Day 1: Nairobi / 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/or Serengeti.

We conduct these excursions in locally operated Land Rovers, which are specially adapted for safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for either one or two nights. (L, D)

Day 2: Serengeti

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 3: Serengeti National Park / 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.

For those taking the one-night/two Day option you will be collected from Arusha toDay in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening. Tomorrow we will join the rest of the group for your Ngorongoro game drive. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater / 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 to Day. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Arusha / 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 6: Pangani / Dar es Salaam

To Day 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 7: Dar es Salaam / 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

Day 8/9: Zanzibar

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. To Day 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 / 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.