11 day Simba Safari and Zanzibar (Classic Saffron) - Tanzania northern circuit safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary with 2 different accommodation options to fit your budget.
East Africa made simple and affordable. The Classic Saffron combines our popular Simba Safari with a great extension to the magical island - Zanzibar. Everything is taken care of from the time the you leave Arusha until the transfer to Zanzibar's airport. The days in between are filled with the spectacular wildlife of northern Tanzania, the history and culture of Stone Town and relaxation on inviting Indian Ocean beaches.
All prices are in US$ and per person sharing. Single room supplement is indicated in brackets as SRS
All prices are in US$ and per person sharing. Single room supplement is indicated in brackets as SRS
2020 / 2021 Rates:
Option A Simba Safari - Featuring Serena Lodges with Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort (our first recommendation) - departs on Saturday and Monday
1st November to 22nd December 2020**: $3765 (SRS: $645)
1st January to 28th February 2021: $4700 (SRS: $890)
1st March to 31st March 2021: $4020 (SRS: $770)
1st April to 25th May 2021: $3310 (SRS: N/A)
26th May to 25th June 2021: $4160 (SRS: $345)
26th June to 31st August 2021: $4800 (SRS: $905)
1st September to 31st October 2021: $4555 (SRS: $785)
1st November to 22nd December 2021**: $3765 (SRS: $645)
Option B Simba Safari - Featuring Sopa Lodges with Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa - departs Monday, Wednesday and Friday
1st November to 22nd December 2021**: $3600 (SRS: $525)
1st January to 28th February 2021: $3960 (SRS: $615)
1st March to 31st March 2021: $3660 (SRS: $540)
1st April to 25th May 2021: $3120 (SRS: $240)
26th May to 21st June 2021: $3835 (SRS: $615)
22nd June to 22nd July 2021: $3980 (SRS: $625)
23rd July to 31st August 2021: $4075 (SRS: $625)
23rd July to 31st August 2021: $4075 (SRS: $625)
1st September to 31st October 2021: $3980 (SRS: $625)
1st November to 22nd December 2021**: $3610 (SRS: $540)
**Travel must end by 22 December 2020/1
From time to time there are reductions so please use this for indicative purposes only.
Easter/Xmas/New Years supplements will apply.
Over the festive season, additional nights in Zanzibar may be required to meet minimum stay restrictions. These will be payable at an additional cost.
Easter/Xmas/New Years supplements will apply.
Over the festive season, additional nights in Zanzibar may be required to meet minimum stay restrictions. These will be payable at an additional cost.
Cost Includes
Meet and greet services
Seat in vehicle safari
Depart by 4x4 vehicle with photo roof (maximum 7 clients per vehicle)
Services of an English speaking driver-guide
Guaranteed window seat
Game drives and crater tour
All accommodation and meals as specified
All park fees and government taxes
One bottle of mineral water per person per day during game drives
Domestic flight Arusha (or Kilimanjaro) / Zanzibar including applicable taxes and surcharges (subject to increase so there may be a small supplement)
Itinerary:
Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park
Afternoon (2pm) join seat in vehicle safaris and depart Arusha passing through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. At the town of Makuyuni turn North West and continue the journey through a scenic escarpment that brings you to your lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley with stunning views over the distant Lake Manyara.
One of Tanzania's smaller National Parks, Lake Manyara National Park is dominated by the soda lake that is home to a variety of waterfowl. Fed by underground springs, the park has lush vegetation. Large troupes of olive baboon roam the park and often entertain visitors with their antics. There is also a good chance of spotting resident wildlife ranging from giraffes to hippopotamuses.
Option A: Lake Manyara Serena on half board basis
Option B: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge on full board basis
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of tranquillity, wildlife discovery, and ornithological richness.
Perched on the very edge of the cliffs, with stunning views over the lake is the pool bar and observation point. Dotted around the grounds, all with views over the lake, are a series of circular two-storey ‘rondavels', which house the rooms that are strung out along the edge of the cliff so as to allow for maximum views. Each spacious circular room has its own small veranda while the interior décor reflects the blue of the lake and the pink of its flamingos.
