TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR (SAMPLE ITINERARY) Day 1: Upon your night-time arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (please supply your flight details), you will be welcomed by your Heritage Tours Private Travel in-country representative and escorted to your hotel just outside of nearby Arusha. Check in at Legendary Lodge. 594 Broadway Suite 1001 New York, NY 10012 800.378.4555 212.206.8400 F 212.206.9101 HTprivatetravel.com Legendary Lodge is located on the outskirts of Arusha, in the midst of lush tropical garden. It is surrounded by a working coffee farm, and offers spectacular views of Mount Meru. Overnight: Legendary Lodge deluxe garden cottage. Day 2: At a time to be advised, you will be greeted by your private guide and vehicle for the drive to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, perched on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. The largest intact caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens anywhere. A permanent population of more than 30,000 000 animals inhabit a mere 260 km² (100 square miles) in the 600 meter m (2,000 ft.) ) deep crater, making this t one of the few places in Africa where guests stand an a excellent chance of seeing the entire Big Five in the course of a single game drive. Check in at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Morocco Spain Portugal Turkey Sub-Saharan Africa
Day 2 (continued): Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been called the game lodge at the top of the world, and between the natural riches of the Crater spread out below, and the amazing architecture above, it is easy to believe that you have entered a realm of pure fantasy. With ever-changing views, as mists swirl and clouds scurry over the huge wildlife cauldron below, the location is truly breathtaking. Buffalo and zebra wander the grounds and tall Masai warriors in traditional dress escort guests to their rooms, contributing to an atmosphere of African mystique and romance. This afternoon, you may want to venture down to the Crater floor for a private game drive, or you may just want to relax and enjoy the facilities at the lodge. Dinner at your lodge. Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Day 3: Depart on your private game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. Game drives here are slightly longer than normal, as it take some time to wind your way down to the Crater floor. Enjoy your packed lunch at one of the designated picnic sites in the Crater. Continue your game drive after lunch. Return to the lodge in the afternoon. Enjoy a decadent afternoon tea or a sundowner cocktail as you watch the play of light on the breathtaking Crater views from the comfort of your private suite. Dinner at your lodge. Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Day 4: Today you will be driven down the forested shoulder of Ngorongoro to the coffee farmlands of Karatu, and on to Lake Manyara. Check in at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Day 4 (continued): Nestled in dense forest between the lakeshore and the steep Rift Valley escarpment, the lodge is perfectly positioned to explore the park s wealth of habitats. The only lodge in Lake Manyara National Park, it offers an exclusive wildlife experience with only ten luxurious, yet intimate, suites located in a remote corner of the reserve. Your suite is a lofty tree house, with private veranda and large windows that open up to the lush forest and the sights and sounds of the African bush. Even a soak in the large, free-standing tub offers a panoramic view, with an open-air shower behind a simple bamboo screen. Cradled in the boughs of an ancient mahogany forest, the lodge blends into the natural beauty of its breathtaking surroundings. The lodge pool beckons like a cool oasis in an ocean of shady green. Generous decks suspended above the forest floor open up to the trees, and split-level sitting and dining rooms combine with high thatched ceilings to create a sense of space. Tantalizing aromas drift from the open, interactive kitchen, and guests are invited to watch as simple but delicious meals are prepared. After your arrival and time to refresh, lunch is served at your lodge. In the afternoon, depart on a private game drive with your lodge guide, in search of the famed tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. After the sun sets, you will experience the sights and sounds of Africa at night on your drive back to camp. Dinner at your camp. Overnight: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Day 5: Breakfast at you lodge. You will be driven to the airstrip where you will board your small plane scheduled flight. Fly west for approximately one hour, over the Ngorongoro Crater and onto the endless short grass plains of the vast Serengeti National Park. Upon your arrival, you will be reunited with your guide and vehicle for an exploratory game drive en route to your camp, arriving in time for lunch. Check in at Olakira Camp South. It was ecstasy to breathe the bracing air and gaze out over the vast brown solitude of the velvet plains, soft and lovely nearby, still softer and lovelier further away The Diary of Mark Twain, 1896 Tanzania s famous migration shifts with the seasons, as the great herds of wildebeest wander between Kenya and Tanzania. Olakira moves with them as the migration progresses. Where the wildebeest go, the camp picks up their luxury tents and follows.
