Combining tropical beach island bliss with an immersive Big Five safari, this 13-day romantic Tanzania vacation is carefully crafted for couples seeking pure romantic escapism. The twin wonders of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro captivate and enthrall, leaving the two of you alone amongst nature's greatest shows. After the action of safari, idyllic white sand splendor gently lulls you into hibernation, Zanzibar Island unveiling the ultimate in luxuriant beach getaway. Throughout it all, you will experience utter privacy and tranquil romance.
Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and assisted transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge. The aptly named Arusha Coffee Lodge lies hidden amongst the sprawling grounds of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation, set below the rugged peaks of Mt Meru. Guests can unwind in one of the lodge’s exclusive Plantation Suites, which each boast a romantic four-poster bed draped in Egyptian cotton linen, a split-level sitting area, ensuite bathroom, an open fireplace, a personal bar and a private veranda that looks out onto rows and rows of berry-laden coffee bushes.
Guests can enjoy scrumptious meals in the Coffee Lodge lounge or sip on their favourite drinks in the bar area. A boutique store, swimming pool and garden terrace add to guest delight. Other adventures include a tour of the Shanga social enterprise as well as visits to the Museum of Natural History, the Maasai market on Faya Road and the Tanzanite Experience. A game drive in Arusha National Park, accompanied by a delicious picnic lunch, makes for a wonderful outing.
Beneath the soaring peaks of Mount Meru, Arusha’s lush forest-green landscapes and golden plateaus unroll towards the horizon in all directions. A wilderness paradise rich with vegetation, idyllic environments, flourishing ecosystems, and breathtaking landscapes, Arusha is arguably Tanzania’s safari capital.
There's nervous excitement in the air as you drive off into the wilderness, the road winding skywards until you're standing above Ngorongoro Crater. A sumptuous lunch is served, complete with the odd elephant wandering past and a glorious view into this renowned Natural Wonder of Africa. Ngorongoro's diverse ecosystems support a dramatic diversity of animal life. Out in the forest you'll find the elephants, huge bulls that pierce the silence with echoing calls. Down at the lake a pink blankets awaits, tens of thousands of flamingos glistening beneath the sun. On the first inclines of the crater walls you stand and hold your breath. A mother and calf are approaching, grey hulks of power moving with effortless grace. Volcanic remnants provide the backdrop and a scurrying hyena plays second fiddle in the periphery. Time seems to stand still as the pair approach, the clicking of camera shutters on pause as two endangered Black rhino continue their elegant journey across Ngorongoro. That's not a bad start to a romantic escape. But it is just the start. By evening time you’re sitting beside a roaring log fire watching the odd elephant wander past and enjoying the discreet services of your own personal butler. By nighttime you're snuggled into your luxurious camp, perched on the crater rim, and absorbing nature's unique soundtracks.
Ngorongoro Crater is too good to only see once. As the mist slowly rises you descend again, heading onto the crater floor at prime hunting time. In the insipid morning light there's an air of tension, the ungulates on high alert as the cats inspect the breakfast menu. Stop in a clearing and wait. Be patient. Slowly the lionesses inch forward, half concealed by the grass yet camouflage betrayed by revealing eyes. A few more meters are gained, then a few more, but the sentry wakes from a slumber and raises the alarm. Dust mixes with the last trickles of mist and the zebra accelerate away. This is wild African safari without fences. It's not a zoo or wildlife documentary, so the outcome of this morning hunt will be different for every visitor. A long morning game drive enables you to fully experience the intricacy and intimacy of Ngorongoro, and before you head into the Serengeti, you'll enjoy an early lunch back at the lodge.
