Wilderness Wonders & Zanzibar

After breakfast, your journey begins to Tarangire National Park, established in 1970 and spanning approximately 2,850 square kilometers. This park is known for its dense elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River which attracts a wide variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more than 500 species of birds such as the yellow-collared lovebird and the Ashy starling. Lunch will be at a scenic picnic site inside the park at 13:00. After an exciting game drive that lasts until about 16:45, you’ll head to Karatu where you will enjoy dinner and overnight at Omega View Hotel, located on the crater highlands with cooler temperatures around 15-22°C.

Today, you travel to the heart of Serengeti National Park, established in 1951 and covering over 14,750 square kilometers. Serengeti's name means "endless plains" in the Maasai language. The Central Serengeti, or Seronera Valley, is known for year-round game viewing and its river system that supports high densities of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and hyenas. Bird enthusiasts can spot species like the Secretary bird, kori bustard, and Fischer's lovebird. The park sits at altitudes between 1,100 to 2,000 meters, with temperatures between 15-30°C. Lunch will be at a picnic site en route. Dinner and overnight at Serenity Lodge or Yellow Babet Camp.

Explore the remote and less-visited Eastern Serengeti, home to dramatic open plains and large prides of lions. The area offers stunning scenery and excellent chances of spotting cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and migratory herds. This region also offers a more exclusive experience due to its remoteness. Picnic lunch will be served at 13:00, and after an immersive game drive, dinner and overnight will be at Yellow Babet or Serenity Lodge.

After breakfast, you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact volcanic caldera. Formed about 2-3 million years ago and measuring about 19 kilometers in diameter, it supports around 25,000 large animals including the rare black rhino, lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, and antelopes. Over 500 bird species have been recorded, including flamingos at Lake Magadi and crowned cranes. With altitudes from 1,800 to 2,300 meters, expect temperatures between 10-25°C. Lunch will be served at a picnic site. After a full day, return to Karatu for dinner and overnight at Omega View Hotel.

Today you’ll journey to Lake Eyasi, a seasonal soda lake located south of the Ngorongoro Highlands. The altitude here ranges from 1,000 to 1,200 meters, and the area is home to the Hadzabe (Bushmen), one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes, and the Datoga, traditional blacksmiths. You will experience their unique ways of life, from hunting techniques to metalworking skills. Lunch will be enjoyed at a picnic site. Later in the day, visit a traditional Maasai Boma before driving back to Arusha. Dinner and overnight at The Charity Hotel.

After breakfast and lunch at the hotel, transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to Kholle House, a charming boutique hotel in Stone Town. Dinner and overnight at Kholle House.

After breakfast, embark on a city tour through Stone Town’s narrow alleys, visiting the House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace, and the old slave market. Later, take a boat to Prison Island, known for its giant tortoises and historical quarantine station. Lunch will be served at a picnic site. In the late afternoon, transfer to Paje on the southeastern coast. Dinner and overnight at Mahali Paje.

Relax and soak in the sun by the turquoise Indian Ocean. Enjoy the pool, beach, or optional water sports. Lunch and dinner will be served at Mahali Paje. Overnight at Mahali Paje.

Today’s adventure includes a boat excursion to the Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine reserve teeming with dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish. Enjoy dolphin watching and snorkeling, followed by a beachside lunch at a local restaurant. Return to your lodge in Paje for dinner and overnight at Mahali Paje.

Another relaxed day to unwind or explore more of Paje at your own pace. Lunch and dinner will be enjoyed at the lodge. Overnight at Mahali Paje.

Visit the iconic Rock Restaurant, perched on a coral outcrop in the ocean, for a unique dining experience. Before lunch, enjoy swimming with starfish at a nearby lagoon. After lunch, continue to explore the Swahili Cave, a mystical natural cave with cultural significance. Dinner and overnight at Mahali Paje.

Head out for a guided spice tour at one of Zanzibar’s famous farms where you’ll smell, taste, and learn about cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and other local spices. Enjoy a traditional lunch on the farm. In the afternoon, visit Jozani Forest, home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Mahali Paje.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport. You may opt for a final beach stroll or souvenir shopping en route. This concludes your extra.