Day 5 (continued): This luxurious canvas camp all but disappears into the surrounding bush, and with just eight en-suite tents Olakira meaning shining star in kiswahili ensures an intimate and authentic wilderness experience. As they ve done for millennia, the herds will eventually answer the call of the Migration and will head for the southern Serengeti s endless grasslands; the perfect place to calve, graze and rest. They won t be left alone though: Lion and cheetah will follow in their wake, to claim their share of the spoils. From December until March, Olakira calls a small shady forest east of Ndutu home, where views of a seasonal streams frame the iconic grasslands. Officially situated inside the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area (NCCA), this setting allows Olakira s highly trained guides to offer drives both within the NCCA and also across the border in the southern Serengeti. After your lunch, you may want to have a short siesta before departing with your guide and vehicle for a private game drive in search of the migration. Return to your camp for dinner. Overnight: Olakira. Days 6 and 7: Wake up before sunrise. After an early morning coffee or tea, depart on your morning game activity. Return to camp for brunch. Alternatively, you could depart the camp after breakfast with a picnic lunch and explore the southern Serengeti on a full-day game drive, returning to the camp at your leisure. Enjoy cocktails at sunset. Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner. Overnight: Olakira. There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne. Karen Blixen, Out of Africa Day 8: You will be driven to the airstrip, where you will bid farewell to your guide and will board your small plane scheduled flight, which will take you north across the Serengeti Plains to the Grumeti Reserve. Upon arrival at Sasakwa Airstrip, you will be met by your hosts and transferred to your game lodge (approximately 45 minutes). Check in at the luxurious Singita Sasakwa Lodge. This is one of three Singita lodges in this enormous private concession, meaning you will have this wild stretch of Africa all to yourself.
Day 8 (continued): Sasakwa Lodge is built in the style of an Edwardian manor house. Stone walls, deep verandas, high ceilings, stately furniture, silverware and ornamental pieces complete the picture. Your cottage has a private infinity-edge pool overlooking the vast view, where the land stretches to forever. The bedroom, with its inviting fourposter, is handsomely appointed, displaying typical African influences with touches of wood, leather and grass, alongside crisp linens, imported chandeliers and hand-crafted furniture. Check into your accommodations, and take time to settle in. Enjoy a leisurely lunch. Don t miss late afternoon tea, coffee and cakes, after which you will meet your guide and be introduced to what you will experience in the Grumeti. Depart on your afternoon game drive. Return to camp at sunset. Enjoy a lovely dinner at your lodge. Overnight: Sasakwa Lodge. Days 9 and 10: Early morning wake-up call. After breakfast depart in your 4 x 4 safari vehicle with your guide for a private early morning game drive in the bush. Return to the camp to rest, enjoy the lodge s facilities, and relax over a leisurely lunch or brunch. Tea, coffee and cakes will be served in the late afternoon followed by your afternoon game drive. Enjoy a lovely dinner at your lodge. Overnight: Sasakwa Lodge. Day 11: After breakfast you will depart Sasakwa Lodge by road, arriving at the airstrip in time for your scheduled small plane flight to Zanzibar via Arusha. Upon your arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you will be met and transferred to your resort. Check into the Matemwe Retreat, located on an amazing stretch of private land, just north of Matemwe's main lodge and right opposite the Mnemba Atoll.
Day 11 (continued): The Retreat consists of three fabulous separate villas, full of atmosphere, inspiration and personal touches. Your villa features a private cocktail bar, an air-conditioned bedroom, a bathroom with a large romantic bathtub overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a plunge pool on a private roof terrace with sun and shade decks and your own beach! The Retreat was built by local craftsmen, and where possible, was made from local materials. Walls are of local stone and roofs are made of makuti (woven palm leaves). Most of the furniture is made from locally produced coconut wood. Dinner at your Retreat. Overnight: Matemwe Retreat. Day 12 through Day 14: Breakfast at your Retreat. You will have three full-days to relax at the beach, or to participate in some of the optional activities on offer at the Retreat. Ocean trips with snorkeling equipment can be arranged, or you can sail or motor out to the local reef, to the little island of Mnemba Atoll opposite Matemwe. Diving trips can also be organized with a professional diving center. Other options: Snorkel straight from the beach or during reef walks. Kayaks are available to explore the crystal clear sea. You may want to visit the neighboring village to explore the local Zanzibar culture and village life. Day-trips to the Jozani Forest or Prison Island are also possible. Another option for one of your days would be to enjoy a full-day adventure on a traditional dhow, to see various species of dolphins, including spinner, bottle nose, and blue dolphins at very close range. You will also visit the coral reef to enjoy some remarkable snorkeling. Lunches and dinners at your Retreat. Overnight: Matemwe Retreat. Day 15: Breakfast at your Retreat. After breakfast, check out and depart on an exceptional Town and Spice Tour. Begin with a visit to Zanzibar's colorful market, alive with the buzz of locals bartering fresh vegetables and baskets of tropical fruit, among the heady smell of exotic fruit.
