A Luxury Manyara-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Zanzibar Travel Guide

Ultra-Luxury Manyara-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Zanzibar Travel Guide for Couples.

This traditional Manyara-Ngorongoro-Serengeti safari and Zanzibar beach combination is designed for couples seeking to commemorate occasions such as honeymoons, anniversaries, or a simple getaway for two. This Manyara-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Zanzibar voyage offers exceptional lodging throughout, allowing nearly two weeks to experience three of Tanzania’s renowned game reserves and a luxurious tropical island refuge.

Commence with an opulent tree-house suite and the splendid variety of Lake Manyara National Park, followed by the effortless observation of Africa’s Big 5 at the Ngorongoro Crater. Your stunning apartment is situated directly on the rim of the crater. The safari theme persists in the renowned Serengeti National Park, where you will transition to a Hemingway-inspired mobile tented camp to observe Nature’s most extraordinary spectacle: the big wildebeest migration.

Following numerous early morning excursions and exhilarating wildlife observations, what could be more ideal than concluding your journey by unwinding, removing your footwear, and reclining in a beach chair? On Mnemba, a private island in the Indian Ocean and your final destination, you can accomplish precisely that. Mnemba Island, a natural sanctuary of biodiversity situated off the north-east coast of Zanzibar, provides the post-safari traveler with an abundance of activities, including diving and turtle observation, serving as an eclectic conclusion to this diversified and well-rounded journey.

A Detailed Manyara-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Zanzibar Travel Guide

Day 1: Arusha: A Warm Welcome | 1 Nights

A kind reception greets you upon your arrival at Mount Kilimanjaro International Airport, the entrance to Tanzania’s renowned northern safari attractions. You will be greeted and transported by road to Arusha Coffee Lodge, situated on a coffee farm on the outside of Arusha, a little frontier town renowned as the safari capital of Tanzania.

Numerous attractions beckon you away from the Lodge’s lovely gardens and attentive, personalized service. A day excursion to Arusha National Park, featuring stunning vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, is strongly advised, along with a tour of the Natural History Museum and a visit to the 3.5-million-year-old Laetoli Footprints. Vibrant markets await exploration and exquisite coffee estates merit admiration before retiring for a restful evening at the Lodge.

Days 2-3: Lake Manyara: Utterly Charming | 2 Nights

Following breakfast, your flight will depart from Arusha Airport to Lake Manyara National Park. A vehicle transfer from the nearby airstrip transports you to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, the sole lodging situated within the park, and offers an initial game drive to a region that Hemingway characterized as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa.”

Lake Manyara National Park is a paradise for naturalists due to its varied ecosystems. The park is teeming with animals, encompassing wetlands, woods, meadows, and hot springs. More than 400 bird species have been documented, including substantial groups of flamingos and migratory waterfowl. The forests of Manyara resonate with the calls of monkeys and birds, while its acacia woodlands shelter the renowned tree-climbing lions and leisurely elephants of Manyara.

Experience this remarkable park with a two-night accommodation in one of the lodge’s charming tree-house apartments. The tree cabins, tastefully appointed and exceptionally comfy, are nestled within the branches of a venerable mahogany forest. Vibrant birds traverse the camp, establishing the ambiance for forthcoming activities: morning and afternoon game viewing excursions conducted by knowledgeable guides, with nocturnal drives that provide intriguing perspectives on the park’s abundant night life.

Conclude your visit at Lake Manyara with a refreshing beverage and the African sunset.

Days 4-5: The Ngorongoro Crater: Truly Original | 2 Nights

A morning road trip transports you from Lake Manyara to the striking Ngorongoro Crater. This location is distinguished by its exceptional marvels, as indicated by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The world’s biggest complete and unflooded caldera, created by a colossal volcanic eruption, serves as a year-round habitat for over 25,000 large mammals, including black rhinos, wildebeests, and zebras, as well as the highest density of lions in Africa. The Crater’s woodlands harbour elephants and buffalo, its wetlands accommodate hippos and flamingos, while hyenas, wild dogs, leopards, and cheetahs represent the complete spectrum of predators.

Your magnificent lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, is situated on the rim of the crater, providing a panoramic view. This Lodge epitomises glamorous extravagance, featuring chandelier-lit baths, personal butler service, and exquisite dining. Each suite provides stunning vistas, making it challenging to leave your preferred observation point; however, skilled guides in game-viewing 4X4s are ready to assist you.

Your path falls through the verdant rainforests of the rim, 610 meters to the grasslands of the crater floor, encompassing around 260 square km. Notwithstanding its diminutive dimensions, the Crater is part of Big 5 territory, and the expanse of the landscape facilitates effortless and gratifying wildlife observation. You will spend the day traversing the crater floor, pausing to picnic on the grasslands among the grazing herds. Return to the Lodge for evening refreshments on the crater’s edge and exquisite meals in the domed dining space.

Days 6-8: The Serengeti: Legendary | 3 Nights

Following breakfast with a view of the Crater, a brief flight transports you to the expansive plains referred to by the indigenous Maasai as Siringitu – the land that stretches indefinitely – and to Tanzania’s inaugural game reserve, Serengeti National Park. One of the most ancient ecosystems on the planet.

The Serengeti is an exceptional year-round destination for game viewing and is renowned for the great wildebeest migration. The wildebeest herds traverse the Serengeti grasslands from November to July, generating a sight that lures predators from various distances. Expect exhilarating game viewing, particularly during the infamous river crossings in June and July.

Your lodging has been meticulously selected to meet expectations: located in secluded areas that align with the migratory patterns of herds, Serengeti Under Canvas provides unique tented accommodations with outstanding wildlife viewing prospects.

Experience three nights at Serengeti Under Canvas and engage with the spectacle of Africa’s premier reserve. The focus is on understated elegance and a romantic, nature-oriented atmosphere, with activities centred around observing the migration phenomenon during daily wildlife drives or renowned early morning hot-air balloon excursions. Guided nature excursions and visits to Maasai villages enhance the experience.

Days 9-12: Mnemba Island: A Barefoot Paradise | 4 Nights

Following a last morning wildlife drive, you proceed to Zanzibar International Airport, where a boat transfer transports you to the exclusive marine conservation area on Mnemba Island. Mnemba is an idyllic tropical paradise, encircled by a remarkable diversity of marine life and splendid coral reefs. Engage in scuba diving or snorkelling in the crystalline waters, or relax on the immaculate beaches. Mnemba has windsurfing, kayaking, fly-fishing, and diving lessons for more adventurous tourists.

Mnemba is an enchanting ‘paradise found’ characterised by warm hospitality, indulgent massages, and considerate details. The chalets embody the allure of rustic, Robinson Crusoe-inspired architecture while retaining the amenities of a luxury hotel.

Day 13: End the Adventure on Zanzibar

Following a final tropical breakfast, transfer by boat to the Muyuni Crossing Point on Zanzibar for the concluding segment of your journey to Zanzibar International Airport. Contemplate the indelible memories your Manyara-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Zanzibar journey has bestowed upon you — the warmth of the African sun on your skin, the aroma of wild sage, the sound of lions heralding the twilight – and revisit the remarkable locations, kind individuals, and exhilarating wildlife encounters you have experienced.

End of the 13 Days Manyara-Ngorongoro-Serengeti-Zanzibar Travel Guide