Arrival in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania. Upon arrival in Arusha, a local representative will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your comfortable hotel set in the grounds of a coffee plantation in the foothills of Mount Meru. The rest of the day is free to relax ahead of your safari adventure. Overnight at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge (or similar).
Things to do:
Arusha & Ngorongoro
After breakfast, drive for 2-hours to Gibb’s Farm, a peaceful retreat tucked away in the rolling Ngorongoro Highlands. This charming guesthouse was originally a 1920’s coffee farm, with lush floral gardens, coffee and vegetable fields, and views over the rolling hills. During your 3-night stay you’ll be encouraged to immerse yourself in farm life experiences like joining the resident naturalists on morning bird walks, bread making, coffee roasting and taking afternoon tea in the gardens. Away from the farm you’ll thoroughly explore the region, travelling in a 4x4 safari vehicle with your own guide. After sunset, gather around the Tembo fire for drinks and tales of Iraqw culture, Maasai legends and tribal folklore. Overnight at Gibb’s Farm.
Things to do:
Ngorongoro
Wake up to the soothing sound of dawn birdsong and the smell of freshly baked bread. Then enjoy breakfast featuring the farm’s organic produce, fresh from its fields, gardens and on-site bakery and dairy. Today you’ll visit the extraordinary volcanic landscape of the Ngorongoro Crater – the largest unbroken ancient caldera in the world that is home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa. The game drive involves a spectacular 600-metre descent from the rim to the crater floor. This vast landscape of forest, lakes and open grassland is home to elephant, lion, rhino and a rich array other wildlife. Returning to the farm there are plenty of optional activities including touring the coffee plantation and organic gardens or visiting the local Tioma village. The artists in residence gallery is also well worth a look. Overnight at Gibb’s Farm.
Things to do:
Ngorongoro
Today you can arrange an optional game drive, either returning to the Ngorongoro Crater or nearby Lake Manyara. This vast lake has several natural watering holes that attract plenty of wildlife and birds. A 2-hour walking safari is also possible, heading through the forested slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area directly from the farm. Alternatively, you’ll find plenty to do on the farm itself, helping the staff with bread making, coffee roasting and daily ritual of harvesting fresh organic produce from the vegetable garden. Then relax in the swimming pool or enjoy a revitalising wellness treatment, followed by a spectacular garden sunset. Overnight at Gibb’s Farm.
Things to do:
Ngorongoro & Serengeti
After breakfast, drive for 5.5-hours to Serengeti National Park, keeping a close eye out for wildlife en route. From your exclusive tented camp, you’ll spend the next two days exploring the vast plains on game drives in state-of-the-art 4x4 vehicles, or on foot during a memorable walking safari. Each of the huge tents features a deck with private hot tub, providing the perfect place to unwind and enjoy sunset views over the Serengeti. Gourmet meals are served in the open-sided mess tent, or there’s also the option to dine in the privacy of your own tent. Afterwards, spend time around the campfire discussing the day’s sightings with the rangers and your fellow guests. Overnight at Serengeti Bushtops.
Things to do:
Serengeti
Today you can choose between morning and evening game drives, or a full day safari adventure with a bush picnic lunch in the Serengeti National Park. You’ll be accompanied by the camp’s excellent guides and local Kuria tribe wildlife spotters, as you explore the park in search of big cats and over 500 species of birds. This evening you may like to experience the Klipspringer dinner in an al fresco ampitheatre, or private sundowners served at Simba’s Rock. Overnight at Serengeti Bushtops.
Things to do:
Serengeti
For a whole new perspective of the Serengeti, an optional hot air balloon safari is highly recommended. You’ll wake early and watch as the balloon is prepared, then take flight and drift upwards as the sun rises and wildlife roam below on the vast savannah. Returning to solid ground, spend another memorable day exploring the region and spotting animals on a final game drive. Overnight at Serengeti Bushtops.
Things to do:
Serengeti & Departure
After breakfast, fly by light aircraft from Kogatende airstrip to Arusha, a thrilling journey that offers fantastic views of Tanzania’s landscape from above. The flight takes 1.5-hours to Arusha, where you’ll have lunch and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or onward travel.
Another stop?
We recommend finishing your African adventure with a beach stay on the white sands of Zanzibar, or its small sister island of Pemba.