Welcome to Tanzania! After clearing customs and immigration please collect your luggage and proceed outside the arrivals hall where you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the hotel for the night. Overnight Arusha at Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge.
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds.
Depart today towards the Ngorongoro Crater. On the way you will pass small villages and towns with friendly residents; watch as the landscape changes from dry to green and lush as you approach the Great Rift Valley Escarpment. Accommodation for the next two nights at Gibb’s Farm Cottages.
Karatu is located in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and caves.
Your game drive today will be like no other as you visit one of the most dramatic safari destinations in Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater. Descend to the crater floor in search of the Big 5 with the steeply sloped forest covered crater walls surrounding you, creating stunning back drops for your wildlife photographs. Travel through the Lerai Forest looking for leopard and onto the plains where the wildebeest and zebra graze whilst cheetah and lion lay and watch. Old elephants pass your vehicle whilst further afield rhino wander and hippos hide in the pools. A picnic lunch is provided so you can maximize your day in the crater.
Today you will be transferred to Lake Manyara Airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Serengeti National Park, one of the wonders of the world. As you cruise through the air keep an eye out of the window and take in the incredible, ever changing, landscape below you. On arrival at Seronera Airstrip you will be met and transferred to Lemala Nanyukie Lodge for a three-night stay.
The rich acacia-dotted plains of the Eastern Serengeti are home to abundant wildlife. Visitors flock here to view the world-renowned wildebeest migration. Some of the best game-viewing can be experienced from Lobo on the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park along the Grumeti River.
Two days exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park on morning and afternoon game drives. If you want to make the most of your game viewing time, you can take a picnic into the park and dine in the vast savannah before returning to your lodge later in the day.
The Serengeti is not only famous for the great wildebeest migration that passes through the park every year from October to July, but also for the large number of animal species that reside in the park throughout the year. The concentration of predators in the Serengeti is high, with large prides of lions, numerous hyena clans and regular sightings of cheetahs and leopards. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe and antelope can also be found on the fertile plains as well as some lesser-known species such as aardwolves, mongooses, caracals, servals and hyraxes.
Optional Activity (supplement applies): Balloon Safari
A balloon safari offers an opportunity to see the wildlife areas from a unique perspective. Take in the wilderness below as you silently float over the vast plains (in whichever direction the wind takes you). Follow a large herd of wildebeest, see a lion stalk its prey or just marvel at the magnificent scenery before touching down for a bush breakfast like no other. If you only take one balloon flight in your life, this is the place to do it.
This morning you will be transferred to the Seronera Airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Keep an eye out of the window for the snow-capped peak of the mountain as you come into land. On arrival you will be met and assisted with your scheduled flight to Kigali International Airport.
Welcome to Rwanda. On arrival at Kigali International Airport you will be met by your driver/guide and set out for the Volcanoes National Park which lies on the northern border of Rwanda. This drive takes you through the farmlands and villages of Rwanda, giving you a glimpse into life in this wonderful country. As you near your destination look out for the soaring peaks of the Virunga Mountain Chain. Accommodation for the following three nights at Wilderness Sabyinyo.
Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.
After an early breakfast you will be driven to the Gorilla Tracking HQ to meet the guide, porter and the other people tracking your gorilla family.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 1,000 gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.
Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours+ depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel at seeing the gorillas!
Expert guides give a pre-trek briefing on specific protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas that live within an altitude of 2500 and 4000m. Porters (supplement applies) are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as helping you with your footing along your hike which can be hard work, but well worth it.
Today, you bid farewell to the Volcanoes National Park and drive back to the capital of the city, Kigali. This is a wonderfully scenic drive through the farmlands and rolling hills and gives you time to reflect on the wonderous adventures you have had here. At Kigali International Airport you will be assisted with your onward flight.
Images Credit: Elewana Collection
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Lemala Nanyukie Lodge – Standard Suite
FB: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
House wines and spirits, local beers, soft drinks, juices, water included
Lemala Nanyukie is located just outside of the Seronera circuit, allowing for some private game viewing of its world-famous concentration of cats and resident wildlife, due to its abundance of water in the many rivers. Between April and June, and again between November and January, this area is crossed by the annual wildebeest migration, which always provides a thrilling wildlife spectacle. Lemala Nanyukie has a large, open floor lounge and bar area that has a variety of inside and outside seating. The inside lounge areas offer lots of discreet hideaways to retreat too. Whether your preference is a private space by the fireplace, or big comfortable sofas sharing experiences with fellow travellers – there’s space for all. A fully stocked bar lies just feet away with experienced bar staff to make your favourite tipple and served just as you like it. Vodka Martini - shaken not stirred!
Images Credit: Lemala Nanyukie Lodge
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Luggage on internal flights
Luggage on internal flights is restricted to 15kg per person (including hand luggage) and it is a requirement that bags are soft-sided. This is due to compartments in light aircraft being small and of an irregular shape, making soft-side/flexible luggage essential.
Entry Requirements
Tanzania: All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival. With a valid passport, one may obtain a visa either before arriving in Tanzania at the Tanzania Embassy/High Commission abroad, online, or at any port of entry staffed by immigration officials, such as an international airport. We strongly recommend that guests apply for the E-Visa two months prior to their arrival date to avoid any last-minute disappointments
Rwanda: Travellers are required to obtain a visa. These can be obtained prior to arrival (online or from the local embassy / high commission) or on arrival.
Visa and entry requirements can change without prior notice, and it is the traveller's responsibility to secure necessary visas for all countries travelling to. Prior to travel, ensure you verify the latest entry requirements for each country on your itinerary by consulting with your local embassy/consulate, or your travel agent/broker.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
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