Baobabs and big herds in the north, then seven shades of blue on the Indian Ocean.
This journey does two things well, and it does them back to back. It opens in northern Tanzania, among the baobabs and elephant herds of Tarangire and the extraordinary bowl of the Ngorongoro Crater, and it closes barefoot on a beach on the Indian Ocean.
Tarangire is renowned for its elephant population and its ancient baobab trees, and it makes an unhurried introduction to Tanzanian wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater is a different proposition altogether: a collapsed caldera holding its own resident population of elephants, buffaloes, lions, zebras and wildebeest, with an excellent chance of encountering several of the Big Five in a single descent.
From the crater rim you fly to Zanzibar, transfer into the coral-stone lanes of Stone Town, and then move north to Matemwe for three unstructured days beside the ocean. It suits travellers who want the drama of an African safari without giving up the part of the holiday where nothing is scheduled.
Accommodation flexibility. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking. Where a listed property is unavailable it may be replaced with another of a similar standard, location and overall experience, confirmed with you in writing before booking.
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Group size | Private safari |
| Pace | Relaxed |
| Route | Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Stone Town, Matemwe |
Tarangire elephant herds and baobab country
A full descent into the Ngorongoro Crater
Good opportunities for Big Five sightings on the crater floor
Flight from the mainland to Zanzibar
A night in historic Stone Town
Three full days on Matemwe Beach
Private safari vehicle on the mainland
Itinerary can be customised, subject to availability
Arrive in Arusha, the gateway to northern Tanzania parks. Settle in at the lodge and rest ahead of the drive north. Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge. Meals: breakfast.
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire and spend the afternoon on a game drive among the baobabs. Watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions and a long list of birds. Overnight at Farm of Dreams Lodge. Meals: all meals.
Continue to the Ngorongoro area and descend into the crater. The concentration of wildlife on the crater floor makes for exceptional viewing: elephants, buffaloes, lions, zebras, wildebeest and, with luck, rhino. Overnight at Farm of Dreams Lodge. Meals: all meals.
Leave the mainland and fly to Zanzibar, then transfer into Stone Town. The afternoon is yours to wander the old quarter as the light drops. Overnight at Tembo Hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner.
Move north to Matemwe and settle into the rhythm of the coast. Swim, read, walk the reef at low tide. Overnight at Villa Kiva Hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner.
A second unstructured day on the ocean. Local excursions can be arranged through your hotel. Overnight at Villa Kiva Hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner.
Your last full day in Zanzibar, spent exactly as you like. Overnight at Villa Kiva Hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner.
Breakfast in Zanzibar before your safari and beach holiday comes to an end. Meals: breakfast.
Tell us roughly when you want to travel and what you want to see. We will send back a real itinerary with real prices, usually within one working day.
