Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Tanzania - Arusha - Karatu - Ngorongoro - Tarangire National Park - Zanzibar
100% customisable for you
Your epic family adventure to Tanzania begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some downtime in the airport lounge as you prepare to board. This is a good opportunity to make sure the youngsters have their entertainment lined up for the hours ahead. Most flights to Kilimanjaro depart in the evening and take around 16 hours, including at least one layover, so you’ll spend tonight on board and arrive tomorrow.
Enjoy your first views across the fabulous landscapes of Tanzania below as you prepare to touch down in Kilimanjaro, a short drive away from Arusha, a pleasant city and gateway to top safari destinations. A private driver will be waiting on arrival to welcome you to this great country, before whisking you off to your first hotel: a beautiful property surrounded by peaceful gardens.
Spend the rest of today relaxing, recharging your batteries and settling into your new surroundings. We recommend simply kicking back and enjoying the facilities at your hotel. The children can make the most of the pool, while you can head to the spa or relax in the garden among sprawling trees, exotic flowers, colourful birds and monkeys swinging from branch to branch.
After a hearty breakfast this morning, you’ll be met by your private driver-guide who’ll be accompanying you across Tanzania. Your first safari destination is the small agricultural town of Karatu, located halfway between the gates of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes around two-and-a-half hours, but you’ll be stopping off along the way to discover the marvellous Manyara. A true ornithological paradise with some 380 species of birds, it’s home to spellbinding scenery, including lakes with resident flamingos and pelicans.
At this point, you’ll also have the opportunity to embark on a mountain biking adventure from a small village to the shores of Lake Manyara. Continue on to Karatu and settle in for two nights in a pleasant lodge overlooking large meadows, coffee plantations and, in the distance, the Ngorongoro forest. The rest of today is yours to spend resting and enjoying the facilities at your lodge ready for tomorrow’s safari adventure.
Today, head out on a thrilling safari in one of Africa’s most emblematic Seven Natural Wonders: the Ngorongoro Crater. Soak in the natural scenic delights of this long-extinct volcano crater (and the world’s largest unbroken caldera), home to a permanent water reserve that attracts vast and varied animals. Zebras and antelopes graze peacefully while hippos lounge in the waterholes in the company of herons, pelicans and graceful crowned cranes. Lions, cheetahs, leopards and rare black rhinos may also make an appearance, so have your binoculars and camera at the ready...
It's worth noting that Ngorongoro is not a national park, but a conservation area – and UNESCO World Heritage site – where the Maasai people live in harmony with nature. Pretty cool, right?
Continue your journey across Tanzania today with your driver, on a two-hour trip to Tarangire National Park, a reserve nestled within an arid savannah region home to baobabs, acacias and termite mounds. You have the option to head directly there or stop along the way to experience local life at the vibrant Karatu Market. On arrival at your destination, check in for two nights in a classic safari camp and spend the rest of today enjoying a guided safari in the park.
Located on the migration route of many animals, Tarangire boasts one of the largest elephant colonies in Tanzania. It’s also a haven for lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, impalas and oryx. And then there are the birds: hoopoes, kingfishers, ostriches, marabous and vultures can all be spotted patrolling the skies of this sweeping natural landscape. Head back to camp this afternoon for an evening of rest and relaxation in the heart of nature.
A new day in the African savannah means a new day filled with unforgettable memories on safari. Spend the day as you did yesterday: exploring this mesmerising natural landscape and its majestic wildlife in the company of a seasoned local guide. There’s nothing wrong with a little friendly family competition, so why not see who can spot the most animals? Bonus points for members of the Big Five. When your tummies start to grumble, head to one of our favourite spots in the park to enjoy a hearty meal on a beautiful panoramic terrace. Views don’t get much better than this.
Wave goodbye to your safari camp as you travel on a light aircraft from Tarangire via Arusha to the tropical island of Zanzibar. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed and privately transferred to your next hotel: a beautiful beachside villa to call home for the next four nights.
The rest of today is yours to spend settling into the serene new coastal environment and savouring the luxurious facilities at the hotel. And, relax...
Spend the next three days basking in the coastal bliss of Zanzibar. Life here is slow-paced and in tune with nature. You can move effortlessly between the plush poolside loungers at your hotel and the charming parasols on the white-sand beach beyond. Take a dip in the turquoise waters, laze under lush palm trees and stroll down to the beach to admire local fishing life.
On one of the days, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a private snorkelling adventure on Pungume Island. Located just off the coast of the Menai Reserve, this beautiful islet is one of the archipelago’s best diving destinations thanks to its pristine corals. Once you’re suited and booted with a mask and snorkel, your knowledgeable guide will lead you to some great spots to observe Zanzibar’s tropical marine life. Round off your day with a delicious barbecue lunch on an idyllic sandbank overlooking the ocean.
Sadly, the time has come to bid Zanzibar – and Tanzania – a fond farewell and embark on the journey home. After a delicious breakfast and one last dip in the Indian Ocean this morning, you’ll be collected and privately transferred to the island’s international airport. After whizzing through check-in and security, take the opportunity to stock up on any last-minute souvenirs as you await departure. Most flights depart in the evening and take around 13 hours (including a short layover in a major airport hub), so you’ll spend tonight on board and touch down tomorrow morning. If, however, you’re not quite ready to return home, our team can arrange for you to extend your holiday with a few days in charming Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar City.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
