Shadows of Africa

4.9/5 – 142 Reviews

$4,278 pp (USD)

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Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

Arrival (See Getting There for more details)

  • A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Arrival in Arusha

You will be met at the airport with a signboard with your name written on it. You will be whisked away to your hotel to recover from your flight and enjoy your first taste of African hospitality. After a good night's rest, you will be ready for the start of your safari tomorrow!

The drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha takes approximately 1.5 hours.

The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.

Main Destination:
Arusha (City)
Accommodation:
Olerai Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 2

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

Arusha - Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you will proceed to Tarangire National Park for a half-day game drive.

Once you've entered Tarangire, you'll begin your game drive across a rich vista of endless golden savannah that surrounds the Tarangire River. The river itself runs throughout the year and is a vital source of water for the animals of the region during the dry season. Lined with acacia and baobab trees, the river is regularly visited by the park's large elephant population as well as other herbivores such as zebras and antelopes.

A picnic lunch with a view of the river is a great way to take it all in, but you'll have to keep on your toes as the local monkey population does its best to separate you from your lunch!

Driving through the park, you'll also have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and a huge variety of antelopes.

After the game drive, you will go to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:
Tarangire National Park
Best Time To Visit July to November (Animals come to the Tarangire River)
High Season June to October (The park is full of visitors)
Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Tarangire NP

ElephantAbundant
GiraffeCommon
LionCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
HippoCommon
HyenaOccasional
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Tarangire NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3

Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara National Park

Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara National Park

You'll depart from your lodge after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed.

Bird watchers will find Lake Manyara to be an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly colored lilac-breasted roller.

You'll then return to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.

Main Destination:
Lake Manyara National Park
Best Time To Visit June to October (Easier to spot animals)
High Season July to March (The northern section gets crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little rainfall)

Wildlife in Lake Manyara NP

ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
BuffaloCommon
ZebraCommon
HippoCommon
Show more
LionOccasional
HyenaOccasional
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located on the escarpment above Lake Manyara NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4

Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park

Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti National Park

You'll have an early breakfast, as you've got a big day of exploration and adventure ahead of us!

You'll begin the day with a scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way, you'll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth.

It's a nearly four-hour drive to the Serengeti National Park gates, but you can choose to break up the drive with one of the optional activities.

After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it’s time to explore the Serengeti itself. You'll witness Africa’s iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains.

Your dinner and overnight stay will be in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

Main Destination:
Serengeti National Park
Best Time To Visit January to February and June to October (Different areas are best at different times)
High Season July to March (The Seronera area is crowded)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Wildlife in Serengeti NP

ElephantCommon
LionCommon
CheetahCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
Show more
GiraffeCommon
HippoCommon
HyenaCommon
LeopardOccasional
Black RhinoVery Rare
Wild DogVery Rare
Accommodation:
Baobab Serengeti Camp - Central
  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5

Central Serengeti National Park

Central Serengeti National Park

You'll start your day immediately after breakfast, driving through the plains of Togoro and the Mbuzi Mawe kopjes on your way to cross the Banagi River into the Seronera region of Central Serengeti. Along the way, you'll spot everything from the enigmatic dik-diks to towering elephants, and everything in between.

The Seronera is often known as 'big cat country', and its kopjes and acacias provide an excellent opportunity to spot a pride of lazy lions, sleek cheetahs out on the hunt, and leopards overseeing everything from their lofty perches.

The region's hippo pools and wide open spaces provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Your dinner and overnight stay will be in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

Main Destination:
Central Serengeti National Park
Accommodation:
Baobab Serengeti Camp - Central
  • Mid-range tented camp located inside Central Serengeti NP
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, you'll get right on the road back towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Our drive takes you back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you on day two. As far as the eye can see, you’ll spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators. You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion.

Once you arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you have the chance to visit an original Maasai boma. The Maasai is the only community that is allowed to live in this area.

Your dinner and overnight stay will be on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Highlands
Accommodation:
Acacia Farm Lodge
  • Luxury lodge located near Karatu (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
  • All meals included
  • Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater; considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation.

Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamuses enjoying the cool water.

The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool.

Main Destination:
Ngorongoro Crater
Best Time To Visit June to October (Wildlife viewing is best)
High Season Most of the year – July to March (Expect crowds)
Best Weather June to October (Rainfall is little to none)

Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

LionCommon
BuffaloAbundant
ZebraAbundant
WildebeestAbundant
HyenaAbundant
Show more
ElephantCommon
HippoCommon
LeopardOccasional
Accommodation:
Olerai Lodge
  • Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 8

Arusha - Zanzibar

Arusha - Zanzibar

You will be picked up and driven to Arusha Airport for a morning flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you will be met and transferred to your resort on the magical Zanzibar Island.

Upon request, Shadows of Africa can assist in arranging additional guided tours and day trips.

Main Destination:
Nungwi (Zanzibar)
Accommodation:
The Zanzibari
  • Mid-range hotel located on Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 9

Nungwi

Nungwi

This large village at Zanzibar Island's northernmost tip was once best known as a dhow-building center. Today it's the most popular travel destination, thanks in part to the beautiful beach and stunning sunsets. The result: a place where traditional and modern knock against each other with full force. Fishing boats still launch from the beach – a scene unchanged for centuries. But also on offer are more modern delights like a wide variety of restaurants and activities to join.

Spending time relaxing on the beach is of course always a great choice. But, if you are getting restless, there are many things to do around Nungwi. It is safe to walk around and Nungwi is quite an attractive village to explore. We have listed some tours for you that might be interesting —but you can easily explore Nungwi on your own.

Main Destination:
Nungwi (Zanzibar)
Accommodation:
The Zanzibari
  • Mid-range hotel located on Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 10

Nungwi

Nungwi

You'll enjoy the stunning beaches, search for beautiful shells, and sip fresh coconut water!

It's time to unwind, indulge, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Zanzibar. You'll take a well-deserved break after an adventurous safari and rejuvenate before heading back home.

Main Destination:
Nungwi (Zanzibar)
Accommodation:
The Zanzibari
  • Mid-range hotel located on Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
  • Drinks not included

Day 11

Nungwi - Zanzibar Airport

Nungwi - Zanzibar Airport

Today is the last day of your adventure. You will be picked up from your resort and taken to Zanzibar Airport in time for your international departure flight.

Main Destination:
Zanzibar Airport (Zanzibar)
Accommodation:
No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
  • Meals at own expense
  • Drinks not included

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

End of tour (See Getting There for more details)

  • Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.

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Your request will be sent directly to the operator

If preferred, you can contact the operator directly

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Disclaimer

  • This tour is offered by Shadows of Africa, not SafariBookings.
  • This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
  • If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
  • The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
  • If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
  • This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Shadows of Africa.