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge:
Nestled on the rim of the Great Rift Valley with amazing views over Lake Manyara, the lodge is set in lush green gardens, alive with the sounds of the many birds that frequent the property. Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is the ideal base for a visit to Lake Manyara National Park. Sitting around the outside fireplace watching the sun setting over the Great Rift Valley and listening to the humming of the birds in the background is a wonderful way to relax before your delicious evening meal. The lodge has a dining room where international, traditional and fusion cuisine is served inside and out. A relaxing lounge, cigar bar, television room, billiards room, internet cafe and children's activity room, plus a conference room are all located in the spectacular main house. There is also a beautiful rim flow swimming pool, an outside fireplace, a boutique and a spa.
The lodge 48 suites and 2 luxury 2 bedroom villas are all air-conditioned, tastefully decorated and have panoramic views of the surrounding area. Rooms are equipped with en suite bathrooms with bath, and inside and outside showers. Room facilities include a fireplace, mini bar, safe, wi-fi and private balcony.
Day 2: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast there is a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park that returns to the lodge for lunch.
Leaving Lake Manyara behind, the journey continues North West across the stunning hilly countryside of the highlands which is filled with wheat and coffee plantations, and then into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here lie the vast plains of the Serengeti, where you begin spotting wildlife as you approach the entrance gate. Complete the formalities and enter the park with game viewing en route to the lodge arriving for dinner
Serengeti National Park is perhaps the best known game park in the world. With more than 14,000 square kilometres, there is a vast diversity between regions of the park. Movement of the wildebeest migration, with more than 1.5 million gnus, zebras and predators, provides a unique selling point for this exciting destination.
Serengeti offers far more than the migration, however. Resident game including all of the big five means you can experience outstanding wildlife viewing in any area of the park during any season.
Serengeti National Park is perhaps the best known game park in the world. With more than 14,000 square kilometres, there is a vast diversity between regions of the park. Movement of the wildebeest migration, with more than 1.5 million gnus, zebras and predators, provides a unique selling point for this exciting destination.
Serengeti offers far more than the migration, however. Resident game including all of the big five means you can experience outstanding wildlife viewing in any area of the park during any season.
Overnight Option A: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Overnight Option B: Serengeti Sopa Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Overnight Option B: Serengeti Sopa Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Set high on a hill with 360 degree views out over the Serengeti savannah, the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge combines luxury with simplicity and is Africa at its very best. Inspired by the traditional African village, the lodge is rich in local atmosphere and the bedrooms are housed in individual thatched huts. These huts are furnished with authentic African furniture and handicrafts, with balconies overlooking the awesome expanse of the Serengeti. Communal areas of the lodge are created out of thatch and indigenous wood and give guests a true ‘out of Africa’ experience. Great attention has been paid to both architectural and decorative detailing and the lodge is a photographer’s joy. Derived from the Masai word ‘siringet’ meaning endless plains, the Serengeti is one of the world’s last great wildlife refuges. From the Serengeti Serena you can enjoy safari drives or balloon safaris and experience the awesome spectacle of the annual migration that is one of nature’s wonders, or simply enjoy the outstanding quality and variety of cuisine.
The lodge has 66 bedrooms and a stunning swimming pool.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
The lodge has 66 bedrooms and a stunning swimming pool.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is situated in the Nyarboro Hills in the South West of the Serengeti National Park overlooking the Serengeti plains.
The lodge allows its guests to experience magnificent sights and enjoy interaction with the land and animals difficult to find elsewhere, whilst at the same time enjoying the highest level of cuisine and hospitality.
69 standard rooms, all with 2 queen size beds, carpeted, and tastefully furnished with local fabrics and pictures. On entering the room is a lounge with a mini bar. In the front is a verandah with 2 comfortable chairs and coffee table, with glass windows facing the vast Serengeti plains which extend as far as the naked eye can see.
1 of these rooms are suitable for the physically handicapped.
