Arrival in Arusha

Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel located a short distance from Arusha Town Centre.

Lying on the gentle 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 safari.

Comprising of 30 Plantation Houses – inclusive of 12 Plantation Suites – 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 1900s.

The theme of coffee is never far away at Arusha Coffee Lodge, and this is never more evident than in the Plantation Suites where the coffee bean theme permeates even the interior designs of both the main bedrooms as well as the beautifully appointed en-suite bathrooms.

Overnight at Arusha Coffee Lodge (B,B)

Arusha to Lake Manyara

Morning at leisure and safari briefing followed by lunch. Afternoon you depart Arusha passing through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations.

At the town of Makuyuni you turn North West and continue the journey up through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara.

Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Nestled on the rim of the Great African Rift Valley with stunning views over Lake Manyara, Mount Meru and on a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro.

The lodge is set on pristine lush green gardens and local vegetation with over 130 species of birds.

Overnight at Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge (B,L,D)

Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast there is a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park that returns to the lodge for lunch.

Leaving Lake Manyara behind, the journey continues North West across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands which is filled with wheat and coffee plantations, and then into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you’ll hopefully start spotting game well before you get into the park.

Nestled in the acacia woodland on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the plains of the south-western Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous parks in the world, and host to the largest and most spectacular annual migration of the wildebeest.

The lodge is set in the Nyarboro Hills, in the South West overlooking the Serengeti Plains.

Overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Serengeti National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park.

Known locally by its Maasai name, ‘Siringitu’ – the place where the land runs on forever – Tanzania’s oldest park was created to preserve the path of the world’s largest migration circuit.

Today, it is ultimate safari country, with rolling plains home to a spectacular array of wildlife.

Overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, stopping off en route for your picnic lunch. You then continue your journey towards Ngorongoro where you visit a Masai Village before you continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.

Perched on the rim of the collapsed volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater, a world heritage site, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. It has the most magnificent views over the crater floor, which is home to vast herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, the rare and endangered black rhino, elephant, cheetah, leopard, lion and herds of gazelle and wildebeest. Its position on the Eastern rim allows the most spectacular and uninterrupted views of the sunset.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Ngorongoro Crater

A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest wildlife zoo.

After breakfast, you descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. It’s an awesome wildlife experience. Lunch is served near a small lake filled with hippos.

You then continue game viewing before returning to the crater’s rim and your lodge.

Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge on a full board basis

Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park

Depart Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast, head south east past Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu village. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, you’ll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations here before journeying down the spectacular escarpment where you turn south on to the main Arusha – Dodoma road and into the park.

From here to the lodge, you’ll enjoy a game drive en route. After lunch and perhaps a swim, the remainder of the afternoon will be spent on a game drive.

Hidden among the kopjes, lies Tarangire Sopa Lodge, surrounded by ancient baobab trees. It is the home of the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa, and other game including the elusive leopard. Over 400 bird species can be spotted here as well.

With water constantly available in the area, the greenery is lush providing a wonderful contrast to the burnt ground.

Overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis

Tarangire National Park to Arusha

Depart after breakfast and head north east to Arusha. The journey will pass through the Maasai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations.

On arrival in Arusha you will be provided lunch followed by transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport to connect international departure flight.

End of tour