Discover quintessential Africa when you take a walk on the wild side in Tanzania. A relaxed attitude combined with some of the best reserves and parks on the continent is the ultimate in safari chic. Your safari hits the most intriguing spots, from Tarangire with its enormous elephant herds, to the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, the roots of modern man at Olduvai Gorge, and the unique eco-system of Ngorongoro Crater. This is a slice of Africa where animal is king and the landscape free from modern encroachment. With more land devoted to wildlife than anywhere else in the world, this is truly a safari paradise. Pampering is the norm on this safari as your camps evoke a romantic reminiscence of yesteryear.
Degree of Difficulty –
Fly from the USA to Arusha, arriving next evening. Your professional naturalist will escort you to your lodge amongst the aromatic hills of a coffee plantation. ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE.
Meals Aloft
Start your safari with a drive to Tarangire National Park, where a landscape dotted with towering baobab trees greets you. The park is spectacular in the dry season when many of the migratory species, wildebeest, zebra, eland and oryx, come to drink in the permanent waters of the Tarangire River. Home to the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania, this is also a great park for avid birders; Tarangire has over 300 bird species. Adjacent to the Park on a private reserve, your stunning en suite tree house seems to have risen from the tree’s roots and blends seamlessly with the landscape. TARANGIRE TREETOPS.
(B,L,D Daily)
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, an ornithological paradise inhabited by over 350 bird species including flamingo and pelican. Next day, descend through misty clouds 2,000 feet to the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. See swaggering prides of black-mane lion, large herds of wildebeest, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and zebra, roam the grasslands with hyena close behind. The best chance to observe the fiercely protected endangered black rhino is here. Hildebrandt’s Francolin lurk in the forest while Verreaux’s Eagle soar high above a flamingo-filled soda lake. Massive tusked bull elephant charge in the plains, while the matriarchs meander through the forest under the watchful eyes of a leopard. Set in the tranquil highlands, your Cape Dutch manor exudes old world Afro-European elegance and décor. NGORONGORO MANOR.
(B,L,D Daily)
Discover Oldupai Gorge, the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ where Louis and Mary Leaky uncovered the early origins of humankind. Tour the museum to learn about their archaeological methods and remarkable finds. Resume your drive to the South Central Serengeti within the Moru Kopjes area, with vast short grass plains, woodlands and the dramatic Gol Mountains in the south. Wildlife viewing is great year round but best between mid-December and late May when millions of wildebeest mass in the plains to calve and give birth to their young, followed by the predators: lion, hyena, leopard, wild dog and cheetah. Your eco-friendly camp, comprised of 12 tents with en suite facilities, pays homage to the mobile camps of the 1930’s.SERENGETI PIONEER CAMP.
(B,L,D Daily)
Cross the Seronera (Central) region, known for its extensive lion population spread amongst 20 prides, and arrive in the remote corner of the Northern Corridor in the afternoon. During July through September the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra thrills visitors as they cross the Grumeti River while crocodile lay in wait. The hills and densely wooded forest are home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, along with topi, giraffe and abundant predators: lion, leopard and cheetah. Hidden among rocky outcrops on the banks of the Grumeti River is your intimate tented outpost, richly indulgent and reminiscent of Hemingway’s Africa. Savor every incredible minute of Africa’s splendor, from vibrant sunrises to endless star-filled night skies. MIGRATION CAMP.
(B,L,D Daily)
Feel like an early explorer as your flight returns you to Arusha. Time for some last-minute shopping before your transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you the magic of Africa.
(B,L; Meals Aloft)
Spend four days on the exotic island of Zanzibar beginning in Stonetown’s winding alleys and bustling bazaars. Stay at the ZANZIBAR SERENA INN where old-world opulence meets the Indian Ocean. Dazzle your senses at a spice plantation and watch rare, red colobus monkeys frolic overhead in Jozani Forest. Then, head to the Indian Ocean for a few days of relaxation. Located along a crescent of coral-bright sand, each of the fifteen pavilions of KILINDI ZANZIBAR embrace cascading rain-water pools, lush tropical gardens and domed private spaces of rest, indulgence and well-being. Enjoy a tour aboard a traditional wooden dhow and swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: 24 travelers. Pioneer Camp only has 12 luxury tents.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Flight between the Serengeti and Arusha on the main trip.
- Flight between the Serengeti and Zanzibar on the post extension.
- Superior accommodations throughout.
- All meals on safari and in Zanzibar.
- All wildlife viewing by 4×4 vehicles, driven by a naturalist guide. A window seat is guaranteed.
- Complimentary bottled water in vehicles and at meals.
- Professional naturalist will accompany the group with 10 travelers.
- All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All park entry fees
- Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.
- Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
Tanzania is located close to the Equator. The temperature, therefore, does not vary too much. During our summer months – their winter (June through August) it is about 10 degrees cooler, but days will be warm and can reach the 80’s and evenings can be cool and can drop to the 40’s in the higher elevations. Most programs include some high elevation spots – the rim of the crater is at 7,500 feet. The rainy season is in April/May (long rains) and November (short rains). However, it does not rain every day, or all day, and rainstorms are quickly followed by brilliant sunshine which makes for incredible photographic opportunities. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, however the migration of zebra and wildebeest follow this cycle:
- January-March – southern sector of the Serengeti and the animals are massing and giving birth to their young
- April-June – central Serengeti and the animals begin to move
- July – western corridor of the Serengeti and on the move towards Kenya
- August-October – northern Serengeti and mostly into Maasai Mara in Kenya
- November-December – returning back to the Serengeti and making their way to the southern sector
Zanzibar follows a similar pattern with rains (longer rains in April & May with short rains in November) but it does not rain every day or all day, rather short showers. Being so near the equator, Zanzibar is tropical year-round, but in summer (December/January) it’s usually windy, so there are pleasant sea breezes.
