, driver, trip leader and safari cook. Discover Africa up close and personal with Africa Travel Co

Year Founded: 1990