Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari

You’ll begin your trip in style with included VIP airport lounge access, after which you’ll board your overnight flight to Kilimanjaro, arriving on day two.

Today sees you transfer to Arusha and your lodge for the night, burrowed deep in Tanzania’s coffee country among the verdant foothills of Mt. Meru’s peak. Head on a guided tour of the surrounding plantations or simply absorb the aromas from your private veranda hidden in the dense gardens.

Indulge in a spa treatment and take in your surrounds from the stunning swimming pool, or perhaps head to the Arusha National Park, where bright turacos and blue monkeys perch among the lush treetops. This evening enjoy sampling locally sourced produce around the log-burning fire, from grilled meats to wood-fired pizza.

The annual wildebeest migration is a sight you’ll remember for years to come, and your accommodation for the next three days, the Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp, is perfectly poised for an excellent chance to spot the magnificent passage, where wildebeest, zebra and gazelle speed through the savannah, following the rains in search of lush grasses. You’ll transfer to Arusha airport for a flight to the camp, enjoying a traditional lunch among the sprawling plains. There's no set location, though, as the camp moves three times yearly specifically to catch sight of the migration.

Spend days on 4x4 game drives spotting the likes of hyena, wild dog and the revered Big Five among the lowlands, including tree-climbing lions. The shining glory is, of course, the hundreds of wildebeest – you may even spot an elusive cheetah in wait, veiled behind the dusty plains amidst river crossings. Culminate each night with cocktail sundowners around the fire overlooking an emblematic African sunset among the acacia trees, enjoying traditional Tanzanian fare and stories from your knowledgable guides. 

Your included flight today from the Lake Manyara airstrip via a game drive takes you the wildlife-dense Ngorogoro Crater, known for its volcanic rim teeming with animals. And your accommodation lies right on the doorstep, in just ten 1920s-inspired safari tents. Enjoy sweeping valley views, great grasslands and montane forests dotted with bright-blue lakes, where an enormous array of wildlife thrive. Explore it up close with a crater floor drives, and you'll even get the chance to visit a local Maasai village. Day 7 sees you explore further what is often referred to as the world’s largest wildlife zoo, descending through early morning mists and into the crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic reservoir.

Spot enormous elephant herds and cheetah, as well as buffalo, wildebeest, rhinos, millions of flamingos, and lions – the density of which are among the highest in Africa – in forests, lakes, open grasslands and sandy dunes. You'll enjoy a traditional lunch overlooking a lake crowded with hippos before returning for sundowners over the crater and a buffet-style dinner that showcases wonderful local ingredients. Or, for something extra special, request to have a table set up in a secluded spot around camp. 

Today you'll transfer to Arusha Airport, enjoying lunch and a day room at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Enjoy the delights of the coffee plantation you missed last time, then transfer to Kilimanjaro airport to catch your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 9.

Or, why not fly to Zanzibar with a stay at The Residence, where you'll spend days enjoying the sunset from your private pool and terrace, spotting dolphins on boat tours, indulging in spa treatments,  kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving before enjoying exquisite poolside meals or seafood barbecues on the beach.