Ultimate Tanzania: Migrations, Masai Tribes & Beach Perfection

Experience East Africa’s charm, incredible landscapes and startling wildlife on our all-encompassing 12 night safari vacation to Northern Tanzania and Zanzibar. We’re pushing the boat on this one and taking you closer to the action than ever before as we follow in the footsteps of one of the natural world’s greatest spectacles; the Great Migration. With a camp located right in the center of the magic, a hot air balloon above the plains and a bed set up beneath the stars; you’ll never miss a minute. Once you’ve had your fill of fireside sundowners, bush breakfast and starlit dinners, you’ll live out your wildest castaway dreams on your very own private island in the middle of the Indian Ocean for a few days of dolphins, diving and dhows. Dare we say it – but this may be our best safari yet. 

Touch down in Kilimanjaro before heading across the plains of Arusha to the aptly named Legendary Lodge. Tucked away amid a working coffee plantation, it’s the perfect place to shake off any jet lag. Here you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the elegant cuisine that’s freshly prepared in The Old Farmhouse and unwind on your private veranda, enjoying the views of Mount Meru. 

White plains of Tarangire National Park 

Spend the next few days between the wildlife-rich expanses of Tarangire National Park and the serene shores of Lake Manyara lies Chem Chem Lodge, an intimate sanctuary of just eight luxurious tents set within a palm oasis. Here, you’ll experience “The Slow Safari” philosophy while enjoying privileged access to 4,000 hectares of private wilderness. Embark on thrilling game drives across Tarangire’s sun-bleached plains, where the dry season transforms the landscape into a pale canvas against which wildlife viewing becomes extraordinarily dramatic. Spend time tracking elephants on foot with expert Maasai guides here in paradise. The experience culminates with an unforgettable champagne lunch served amid the white-washed savanna, where ancient baobabs stand sentinel over a landscape few travelers ever witness. This ethereal setting offers a unique opportunity to encounter the Big Five in a hauntingly beautiful environment that showcases Tanzania’s wild heart at its most captivating. 

Volcanic beginnings 

The following morning you’ll travel to Chem Chem Airstrip for your flight to Ngorongoro Crater and Entamanu, Ngorongoro. Sixteen kilometres in diameter, the Ngorongoro Crater is considered the eighth wonder of the natural world, and evidence suggests man has walked this area for over three million years. Today, the dramatic backdrop, together with the wealth and variety of its wildlife – some 25,000 animals – makes the crater one of the most thrilling locations to camp in. For the next two nights, you’ll be able to explore the incredible array of game and spectacular landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater with your highly qualified guides at hand. For a cultural highlight, we’ll arrange for you to take on an eye-opening tour of a local Masai Village, as well as a unique dining experience on the crater floor where you’ll be able to share an authentic tribal meal with a few of the locals. 

And if craters are your thing, we’ll also take you to the crater of Empakaai. A caved in volcanic caldera with a deep lake on its floor, it stands at a height of 300 meters, encircled by a steep, densely forested wall. Setting out on a breezy trek through this beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you’ll hike all the way up to the crater’s rim – where you’ll drink in some of our planet’s most spectacular views: including the Great Rift Valley and the distant silhouette of Kilimanjaro. And you’ll also encounter abundant wildlife – from blue monkeys and buffalo to flamingos, who come here to drink and bathe. 

Back to nature in the Serengeti 

From the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll fly to Serengeti Central and enjoy an onward journey deep into the heart of the Serengeti Plains. For the next few nights, you’ll be staying at Lamai Serengeti. This intimate lodge, masterfully blended into the natural landscape, provides front-row seats to the Serengeti’s breathtaking wildlife spectacle. The strategic location near permanent water sources guarantees exceptional game viewing year-round, with zebra, gazelles, impala, buffalo, and giraffe often visible from the infinity pool’s edge. Why not explore the game from in a hot air balloon for a breathtaking perspective of the wildlife below? For the next few days, you’ll enjoy intrepid game drives across the plains to spot the huge variety of animals from leopards, lions, buffalos, elephants, cheetah, and wild dog. Here you’ll enjoy being in the middle of pristine nature and enjoy intimate bush dinners with your Masai guides. 

Mnemba Island paradise 

After your adrenaline filled days spotting game in the bush, it’s time to relax and truly unwind – a short flight to Zanzibar and boat transfer to your Indian Ocean hideaway. For a slice of secluded island paradise and unpretentious luxury, Mnemba Island Lodge is unbeatable. Spend your days sea kayaking in crystal clear waters and leisurely strolling around the island or, our favorite, simply lounging on the white sand beach and occasionally pinching yourself to see if you are dreaming. With a fully stocked dive center, scuba diving around the atoll is a must; share the water with Giant turtles, ghost crabs and an abundance of tropical fish. Now all that’s left is to indulge in that sundowner and gaze in awe at the sensational Indian Ocean from the privacy of your own beach sala. The super-lux safari vacation of your dreams? Tick.