Countries: Tanzania
Destinations: Arusha , Ngorongoro Crater , Serengeti National Park , Lake Victoria Tanzania
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 9
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
This journey of discovery and adventure adds Rubondo Island to a typical northern circuit safari to round off the East Africa experience with unique and memorable activities. Chimpanzee trekking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching are the perfect finale in the exclusive Lake Victoria location.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will transfer you to the Arusha Coffee Lodge, which will take approximately 90 minutes.
A land full of icons, with the names Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar immediately evoking images of exotic locations and abundant wildlife. A Tanzanian safari is an experience for all of the senses, and caters for every kind of traveller.
Tanzania is a country which was seemingly designed with the word "safari" in mind. There are enough national parks and different safari activities to keep travellers coming back year on year, with the added benefit of easily combining beautiful tropical beaches with the wildlife rich plains.
A Tanzanian safari is a journey in the true sense of the word, with each itinerary feeling like an exploration out into the wilderness. Moving from park to park, either by road or air, the countryside offers something new at each stop.
The plains of the Serengeti have become synonomous with an African safari, and by visiting the right areas and camps, you will be able to see the legendary wildebeest migration as it moves across the grasslands in constant search of fresh grazing and water.
To the south of the country are the remote reserves of Selous and Ruaha, while in the west you can trek into the mountains to witness chimpanzees along the shores of the mystical Lake Tanganyika.
Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, the city is the country’s safari capital located close to some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks, which are Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) as well as Mt Kilimanjaro - Africa’s highest mountain.
Lying on the gently rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. It is here on the outskirts of this town, hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, that you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge, a perfect haven for relaxation either before or after any East African safari.
Comprising of 30 Plantation Houses that radiate out into the evergreen coffee fields, Arusha Coffee Lodge has been designed around the original landowner’s home that dates back to the early 1900’s.
The theme of coffee permeates throughout Arusha Coffee Lodge, reflecting in the colours and textures of the delightfully comfortable accommodations with beautifully appointed en suite bathrooms.
The homely feel of the Lodge is by no means accidental as the origins of the homestead continue to emit glimpses of times-gone-by. The friendly and personable staff help create an ambiance that continues to draw appreciation from all those who visit and stay.
Within the main Plantation House reside an ‘a la carte’ restaurant, an intimate cafe bistro and a cozy lounge, all of which have inviting open log fires to warm you from the cool night air.
With an enclosed, intimate swimming pool, a popular garden terrace, and acres of lush coffee plantation, Arusha Coffee Lodge encourages exploration and discovery at every turn.
From the industrious coffee pickers gathering in the harvest to the aromas of the morning brew emanating from the main Plantation House as breakfast is being prepared, Arusha Coffee Lodge is full of sensory experiences that revitalizes the body and soul for the adventures and excitement that lie ahead.
Day 2 - 3 : Ngorongoro Crater
After a leisurely breakfast, you will begin your journey with your guide to The Highlands Camp in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, you’ll find eight unique geodesic domed suites with breathtaking views of distant volcanic mountains.
Venture out on a game drive into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a comfortable seven-seater vehicle with pop-up rooftops, onboard power points, and fridges. You can also hike to Olmoti and Empakaai Craters or visit a nearby Maasai village where you can join herders as they return their cattle to their boma for the night.
A unique and fascinating game viewing destination in Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see on any Tanzania safari.
Being the world's largest intact caldera, and the result of a collapsed volcano thousands of years ago, the 260 square kilometres of crater floor hosts up to 25 000 animals at all times of year. This makes it one of the most dense wildlife areas in Africa, and allows for many memorable sightings.
Driving down the steep walls of the Crater early in the morning is an experience in itself, and you can always sense the excitement of heading deep into one of the world's natural wonders.
With lodges perched directly on the rim, hundreds of metres above the Crater floor, Ngorongoro accommodation provides you with some of the most incredible views, and the location will surely be a highlight of your holiday.
While being criticised at times for the number of vehicles on drives along the Crater floor, it is necessary to expect that tourist numbers here will be quite high, and be prepared to share this phenomenon with other travellers. Once your mind is not concerned with other vehicles, you can enjoy the Ngorongoro Crater for what it is; one of the world's truly remarkable wildlife areas.
The Highlands has redefined the Ngorongoro Crater experience, offering an array of activities afforded by the camp’s exclusive location and a combination of comfort and contemporary style.
