Suggested Holiday Itinerary
Summary Of The Route and Costs
If you want to experience a Great Migration river crossing and your travel dates are between mid-July to mid-October then this is the itinerary to consider. A crossing is something that is thrilling to the core if you are lucky to be in the right place at the right time. The featured camp in this itinerary is in close proximity to the Mara River, giving you one of the best opportunities to witness the Greatest Show on Earth.
Starting with a night in Arusha, your first night will be spent at Legendary Lodge, which is located on a coffee plantation. Your cottage is set in tranquil grounds and there is a spa to help you to relax after your flight, so you are fully in the holiday mood and ready for the exciting safari times ahead.
The next day, a short hop by light aircraft to the Manyara Airstrip and you will be on a game drive in the Lake Manyara National Park, looking out for the elusive tree-climbing lions. You will then be driven to Ngorongoro Neptune Lodge for 2 nights.
The next morning, an early start will see you heading down into the crater itself for a memorable game drive. Within the crater there are an estimated 30,000 animals, making this one of the densest concentration of wildlife within Africa. Return to the lodge late afternoon and relax with a sundowner drink as a delicious evening meal is prepared for you.
You then will fly up to the far northern Serengeti Plains. From July, the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti hosts the Great Migration and dramatic river crossings, as thousands of wildebeest leap into the flowing waters, desperate to cross from one bank to the other. Vultures and eagles lurk nearby as well as the ever-present crocodiles. The sheer numbers, noise and excitement, if you are lucky to witness this first hand, will stay with you for a long time to come. Lemala Kuria Hills offers unrivalled luxury and sophistication, where you can choose to either relax in style or enjoy the Northern Serengeti’s excellent game viewing (without the crowds) with Lemala's superb guides in 4x4 vehicles. Large granite boulders and kopjes are the prominent feature of Lemala Kuria Hills, and each of the 15 spacious, glass-fronted tented suites has been discreetly set amongst the giant rocks to ensure maximum privacy and spectacular views from the open decks.
After such excitement, you may be ready for a few days on the beach and Zuri Zanzibar offers the perfect retreat. Situated on the most beautiful white beach on the northern west shores of Zanzibar, the majority of the bungalows, suites and villas offer stunning views over the mesmerising azure waters of the Indian Ocean. This magnificent natural setting provides the ideal backdrop to an exceptional dining experience, whether you choose to be on the beach, at the swimming pool, at one of the beach front restaurants, or in the privacy of your own accommodation.
Summary Of The Itinerary
Holiday Title: Northern Serengeti and the Migration
Countries Visited: Tanzania
Arrive into Kilimanjaro. Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be met by your transfer driver who will be holding a sign board with your name on it.
You will then be transferred to Arusha. Depending on the time your flight lands, this first night is either a necessity as you will be arriving late at night OR included so that you can relax and rest after an overnight flight, ready to start your safari adventure fresh the next morning.
After breakfast you will check out of your room and then you will be transferred to Arusha Airport where you will check in for your light aircraft flight to Manyara.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Arusha (ARK) to Manyara Airstrip - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at the airstrip by your driver-guide and driven in your private 4x4 safari vehicle to the Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive.
The Park is renowned for its excellent bird-watching opportunities, as more than 400 different bird species have been recorded. Other wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, cheetah, hippo, Masai giraffe, wildebeest, impala, zebra, warthogs, large troops of baboons and the legendary but rarely seen tree-climbing lions. A picnic lunch will be provided. You will then depart the Park mid-afternoon and drive to Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge.
Set in 50 acres of virgin Tanzanian bush in the Ngorongoro volcanic landscape, this retreat is located next to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Main Gate. This all inclusive property features 20 spacious private log cabins with a fire place, a restaurant and a bar. Indulge in moments of relaxation at the swimming pool or at the Earth & Rain Spa after a full day game drive in the crater itself.
Ngorongoro Crater
Depart after an early breakfast for the short drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Main Gate. Your driver will need to fill in some paperwork, so while you wait for him you can visit the small information centre. You then drive up the narrow, winding road through magnificent trees and foliage to the crater rim itself, stopping at the view point to take in the most amazing view across the entire crater. The road continues around the crater rim to the descent road down into the crater and within 90 minutes you will be on the Crater floor itself. Over 30,000 animals live within this enormous natural bowl, the most densely packed concentration of wildlife in Africa. Watch out for wildebeest, elephant, lion, zebra and hyena to name a few of the species that can be found here. The crater is also home to black rhino - a rare sighting in Tanzania! Around the lake you may find flocks of pelican, ibis and flamingos. Explore the caldera floor, with a break to enjoy a picnic lunch, before heading back to the lodge mid to late afternoon.
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airstrip where you will board your flight to the far northern plains of the Serengeti.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Manyara Airstrip to Kogatende Airstrip - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to your safari camp.
Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is remotely located in the Northern Serengeti. A scenic region characterized by grassy rolling hills, open woodland and tree-lined watercourses, it is a habitat that attracts wildlife throughout the year. Lemala Kuria Hills is in close proximity to the Mara River on the Serengeti's border with Kenya's Masai Mara, so is also within the main corridor of the world-famous wildebeest migration between July and October.
The Serengeti
After breakfast at the camp you will be transferred back to the airstrip to board your flight across to Zanzibar.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Kogatende Airstrip to Zanzibar (ZNZ) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met once you disembark from the plane by our representative who will be holding a sign with your name. You will be assisted through passport control, luggage collection and luggage screening, then accompanied to meet up with your transfer driver.
You will then be transferred to your beach resort.
Boasting some of the archipelago's finest offerings, Zuri Zanzibar boasts 300 meters of private, pristine beach and a lush spice garden. Guests can enjoy the region's gorgeous African sunsets due to the property's west-facing location on the northern edge of the main island of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar
You will need to check out of your room this morning but you can remain at the hotel and use all the facilities until you are collected for your transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.
Example Cost
Holiday Title: Northern Serengeti and the Migration
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Tanzania for 12 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
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