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The Start of the Migration

The Start of the Migration

Suggested Holiday Itinerary

The Start of the Migration

Summary Of The Route and Costs

A 5 night safari holiday followed by 6 nights in a beach hotel on the north-east coast of Zanzibar within steps to a white powder beach. Could you be persuaded? This holiday is best enjoyed in February when millions of wildebeest calve on the Ndutu plains - but outside of this narrow time frame, the game viewing is still good. From June through November, when the plains are dry and the great herds gone, the resident animals converge around Ndutu's waterholes and marshes - elephants, giraffes, impalas, every kind of cat and a profusion of birds. From December onwards, the migrating herds of wildebeest make an appearance and the plains become alive with activity.

After one night in Arusha, to recover from any lost sleep from the international flight and to ensure you are fully rested, you begin your safari with a game drive in the Lake Manyara National Park which is home to the legendary tree-climbing lions and an outstanding array of birdlife. Afterwards you will head to your lodge and settle back with a drink as the sun sets on your first day on safari.

Then it is off to the Ndutu Plains. Your lodge is right in the heart of the very start of the Great Migration, as it is here that the wildebeest give birth to the next generation.

You end your time on safari sipping sundowners in a small tented camp overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater, having spent a full day in the crater itself for a memorable day of game viewing. Home to an estimated 30,000 animals, this is one of the densest concentration of wildlife within Africa.

A 4 hour drive followed by a short flight from Arusha takes you across to Zanzibar, where your holiday ends with 6 nights on the beach where you will experience the charm of a tropical island.  Set in 30 acres of tropical gardens with over 1,000 palm trees, the resort boasts a 500m stretch of white sand beach, shared only with its neighbouring sister property.

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Summary Of The Itinerary

Holiday Title: The Start of the Migration

Countries Visited: Tanzania


Day 1

Arrive into Kilimanjaro Airport.

Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way to the Arrivals Hall where you will be met by your transfer driver who will be holding a sign board with your name on it. You will then be transferred to Arusha. Depending on the time your flight lands, this first night is either a necessity as you will be arriving late at night OR included so that you can relax and rest after an overnight flight, ready to start your safari adventure fresh the next morning.

Nestled at the foot of the wooded slopes of Mount Meru, the Arusha Serena Hotel stands amid coffee plantations overlooking the tranquil Lake Duluti. Designed to echo the traditional style of the colonial coffee farm, which originally stood on this site, the hotel offers a range of tastefully presented cottage-styled rooms set amid extensive landscaped grounds.


Day 2

You will be met after breakfast by your safari driver-guide and driven to the Lake Manyara National Park in your private 4x4 safari vehicle, which has a pop up roof for easy game viewing and photography opportunities. The drive is about 2.5 to 3 hours on a tarred road.

The Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its excellent bird-watching opportunities, as more than 400 different bird species have been recorded. Other wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, cheetah, hippo, Masai giraffe, wildebeest, impala, zebra, warthogs, large troops of baboons and the legendary but rarely seen tree-climbing lions. You will stop at the picnic area for a packed lunch midway through the day before continuing with your game drive to see what else you may spot amongst the trees.

You will then depart for the drive to Acacia Lodge. Acacia Farm Lodge is nestled in an active mixed farm located high on the spectacular Great Rift's escarpment area with a commanding panoramic views of the amazing Karatu farmlands and the nearby Ngorongoro forest area. A timeless tranquility emanates from the exuberance of birdsong, mature trees, and the lovely coffee plants. Enjoy a farm tour, a cultural experience with a local tribe or even a nature walk if you have some free time during your stay here.


Day 3

Depart after an early breakfast for the drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Main Gate - this will take about 20 minutes. At the gate your driver will need to fill in some paperwork, so while you wait for him you can visit the small information centre. You then drive up the narrow, winding road through magnificent trees and foliage to the crater rim itself, stopping at the view point to take in the most amazing view across the entire Crater. The road then continues but be prepared for the next 2 to 2.5 hours to be bumpy and dusty, as the road is 'corrugated'. You will arrive at your lodge in time for a late lunch.

Set beside a small lake and shaded by majestic acacia trees, Ndutu Safari Lodge offers peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Enjoy the resident wildlife, or go for a game drive and explore the range of habitats that lie within easy reach. In the evening, sip a cool drink at the bar followed by dinner. This is an ideal place to stay to view the great migration and specifically when the wildebeests are carving around mid February to early March. The area is also very good for lion, cheetah and excellent plains game along with the millions of wildebeest.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

2 nights at Ndutu Safari Lodge

Depart after lunch for a game drive. Marvel at the millions of wildebeest as they congregate on the plains here ready to give birth to the next generation.


Day 4

Depart after breakfast on another game drive across plains that are alive with the sounds of snorting and grunting. In close proximity may be leopards, cheetah and lion who like to keep the newly born calves within their sight. Return to the camp for lunch and maybe a short siesta, after which mid-afternoon you will depart on another drive to see what other wildlife you can spot near the lodge.


Day 5

Depart after breakfast for the drive back to the Ngorongoro Crater, arriving in time for lunch followed by a free afternoon. Nestled beneath a quiet grove of red thorn acacia trees, high atop the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater is Lions Paw Camp. One of a only a few tented properties located in the Ngorongoro Crater Area, this camp is ideal for those looking to escape the tourist congestion. The area was carefully selected for its sense of privacy and intimacy with nature, as well as its panoramic views of the Crater Highlands.


Day 6

Set off early this morning on your game drive into the Ngorongoro Crater. Over 30,000 animals live within this enormous natural bowl, making this the most densely packed concentration of wildlife in Africa. Watch out for wildebeest, elephant, lion, dik-dik and warthog, whilst on the lakeside you may find flocks of pelican, ibis and flamingos. Explore the caldera floor, with a break to enjoy a picnic lunch, before heading back to your camp mid to late afternoon.


Day 7

After an early breakfast your driver-guide will drive you back to Arusha (about a 3 hour drive on tarred roads once you exit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Main Gate). You will be taken to Arusha Airport where you will check in for your afternoon flight to Zanzibar. There is a small cafe at the airport where you can buy a light snack for lunch if required.

Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Arusha (ARK) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed

Upon arrival into Zanzibar Airport and having collected your luggage, make your way through the Arrivals Hall and exit the terminal building. You will be met outside by your driver holding a sign with your name - there is normally a mass of drivers waiting so be prepared to search for the right sign board. You will then be transferred to your beach hotel.

Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa is situated on the finest white, sandy beach on the east coast of the island of Zanzibar. Set in 30 acres of tropical gardens with over 1,000 palm trees, the resort offers excellent accommodation, fine wining and dining, a host of sports and leisure facilities including a spa, as well as award-winning service.


Day 13

You will need to check out of your room this morning but you can remain at the hotel and use all the facilities until you are collected for your transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.

 
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Example Cost

Holiday Title: The Start of the Migration

Holiday Destination: Holiday to Tanzania for 12 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.

When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

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The Start of the Migration.

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