Combine the magic of the bush with the wonder of the coast on this sensational 16-day adventure in Tanzania. Over nearly three weeks, you will explore the full spectrum of highlights in the northern safari circuit before unwinding from the adventure on the tropical shores of Zanzibar.

The tour begins in the quiet national parks of Tarangire, and Manyara, where a series of game drives will put you in close proximity to lions, flamingos, zebras and much more. Excitement builds as you approach the infamous plains of the Serengeti, where you will spend the next four days exploring this quintessential African landscape. Game drives and possible hot air balloon rides will ensure a series of intimate encounters with elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo. Some may even have the chance to drive within or float above the Great Wildebeest Migration as the move north towards Kenya. Following the exhilaration of days in the Serengeti, you will begin to unwind as you enter the lush and prehistoric-looking Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sensational wildlife encounters will continue as you explore this massive natural enclosure, before you carry on to the eerie banks of Lake Eyasi.

Having spent days in the bush, the perfect culmination to this tour will occur on the Swahili-inspired shores of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean. The final five days of this journey will be spent snorkelling, sailing, swimming and sun tanning on pristine palm-fringed white sand beaches. Indulge in one last fresh seafood meal and a sundowner cocktail, as the sun sets over the continent on your final night in Africa.

What to Expect

Safaris in the northern circuit can be wild, unimaginable and unpredictable. While no wildlife can be guaranteed in the bush, many of our guests see some, or even all, of the following:

• Africa’s “Big Five”: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros
• The Great Wildebeest Migration*
• Cheetah, hyena
• Hippopotamus, crocodile
• Zebra, giraffe, gazelle kudu, warthog
• Vervet monkeys
• Flamingos
• Africa’s “Little Five”: Elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, leopard tortoise, lionant, rhino beetle
• Ostrich, secretary bird, lilac breasted roller, fish eagles, vultures
• Dolphins, tropical fish, coral

*The Great Migration occurs seasonally in Tanzania. If this is an event you hope to see, please consult with us regarding ideal times to visit.

This package also travels through a variety of landscapes, including:

• Savannah and rolling plains
• Jungles and ancient volcanoes
• Flood plains and plateaus
• Alkaline Lakes
• Baobab trees
• Rivers and ravines
• Tropical beach and the Indian Ocean
• Historic Towns

This safari also includes a few cultural highlights:

• Visit to a Masai village
• Visit to a Hadzabe community

Tour Program

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Today you will arrive in Tanzania, making your way to the city of Arusha where our tour will depart tomorrow. Upon reaching the city of ‘A’, you will spend the remainder of the day relaxing and adjusting to your new surroundings in a pre-determined lodge.

Day 2: Depart Arusha for Tarangire

Early this morning, you will leave the city and you travel towards Tarangire National Park. Your first national park happens to be the quietest and most remote stop on your journey. Here, you will have the chance to enjoy the solitude of the bush as you drive between ancient baobab trees in search of your first wildlife encounters. Much of your explorations will follow the life-sustaining Tarangire River, which provides critical water to the region’s thriving wildlife population. Enjoy a cocktail on the riverbank or back at your chosen safari lodge, before retiring to bed as you fall asleep listening to the sounds of the wild.

Day 3: Drive from Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

This morning, you will move on from Tarangire as you travel towards Lake Manyara National Park. This next park is again one of the lesser-visited gems concealed within this northern safari circuit. It is formed around the perimeter of a massive alkaline lake, a classic characteristic of a visit to the Great Rift Valley. As you circle the perimeter of the lake, it is likely you will see large flocks of pink flamingos, feasting on the algae that thrives in these unique waters. The shoreline too is often stippled with wildlife, with zebra, baboons, buffalo and impala being common throughout. Rare tree climbing lions are one of the park’s most remarkable sights – witnessed by a handful of lucky guests annually. Set against the dramatic backdrop of a golden escarpment, this landscape will sit in dramatic contrast to the day before, only further enriching the safari and wilderness experience. It will be the perfect place for another late afternoon game drive, and a starlit meal at your lodging of choice.

Day 4: Transfer to the Serengeti

This morning, excitement will build as you travel from Lake Manyara to the Serengeti. The rolling plains and sprawling savannahs have come to define the quintessential African safari – and you will have two and a half days to explore the wonder and magic found here. Arriving in the late afternoon, you may have the option to embark on your first evening safari – though others may prefer to spend what remains of the day relaxing on the lodge grounds, perhaps indulging in a cocktail or spa treatment before joining other guests for dinner.

