THE ULTIMATE TANZANIA MIGRATION & CULTURAL SAFARI

East Africa’s largest country remains one of the continent’s most definitive and stirringly original safari destinations. Blessed with a string of superlatives unmatched on the continent: Africa’s highest mountain, its largest game reserve, its biggest volcanic caldera, its oldest human settlement; and – towering above all other safari experiences – the awe-inspiring spectacle of 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and antelopes crossing the Serengeti plains, in what naturalists the world over consistently rate as “the greatest wildlife show on Earth. Tanzania’s land is full of evocative tales, remarkable narratives that reveal an ancient untamed world. The storytellers offer an absorbing experience into the untouched charms of Africa. From local Meru women to lion prides on the Serengeti, indigenous Hadzabe Bushmen to the Big Five residents of Ngorongoro, this unique itinerary provides the perfect blend of cultural immersion and safari adventure.

This itinerary will bring indelible close-ups, unforgettable panoramas, and inspiring natural scenes. Explore four different national parks and gently succumb to the natural charms of Tanzania’s untamed wildernesses. 

Sauti za Busara (Swahili for “Sounds of Wisdom”) Zanzibar music festival brings an explosion of African music and culture to the shores of Zanzibar. The Zanzibar music festival takes place across the UNESCO World

Heritage site of Stone Town, the cultural centre of Zanzibar, Venue of Old Fort: is a stunning piece of Omani colonial architecture which has stood for over 200 years and remains the oldest surviving building in town. A rich and vibrant mix of styles from the region is showcased each year representing traditional ngoma, taarab, kidumbak, muziki wa dansi, hiphop, spoken word, comedy and dance.  The Zanzibar music festival kicks off with a blazing carnival and street parade through town. In addition to a beni brass band, you will get to see an entourage of drummers, clowns, mwanandege umbrella women, stilt-walkers, and acrobats joining the must-see parade.

Jan. 31, THU: Arrive in Tanzania- Arusha

You’ll be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Arusha. ARUMERU RIVER LODGE

Feb. 1, FRI: Safari Adventure in Lake Manyara

Breakfast at Hotel & travel to Lake Manya. Intimate Lake Manyara is a perfect first stop in your safari to Tanzania because it is a compact national park that offers a diverse collection of habitats. Start in the forest, a mystical world where each turn can bring new wonders. Baboon troops playfully roam, swinging through the trees and then skipping across the trail. Impala and eland lurk are the first of many antelope species you’re going to see today. The national park has a lovely environment; a thin green band of forest, flanked on one side by the cliffs of the Rift Valley Wall, on the other by the shores of the ancient soda lake. Wildlife here is very diverse. If we’re lucky – we may see the famous tree-climbing lion. After game viewing and picnic lunch we will check in at our l lodge. Time free to rest. After an early dinner. embark on a night safari accompanied by a specialist guide.

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A whole new world of animal species (nocturnal) await you on your night game drive. It gives you a different perspective of the park and wildlife. Lake Manyara is the ideal location for a night game drive because of its many ecosystems. It is said to have 11 different systems. Park has good reliable water year round and animals here are in prime condition making wildlife viewing even better. The less seen animals are generally active at night such as Porcupines, genets and civet cats. Hippos are nocturnal animals and it is highly likely to see many of these beasts grazing on the side of the road. Park is also well known for a large number of Leopards and although it is not a common occurrence these elusive cats are spotted at night frequently. Lion sightings are more common and where lions are mostly sleeping in day time at night they are almost always active.  LAKE MANYARA SERENA LODGE- BLD

Feb. 2, SAT: Bushmen Tour in Lake Eyasi

Indigenous tribes are slowly disappearing across Africa and very few remain in Tanzania. Hadzabe bushmen live around Lake Eyasi, continuing ancient practices that compel and enthrall.  Our local guide is experienced in search for bushmen. We first visit the Hadjabe tribe. They will show us around where they live – they use caves as a home. We’ll see how they make fire, where they collect honey and teach us how they cure diseases preparing medicines of nature’s gifts. You will then witness how the Hadjabe get ready for hunting for their dinner and watch them preparing arrows using poison. We will have a break for lunch under the sade of an acacia tree. In the early afternoon we visit the Datoga tribe.The Datoga are mostly pastoralists and are used to biological food. They move from place to place to find good pastures for their animals. You’ll spend a day with a local bushman guide and experience how life is lived in this remote and untamed corner of Africa. It’s a place where fires are still lit by rubbing sticks together. Alongside the cultural interaction, there’s a gentle serenity and freedom to the landscape; no wifi, no phones, no noise from passing traffic. This is a day that really will reveal ancient Africa.. In the vening we are drven to our accommodation in Karatu. THE RETREAT- BL

