Arusha, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Zanzibar: Bush to Beach Safari

Arusha is located at the foothills of Mount Meru on the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley. This is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, with easy access to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru.

Its elevation of 1 400 meters keeps temperatures relatively cool despite proximity to the equator; temperatures generally range between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius / 50 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with little humidity due to the altitude.

Arusha is serviced by two airports, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on the eastern side, and Arusha Airport, which primarily services domestic travel. There is some good shopping available, including the impressive Cultural Heritage, with curio shops, a jewellery boutique, a Tanzanite and precious stone counter, and an art gallery.

Set on a historic coffee estate, Rivertrees is a tranquil country inn nestled amid lush, verdant foliage along the scenic Usa River. Located in the foothills of Mt. Meru, the inn is only a short drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport and the town of Arusha, making it a convenient yet secluded retreat. This charming inn invites guests to unwind and discover Northern Tanzania’s natural beauty with its rustic charm, garden-fresh cuisine, and an ambiance that embodies the spirit of the African wilderness.

Activities & Highlights
Rivertrees offers a gateway to explore the wonders of Northern Tanzania. Arusha National Park and the foothills of Mt. Meru are only a 15-minute drive away, ideal for day excursions. Guests can canoe on Lake Duluti, a breathtaking volcanic crater lake, or cycle through the vibrant nearby village, passing smallholder coffee farms to gain insight into local culture and livelihoods. For those wishing to relax, the inn’s swimming pool and spa offer serene spaces to unwind, all complemented by attentive and personalized service.

Accommodation
The accommodations at Rivertrees include the original Farm House, the sophisticated River House, luxurious River Cottages, and beautifully appointed Garden Rooms, each offering a unique setting. The Garden Rooms are thoughtfully decorated and overlook lush lawns, with several adjoining rooms available for families or friends, while others provide private, romantic spaces for couples. Each stay is carefully customized to meet individual guest needs, ensuring comfort and a memorable experience amidst the peaceful surrounds of this charming country inn.

Nestled within the heart of Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater stands as one of the most iconic and sought-after destinations for luxury safari travel. This natural wonder, often dubbed the ‘African Eden,’ promises an unforgettable experience for discerning travellers seeking the perfect safari adventure. The Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife within a breathtakingly beautiful caldera, making it a prime destination for those looking to embark on an exclusive and unforgettable safari journey.

One of the hallmarks of a safari in Ngorongoro Crater is the personalized attention and expertise of your private guide. These experienced professionals are intimately familiar with the region’s unique ecosystems and the behaviour of its resident wildlife. With their knowledge and keen eye for spotting elusive animals, your safari adventures will be a thrilling and educational experience. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five or observing the annual wildebeest migration, your private guide ensures you won’t miss any of the mesmerizing wildlife moments this crater has to offer.

You can embark on guided walking safaris, visit Masai communities to gain insights into their traditional way of life, or even take a scenic hot air balloon ride to witness the sunrise over the crater, casting a golden glow on the landscapes below. These exclusive encounters ensure that your journey to Ngorongoro Crater transcends the ordinary, leaving you with cherished memories of an extraordinary adventure in the heart of Africa.

Entamanu Ngorongoro sits at the heart of Masai territory, offering an exclusive and secluded perspective of the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti plains. This exceptional setting transcends a mere vantage point, inviting visitors to connect with the land, culture, and the magnificent scale of the Ngorongoro ecosystem, all on a flexible, personalized schedule. Entamanu embodies a dedication to preserving the integrity of its surroundings, providing an intimate encounter with nature that leaves no trace.

Activities & Highlights
Entamanu Ngorongoro is designed for immersive and diverse experiences, including guided game drives into the Ngorongoro Crater and explorations of the surrounding highlands. Visitors can enjoy guided walks through breathtaking landscapes, bush picnics in pristine settings, and evening sundowners that perfectly frame the region’s awe-inspiring beauty. Interaction with Maasai communities offers insight into the rich culture and traditions of the region, creating a deeper understanding of the heritage and history surrounding the Crater.

Accommodation
Entamanu’s Cottage-Style Rooms are elevated on wooden platforms, blending comfort with ecological mindfulness. Each of the seven cottages is thoughtfully crafted with sustainably sourced materials and built to be entirely removable, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. Rooms are furnished with indoor heating and en-suite bathrooms equipped with hot and cold running water and flush toilets, offering essential comforts amid the remote wilderness. Entamanu Ngorongoro’s design celebrates local craftsmanship, with furnishings and decor handcrafted by Tanzanian artisans, enhancing the lodge’s connection to the land and culture.

Spanning over 1.5 million hectares of untamed wilderness, this iconic destination is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers seeking the ultimate safari experience. The Serengeti is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, magnificent biodiversity, and the annual spectacle of the Great Migration, making it one of the most sought-after safari destinations on the planet.

