Dar es Salaam to Arusha, 10 Days
Tanzania

 Tanzania offers spectacularly different experiences in one incredible tour. Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are an intriguing mix of African and Arab languages and customs. Explore the island’s unique architecture and bazaars, spice plantations, coral reefs and palmed fringed beaches. The journey to Arusha marks the beginning of our Safari into The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. The "Endless Plains" of the Masai, host one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa which results in unparalleled game viewing.
 
 

DAYS 1 - 2: DAR ES SALAAM & ZANZIBAR

Leaving the palm-lined port of Dar es Salaam, we cross by ferry to Zanzibar, the “Spice Island” and home to Swahili culture. The island offers a fascinating fusion of African and Arab languages and customs. Stone Town is the old city and the cultural heart of Zanzibar. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab palaces. With its unique architecture, brass-studded, carved wooden doors, bazaars and markets, it echoes the Arabian nights. Visit the spice plantations and be dazzled by the sheer number of spices produced. Immerse yourself in the history of slavery during a visit to the slave pits, a stark reminder of the darker side of the island’s history.

DAYS 3 – 4: ZANZIBAR

We spend two days enjoying the spectacular beaches of the north. Optional activities* include: snorkeling or diving in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean or taking a dolphin viewing cruise. Relax with a book on the white sand and sip cocktails while the sun sets over traditional fishing dhows.
Returning to Stone Town, we board the ferry back to the mainland.

DAYS 5: LUSHOTO

From Dar es Salaam we travel inland to Lushoto in the northeastern part of Tanzania. Situated at the foot of the Usamabara Mountains and dubbed the "Galapagos" of the plant world, this incredibly beautiful and lush area is in contrast to Tanzania’s Game Parks and cities. From a distance the mountains are a colourful mosaic. Farmers cultivate small plots around the fertile slopes of Lushoto while further away large areas of land are still covered by dense tropical forests.

DAY 6: ARUSHA

Continuing our journey to Arusha, we hope to catch a glimpse of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, generally shrouded in cloud but sometimes displaying the glistening snows of its summit. Arusha, a bustling, vibrant town is situated in the shadow of Mount Meru (Kili’s smaller sister) and is the starting point for our excursion into Serengeti National Park. Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa, where vehicles criss-cross the potholed roads, Maasai warriors in full regalia stroll the streets and tourists get a feel for what modern Africa is all about!
 DAYS 7 – 10: SERENGETI & NGORONGORO

We explore the plains of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with a local operator. Serengeti National Park is world famous for the annual migrations of wildebeest and zebra. The park is one of the best known wildlife sanctuaries in the world, where sightings of giraffe, buffalo, lion and all manner of game - gazelles, topi and kongoni, are common. At night the sounds of the leopard and the hyena interrupt the distinct ticking of the cicadas.
We continue via Olduvai Gorge, commonly referred to as "The Cradle of Mankind", to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As well as being a world heritage site, Ngorongoro is the largest intact caldera, and what many consider to be the eighth wonder of the world. Home to nearly every species of African animal, Ngorongoro crater probably has the densest concentration of wildlife in Africa. This is undoubtedly the best place to see black rhino in Tanzania as well as prides of lion that include the magnificent black maned males. Our tour finishes when we return to the bustling city of Arusha.

*Optional at own expense.

Information correct as of May 2007