Beach And Safari Holiday

You will be met on arrival by a dedicated representative and transferred by road to Arusha. The attractive little town of Arusha is situated beneath the towering peaks of Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro. Renowned as the safari capital of Tanzania, it offers a plethora of attractions and adventures. The town has numerous first-class restaurants, bars and markets, and is the ideal place to spend a few relaxing days before embarking on a safari or attempting to scale Kilimanjaro. Not-to-be-missed is the Arusha National Park (in Ngurdoto Crater), the National Natural History Museum, the Laetoli Footprints (set in volcanic ash, dating back 3,500,000 years) and the beautiful coffee plantations that dot the landscape. Spend one night at in Arusha. We have created value, luxury or deluxe options for this itinerary. In reality however, every journey with us will be tailor-made to your requirements.

The Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, once a gigantic volcano, is the largest intact caldera in the world. Some maintain that before it erupted, it would have been higher than Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Today, long since having collapsed and eroded, it is an extensive highland area with the famous 600m deep Ngorongoro Crater as its focal point. Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Endangered black rhino are protected within its rim, giant tusked elephants wander the forests, black-maned lions stalk the grasslands, and flamingoes crowd the soda lakes. An estimated 25,000 large mammals are resident in this bowl of plenty, including a population of approximately 6,000 resident wildebeest, 16 highly endangered black rhino and around 70 lions. Cheetah move in and out of the Crater, while leopard are most often encountered in the spectacular Lerai Forest. &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, consistently recognized as one of the world’s most luxurious and elegant places to stay, sits right on the edge of the Crater, offering unbeatable views of one of the natural travel wonders of the world. Spend two nights in the majestic surrounds of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.

Stand high on the edge of a world cradled by the rugged walls of a perfectly preserved caldera. Try to fit the sheer grand scale of it all into a photograph. Roam the scenic surrounds of this natural marvel on foot or by vehicle, perhaps even by horseback through a tranquil coffee plantation. Descend into the crater itself, into a sheltered world of predators and prey, dramatic chases and unforgettably scenic tableaus lit by shafts of golden afternoon sunlight. Hear the wild cries of leaping Maasai rise into the clear night sky, borne upward by the sparks of a towering bonfire.

The Serengeti National Park, meaning “endless plains” in the Maasai language, is undoubtedly one of the world’s most celebrated wilderness areas and is an on-going source of inspiration to writers, filmmakers and photographers. It is Tanzania’s oldest game reserve, renowned as the setting for the annual Great Migration, when an estimated three million antelope – mostly wildebeest – migrate to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. This epic, seasonal journey is a deeply moving experience and a wonderful photographic subject. Visitors to the park can roam its sprawling plains on exhilarating game drives or hop into a hot air balloon for a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness adventure. Spend 3 nights in the famed Serengeti – spend days roaming the endless plains among the teeming resident wildlife, spend the nights enjoying the best in safari hospitality.

Sip a steaming tea or coffee and watch the morning sun turn the plains golden and green. Float silently above the plains with the rising sun, hearing only the occasional soft roar of the whisper burners as the balloon pilot takes you up over the game-dotted landscape. Lean back and relax after a sumptuous bush breakfast, surrounded by nothing but the sweeping golden expanse of the Serengeti. Roll gently with the motion of the rumbling 4X4 as your expert guide manoeuvres the vehicle to provide the perfect photograph. Spend a golden afternoon immersed in the snorting, cavorting antics of the Great Migration’s wildebeest and zebra. Take a slow look around – the horizon stretches forever, in every direction. Spot the twitching tail of a reclining lioness, yawning away the day in preparation for a night of hunting. As the day winds down, top a gentle rise and marvel at another perfect view as a smiling guide presses a cold drink into your hands. Feel the campfire warm your toes while delicious smells of dinner flavour the murmur of fireside conversation. Let the Serengeti work its gentle magic on you as you slip away into sleep.

On arrival in Zanzibar you will be met by an &Beyond representative who will drive you to the crossing point. Here you will be met by your boat transfer to Mnemba Island Lodge. More than 1 200 years ago, the silhouettes of three-cornered Arab dhows were first spotted across the horizon of the Indian Ocean waters washing Africa’s eastern shores. These traders had happened upon an island of such exquisite beauty that they filled their parchment manuscripts with tales detailing the picturesque sights. This scented land of coconuts and spices was so idyllic that the Sultan of Oman decided to move the seat of his empire to these shores they named Zayn Zal Barr, meaning “fair is the island.” Today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of cloves and cinnamon, and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. Spend four leisurely nights in exotic Zanzibar – the perfect way to end off a safari.

Remain in-house at your selected retreat, get out and about on the island, or combine the two. Step aboard a sailing dhow with its iconic triangular sails for a day on the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Dive or snorkel the brilliantly coloured reefs or stop on an isolated sandbank for lunch. Brace your feet on the deck to do battle with the game-fish of the Indian ocean on a deep-sea fishing safari. Pause under the cool overgrowth of an island forest and marvel at the medicinal benefits of the plants your guide has pointed out. Indulge in the unique offerings of your chosen retreat, be it a spa treatment or a lazy lounge on the beach, sustained by icy cocktails.

After breakfast depart for Zanzibar Airport for your scheduled scheduled flight flight to Dar es Salaam. An &Beyond representative will be waiting in Dar es Salaam to guide you to the International terminal for your outbound flight. ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES MADE-IN-ZANZIBAR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE There’s no better way to get to know a culture than learning about and tasting their food. On this half day tour, you will wander the streets of the old Stone Town with your guide, and discover an exciting and historic town known for its rich culture and culinary diversity. Discover the history and culture of this beautiful area while visiting local food stalls and restaurants, and tasting the local specialties. The custom of drinking coffee, or kahawa, in Zanzibar is an age-old ritual with which most Zanzibaris begin their day. Start the morning by hopping on the kahawa trail to discover the best coffee that Zanzibar has to offer. Traditionally served from conical steel pots into tiny, intricate porcelain cups, the flavour of Zanzibar kahawa reflects the islands spicy reputation: dark roasted coffee beans, fresh ground cinnamon and cardamom blended by scalding hot water and served in small, powerful shots. The perfect accompaniment to coffee is halwa, a sweet, sticky confection that is traditionally served up at weddings and special occasions. Watch as the local men combine the mix of sugar, oil, butter, and cashew and pistachio nuts, and spread it out in huge sheets for setting. Discover the unique and very popular dish ‘Rojo’, a soup mixed with kachori and potatoes, and sprinkled with cassava. Visit local bread makers and try the many different types on offer. Wash it all down with an ice cold freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, or the refreshing taste of the traditional coconut, madafu. The tour ends at Darajani market, with a local fruit tasting of everything that is in season.