Day 15 (continued): Continue to the site of a cathedral built in 1874. The cathedral marks a dark time in Zanzibar's history as it stands on the site of a former slave market, with the high altar standing on the exact site of the whipping post. Slavery was abolished in 1873 by decree of the Sultan of Zanzibar. From here visit the residence of the late Sultan of Zanzibar (now called the People s Palaca); Tip Tip House, home of a major slaver trader; the Old Fort; and the House of Wonders, full of intrigue from days of long ago. The tour ends with a stroll down the narrow streets of the old Stone Town, the heart of Zanzibar's checkered history. Enjoy lunch in Stone Town. Continue on to a spice tour, guaranteed to waken your senses. Visit spice plantations where you will have the opportunity to pick, smell and savor fruit and spices that you have probably never seen on the supermarket shelf. Commencing at the ruins of the Maruhubi Palace, via the site of David Livingston's house (one of Africa's greatest explorers) the journey continues north toward the Kidichi Persian Baths. From here continue to the rural areas where local farmers live, and produce some of the world's most exotic fruit and spices. Cloves, star fruit, bulls heart (also called custard apple), tangeriness, lemon grass, mangosteen, and the spiny red fruit from lip-stick trees, are only a few examples of what you may see and taste. After your tour, your driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam. Upon your arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be met and escorted to the international terminal where you will check in for your return flight home. Have a great flight! We wish you a traditional Swahili farewell: Safari Njema (Travel Safely!).
Included in your land package: ACCOMMODATION: Fourteen nights accommodation (double occupancy) in some of East Africa s most atmospheric and luxurious accommodations, including nine nights on safari. Private vehicle and guide (not lodge based) for Ngorongoro Crater and Olakira. Breakfast served every morning. PRIVATE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES: Services while on safari at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Olakira Camp and Sasakwa Lodge: Breakfast and lunch or brunch daily. Dinner daily. Tea, coffee and sweets daily. All wine and spirits (except premium brands ). Sundowner cocktails every evening. After-dinner drinks. Private safari activities with lodge-based guide at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and Sasakwa. Laundry service (enjoy!). Additional services at Sasakwa Lodge: Horseback-riding. Mountain biking. Archery, tennis, badminton, lawn croquet. Services while at Matemwe Retreat: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. All teas, coffee, soft drinks and water. All wine and spirits (except premium brands ). Services of a private butler. Snorkeling and kayaking. Guided reef and village walks. Laundry service. (For help in planning my own trip)...i called my friend Joel Zack...whose Heritage Tours Private Travel specializes in Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Southern Africa. - Richard David Story, Editor in Chief DEPARTURES GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Kilimanjaro International Airport Legendary Lodge. Legendary Lodge Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Zanzibar Airport Matemwe Retreat. Matemwe Retreat Zanzibar Airport. Dar es Salaam Domestic Terminal International. OTHER SERVICES: All transfers to and from landing strips to camps. All National Park fees. The 24/7 services of our first-rate office in Arusha.
PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: All the intangibles that come with the connections, knowledge, passion and experience of one of the premier travel providers to East Africa. Not included in your land package: International Air (see below for regional air). Gratuities. Visa Fees. Optional or extra activities (that carry a fee) booked directly with game lodges or hotels. Special imposed fees/taxes on private game reserves and national parks. Luggage shipment fees. Spa treatments and other personal items. Included in your air package: Scheduled small plane flights: Lake Manyara Ndutu Airstrip (Serengeti). Ndutu Airstrip Grumeti. Grumeti Arusha Airport. Arusha Airport Zanzibar. Zanzibar Arusha Airport. You d be crazy not to partake of the services of Heritage Tours.who can give incredible insight into the country - Outtraveler THE ABOVE ITINERARY IS ONLY A SAMPLE. ANYTHING CAN BE MODIFIED TO FIT YOUR WISHES. PRICE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AND VARIES BY THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS AND TIME OF YEAR.