Day 5: Full Day of Adventures in the Serengeti

This morning will mark the climax of your adventure, as you depart in the early morning for a sunrise game drive on the savannah. It is during these early hours that the bush is most alive. Spectacular wildlife – including elephant, lion, giraffe, gazelle and cheetah – stipple the plains and horizon, taking advantage of these final cool hours. Some may even have the chance to drive through the heart of the Great Wildebeest Migration, watching two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle traverse northwards in search of greener pastures. You will have the option to stay out on safari for the entire day, or return to the lodge midday for a bit of rest and relaxation before an evening drive. Tonight’s accommodation will be the same as the previous night.

Day 6: Further Explorations of the Serengeti (Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride)

One of the most romantic and timeless ways to experience the Serengeti is through a sunrise hot air balloon ride. As you drift over the silent landscape with wildlife stippling the landscape below, you will truly be able to grasp just how expansive and powerful this wilderness is. The luxury of this experience is completed as you descend in the bush for a champagne breakfast. This optional add-on to your adventure is often remembered as a trip highlight for guests.

Otherwise, today will follow that same familiar safari rhythm experienced yesterday: early morning and late afternoon game drives, with a bit of indulgence and relaxation in between. Today you may continue your search for the complete cast of the ‘Big Five’, or perhaps spend time focusing on some of the rare and endangered species that continue to inhabit this remarkable region. No matter where your interests and passions lie, this day will be tailored to you. Tonight you will return to the lodge for a final night at your chosen Serengeti lodge, falling asleep once more to the sounds of the bush.

Day 7: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This morning, you will move away from the savannah and towards the lush slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region is formed around the world’s largest unfilled caldera – it is essentially a volcano that collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago. Today, it acts as a natural enclosure for spectacular wildlife and is a stunning backdrop for further exploration. The lush slopes, the floodplain floor and the surrounding plateaus will again sit in marked contrast to the regions explored previously. It will be a short day of driving to reach the crater, and the remainder of the day will be spent relaxing at your lodge of choice.

Day 8: Morning Exploration of Ngorongoro

Early this morning, you will wake up to begin your descent into the crater. This unique safari weaves down the jungled slopes, as you keep an eye out for leopards, monkeys and baboons playing and hunting in the trees. The track will eventually lead out onto the crater floor and its central flamingo-fringed lake. Traversing round the floodplains will provide you with countless opportunities to observe one of the planet’s densest lion populations, and to search for a protected population of rhinoceros. The morning concludes with a return to the surrounding plateaus, where you will receive breathtaking views of the entire crater, and the mountains behind it. You will return to the same lodge as last night for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation.

Day 9: Transfer to Eyasi

This morning you will move away from Ngorongoro to your final destination: Lake Eyasi. The lake is surrounded by mountains and escarpments, and is most famous for being a region home to the Hadzabe people. These people have lived in the region for over 10, 000 years, and are closely affiliated with the primary lodge operating in the region: the Tindiga Tented Camp. Here, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in local culture by learning about the local way of life, and sampling some classic Tanzanian dishes.

Day 10: Full Day in Eyasi

Today will be spent exploring the culture and wildlife that thrives in the Eyasi region. For some, this may mean setting out on foot with a local guide to walk the perimeter of the lake in search of hippos, flamingos, storks and pelicans. Others may wish to spend some time venturing out into the bush to learn of traditional hunting techniques with a Hadzabe man. Or perhaps, you might like to visit a traditional and active homestead, where you can learn about the role of a woman and life at home. No matter how you spend the day, you will return to the Tindiga Tented Camp for another locally inspired evening.

Day 11: Return to Arusha

This morning, you will leave Eyasi and return to the city of Arusha. Arriving likely by midday, you will have the remainder of the afternoon to explore this city. The city has plenty of places where you can shop, sample local coffee and indulge in wonderful meals. We will gladly assist with recommendations for your day of freedom in the city.

Day 12: Fly Arusha to Stone Town

This morning, the rhythm of your adventure will shift as you board a plane traveling east towards the Indian Ocean. You will touch down in the city of Stone Town, on the famed island of Zanzibar. Surrounded by aquamarine waters and stunning white beaches, the island itself is filled with Swahili culture and architecture. After checking into your hotel, you will have the remainder of the afternoon open to wander the winding cobblestone roads in search of a multitude of historical and cultural sights. Be sure to orientate yourself westwards towards the end of the day – perhaps with a cocktail in hand – to watch the sun set over the continent. Zanizbar is famed for many things, one of which is most certainly the countless and ever-sensational sunrises and sunsets.

