Your first sight of Ngorongoro Crater is likely not one you’ll easily forget! As seen from the crater rim, this natural bowl formed from an extinct volcano, both vast and intimate, is one of Africa’s most beautiful natural features, stretching 19 green kilometers (12 miles) from one side to the other. 

Down in the crater itself, you’ll explore an astonishingly rich, self-contained ecosystem that is protected by high crater walls. Here, lions and hyenas hunt wildebeest and Grant’s gazelle within sight of elephants and black rhinos, which we will hopefully be able to see, although the rhino are the hardest to find. 

Your day spent here will reveal a surprising variety of habitats, from the Lereal Forest and salty Lake Magadi to the plains that rise and fall gently all across the valley floor. 

Following an extensive game drive and picnic within the crater, we'll bid farewell to the highlands and journey towards Serengeti National Park as the sun sets, eventually arriving at the Lodge nestled in the heart of the park.  

Serengeti National Park:

Expect big cats, elephants and giraffes in the Serengeti, and that’s just the start on a canvas of big sky horizons, flat-topped acacias and beautiful grasslands!

Accommodation:

Into Wild Africa 

Tented camp | Inside Serengeti National Park 

Spend more time at Into Wild Africa as you explore the Serengeti a little more. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After an early breakfast, we embark on a full-day game drive through one of the world's most beautiful parks! The Serengeti offers an unforgettable experience with its breathtaking scenery, captivating wildlife, and the unique ambiance of Africa. Throughout the day, we'll be immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents of the savannah. 

Our journey will hopeffully lead us to encounter lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, antelopes, gazelles, hippos, and a variety of bird and reptile species. We'll pause for a picnic lunch in the late afternoon, continuing our exploration before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay. 

Get ready for an adventure filled with ever-changing light and endless entertainment from the wildlife!

We'll be sure to send out our detailed packing list as well to make sure you're prepared with what to wear, and what to bring, like binoculars!

Accommodation:

Into Wild Africa 

Tented camp | Inside Serengeti National Park 

Meals: All

Following an early breakfast, you will bid farewell to the camp as you check out and commence your game safari adventure in Serengeti. Before departing for the airport for our flight to Zanzibar, you will relish in your final game safari experience in Serengeti! 

Then, we will have a bit of a long journey to the Seronera airstrip for a mid-morning flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar. (*Note: depending on flight schedules, we may also opt to leave from Arusha or Zanzibar airports).

Once we arrive in Zanzibar, we have about a 1.5 hour drive to our beautiful beachfront hotel, where we can enjoy the water and sunset for a bit before dinner!

Accommodation:

Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel 

Meals: All

Today is one of our favorite parts of this trip! A fun ride on a local fishing boat that will take us out onto those stunning clear blue waters to hopefully see some dolphins, before heading towards Mnemba Island to snorkel!

The island itself is private (we hear it's around $10k just to stay the night there) but the shallow waters surrounding it are fair game! We'll be able to snorkel for a bit (mask and snorkel provided) and see some colorful fish, and then we'll be taken to a stunning white sandbar depending on the tides that day.

Our captains will slice us some fresh tropical fruits for a snack, that's much needed after all of the swimming!

Then, we will return back to the shore, and head back to our beach hotel to relax, have lunch, and perhaps do some fun add-ons like visit a turtle sanctuary, where you can swim with dozens of turtles!

In the evening we can enjoy drinks, and perhaps even share some hookahs!

***Optional The Rock Restaurant dinner: for anyone interested in experiencing the Insta-famous "The Rock Restaurant" (the place in the photo on Day 4), you will have time to have an early dinner there on this day, but there is an additional fee for the transport because it takes 1.5 hours each way. The dinner is also not included (but extremely delicious).

Accommodation 

Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel 

Meals: All

We'll check out of our beachfront oasis and drive about an hour or so to do the Spice Tour, which stands as a highlight among the excursions in Zanzibar, which by the way, is famously dubbed as the "Spice Island." 

Zanzibar, renowned for its history as a top spice producer, boasts crops like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Embark on this distinct journey to an organic farm cultivating a diverse array of plants throughout the year. Here, you'll engage not only in observing but also in experiencing the textures, scents, and flavors firsthand. 

Be sure to bring some cash if you'd like to buy spices for cooking, essential oils, and other skincare products!

We'll have a delicious natural lunch here as well, before continuing our journey back to Stone Town!

After checking in to our fabulous hotel (which Freddy Mercury's family's former residence is now a part of!), we'll soak up the history of the island as you explore Zanzibar Stone Town. 

The museums and architecture here speak of a rich and varied history, with influences from across East Africa and the Indian Ocean due to the many invaders and colonizers of the island. 

Although the island may be beautiful, it actually has a very dark past which we will teach you all about. For example, did you know that Stone Town is where the first "slave trade" started? We'll be sure to pay our respects to the many men and women who were tortured and who perished from these inhumane times here.

After our historical tour, we will give you free time to do what we know everyone loves; market shopping! We'll also take you to our favorite shops, where you can purchase local kitenge fashion similar to what Alyssa wears on her Africa trips.

Finally, around sunset, it's time to gather for optional drinks overlooking the water (not included here), then we'll have our final included dinner together!

Accommodation:

Tembo House Hotel & Apartments 

Catch the sea breeze and the smell of spices at this hotel in Zanzibar's Stone Town. The whole hotel, from the public areas to the rooms and apartments, are filled with character, whether in the Swahili wooden beds or the wall decorations. The hotel is right by the water, and you'll look out over traditional wooden boats (dhows) in the harbor. Relax in the pool and enjoy the restaurant too. 

Meals: All

Sadly it's time for our Tanzania adventure to come to an end! We will transport you either to the Zanzibar airport or ferry port for your departures. If you are doing an add-on with us, we will also transfer you accordingly!