From the Savannah to the Sea: A Family Adventure in Tanzania

Enjoy the your first views across the fabulous landscapes of Tanzania as you prepare to touch down in 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, enjoying the sights of sprawling trees, exotic flowers, colourful birds and little monkeys swinging from branch to branch.

After a hearty breakfast this morning, you’ll be met by your seasoned private driver-guide who’ll be accompanying you throughout your journey across Tanzania. Your first safari destination is the small agricultural town of Karatu, located halfway between the gates of the Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara parks. The journey takes around two-and-a-half hours, but you’ll be stopping off along the way to discover the fabulous Manyara National Park. A true ornithological paradise with some 380 species of birds, this sweeping landscape is home to a collection of beautiful landscapes, 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 little lodge overlooking large meadows, coffee plantations and, in the distance, the Ngorongoro forest. The rest of today is then yours to spend resting and enjoying the facilities at your hotel ready for tomorrow’s safari adventure.

Today is dedicated to soaking in the natural scenic delights of one of Africa’s most emblematic Seven Natural Wonders: the Ngorongoro Crater. This long-extinct volcano crater is the world’s largest unbroken caldera. The middle of the crater is home to a permanent water reserve that attracts the vast and varied animals that have come to call this geological phenomenon home. 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.

It is worth noting that Ngorongoro is not a national park, but a conservation area, where the Masai people live in harmony with nature. As such, daily tourism is limited, making it possible to admire these creatures in total peace and quiet.

Continue your journey across Tanzania today as you’re privately driven two hours to Tarangire Park, a reserve nestled within an arid savannah region home to baobabs, acacias and termite mounds. You can head directly there, or opt to make a 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 right on the migration route of many animals, Tarangire boasts one of the largest elephant colonies in Tanzania. It is 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 on 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. When your tummies starts to grumble, head to one of our favourite spots in the park to enjoy a hearty meal on a beautiful panoramic terrace.

Wave goodbye to your safari camp as you travel four hours back to Arusha airport to embark on the final chapter of your journey. After a short one-hour flight to the tropical island of Zanzibar, you’ll be welcomed and privately transferred to your next hotel: a beautiful beachside villa, where you’ll be hanging up your hat for the next four nights. The rest of today is then yours to spend settling into the serene new coastal environment and savouring the luxurious facilities at the hotel after a few days in the bush.

Spend the next three days basking in the coastal bliss of paradisiacal Zanzibar. Life here is slow-paced and lived 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 warm turquoise waters, laze in the shade of lush palm trees and stroll down the beach to admire local fishing life. At some point over the next three 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 little islet is one of the archipelago’s best diving spots, 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 for observing Zanzibar’s tropical marine life. Round off your day with a delicious barbecue lunch on an idyllic sandbank overlooking the ocean.