Day 13: Safari Blue Sea Adventure

Today, you will leave the Swahili-inspired streets of Stone Town and embark on a day long adventure in the Indian Ocean. Traveling with Safari Blue on a traditional dhow, you will first set out on a boat moving towards two of the area’s best reefs for snorkelling. The incredible visibility of the water here will provide you with countless opportunities to explore the tropical marine life that inhabits the coral reefs below. From there, you will move onto a sandbank in the ocean for a feast of fresh seafood and tropical fruits. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent sunbathing, swimming, exploring and snorkelling before you eventually sail back to Stone Town. With winds in the right position, it is likely you will be able to hoist the single white sail characteristic of dhows, sailing slowly back to shore as the sun begins to set.

Day 14: Drive to the Beach

Today, you will leave the city of Stone Town and make your way to either the Northern or Eastern coast – the decision is entirely yours. No matter where you stay, you will be sure to find a stunning and secluded beach that leads you out into the calm turquoise waters. Arriving in the afternoon, the remainder of the day will be spent familiarizing yourself with your new – and final lodge – and exploring the stunning beach that surrounds you.

Day 15: Day of Leisure on the Beach

Today will be your final full day on Zanzibar and as such, it seems fitting to devote the entire day to relaxation. With no scheduled activities, it will be your decision whether you spend your final moments lazing on the shores, snorkelling in the reefs or indulging in a few final seafood-filled meals. For those craving some extra indulgence, it may also be worth booking a visit to one of the island’s world-renowned spas, or dipping below the surface on a scuba diving trip. No matter how you spend the day, be sure to again find yourself a seaside view for one last African sunset.

Day 16: Return to Arusha

Today you will return first to Stone Town, arriving in time for your flight back to either Arusha or Dar es Salaam. From there, you will connect onwards to your international flight home, thus ending a sensational two and a half-week adventure in Africa.

Kwaheri na Safari Njema!

Kindly consult our team if you’d like to incorporate this Safari with any other of our packages.

Includes

• All accommodation, on a full board basis
• Airport welcome
• All domestic transfers (air and road)
• Some activities, as indicated in your tour package
• Soft drinks, house wine, local spirits, local beers, tea and coffee
• Laundry, communication and internet access are included at some destinations, as noted in your tour package

Excludes

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Premium brand wine, beer and spirits
• Additional activities
• Gratuities
• Costs associated with obtaining visas or passports
• Airport departure taxes and excess baggage charges

CONTENTS

1. Tours with Aventura
2. Visiting Tanzania
3. Travel Logistics
4. Price, Payment and Cash
5. Communication
6. Health and Safety

TOUR WITH AVENTURA

• How far in advance should I book my tour?

Aventura will work to accommodate you whenever you make your booking with us. Provided there is space at our partnering lodges, we can work on very short notice. However, ideally our guests will book roughly 6 months – 1 year in advance of their vacation.

• Do you allow children on Aventura tours?

Definitely! Many of our partnering lodges have accommodation and child friendly options that we will gladly connect you with – just let us know you want to bring children ahead of time. Some of our partnering lodges do have policies that prohibit children on particular activities/locations so we will be sure to work around that.

• Who guides the tours?

Aventura will fully organize your entire tour with various local lodges, and your guides will be provided from these particular lodges. If your tour is to various national parks and lodges, your guide and vehicles will change from location to location, and Aventura will ensure that these transitions are flawless. We have worked thoroughly with each of our partners to ensure every guide and driver is of top quality and able to reflect the values of Aventura.

• Do you provide references from people who have been on tours with you?

Absolutely! You can see some guest testimonials on our website and we are building a profile on Your African Safari, a website devoted to independently reviewing operators across Africa. If you would like to speak directly with past guests, we will also happily make that connection for you.

• Is there electricity? Will I be able to recharge cameras/phones?

Yes, there is electricity though it may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of our partnering lodges run off solar energy or generators, which means they have to conserve usage during certain hours of the day. You will however always have at least a few hours a day where you are able to re-charge camera and cell phone batteries.

• Are there opportunities to meet with local people?

Definitely! Most of our tour packages incorporate at least one visit to a local village, where you can meet with and learn about various Tanzanian tribes and individuals. If you are very interested in a cultural tour of Tanzania, are also able to build you a customized tour that exposes you to the various facets of the population. Check out our Bespoke options for more information!

• Is there laundry?

The majority – though not all – of our partnering lodges do offer a laundry service. The availability and cost differs between locations, and we will provide specifics about access in your particular tour package.

VISITING TANXANIA

• What visa do I need for Tanzania?

The visa required for entry into Tanzania depends on what country you are traveling from. Since immigration policies change frequently, we recommend that you contact the Tanzanian embassy in your home country at least 2 months prior to departure to confirm the most recent requirements.