The rooms have en-suite bathrooms and hairdryers.
4 very spacious double storey suites, with a lounge area on the ground floor where one can dine, sit out on the balcony facing the Serengeti Plains. Upstairs is the bedroom with a king size bed on a raised wooden platform, and on one side a bathtub facing the plains. There is an outside open shower as well.
The interior of the suites are painted with the same colours as the main building, terracotta, mustard and blue, which is incorporated in the fabrics.
A verandah extends from the room facing the plains, ideal for relaxing and watching the sunset.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives. Optional hot air balloon flight.
Overnight Option A: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Overnight Option B: Serengeti Sopa Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro with a picnic lunch viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, stopping en route for a picnic lunch. Continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater arriving for dinner.
The lodge allows its guests to experience magnificent sights and enjoy interaction with the land and animals difficult to find elsewhere, whilst at the same time enjoying the highest level of cuisine and hospitality.
69 standard rooms, all with 2 queen size beds, carpeted, and tastefully furnished with local fabrics and pictures. On entering the room is a lounge with a mini bar. In the front is a verandah with 2 comfortable chairs and coffee table, with glass windows facing the vast Serengeti plains which extend as far as the naked eye can see.
1 of these rooms are suitable for the physically handicapped.
The rooms have en-suite bathrooms and hairdryers.
4 very spacious double storey suites, with a lounge area on the ground floor where one can dine, sit out on the balcony facing the Serengeti Plains. Upstairs is the bedroom with a king size bed on a raised wooden platform, and on one side a bathtub facing the plains. There is an outside open shower as well.
The interior of the suites are painted with the same colours as the main building, terracotta, mustard and blue, which is incorporated in the fabrics.
A verandah extends from the room facing the plains, ideal for relaxing and watching the sunset.
Day 3: Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives. Optional hot air balloon flight.
Overnight Option A: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Overnight Option B: Serengeti Sopa Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast you depart for Ngorongoro with a picnic lunch viewing game across the vast Serengeti plains, stopping en route for a picnic lunch. Continue to your lodge, set high on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater arriving for dinner.
Often described as the ‘Eighth’ Wonder of the World, the Ngorongoro crater is so spectacular that it touches all the senses. A volcanic crater of over 259 square kilometres with surrounding walls rising 609 metres above it, the crater is a natural sanctuary for over 25,000 animals, including the black rhino. It is also a conservation area inhabited by the Masai tribe.
Overnight Option A: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Overnight Option B: Ngorongoro Sopa Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Overnight Option B: Ngorongoro Sopa Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is built onto the rim of this amazing natural phenomenon, a stunning plant and local creeper covered stone lodge where guests co-exist in perfect harmony with the surrounding natural environment and wildlife. Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, close to some of the earliest dwellings of man in Olduvai Gorge, has taken their cave paintings as inspiration. It is built of stones and boulders and is literally hidden in the vegetation of the crater’s rim, disappearing completely from view from the crater’s floor.
The interiors are filled with exquisite wooden furniture and African artefacts, and stunning frescoes adorn the walls of many rooms and public areas. All bedrooms have private terraces with uninterrupted views across the grasslands, forests, lakes and rivers that make up the crater floor. The hotel has 75 rooms.
It has the most magnificent views over the crater floor, which is home to vast herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, the rare and endangered black rhino, elephant, cheetah, leopard, lion and herds of gazelle and wildebeest. Its position on the Eastern rim allows the most spectacular and uninterrupted views of the sunset.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
The interiors are filled with exquisite wooden furniture and African artefacts, and stunning frescoes adorn the walls of many rooms and public areas. All bedrooms have private terraces with uninterrupted views across the grasslands, forests, lakes and rivers that make up the crater floor. The hotel has 75 rooms.
It has the most magnificent views over the crater floor, which is home to vast herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, the rare and endangered black rhino, elephant, cheetah, leopard, lion and herds of gazelle and wildebeest. Its position on the Eastern rim allows the most spectacular and uninterrupted views of the sunset.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is an all-suite lodge with 98 suites (92 doubles , 6 singles), all of which enjoy magnificent views into the crater. Each suite is fully carpeted and heated by oil fired central heating radiators. The spacious bedrooms contain queen sized (5ft) beds with deep sprung mattresses to ensure a comfortable night's rest.