Endless grass plains replace rolling hills as you arrive in the Serengeti, the planet's most famous safari destination seeming to extend for infinity. Dark clumps are scattered across the green. They're grazing wildebeest herds, joined on the plains by Thompson's gazelle and zebra. By now you'll already know that an abundance of four hooves means an abundance of four paws
Leaving the Ngorongoro Crater, It's time to explore the gaping expanse of the Serengeti. Get closer and those dark clumps slowly transform into thousands of individual wildebeest. Continue on rugged trails and rocky outcrops are where lion prides seek solace and shade. How's this for a romantic picnic spot? Perched on a grassy mound overlooking a blue pool, zebras skip past and a few giraffe towers dominate the horizon. If that isn’t enough, the pool is covered in hippos, including rampaging teenage males testing their power and cute babies snuggling beside their mothers. You will head out to central Serengeti national Park, On arrival you will be assisted with check in at the luxurious Nimali Central Serengeti Camp. Nimali Central Serengeti is a tented camp elegantly and comfortably furnished with all the necessary luxuries of a wild yet classic safari. The camp is located in the heart of the Serengeti close to Makoma Hill, offering utter seclusion and great access to the annual migration and the ‘Big 5’. Makoma hill is best known for large herds of Buffalo, Giraffe, Elephants & Predators such as Lions, Cheetahs and Hyenas. It is a good area for game viewing all year around.
The camp is designed to provide guests with an authentic safari experience. With a lounge & dining overlooking the panoramic views of the Serengeti plains, the camp brings guests as close to nature as you can get. The camp is designed to provide guests with an authentic safari experience with all the modern furnishings. Under the lantern lit tree enjoy sundowners by the fireplace and connect with the nature and wildlife surrounding you.
The Serengeti is home to one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles, the Great Migration, an unforgettable treasure you may have the privilege of witnessing should your travels be timed perfectly. During the migration, millions of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and other animals begin their journey north with hungry predators hot in their pursuit. While you may recall the events in the popular Lion King film, no words or visual imagery could capture the true majesty of such a phenomenon, a highlight you will share for years to come.
A network of tiny grassy airstrips can be found in the Serengeti. You'll arrive at one and, after the ground staff has cleared the animals from the runway, you'll ascend by private micro plane above the Serengeti. Gawp at the epic scale from above and then touch down in Moshi. From here you fly to another of Tanzania's renowned wonders: Zanzibar. White sand surrounds this island paradise, the beaches fringed by swaying palms and warm Indian Ocean waters. Lush green plantations cover the interior, engulfing your chauffeured journey from the airport to Bwejuu-Paje Beach. Upon arrival, check in at the Palms Zanzibar, your home for the next 4 nights.
Situated on a pristine white beach on the south-east coast of Zanzibar, The Palms Zanzibar is a beautifully appointed villa resort reflecting the warmth and character of the local architecture in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Unwind on private day beds – covered by shady palm thatched ‘bandas’ – as you look out over the crystal clear Indian Ocean. Enjoy a relaxing massage at the Sanctuary Spa where you can choose from an extensive range of therapies and treatments. Alternatively, take to the water on a snorkelling trip or keep your feet dry and enjoy excursions to historic Stone Town, the tropical Jozani Forest or spice plantations.
You will quickly fall into the island rhythm, the attentive staff bringing orders to your chair (or sun lounger, or pool) and the clock becoming irrelevant. It's easy to laze away doing little but indulging. But everything is covered should you wish to explore a little more of Zanzibar Island. A personal tour guide is at your disposal and will craft tours that reflect your interests. Wander through the exotic alleyways of Stone Town admiring the intricate balance of architectural brilliance from around the world. Visit fish markets and order fresh lobsters grilled before your eyes. Soak up history and tour the fascinating cultural past of Zanzibar, from the tales of slave traders to the harmonious intermingling of disparate cultures. These are just ideas, and your tour guide will be full of many more.
After 10 days of safari, and four days of island bliss, your 11 Days Bush and Beach Escapades will come to an end. After a quick flight to Dar es Salaam you connect with your international flight and head home, fully rested, yet also bursting with tales of the wild.
Optional Dayroom or activities at your discretion.
Proper planning will go a long way to help youu understand the do's and dont's when planning for your African Safari. Below are a few resources to help you make this process as awesome as possible.