After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are greeted by your driver who will transfer you to Legendary Lodge. The lodge is situated on a working coffee plantation and is perfect for a quick stopover before heading into the famed national parks of Tanzania. If you arrive early enough, take the day to explore Arusha or make use of the lodge’s modern facilities to unwind from your long journey to Africa and rest up for your exciting safari!

After a delicious breakfast at Legendary Lodge, overlooking the lush gardens, your driver guide will arrive. You have a private vehicle and guide for the duration of your stay in Karatu, at Gibb’s Farm. It’s location on the forested slopes outside of the Crater in Karatu makes this beautiful property an ideal base from which you can explore key destinations Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Lake Eyasi.

Included in your stay here is a full-day trip into the Ngorongoro Crater. With your private guide and vehicle, you’ll have the flexibility to enjoy the day out at your own pace, stopping at each sighting for as long as you want. The crater is a centuries-old volcanic caldera which has over the years become a thriving habitat and conservation success story protected by the Tanzanian government. Enjoy thrilling game viewing, breath-taking views, a picnic lunch and drinks stops before making your way back to camp where you can indulge in a hot bath followed by a delicious dinner and ended off with a cosy nightcap next to a crackling fire.

When not out exploring the nearby parks, Gibb’s Farm has plenty to offer. Visit the working coffee plantation, dairy farm and piggery, get involved with some farm-related chores or join the farm’s coffee roasters to experience traditional coffee roasting methods. Stroll through the old farmyard, the flower and vegetable garden, or head further out for a guided forest walk to discover a seasonal waterfall and mystical elephant caves. For more extensive outings, you can head out on a guided walk up to the rim of the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, or visit the variety of community projects and initiatives to learn more about rural living in Tanzania.

Savour your last morning and breakfast at the beautiful Gibb’s Farm, after which your driver will take you through to Manyara Airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Seronera Airstrip. Here you’ll meet your guide for a quick road transfer to your Serengeti base for the next three nights, the beautiful Namiri Plains Camp.

Take a moment to settle into your tent, savour that ‘wow’ moment when you first lay eyes on the room and the view of the endless Serengeti plains outside. High tea snacks and your appetite should be ready by then. Head to the main lodge area to enjoy the spread of sweet and savoury eats before heading out for your first Serengeti game drive. The Serengeti offers incredible year-round game viewing and Namiri is located in an area where big cats, particularly cheetah, are prevalent.

In between activities, take time to enjoy the lodge and its facilities. Have a refreshing dip in the pool, relax on the plush loungers, and sip on a cold drink as you watch a herd of elephant or buffalo pass by. Arrive back to camp each evening to a campfire where you can gather to connect and recount your safari stories and experiences.

You’ve had a taste of safari in the eastern Serengeti and likely experienced some incredible big cat sightings. We always recommend a minimum of three nights in this extraordinary wilderness, but this brief taste of safari will leave you yearning for more. That’s why we have designed this itinerary to double your time in the Serengeti, allowing you to explore both the eastern and northern regions and really sink into the wonderful routine of life on safari.

After a final breakfast at Namiri Plains, your guide will take you through to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Kogatende Airstrip. A guide will be waiting to meet you and drive you to your next stop, Sayari Camp. Located in the remote northern Serengeti, Sayari provides a true safari on the great wildebeest migration route with access to several river crossing points. The herds pass through the northern Serengeti from approximately May to July.

An optional, yet not to be missed add-on while in the Serengeti is a hot-air balloon safari. Truly a magical experience floating over the savannah as the sun peeks over the horizon and concludes with a champagne breakfast out in the bush. This activity is best done while at Sayari, as the camp is closer to the launch site than Namiri Plains Camp.

We cannot say that by now you will have had your fill of safari, as that’s unlikely ever to be the case. However, the trip isn’t over yet and you can look forward to a different sort of incredible as the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar Island await!

Bid farewell to the wonderful staff at Sayari as you head back to Kogatende Airstrip. From here you board your flight to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. A driver will meet you on arrival for your road transfer to the beach resort, Zuri Zanzibar. Look forward to four nights here to relax, slow down and soak in some tropical sunshine. Zuri is idyllically located on a long stretch of private beach extending down the sunset-facing west coast with favourable tidal patterns, ensuring safe swimming conditions all day long.

There is a wide range of activities to enjoy throughout the resort or on the island itself. Head to the water sports centre for snorkelling equipment, diving lessons and beach games like volleyball and pétanque. Book a sunset dhow (traditional sailboat) cruise, snorkelling trip to the Mnemba Atoll, or a fishing trip. Stroll through the hotel’s Spice Garden, take a Swahili cooking class, or plan a day trip to explore the colourful streets of Stone Town.

On your fifteenth and final day, bid the sandy shores of Zanzibar Island goodbye. As you’re driving through the island roads back to Zanzibar’s airport for your trip home, you’ll have two weeks of wonderful experiences to look back on.