The fully tiled bathrooms are equipped to a very high standard with baths, showers, WCs, bidets, hand basins, hair driers and shaver sockets. Each suite has an enclosed 'solarium' with comfortable rocking chairs - the perfect place to relax.
A small private lounge with a writing desk and a drinks refrigerator provides extra privacy to the suite.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge has the only swimming pool on the rim of the crater. Those looking to relax can lounge beside the pool, whilst enjoying a cooling drink.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest natural wildlife arena. After breakfast, you descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. A truly unique wildlife experience. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
The fully tiled bathrooms are equipped to a very high standard with baths, showers, WCs, bidets, hand basins, hair driers and shaver sockets. Each suite has an enclosed 'solarium' with comfortable rocking chairs - the perfect place to relax.
A small private lounge with a writing desk and a drinks refrigerator provides extra privacy to the suite.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge has the only swimming pool on the rim of the crater. Those looking to relax can lounge beside the pool, whilst enjoying a cooling drink.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A highlight awaits you this morning as you depart to explore what is commonly referred to as the World’s largest natural wildlife arena. After breakfast, you descend with a picnic lunch through the early morning mists and 2,000 feet into the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity, the crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas, ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs, to open grassland and some sandy dunes. A truly unique wildlife experience. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight Option A: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Overnight Option B: Ngorongoro Sopa Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Overnight Option B: Ngorongoro Sopa Safari Lodge on a full board basis
Day 6: Tarangire National Park
Depart Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast, head south east past Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu Village. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, you’ll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations here before journeying down the spectacular escarpment turning south on to the main Arusha – Dodoma road and into the park. From here to the lodge, enjoy a game drive en route. After lunch board your safari vehicle and enjoy an afternoon game viewing within the park.
Best known for its large elephant herds, Tarangire National Park offers a diverse game viewing experience. The landscape is dominated by massive baobab trees and the Tarangire River which dissects the park providing a great opportunity to capture wildlife of all sizes stopping for a drink.
Overnight Option A & B: Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Depart Ngorongoro Crater after breakfast, head south east past Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu Village. Through the highlands and the Karatu district, you’ll view the scenic wheat plains and coffee plantations here before journeying down the spectacular escarpment turning south on to the main Arusha – Dodoma road and into the park. From here to the lodge, enjoy a game drive en route. After lunch board your safari vehicle and enjoy an afternoon game viewing within the park.
Best known for its large elephant herds, Tarangire National Park offers a diverse game viewing experience. The landscape is dominated by massive baobab trees and the Tarangire River which dissects the park providing a great opportunity to capture wildlife of all sizes stopping for a drink.
Overnight Option A & B: Tarangire Sopa Lodge on a full board basis
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes, ancient baobab and grasses of the Tarangire National Park. Many elephants can be seen around the lodge, allowing visitors a close encounter. The park is also home to most other game including the elusive leopard and over 400 bird species.
In an area of constant water, the landscape provides the wonderful comparison of burnt ground with lush greenery nearby. Staying close to the water, concentrations of game, including elephant, buffalo, zebra, lion and leopard can often be seen from the lodge balconies.
There are 75 rooms each with an en-suite bathroom, private lounge and balcony offering spacious Tarangire safari accommodation in Tanzania. The rooms boast two queen-size beds and provide a welcome retreat in which to relax in exotic surroundings. Four of the rooms are suitable for physically challenged guests.
All rooms have a comfortable sitting area and mini-bar. The floors are carpeted and the rooms are kept cool with overhead ceiling fans. At this Tarangire safari accommodation, each room has glass sliding doors leading out onto a balcony where lovely views of the landscape can be appreciated and wildlife can occasionally be seen.
