‎9-Day Northern Tanzania Bush and Island Adventure

The enchanting and opulent Arusha Coffee Lodge, nestled within a working coffee plantation, marks your initial and unforgettable retreat. Situated just a 70-minute drive from the airport, this exquisite and storied lodge promises a distinctive and aromatic escapade that will invigorate your senses and provide solace for your soul.

Arusha Coffee Lodge boasts an array of amenities and pursuits tailored to suit every preference and mood. Delight in a gastronomic feast at The Grill Room or relish a sumptuous four-course lunch at The Garden Buffet. Relaxing in the indulgent comfort of your expansive room while indulging in 24-hour room service is a tempting option before unwinding by the serene swimming pool. For added rejuvenation, a visit to the Peaberries Spa awaits, or peruse the offerings at the gift shop. Embark on a captivating coffee tour to delve into the plantation’s rich history and production processes.

For those eager to explore the surrounding wonders, a plethora of options await to satiate your adventurous spirit. If time permits, a visit to the Tanzanite Museum, The Museum of Natural History, and the Maasai Market and Cultural Centre promises a captivating and enlightening journey.

Upon waking up refreshed and enjoying a delightful breakfast, you’ll be greeted by a driver who will take you to Arusha Airport for your flight to Lake Manyara Airstrip. Upon landing, a guide will meet you, assist with your luggage, and embark on a scenic three-hour drive to The Highlands. If you’re interested, you can opt for a 45-minute hike up Olmoti Crater along the way, offering stunning panoramic views and a refreshing break.

Upon reaching The Highlands, located just 40 km (25 miles) from the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be escorted to your suite. The camp features eight unique hilltop Perspex and canvas-domed suites, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and a sweeping deck wrapping around the outside. Positioned on the edge of Olmoti forest, these are the highest suites in the area, offering breathtaking views of distant dormant volcanoes. After settling in, join fellow guests by the crackling fire for drinks before indulging in a delightful three-course dinner. Conclude the evening with a tranquil stroll back to your accommodation for a restful night’s sleep.

Embark from camp early with a picnic breakfast to reach the crater floor as the day breaks. Accompanied by a seasoned guide, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a sprawling 300 km² wildlife paradise and the world’s largest intact caldera. Delve into the rich tapestry of habitats and wildlife within the crater, boasting the famed Big 5 and an array of other fascinating animals. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch provided by the camp, set against a picturesque backdrop beneath a shady tree, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos of the landscape and wildlife.

Travel in comfort and elegance aboard our seven-seater safari vehicles, complete with power points and refrigeration facilities. If your schedule permits and for an extra fee, consider adding a Maasai cultural visit during the late afternoon on your return journey. Alternatively, after a fulfilling day of exploration, return directly to camp for relaxation and rejuvenation. Gather around the log fire for a refreshing drink of your choosing, followed by a delectable dinner. Then, retreat to your snug bed at The Highlands.

Another exciting day awaits you following a delightful and invigorating breakfast. You’ll be transported to Lake Manyara Airstrip for your flight connection to Seronera Airstrip in the central Serengeti. Upon arrival, a warm welcome awaits as you are transferred to Dunia Camp.

Dunia Camp, situated in Tanzania’s central Serengeti, boasts an optimal location for year-round safari adventures. Our dedicated team strives to ensure your utmost comfort and satisfaction. Notably, Dunia is a pioneering camp in Africa managed entirely by women, showcasing the remarkable achievements of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Featuring just eight elegant and spacious tents with king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets, and private decks overlooking the vast Serengeti plains, Dunia Camp offers a personalized experience akin to being part of our extended family.

Savor the abundant resident wildlife without the usual crowds during two unforgettable days as you venture into the nearby Moru Kopjes in pursuit of lions perched on rocks and black rhinos roaming the plains. During the annual Great Migration, witness the spectacle of vast wildebeest herds passing through the camp. For an unforgettable experience, consider embarking on a hot-air balloon safari soaring above the breathtaking wildlife gatherings. Dunia Camp is an exceptional year-round safari destination, ideal for families seeking a memorable adventure.

After bidding farewell to the exceptional women who have taken care of you over the past 48 hours, you’ll be transported to Seronera Airstrip for your flight connection to Rubondo Island Camp on Lake Victoria, where you’ll spend three magnificent nights. Here, you’ll embark on a distinctive adventure within a pristine sub-tropical ecosystem teeming with wild elephants and chimpanzees.

As the sole boutique camp on the largest island national park in Africa, the eight waterfront thatched-roofed cottages, crafted using traditional methods and local materials, provide a sanctuary of serenity amidst lush tropical forests inhabited by chimpanzees and African Grey Parrots. Your dining experiences unfold outdoors, whether on the deck overlooking the lake or on the beach, inviting you to unwind and revel in the soft sands underfoot.

Venture into the forest on foot, engage in catch-and-release fishing and birdwatching on the water, partake in a morning game drive, or luxuriate in a leisurely morning at camp with fresh coffee on your veranda and a full breakfast with a view of the lake. Alternatively, dedicate your day to tracking chimpanzees in the dense forests.

The afternoon invites relaxation—a siesta, reading, or a refreshing dip in the pool. After rejuvenating with afternoon tea and delectable freshly baked cakes, embark on a guided forest walk or a scenic sundowner boat cruise with your preferred beverages in hand. Conclude your memorable day with drinks by the campfire on the beach and a dinner affair under the glistening stars.

For an unforgettable adventure, immerse yourself in a day-long trek deep into the forest guided by our expert naturalist, in search of chimpanzees. Rubondo Island boasts two distinct chimpanzee trekking areas, necessitating potential game drives or boat rides followed by on-foot exploration to locate these fascinating primates. The availability of the chimpanzee habituation experience depends on food availability and weather conditions throughout the year. Given chimpanzees’ active nature, be ready for an exhilarating journey and ensure you have a reasonable fitness level.

Kindly note that this experience requires hiking on hilly terrain for approximately two hours, making it unsuitable for individuals with mobility limitations. While sightings are not guaranteed, the dry season from June to October presents the best opportunities to encounter our chimpanzee residents. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and each trek accommodates a maximum of eight guests.

In addition to the memorable chimpanzee trekking adventure, guests can partake in a range of delightful activities, including tranquil boating safaris, catch-and-release fishing, birdwatching excursions, forest walks, exhilarating game drives, and leisurely moments by the pool.

After you have indulged in a delicious breakfast overlooking Lake Victoria’s waters and said your goodbyes to the team, you will be transferred to the airstrip to board your final regional flight for Kilimanjaro International Airport via Seronera Airstrip. It’s now homeward bound, taking with you unforgettable and lasting memories of East Africa.