Highlights between Serengeti & Zanzibar

The slopes of Mt Meru are home to some of East Africa’s finest Arabica coffee – one of Tanzania’s major exports. 95% of these aromatic beans are grown on local smallholder farms. During your “coffee walk” you will experience the daily life of the Meru farmers in the area and learn interesting facts about coffee grow­ing, harvesting and processing. On your way towards Usa River, you will pass a forest, where you may have the chance to watch the impressive black and white Colobus monkeys.

Accommodation: African View Lodge or similar. (B/L/D)

Game drive in Tarangire NP where huge Baobab trees provide a spectacular background. The Tarangire River and the swamps in the southern part of the park attract plenty of game, especially during the dry season. The park is particularly famous for its large herds of elephants which carry impressive tusks.

In the evening, you will proceed via steep serpentine roads into the Highlands with some breath-taking views back down to Lake Manyara at the floor of the Great Rift Valley.

Accommodation: Endoro Lodge (standard rooms), Octagon Lodge, Eileen’s Trees Inn or similar. (B/L/D)

Driving across Ngorongoro Conservation Area you will proceed on towards Serengeti NP. The road winds through impressive mountain forest, along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater before descending onto the short grass plains of Serengeti. On the way, you’ll enjoy fantastic, scenic views of the caldera of Ngorongoro, some mighty volcanoes and the vast plains which are only interrupted by “kopjes” – “heads”, as these granite rocks which have been polished by erosion to roundish forms are called. Serengeti is a paradise for grazers. Hundreds of thousands of wilde­beest, and other animals such as zebra and Thompson’s gazelle, are roaming through this unique eco-system on their annual migration, always followed by lions and hyenas hunting for prey. Whilst on a game drive in Serengeti NP, you are most likely to spot elephant, buffalo, giraffe, ostrich and many other different species of fauna. If you’re lucky, you may come across a cheetah or even a leopard which is resting in a tree during the day. Crocodiles and hippos can be found in or at the rivers.

Accommodation: 2x Serengeti View Camp or similar. (B/L/D)

Morning game drive in Serengeti on the way to Ngorongoro Crater. Afternoon game drive inside the Crater which has been labelled a “Garden of Eden” and, since 1978, is part of UNESCO’s World Nature Heritage. Here you have a good chance to see all of the “Big 5”. Apart from elephant, buffalo, leopard and many lions there are also more than 20 rhino which inhabit the crater, sharing the only 260 square-km wide area with countless wilde­beest, antelope, zebra and almost nearly every other specie pre­vailing in the East African fauna.

Accommodation: Endoro Lodge (standard rooms), Octagon Lodge, Eileen’s Trees Inn or similar. (B/L/D)

Morning at leisure. Proceed to Arusha Airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar Island. Transfer to your beach hotel.

Accommodation: Bahari View Lodge or similar. (B/-/-)

Days at leisure at the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. Or choose from the optional excursions: learn on a guided spice tour about tropical spices and fruits, enjoy a guided walk through the oriental-flavored historic Stone Town, swim with dolphins, go sailing on a traditional Dhow boat etc.

Accommodation: 6x Bahari View Lodge or similar. (B/-/-)

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport. (B/-/-)