The award-winning camp with its eight domed canvas and glass suites is situated on the edge of a forest that skirts Olmoti Volcano. The surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The camp feels remote, but is within easy reach of Ngorongoro, where guests can go on day-long game drives to spot lions, elephants and giraffes, with a midday picnic break under a shady tree. From camp, hike up to the top of Olmoti for staggering views, or take a half-day trip to the soda lake in Empakaai Crater, where thousands of pink flamingos congregate. Guests can also interact with the local community, learning about Maasai culture and walk the cattle back to the boma at the end of the day.
At night, gather around a crackling fire with a glass of wine or whiskey before sitting down to a delicious three-course dinner.
Day 4 - 5 : Serengeti National Park
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Manyara Airstrip for your flight to Seronera in the central Serengeti. On arrival at the airstrip you will be met and transferred to Dunia Camp. Nestled in the heart of the Serengeti, Dunia Camp is surrounded by pristine savannahs. Twice a year, millions of wildebeest amble past the camp on their migration around the Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Spend the rest of today and tomorrow enjoying game drives in this incredible wildlife-rich area.
The word "Siringit" means "endless plains," and this is understandably from where the Serengeti National Park takes its name. The iconic, endless, golden plains of Africa are nowhere more evident than within this national park, as they stretch off into eternity, dotted throughout with thousands of animals.
Located in the north-west corner of Tanzania, alongside Lake Victoria, the Serengeti has earned its place as one of the world's most famous wildlife areas. While best known for the enormous herds of the wildebeest migration, there is far more to the Serengeti than this, and the national park can be enjoyed even when you are not in the vicinity of this spectacle.
The national park itself is roughly 14 500 square kilometres, but it forms part of the greater Serengeti eco-system, which comprises the neighbouring Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the bordering Masai Mara, in Kenya, with the country boundary between Kenya and Tanzania seperating the two.
The Serengeti can be accessed on a road safari, usually in combination with the Ngorongoro Crater, or there are regular daily flights into the park from Arusha.
Dunia, in Tanzania’s central Serengeti, is well placed for wildlife spotting. During the annual Great Migration, guests can watch giant herds of wildebeest moving through the area right from camp.
Farther afield, you may spot lions using the granite boulders of Moru Kopjes to scan the plains for prey.
Eight spacious tents overlook the Serengeti National Park’s vast golden plains. Kick back on your private terrace or in the open-sided main tent with a chilled G&T and enjoy the peace and stillness. Opt to start your day soaring over the plains in a hot-air balloon and end it dining under the stars in the bush.
Our hospitable staff will do everything to ensure your comfort. Dunia is the only camp in Africa run entirely by women and the team is an inspirational example of what women can achieve in a male-dominated industry.
Day 6 - 8 : Lake Victoria Tanzania
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airstrip for your flight to Rubondo Island at Lake Victoria. Spend the next three days exploring this remarkable island and enjoying various exciting activities such as walking, boating, fishing, game drives, birding and chimpanzee treks.
Shared between the 3 countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Lake Victoria is surprisingly seldom visited by tourists, despite being splendidly scenic, and historically famous. As the source of the Nile River, Lake Victoria is an important body of water, and was searched for by many explorers.
Although a common sight to visitors to Uganda, due to the location of Entebbe and Kampala, travellers to Kenya and Tanzania generally do not make the journey to the lake shore, despite its proximity to both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. And having been lucky enough to visit a fishing village on one of the lake's islands off Tanzania, we really think it is a pity that it is so overlooked.
Admittedly, there are relatively few accommodation options available within easy access to Lake Victoria, and it does add to time and costs when including a stopover in an itinerary, but if you have any inclination in seeing this majestic expanse of water, it does provide a very special experience.
Rubondo Island Camp overlooks the vast waters of Lake Victoria. As the only camp in the wild and virtually uninhabited Rubondo Island National Park, it is a truly special place to experience.
The park is a haven for chimpanzees — introduced as part of a groundbreaking rehabilitation project in the 1960s, as well as elephants, giraffes, hippos and shy sitatunga antelopes.
The pristine Rubondo Island is 75 percent forest, which guests can explore on drives and walks while learning about the animals and plants that make up this extraordinary protected ecosystem. Wake up to the serene lake views from your beachfront cottage and enjoy catch-and-release-fishing the massive Nile perch and tilapia that dwell in the surrounding waters in the afternoon. Spend a night in our fly camp immersed in the forest wilderness.