Serengeti & Zanzibar April '24

Venue: Serena Duluti 

The group trickles in from all over the world. Get to know the group over dinner, cocktails, fun games and ice breakers

Venue: Mt. Kilimanjaro

If you are feeling adventurous and energetic, there is an optional day trip to Kilimanjaro this morning. We wake up early and meet on the bus with a packed breakfast to go. Arduous treks are the best bonding experiences. Not feeling up to it? No worries, there is plenty to  do in the beautiful surroundings of Serena Duluti with the rest of the group as they hike, canoe or take swahili lessons. Plenty of adventure awaits you as you head on Safari in the coming days 

Start the day with yoga on the lawn by the lake to the sounds of birds in the morning by Lake Duluti

We then start our drive to Savannah, passing this gem with the largest concentration of African Elephants, Lion, Leopard and Cheetah in the world.

After breakfast we make our way to the endless plains of the great Serengeti. This drive takes through the Ngorongoro conservation area so you will be able to view the Ngorongoro crater on the way.  On this day behold sights unlike anything you have ever seen. On route to Angata luxury camps in the Serengeti, there is more than a good chance you will come across all of Africa's big 5 animals

On this day, witness one of the most spectacular sights with tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they make their way over the mara river dodging predators.

Yes, the safari is nothing less than a spiritual experience but it is the evening here that is consistently rated one of the best parts of the trip: Bonding with your fellow travellers over Bonding with your fellow travellers over drinks around a campfire, under open starry, night sky listening to the sounds of the Serengeti. There is no other feeling in the world that parallels this. 

On this day you will find out just why Ngorngoro crater is named one of the natural wonders of the world. We go up 600m and then descend into one of the most unique landscapes in the world. The crater is a very important refuge for a variety of wildlife. Most commonly seen are big bulls of elephants 

and vulnerable species of black rhinos. The crater is also home to big herds of wildebeest and zebras, Thomson and grant gazelles, hippopotamus, African cape buffalos, prides of lions, hyenas, golden and black-backed jackals, and close to 400 species of birds.

We stop for lunch at this beautiful spot by Madusi Hippo pool as you watch hippos play just metres away. Watch other animals wander by on the other side of the lake.

In the evening we make our way to Marera valley lodge. After dinner we meet in the lounge for an evening of drinks and games. Some all time favorites are Exploding kittens, Two truths and a lie, never have I ever, charades and many more!

Say goodbye to the safari guides as you fly with the group to Zanzibar for the next part of your adventure and some much needed relaxation after your adventure in the wild

On this day we visit the historical culture and architectural important town of Zanzibar with centuries of rich history. It includes a visit to the former slave market site, that now stands as an Anglican church built in 1871. We then move to town market and visit the Zanzibar Memorial Museum, House of Wonder built in 1883 (Beit-Al-Ajab), Old Arab Fort, Palace Museum, Old Indian dispensary (Cultural Center) and Maruhubi Palace Ruins via Living Stone House.

We then go on Zanzibar's famous Spice Tour. With your group you will see and taste the tropical fruits, spices plantation, or plots on the island. A variety of spices plants used as ornament, medicines, flowers, fruits, and other interesting flora can be seen during spice tour and visit Kidichi bath built-in 1850 by the first Sultan for his wife Sheharzad (granddaughter of Fateh Ali Shah of Persia.

On this morning if you are up for it, you can wake up early and make your way to one of the best snorkelling spots -  a 45 minute boat ride to prison Island. Other attractions here are the prison ruins and giant, century old tortoises that live on the Island. 

Not up for the early morning? Not to worry! While you wait for the group to get back, there is still plenty to explore around Stone town as you get lost in the narrow streets of this ancient town.

At noon sharp we meet at the hotel lobby and make our way to the turquoise water paradise on the Northern tip of Zanzibar.

After unpacking and spending the rest of the afternoon, lazing around this paradise, we get dressed and meet up for dinner for a surprise event.

Wake up at your time and spend the whole day at the beach. There are a variety of activities for the whole group from swimming in the warm blue water or strolling down the sandy white beach or relaxing under the shade of coconut trees and watching the day go by. If you refuse to sit still, there is a ton to do here; from wind surfing to para sailing, jetskiing and so much more! 

This is just another day in paradise as you sip on fresh coconuts and enjoy cocktails. If you took it easy on the previous day you may be itching to get out and play beach volleyball or take kite surfing lessons. But do pace yourself because the night ahead is not for the faint of heart.

Let loose at the  Zanzibari full moon party. It starts off with dinner and entertainment before the floor opens up to the crowd. People flock in all evening from far and wide to this sought after monthly event. