The Prefect Tanzania Safari And Mnemba Island Itinerary
A Tanzanian safari combined with a Mnemba Island getaway offers a classic wildlife and luxury beach experience, blending the thrill of the savanna with the serene beauty of a private island paradise in the Indian Ocean. Safaris focus on diverse African wildlife, including the “Big Five,” while Mnemba Island, a marine conservation area off Zanzibar’s coast, provides exceptional diving and snorkeling among coral reefs, opportunities to see dolphins and turtles, and opportunities for relaxation and water sports after your safari.
This traditional safari and beach combination has been designed for couples who wish to commemorate a honeymoon, anniversary, or a simple holiday for two. This voyage is characterised by exceptional accommodations throughout, and it is a leisurely affair: you will have nearly two weeks to explore three of Tanzania’s most renowned game reserves and a luxurious tropical island retreat.
Begin your journey with a luxurious tree-house suite and the breathtaking diversity of Lake Manyara National Park, followed by the most straightforward Big 5 animal viewing experience in Africa at the Ngorongoro Crater. On the very edge of the crater, your accommodation is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The safari theme is carried over to the legendary Serengeti National Park, where you will transition to a mobile tented camp in the Hemingway manner and observe the most spectacular spectacle of nature: the great wildebeest migration.
After the early morning starts and dramatic game viewing, what better way to conclude your voyage than to slow down, kick off your shoes, and relax in a beach chair? You have the opportunity to do so on Mnemba, a private island in the Indian Ocean that serves as your final destination. Mnemba Island, a pristine haven of biodiversity located off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, provides the post-safari traveler with a plethora of activities, including turtle watching and diving. This eclectic conclusion to this well-rounded, diverse expedition is fittingly eclectic.
A Complete 12 Days Tanzania Safari And Mnemba Island Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha: A Warm Welcome | 1 Nights
Upon your arrival at Mount Kilimanjaro International Airport, the gateway to Tanzania’s renowned northern safari highlights, you will be greeted with a cordial embrace. You will be greeted and transported by road to Arusha Coffee Lodge, which is situated on a coffee plantation on the outskirts of Arusha, a small frontier community that is renowned as the safari capital of Tanzania.
There are numerous attractions that will entice you away from the Lodge’s endearing, personal service and delightful gardens. I highly recommend a day excursion to Arusha National Park, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as a visit to the 3.5-million-year-old Leatoli Footprints and a leisurely stroll through the Natural History Museum. Before retiring for a restful evening at the Lodge, visitors may explore vibrant markets and picturesque coffee plantations.
Days 2-3: Lake Manyara: Utterly Charming | 2 Nights
Your flight departs from Arusha Airport for Lake Manyara National Park following breakfast. An introductory game drive to an area that Hemingway described as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa” is provided by a road transfer from the local airstrip to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, the only accommodation situated in the park itself.
The diverse environments of Lake Manyara National Park make it a naturalist’s paradise. The park is teeming with fauna, spanning from wetlands and woodlands to grasslands and hot springs. Large colonies of migratory water birds and flamingos are among the more than 400 bird species that have been documented. The acacia woodlands of Manyara are the habitat of the infamous tree-climbing lions and slow-strolling elephants, while the forests are alive with the calls of primates and birds.
A two-night stay in one of the lodge’s delightful tree-house accommodations will allow you to explore this extraordinary park. The treehouses are nestled in the branches of an ancient mahogany forest and are exceedingly comfortable. They are elegantly furnished. Colourful birds flit through the camp, establishing the stage for the upcoming activities: morning and afternoon game viewing expeditions, led by expert guides, and night drives that provide intriguing insights into the park’s diverse nocturnal life.
Conclude your visit to Lake Manyara with a refreshing beverage and the breathtaking African sunset.
Days 4-5: The Ngorongoro Crater: Truly Original | 2 Nights
You will be transported from Lake Manyara to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater via an early morning road transfer. This location boasts uncommon marvels, as evidenced by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The world’s largest intact and un-flooded caldera, where an extraordinary 25,000 large mammals, including black rhino, wildebeest, and zebra, as well as Africa’s densest concentrations of lions, reside year-round, was created by a massive volcanic eruption. Elephants and buffalo are protected in the forests of the Crater, while flamingos and hippos inhabit its wetlands. The complete spectrum of predators, including hyenas, wild dogs, leopards, and cheetahs, is represented in the area.
Your extraordinary lodging, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, is situated on the rim of the crater, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area. This Lodge is characterised by opulence and glamour, which is evident in the chandelier-lit restrooms, personal butler service, and exceptional dining. Expert guides in game viewing 4X4s await your attention, and you may find it difficult to disentangle yourself from your preferred viewing location, as each suite boasts breathtaking views.
Your path descends through the verdant rainforests of the rim, descending 610 meters to the grasslands of the crater floor, which spans approximately 260 square kilometres. The Crater is Big 5 country, despite its diminutive size, and the terrain’s openness facilitates a rewarding and effortless wildlife viewing experience. You will spend the day investigating the crater floor, pausing to enjoy a picnic on the grasslands in the presence of grazing herds. Return to the Lodge for a sundowner on the brink of the crater and a delectable meal in the domed dining area.
Days 6-8: The Serengeti: Legendary | 3 Nights
Following breakfast, a brief flight will transport you to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s inaugural game reserve, and the rolling grasslands that the local Maasai refer to as Siringitu, or “the place where the land moves on forever.” One of the most ancient ecosystems on Earth.
The Serengeti is, of course, the location of the great wildebeest migration, making it an exceptional destination for game viewing year-round. The wildebeest herds, which traverse the Serengeti grasslands from November to July, present a spectacle that draws predators from both close and far. Game viewing is guaranteed to be thrilling, particularly during the notorious river crossings in June and July.
Your accommodations have been meticulously selected to meet your expectations. Serengeti Under Canvas provides exclusive tented accommodations that are situated in remote locations that are in sync with the migrating herds, providing unparalleled game viewing opportunities.
Immerse yourself in the spectacle of Africa’s greatest reserve by spending three nights at Serengeti Under Canvas. Simple luxury and a romantic, close-to-nature ambiance are prioritised, while activities concentrate on the migration spectacle during daily game drives or the highly anticipated early morning hot-air balloon flights. The experience is further enhanced by guided nature treks and visits to Maasai villages.
Days 9-12: Mnemba Island: A Barefoot Paradise | 4 Nights
You depart for Zanzibar International Airport after a final morning game drive, where you will be transported by boat to Mnemba Island, a private marine conservation area. Mnemba is a tropical paradise that is characterised by a breathtaking array of marine life and magnificent coral reefs. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters by scuba diving or snorkelling, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Mnemba provides courses in fly-fishing, diving, paragliding, and kayaking for more adventurous travellers.
Mnemba is a charming “paradise found” due to its warm hospitality, thoughtful details, and pampering massages. The chalets are endowed with the allure of primitive, Robinson Crusoe-inspired architecture, while maintaining the amenities of a luxury hotel.
End of 12 Days Tanzania Safari And Mnemba Island Itinerary