Feb. 3, SUN: The Unique Wonders of Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater floor is never quiet. Slowly we will descend into this inactive volcano, the steep track taking you down 2000 feet and into a surreal animal world. Elephants and zebra are making the same journey, heading down the slopes but keeping a watchful eye for the abundant lions. Some prides rest by the trail. Big cats roam throughout Ngorongoro, the land able to sustain huge numbers of predators. Zebra, gazelle, wildebeest, warthog; there’s plenty to go around. . With its abundant water, excellent grazing and natural protection from the densely vegetated crater walls, the crater provides shelter to over 25000 animals, including the endangered Black Rhinoceros.Some of Africa’s biggest elephants roam lonely in the acacia forest here; giant old bulls choosing Ngorongoro as their retirement home. Leopards lurk in the trees, awaiting an opportunity to emerge and pounce.Enjoy picnic lunch and full day safari on the crater floor. Later we’ll ascend to the highest point of the crater rim to our accommodationscCommanding magnificent views and gazing onto unforgettable sunsets.SOPA LODGE- BLD

Feb. 4, MON: Olduvai Gorge & Serengeti National Park

Today we are on our way from Ngorongoro to the great Serengeti National Park. Stop enrute to visit the Olduvai Gorge; a fascinating archeological site. The most famous skull found here belongs to Zinjathropus, known as ‘Nutcracker Man’. He lived about 1.75 million years ago. We will visit also the museum showing the 3.6 million year old footprints in a volcanic rock. Continue northwards to Serengeti, in search of one of the greatest wildlife shows on the planet, the annual Great Migration. The migration is the movement of vast numbers of the Serengeti’s wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, eland and impala. Animals move in a clockwise circle and cover a distance of around 3000km annually. The migration continues throughout the year, constantly seeking fresh grazing and water. The precise timing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns of each year. From December to March, the herds are grazing in the southern, east-central plains of the park and also the Ndutu area of Ngorongoro. End of January and February is the season that they are giving birth to their calves. Our journey is intended to follow the migration, moving with the herds to experience their trials and tribulations. We have lunch in a picnic site. We then continue with sunset game drive enroute to our camp. KUBU KUBU TENTED LODGE OR SERENGETI SOPA LODGE- BLD

Feb. 5 & 6, TUE & WED: Exploring the Serengeti

The Serengeti eco-system is home to the “big five” (lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros). The other main species include zebra, wildebeest, various species of gazelles and antelopes, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, hippopotamus, crocodiles and some primate species such as vervet monkeys and olive baboons. It is also an endemic bird area, with a total of 505 species being documented so far. For two days you’re going to be right in the middle of the animal migrations. Game viewing is easy on these plains as the big mammals don’t have many places to hide. Elephants rumble in the distance, giraffes wait on the horizon, and ungulate herds graze without any protection. While the vast landscape remains remarkably constant, every game drive reveals something different. On Feb. 5, you will do a full day safari following migration and picnic lunch to savor the sights of a hippo filled swamp. Explore the kopjes, rocky outcrops that are havens for lion prides escaping the afternoon sun. These are places where you might find lion and cheetah cubs taking their first steps. Buffalos square up and start a fight, great furry masses attacking each other and aiming for control of the female harem. Then there are the cute and delicate sights, like tiny dik dik, the world’s smallest antelope half hidden by the grass, or any one of the 505 bird species that soar through the air. There are colorful lovebirds and enigmatic cranes, as well as rowdy flocks of vultures and giant marabou storks. The sights come thick and fast, something catching your eye every few minutes. But for all its abundant wildlife, it’s the sheer freedom of the Serengeti that is often most impressive. You’re exploring a land that seems to have no boundaries or end points. On Feb. 6 you will take morning and evening game safaris with afternoon free to relax by the pool. KUBU KUBU TENTED LODGE OR SERENGETI SOPA LODGE- BLD