With a remarkable variety of animals, from the Big Five to the elusive cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes, it’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The vast grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, and meandering rivers provide a breathtaking backdrop to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of greener pastures, is an epic spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.

Game drives, guided walks, and hot air balloon safaris offer different perspectives on the park’s abundant flora and fauna. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time safari-goer, the Serengeti offers something for everyone. The vast open spaces, unspoiled landscapes, and the opportunity to witness predators on the hunt provide a unique and exhilarating experience, making it a dream destination for wildlife photography.

Preservation is at the heart of the Serengeti’s identity. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to safeguarding its natural treasures. Visitors can partake in conservation efforts by supporting local initiatives and learning about the park’s rich history. The Serengeti’s holistic approach to conservation not only protects its incredible biodiversity but also ensures a sustainable future for generations of visitors to come.

Set in Tanzania’s central Serengeti, Dunia Camp provides an exceptional vantage point for prime wildlife viewing. During the Great Migration, guests can witness large herds of wildebeest moving through the region right from the camp itself. Additionally, the impressive granite formations of the Moru Kopjes are nearby, often attracting lions as they scan the plains for prey, adding to the thrilling wildlife experience.

Activities & Highlights
Dunia Camp is ideally located for exploring three renowned game viewing areas: Seronera, the Moru Kopjes, and the southern Serengeti plains. The Seronera River attracts a variety of wildlife, making it a prime spot for observing predator activity. The Moru Kopjes, with their clusters of ancient granite boulders, are favourite lookouts for big cats, and the rare black rhino. Between December and May, the southern plains are lush and green, providing the perfect setting for wildebeest calving. Guests can also enjoy a hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti’s golden plains or dine under the stars in the bush, adding unforgettable moments to their stay.

Accommodation
Dunia Camp offers eight spacious, raised guest tents that open to breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains. Each tent features a private terrace, ideal for enjoying a peaceful morning coffee, and can be configured as twin or double rooms, with a triple room available upon request. The tents are designed with luxurious amenities, including king-sized beds and en suite bathrooms with flushable toilets and plumbed showers, blending comfort with an authentic safari experience. The main open-sided tent invites relaxation with a chilled G&T as guests soak in the serenity of the African wilderness.

Just a short flight from the Tanzanian mainland lies the idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar. Famous for intoxicating aromas of spices, beautiful white sand beaches, and warm turquoise waters, the heart of the island is undoubtedly Stone Town, a fascinating step back in time with narrow winding streets, Swahili traders and local fisherman.

In addition to its fascinating Swahili and Arab history, Zanzibar offers world class scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and, at certain times of year, kitesurfing. There is also fascinating endemic wildlife in the Johazi Forest.

Nicknamed “Spice Island,” Zanzibar was an important part of the slave and ivory trade as a connecting point between the mainland interior and the Middle East. A walk around the Sultan's Palace is reminiscent of this dark past. More recent pop culture will undoubtedly lead to the doorway of Zanzibar's most famous son, Queen's iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury.

Nestled along Zanzibar’s tranquil southeast coast, Breezes Beach Club & Spa offers an idyllic escape for travellers seeking romance, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Known for its attention to detail and warm hospitality, Breezes blends traditional Zanzibari elegance with exquisite decor, featuring intricate carvings, glistening brass, and luxurious fabrics. Set against a backdrop of a pristine beach and lush tropical gardens, the resort creates an atmosphere both intimate and refined, perfect for a memorable island getaway.

Activities & Highlights
At Breezes Beach Club & Spa, experiences are crafted with care and authenticity. The award-winning Frangipani Spa provides a serene retreat where guests can unwind with therapies designed to alleviate the stresses of modern life, surrounded by soothing Swahili-inspired decor and the gentle scent of spices. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in Breezes’ diverse menu, showcasing a fusion of Arabic, Indian, Persian, Asian, and Swahili flavours that celebrate the island’s rich culinary heritage.

The exclusive Rising Sun Dive Centre offers guided excursions to Zanzibar’s stunning coral gardens, where guests can explore the southeast coast’s unique underwater treasures with a PADI five-star Gold Palm and RAID-certified team. Breezes also offers cultural immersion opportunities, including a local village tour, visits to a Swahili home, and a culinary class led by Breezes’ chef, perfect for couples and families eager to recreate Swahili cuisine at home.

Accommodation
Breezes Beach Club & Spa offers a variety of accommodations, each designed to provide comfort and elegance. Standard Rooms feature a private terrace overlooking the lush garden. These air-conditioned rooms include an en-suite bathroom, refrigerator, personal electronic safe, and hairdryer, with a third bed doubling as a sofa for additional relaxation space. Both Standard and Deluxe Rooms share a similar size and decor, providing an inviting retreat after a day of exploration and indulgence on the island.