Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari

Day notes

This is an eco‑lodge nestled in the Maasai savanna between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.  Excellent for a cultural introduction to Tanzania, first views of Kilimanjaro and learning about Maasai life

Typical Day :
• Morning: Breakfast with views over the plains; optional nature walk or cultural visit to a Maasai boma
• Midday: Free time by the swimming pool, lunch at the lodge restaurant with local and international dishes
• Afternoon: Guided Maasai cultural experiences (storytelling, herb walks, village visits), or rest at the lodge
• Evening: Bonfire night or cultural entertainment, dinner at the lodge

Distances:
Day 1
Arrival Kilimanjaro International Airport → West Kilimanjaro (Original Maasai Lodge)
Distance: 65–70 km - Drive time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Day 3
West Kilimanjaro → Shira Plateau (Mt Kilimanjaro) → return
Round trip distance: 120–160 km - Drive time: 3–4 hours total

Day notes

Typical Day :
• Early morning: Sunrise drive into Tarangire National Park to see elephants and large herds near the river.
• Midday: Lunch at the lodge or a picnic site inside the park (often included).
• Afternoon: Relax at the lodge deck, enjoy views into the park, or take a short evening game drive before sunset.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge, with stories and wildlife sightings shared in lounge areas.

Park highlight: Tarangire is famous for elephant herds and baobab trees, with excellent wildlife viewing year‑round.

Distances:
Day 4
West Kilimanjaro → Tarangire National Park
Distance: 210–230 km - Drive time: 4–5 hours
Day 5
Inside Tarangire National Park
Game drives: 40–80 km driving inside the park

Day notes

Typical Day :
• Morning: Breakfast at lodge followed by departure for Lake Manyara NP game drive, known for tree‑climbing lions and diverse birdlife.
• Midday: Packed lunch picnic inside the park or at a scenic picnic site.
• Afternoon: Additional game viewing before returning to lodge for rest or optional village walk.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge with local and continental options.

Lake Manyara lodges usually have beautiful views over the Rift Valley escarpment, and easy access to the park.

Distances:
Day 6
Tarangire → Mto wa Mbu / Manyara Secret
Distance: 120–135 km - Drive time: 2.5–3 hours
Day 7
Manyara Secret → Lake Manyara National Park → return
Distance: 20–30 km round trip

Day notes

Set on the edge of the southern Serengeti short‑grass plains, this lodge provides a classic safari feel with stone cottages facing the plains or nearby lakes. Wildlife can often be seen from the lodge grounds.

Typical Day :
• Early morning: Wake up to wildlife sounds; breakfast set up before an early game drive in your private safari vehicle.
• Midday: Return to lodge for lunch or enjoy a packed lunch if out in the park longer.
• Afternoon: Optional afternoon game drive or relax at the lodge’s common areas; watch birds and smaller animals near the property.
• Evening: Sundowners followed by dinner; guests often share sightings by the central lounge.

Distances:
Day 8
Manyara / Mto wa Mbu → Ndutu
Distance: 120–150 km - Drive time: 3–4 hours
Day 9
Ndutu region game drives
Approx driving: 40–90 km

Day notes

A well‑located lodge in the Central Serengeti, overlooking the plains.

Typical Day :
• Morning: Breakfast with views across the Serengeti; depart for a morning game drive to areas like the Seronera or kopjes.
• Midday: Packed lunch in the bush or return to the lodge for lunch.
• Afternoon: Optional afternoon drive — the Serengeti’s central location means abundant resident wildlife.
• Evening: Relax at the pool deck or fire pit, dinner at the lodge’s dining tent.  
 

Distance:
Day 10
Ndutu → Serengeti National Park (Central Serengeti)
Distance: 80–100 km - Drive time: 3–4 hours with game viewing
Day 11
Central Serengeti game drives
Approx driving: 50–120 km

Day notes

Typical Day:
• Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk around the working coffee plantation and vegetable gardens, learning about the farm’s daily rhythms and coffee cultivation.
• Midday: Return for a farm‑to‑table lunch made with fresh, organic produce grown onsite.
• Afternoon: Relax by the swimming pool or enjoy optional activities like massages, nature walks around the farmland, or village visits.
• Evening: Sundowners on the terrace overlooking the rolling hills, followed by dinner served al fresco when weather permits.

Distances:
Day 12
Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu
Distance: 170–190 km - Drive time: 4–6 hours including crater descent

Day notes

Typical Day:
• Morning: Breakfast in the lodge restaurant overlooking the organic coffee estate, with views up toward Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes.
• Midday: Explore the coffee fields on a bean‑to‑cup tour, discovering the journey from plant to brewed cup and enjoy a freshly made coffee on the patio.
• Afternoon: Take a nature walk or bird‑watching stroll through the biodiverse plantation or relax at the pool or spa with panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.
• Evening: Dinner with locally inspired cuisine on the terrace as the sun sets over the estate.

Distances:
Day 13
Karatu → Moshi
Distance: 210–230 km - Drive time: 4.5–5 hours

Day 14
Moshi
No long-distance driving

Day notes

Typical Day:
• Morning: Breakfast with views of the cool Usambara Mountain environment, followed by guided walks into forest trails or to nearby Irente Viewpoint and waterfalls.
• Midday: Return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch featuring local produce; the lodge gardens often supply fresh vegetables and herbs.
• Afternoon: Continue nature walks or bird‑watching in the scenic West Usambara Mountains — cycling, hiking, and local market visits are popular alternatives.
• Evening: Dinner in the lounge with a fireplace or peaceful garden seating

Distances:
Day 15
Moshi → Lushoto
Distance: 310–330 km - Drive time: 6–7 hours
Day 16
Lushoto → Magamba Nature Reserve → return
Distance: 20–40 km

Day notes

Typical Day:
• Morning: Breakfast by the Indian Ocean, ideally on the beach terrace as the tide rolls in.
• Midday: Choose from swimming, paddle‑boarding, or exploring tide pools on the coral reef during low tide.
• Afternoon: Relax under swaying palms with a fresh coconut or take a short boat ride or snorkeling trip into clear tropical waters.
• Evening: Candle‑lit beachfront dinner with freshly caught seafood and island‑inspired dishes — torches and candles enhance the romantic seaside setting.
Distances:
Day 17
Lushoto → Tanga airport
Distance: 120–140 km - Drive time: 2.5–3 hours

Flight: Tanga → Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

Airport → East Coast (Pongwe)
Distance: 40–45 km - Drive time: 1 – 1.5 hours