• When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Hikers climb Kilimanjaro year round, but many prefer to climb it during the driest and warmest months (January – February, July – September). These months do however mean that there are high crowds – if you prefer a quieter hike, June, October and December have moderate temperatures and moderate precipitation. March – May and November are among the coolest and wettest months in the country and consequently the quietest on the mountain.

• How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is the highest ‘walkable’ mountain, meaning that no technical hiking experience is required. In spite of its incredible height, guides recommend only a basic level of fitness and strong motivation. Many say the greatest challenge of the hike is adjusting to the altitude. Depending on your fitness level, we offer four possible trails that vary in difficulty for you to choose between.

• When is the best time to view wildlife in Tanzania?

The dry season in Tanzania (June – October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, since animals concentrate around limited waterholes and there is less vegetation obstructing views. Birding however is better during the northern winter (November – March) when rainfall is high and over 160 species of birds migrate south.

• When is the best time to view the wildebeest migration?

The wildebeest migration follows annual rain patterns that push wildlife to search for greener pastures. This means that specific predictions about when and where the migration will be are difficult. However, in a typical year, guests have the best chance of viewing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti in June and July. If you are interested in seeing the wildebeest calving, the best time to visit is late January – February.

• When is the best time to visit the islands?

The archipelago is popular year round, with August – October being among the most popular months. There are long rains between March and May that may make the coast somewhat less idyllic.

• Is Zanzibar in the same country as Tanzania?

Yes, they have been part of the same country since 1963, though the region is semi-autonomous.

• What kind of plug is used in Tanzania?

Tanzania uses the same outlets as are found in the United Kingdom – A Type G 3 pronged flat pin plug (see Figure 1). Occasionally Tanzanians also use the Old British plug – A Type D 3 pronged circular pin (see Figure 2). The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. We recommend purchasing at least one travel adaptor prior to departing for Tanzania.

TRAVEL LOGISTIC

• Do you handle airline tickets?

Airline tickets are not included in the packages we offer, but we can offer support in booking tickets for our guests. Please let us know if you would like assistance here.

• Do you handle travel insurance?

We do not book insurance for our clients; however, we will help you find a provider that suits your particular needs. We recommend all guests read the following document published by ABTA on selecting an insurance provider, and if you would like additional guidance please reach out to us.

• How do we get around once in Tanzania?

Aventura will organize all local transport associated with your tour, beginning with an airport pickup minute you land on Tanzanian soil. All transport costs are included in your package. Depending on your particular package, transport may involve domestic flights, road transfers and boats. Particular details of your transport will be included in your package details upon booking.

• Is there a suggested packing list?

Of course! Once you have selected a package with us, we will email you a packing list that is tailored perfectly to your particular activities. However, in general we recommend the following items:

• • Long loose light coloured clothing, offering protection from insects and sun
  • A fleece sweater for chilly evenings
  • Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses
  • Bathing suit and sarong
  • Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots if climbing Kilimanjaro
  • Thermal underwear, if climbing Kilimanjaro

• Are there luggage limits?

International airlines will independently set baggage restrictions and it is important you check with your airline prior to departing. Once in Tanzania, baggage restrictions will depend on your particular tour package. We will include customized baggage restrictions with your customized packing list upon booking your flight.

PRICE, PAYMENT & CASH

• What if I have to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary depending on the lodges in which you are booked and specifics will be provided upon booking.

• What is included in the tour price?

Your tour price includes the following:

• • Meet and greet service upon arrival
  • Transfers as shown
  • Exclusive use of 4×4 safari vehicles with photo roof during the safari portion
  • Services of English speaking drivers and guides
  • Meals and accommodation as specified (varies between packages)
  • All park fees and government taxes
  • One bottle of water per day on game drives

• What is not included in the tour price?

Your tour price does not include the following items:

• • International flights
  • Airport taxes on any flights not booked through Aventura
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Gratuities
  • Activities not included on the itinerary
  • Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
  • Laundry (varies between packages, as some lodges build this into their cost)
  • Telephone bills and items of a personal nature
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal shopping
  • Select alcoholic beverages
  • Gear (walking stick, flashlight, hat, sunglasses, bed mats etc.)

• Can’t we save money by booking with the lodges directly?

No. The benefit to booking through Aventura is that we are able to use our industry connections to secure discounted rates with various lodges, hotels and transport providers within the country. While you will pay a small service fee to our company, this fee will save you the headache and complications of organizing a trip on your own. This fee also ensure that your entire trip will run smoothly, and that no minute of your vacation is wasted with negotiations, disappointments or frustrations.