Feb. 7, THU: To Zanzibar & Stone town

After an early breakfast embark on a game safari enroute to Seronera airstrip for your light to Zanzibar island. Transfer upon arrival to Hotel. After a quick check in, we will head out to Stone Town to watch the launching parade of the “Sauti Za Busara” festival, a great celebration of the African music under the African sky. Sauti za Busara is one of “Africa’s best loved music festivals”(DJ Rita Ray, BBC) and is listed in CNN’s top “7 African music festivals you really have to see”.  Sauti za Busara promotes respect for cultural diversity. At Sauti za Busara artists and audiences come from all continents & the universal language is music that unites everyone. us, united and together as one.  In the evening attend the music festival (cost of tickets will be advised when available and are not included in tour package). MARU MARU HOTEL- B

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Feb. 8, FRI:  Zanzibar- Stone Town & Prison Island tour – Optional Sauti Za Busara After breakfast embark on a guided tour in Stone Town. You will experience the town & the true culture of Zanzibar; visit the famous house of wonder, the sultan palace, the old museum and the old market where you can shop for various fruits and spices. Next visit the cathedral church and the old dispensary. Changuu Island was used as a penitentiary for rebel slaves by the sultans from the 1860s until the end of the slave trade. After which the British began building a prison on the island under the guidance of First Governor, Lloyd Matthews. This was completed in 1894. However, the ‘prison’ was only ever used as a quarantine centre for possible yellow-fever victims, and even then was hardly used as that. Don’t be deceived by the word ‘prison’ in the island’s English name, the significance of the island, like so many of Zanzibar’s cultural sites, has been made little of and the ‘prison that never was’ now houses a resort and restaurant. Return to Zanzibar island overnite at Hotel.  In the evening, option to enjoy more music and dance performances of the African artists. HOTEL MARU MARU- B

Feb. 9, SAT: Zanzibar Island- day at leisure

After breakfast you will have free time to wonder around the narrow alleyways of the town and find some precious souvenirs.

OPTION -1  Farewell to Africa

Transfer to Airport in the evening for flight home via Dar Es Salaam. B

OPTION -1  BEACH RESORT EXTENSION- MATEMWE

After breakfast, time free to explore Stone Town on own. In the afternoon, transfer to the beach resort in Matemwe, where rest of the day is at leisure. JAFFERJI BEACH REREAT- B

The private beach fronting the retreat is an absolute heaven of stylish relaxation with the Mnemba Atoll within in grasp’s reach! Jafferji Beach Retreat has undoubtedly got the best and longest strips of beach in Zanzibar.The Indian Ocean’s turquoise waves tease away gently at guests’ feet as a waiter serves cool refreshments and local shing boats glide by. The white powdery coral beach invites and entices you to indulge in relaxing walks, swim in the azure waters, or perhaps go on a bike ride down to the local village. One can also try out dhow sailing from this is perfect postcard beach. The local village women pass their day in seaweed farming and shermen prepare to go and bring fresh catch that our in house chef then uses for our drool worthy dishes.

Feb. 10, SUN: Matemwe- day at leisure

After breakfast you can choose to laze around on luxurious day beds and soak up the breathtaking atmosphere or take an optional tour.

At only 20 minute boat ride away is the Mnemba Atoll; a marine conservation area surrounded by thriving, vibrant reefs and the crystal clear Indian Ocean. The waters are teeming with an overwhelming number of beautiful tropical reefs, green turtles graze peacefully amongst the heads of plate and honeycomb corals, and a resident pod of curious bottle-nosed dolphins that appear often offering a once in a lifetime chance for visitors to interact with these splendid marine mammals in a natural environment.

• ••• Optional activities that can be organized upon arrival through the Jafferji hotel include: snorkeling, diving, swimming with dolphins in the open sea, Swahili fishing with a hand line on a dhow, deep sea fishing, dhow sail, guided reef walk, kite-surfing, kayaking, cycling and more

Feb. 11, MON: Matemwe- day at leisure / DAR ES SALAAM / DEPART

After breakfast time free to relax by beach or optional activity. Transfer back to Zanzibar in the late afternoon where you will board enening flight homewards connecting via Dar Es Salaam.

LAND TOUR: $5,692.00 per person sharing

Single room – $6,162.00

Beach Extension- 2 Nts/ 3 days: $ 545.00 per person sharing.

Single room- $ 665.00

INTERNAL TANZANIA AIRFARE- $ 550.00 per person

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE – Discounted fares from your home city are available in Economy, Premium Economy, Business & First class. Check at time of booking.

Note: Airfares are based on lowest available at time of quoting, subject to change until ticketed.