Tanzania & Zanzibar

Ultimate Tanzania: Migrations, Masai Tribes & Beach Perfection

When

June To March

Price

From $21,960pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

12 nights ideal length

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 that moves in time to the wildebeests’ thundering hooves, 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.

Make this itinerary yours

Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

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Volcanic beginnings

The following morning you’ll travel to Arusha Airstrip for your private flight to Ngorongoro Crater and Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. 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.

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 the remote and intrepid Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp. This unique camp offers year-round migration viewing as it continuously follows the migration as it moves around the Serengeti so during your stay you’ll be primed to see the largest migration of wild animals on the planet. To put things in perspective think six million hooves crossing the open plains, with more than 200,000 zebras, 300,000 gazelles and over a million wildebeests as they trek for fresh grazing. 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.

Your manor in the bush awaits.

From camping in the Serengeti, you’ll be flown north to the Grumeti Reserve where you’ll stay at the grand and luxurious Singita Sasakwa Lodge for the next three nights.  A turn-of-the-century manor house with sweeping views of the endless plains, this place is pretty special. From this superb vantage point, you’ll become absorbed in the marvel of an abundance of wildlife, including the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest, widely known as the greatest natural spectacle on earth.

For riding enthusiasts, we can arrange for you to ride out into the reserve on horseback – an incredible way to get up close to the natural wonders of Northern Tanzania. For a cultural immersion, we’ll take you to one of the local Masai villages where you’ll be able to meet members of the tribe and their families, as well as learn about their semi-nomadic way of life. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the various development projects taking place in the village. For a final bush spectacular, we’ll send you sky high in a hot air balloon, over the majestic plains where you can awe at the endless views as your guide points. For your final night, you’ll be treated to a traditional boma-style dinner in the bush under the stars.

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.

Where to rest your head

Legendary Lodge

Set amongst lush tropical gardens on a working coffee farm, Legendary Lodge's sweet scent alone is enough to give you a spring in your step.…
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Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp

For those long in search of the ultimate African adventure, we think we've found the answer at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. Perched on the rim…
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Mnemba Island Lodge

The ultimate in barefoot luxury chic, Mnemba Island Lodge will transport you to your own private paradise island from the moment you arrive. Fringed by…
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Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Endless views over the Serengeti plains below give way to the majestic turn of the century English manor lodge and cottages that is the Singita…
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Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp

The choice between a truly luxurious lodge and a close-to-the-action experience has always been an impossible one. Do you choose ensuite bathrooms and 100 thread…
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