Northern Circuit & Zanzibar

Our guide welcomes you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). A 40–45 minute drive (33 km) brings you to Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, a restored 100-year-old farmhouse in the foothills of Mount Meru, surrounded by tropical gardens, ancient forest and a spring-fed lake full of birdlife.

After breakfast, explore at your own pace: local markets, the Cultural Heritage Centre or the Maasai Market for authentic crafts, art and souvenirs, or simply unwind by the pool and spa. Optional visit to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary (2-hour drive) to feed zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, eland, serval cats and lions.

A guided half-day in Arusha with artisan shops, Maasai craft centres and cultural galleries, then lunch at The Heritage Restaurant. In the afternoon, drive 130 km (2.5–3 hours) to Tarangire through northern Tanzania's landscapes and Maasai village life, arriving in time for dinner under the African night sky.

A full day among Tarangire's baobab-dotted plains and riverine woodlands, home to Tanzania's largest elephant population and rarities like fringed-eared oryx, greater kudu and ashy starling. Over 500 bird species, plus frequent lion, leopard, zebra and wildebeest. Picnic lunch in the park, sundowners over Lake Burunge.

A final morning game drive in Tarangire, then a scenic 150 km drive (3–4 hours) through Maasai villages and the Karatu highlands into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The landscape turns cooler and greener as you climb to the crater rim, arriving in time to relax before tomorrow's descent.

Descend 600 metres into the crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the densest wildlife havens in Africa: elephant, lion, buffalo, zebra, hyena and the elusive black rhino. A full-day safari with a picnic lunch beside the hippo-filled lake, then back up to the rim for dinner in the cool highland air.

A 180 km scenic drive (4–5 hours) with game viewing en route, descending from the highlands through rolling savannah, acacia plains and seasonal river valleys. Arrive by early afternoon and head straight out for a game drive. Ndutu is famous for its dense wildebeest and zebra concentrations and for lion, cheetah and hyena.

A relaxed pace with morning and late-afternoon game drives, or a sunrise-to-sunset day in the field — your choice. From the shores of Lake Ndutu to the surrounding savannah, expect predators, giraffe, elephant, antelope, jackals and abundant birdlife. Alfresco picnics at midday, optional swimming, cultural visits or scenic walks.

Drive north to Central Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area — a 4–5 hour journey of roughly 100–120 km with a game drive and picnic lunch en route. Settle into your tented suite and enjoy dinner under the stars.

Two days in the wildlife-rich heart of the Serengeti, starting with an exclusive black rhino tracking excursion in the Moru Kopjes, one of the few places Eastern black rhino can still be seen in the wild. Then the golden plains: lions on kopjes, cheetah on the grasslands, buffalo and elephant herds, leopard in the Seronera River Valley, and a stop at Pride Rock.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Seronera Airstrip for the 1-hour flight to Arusha. Lunch and browsing at the Cultural Heritage Centre — wood carvings, textiles, tanzanite and African art. Then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar, where our representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel.

A full-day guided experience: the House of Wonders, Palace Museum, Old Arab Fort, town market, Tippu Tip House, the Old Dispensary, Livingstone House, Freddie Mercury's house and the Old Slave Market. Then a traditional boat to Prison Island for snorkelling and giant tortoises, followed by a guided spice farm walk before continuing to the beach.

The day is entirely yours. Swim in the Indian Ocean, walk the shoreline at sunrise, or unwind by the pool with a drink in hand. Designed for pure rest and rejuvenation.

A 05h30 start gives the best chance of dolphins while the ocean is calm and before the boats get busy. Depart by private charter for Mnemba Island with seasonal fruit, snacks and drinks on board. Snorkel the barrier reef among starfish, Moorish idols, snappers and green turtles, with no strict time limit before heading back.

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your international flight home, marking the end of your Tanzania and Zanzibar journey.