Tanzania Northern Highlights & Zanzibar (11n) – Classic

On Day 1 of your adventure, you’ll touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, receiving a VIP Meet and Greet. From here, you’ll fly to Lake Manyara Airport, where you’ll be met by a private guide in a private vehicle. This guide will be with you throughout your stay in the Ngorongoro region, making for really exclusive vehicle safaris! On your way to your first property – Gibb’s Farm – you’ll stop off at Lake Manyara National Park, for your first game drive. With its immense expanse of water and breathtaking Rift Valley backdrop, Lake Manyara is considered one of Africa’s prettiest parks – and its plentiful wildlife highlights include tree-climbing lions and vibrant flocks of flamingo. After the game drive, your guide will transfer you to Gibb’s, where you can relax in the property’s cosy lounge, tuck in to delicious food and drink on the dining terrace, and take time to explore the gardens. You’ll stay in a garden cottage, a timber-and-stone structure containing a spacious bedroom, en-suite full bathroom, pleasant lounge, and private veranda. Come Day 2, you’ll head down into the Ngorongoro Crater for another game drive, with chances to spot all Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – as well as numerous smaller mammals and ample birdlife! Gibb’s offers on-site activities too, such as garden walks with a horticulturalist, farm tours, forest strolls, and village visits.

Board basis and activities:
Full-board accommodation, including all meals, privately guided game drives in Lake Manyara N.P. and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and a laundry service.

On the third day, you’ll return to Lake Manyara Airport via private road transfer, before flying to the Serengeti’s Kogatende Airstrip. Once you’ve landed, you’ll have a shared road transfer to Kaskaz Mara Camp. This property has a fabulous location, in the northern region of the Serengeti and close to the famous River Mara. One large mess tent houses the lounge and dining areas, and guests can also relax and dine al fresco. There are 10 tented suites, and each offers a comfortable bedroom, sumptuous lounge area, well-appointed washroom with shower, and private deck. Activities focus on viewing the local wildlife, on vehicle and walking safaris. If you visit the camp during the months from July to October, you’ll spot the huge herds of the Great Migration, as at this time of year vast concentrations of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles push up into the North Serengeti in their search for food. However, even outside these months there’s lots to enjoy – all Big Five species, smaller predators and herbivores, and hundreds of birds, not least the majestic crowned crane. And, if you wish, you can see it all from the sky, on a hot air balloon safari (available at extra cost).

Board basis and activities:
Full-board accommodation, including three meals daily, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, shared and scheduled morning and evening guided game drives, and transfers between camp and Kogatende Airstrip.

Come Day 6, you’ll leave Kaskaz Mara Camp and travel back to the Serengeti’s Kogatende Airstrip by shared road transfer. From here, you’ll fly out to the international airport on Zanzibar, before being transferred privately to Boutique Hotel Matlai. This property has a lovely location within the Michamvi Peninsula, on the island’s scenic south-east coast. Owned and run by a friendly family, it has always been highly rated at YZ. Your home for the last few days of your trip will be Asili House – this option has just four guest rooms, each featuring a comfy bedroom space, en-suite full bathroom, and gorgeous sea views. From this superb base, you can pop to the hotel’s beach and while away a few hours simply relaxing on the pristine white sands. Alternatively, a few watersports are available, such as diving, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kitesurfing. Land sports are offered too, among them golf on Zanzibar’s west coast. You can also explore some of the island’s most popular attractions – Stone Town, Jozani Forest, and various spice farms.

Board basis and activities:
Half-board accommodation, including breakfast, three-course dinner, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, butler service, and Wi-Fi.

On the final day of your holiday, you’ll return to Zanzibar’s international airport via private road transfer, arriving in good time for your flight/s home.