• Do you accept credit cards?

Absolutely! We are fully equipped to accept payments online from all major credit cards.

• Do I need to bring cash with me? Which currency should I bring?

Yes, you should bring additional cash for personal purchases. We recommend bringing US Dollars (issued after 2003) and converting them into Tanzanian Shillings upon arrival. It is possible to convert Travellers Cheques in major cities as well, but these are often more hassle than they are worth. You are also able to use local ATMs to make withdrawals off your credit card in our local currency. Be sure you alert your bank if you plan to use your credit card abroad, and that you confirm charges for international transactions and withdrawals.

COMMUNICATION

• What language is spoken in Tanzania?

English and Swahili are the national languages. All tourism operators, and most Tanzanians, will speak English.

• Is there cell phone reception?

Most of our lodges are located in regions of Tanzania that have reception (though of course, not all of them). Lodge staff will always have a means of communicating with our head office.

• Is there internet available?

Internet is available at some of our partnering lodges, though not many. Details regarding internet accessibility will be included in your particular package details. Should you require constant access, we recommend researching data roaming packages with your local cell phone provider.

• What if there is an emergency at home?

We will provide you with an emergency number that you can pass on to friends and family at home. Should there be an in emergency at home, they can contact the Aventura Head Office and we will connect to you – wherever you are – as quickly as possible. Depending on the nature of the emergency, we will take steps to connect you to friends and family at home.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Is it safe to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is safe to visit, however there are always risks taken when traveling. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is of paramount importance when designing a tour and we will be sure to have you stay only in reputable locations and provide transport only from trusted sources. We brief every guest on safety policies and procedures, in addition to risk mitigation strategies.

• What vaccinations do I need?

We recommend that all guests visit a local travel clinic prior to departure, where a medical professional can review your medical history and explain the vaccination options. Visitors to Tanzania must be able to show a Yellow Fever vaccination card upon arrival, otherwise you will likely be vaccinated at the airport.

• Is malaria a concern?

Tanzania does have malaria and we strongly recommend guests take appropriate prophylaxis, which can be prescribed by a local travel doctor.

• Where does drinking water come from?

Guests will always have access to ample amounts of treated bottled water.

• Is the food safe to eat?

Yes. We work with lodges that we know intimately, and have reviewed not only for comfort but also for their quality of food. Partnering lodges will serve delicious balanced meals prepared by expert chefs using fresh and safe ingredients.

• I have special dietary needs – will I be accommodated?

Definitely – but please make us aware of any dietary needs as far in advance as possible so that we can work with you and our partnering lodges to develop a tour that accommodates your needs.

Reviews

How to book a safari with us:

You can Email us on: info@aventurasafaris.com, or contact us via phone on: +255 (0)762 493 434 | +44 (0) 800 7561 114 or reach us via our website enquiry form. Giving us as much detail and information as possible about what you are looking for and any extra add-ons you might require.

Let us know the following:

• The month you are interested experiencing the dream come true
• The length of time you will want to enjoy your safari
• Number of people who will share this life experience with you
• Style of lodging you would like to use during your trip – you just mention what and we will arrange it for you
• Extra activities besides wildlife viewing. For example: go up in a balloon, take a walk in the bush, a canoe ride, or night game drives
• Any special requests you have for your wildlife safari

Create you safari plan, then book:

Together we will create your safari as you want it to be. The safari plan will accommodate your interests
and time schedule. We enjoy talking to you about your trip, so please provide us with your phone number.

Once you have agreed to our safari proposal:

By signing our invoice sent to you and accepting the terms and conditions of Aventura Safaris Ltd.

Get your travel dates fixed:

This will give us chance to start checking the availability of the accommodations of your choice. Traveling from/to the Americas and Asia takes about 2 days; from most of Europe, one day.

Confirm your Safari with us:

We will start booking the lodges and camps of choice for your safari. Once we have all the lodges confirmed then you can pay the deposit.

Place a deposit with us:

Once we have confirmed the lodges and activities of your choice, a deposit of 30% is required. The deposit can be made by wire transfer to our bank, by certified check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal. Your other payments will be specified in the safari plan we will send you – generally at 90 and 45 days before the start of your safari.

Once we have a confirmed itinerary for you and us to work from, you should make your international travel reservations. We also strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance to protect you against any unforeseen problems.

Following the receipt of your deposit, we will send you a package containing: your confirmed itinerary, acknowledgement of your deposit, and information about safaris and how to prepare for your adventure. We will also provide contact telephone numbers for you to leave with family or friends to use should they need to reach you while on safari.