Day 7: Zanzibar
In an area of constant water, the landscape provides the wonderful comparison of burnt ground with lush greenery nearby. Staying close to the water, concentrations of game, including elephant, buffalo, zebra, lion and leopard can often be seen from the lodge balconies.
There are 75 rooms each with an en-suite bathroom, private lounge and balcony offering spacious Tarangire safari accommodation in Tanzania. The rooms boast two queen-size beds and provide a welcome retreat in which to relax in exotic surroundings. Four of the rooms are suitable for physically challenged guests.
All rooms have a comfortable sitting area and mini-bar. The floors are carpeted and the rooms are kept cool with overhead ceiling fans. At this Tarangire safari accommodation, each room has glass sliding doors leading out onto a balcony where lovely views of the landscape can be appreciated and wildlife can occasionally be seen.
Day 7: Zanzibar
Depart after breakfast and head north east to Arusha. The journey will pass through the Masai Steppe filled with many picturesque African villages as well as maize, coffee and banana plantations. On arrival in Arusha you transfer to Arusha Airport. You are provided with a picnic lunch. You fly by scheduled flight to Zanzibar Airport (flight booked by us) departing 12.45pm arriving 2.25pm. A picnic lunch is provided. You are met on arrival and transferred to your resort where you spend the next 4 nights.
Overnight Option A: Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort on an all Inclusive basis* (Superior room)
Overnight Option B: Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa on Half Board basis (Cottage room)
Royal Zanzibar Hotel:
Overnight Option B: Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa on Half Board basis (Cottage room)
Royal Zanzibar Hotel:
The Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is located on the North Shores of magical and the exotic Zanzibar, a picturesque island hideaway combining modern comforts with unspoilt natural beauty.
This attractively designed resort has a lively and friendly atmosphere and offers an "All inclusive concept'.
It has a unique blend of buildings designed in Swahili / Zanzibar architecture and has the most spectacular virgin sandy beaches of Zanzibar.
The Royal Zanzibar comprises of 80 Superior rooms and 16 suites, set on a 20 acres tropical garden.
This attractively designed resort has a lively and friendly atmosphere and offers an "All inclusive concept'.
It has a unique blend of buildings designed in Swahili / Zanzibar architecture and has the most spectacular virgin sandy beaches of Zanzibar.
The Royal Zanzibar comprises of 80 Superior rooms and 16 suites, set on a 20 acres tropical garden.
Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa
40 cottages located on a small hill just behind the Junior Suites. Most offer a partial view of the sea through the palm trees. Entrance through a private garden, large bedroom, dressing room, bathroom in Carrara marble, veranda with breath-taking with two chairs and table, mosquito net, fan, air conditioning private hot and cold water, hair dryer , telephone, television, minibar, tea and coffee, safe and WiFi.
The Dive Centre is directly managed by Karafuu Hotel with a completely dedicated team who have the best equipment at their disposal. The excellent quality and reputation of the dive centre distinguish Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa as one of the best and favourite dive spot in Zanzibar.
Day 8, 9 & 10: Zanzibar (Beach)
Time at leisure with optional activities provided by your resort.
Overnight Option A: Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort on an all Inclusive basis* (Superior room)
Overnight Option B: Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa on Half Board basis (Cottage room)
Day 11: Depart
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport to connect to your onward arrangements.
Please note:
The flights between Arusha and Zanzibar included in this safari are on smaller airplanes ranging from the 12 passenger Caravan to the 70 passenger ATR-72. Due to the small size of these aircraft, luggage is strictly limited to 15 KG. It is important that soft sided bags are used to aid in loading.
Overnight Option B: Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa on Half Board basis (Cottage room)
Day 11: Depart
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport to connect to your onward arrangements.
Please note:
The flights between Arusha and Zanzibar included in this safari are on smaller airplanes ranging from the 12 passenger Caravan to the 70 passenger ATR-72. Due to the small size of these aircraft, luggage is strictly limited to 15 KG. It is important that soft sided bags are used to aid in loading.
IMPORTANT: Travellers to Zanzibar must pay $1 per person per night Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax. This must be paid by the travellers directly.
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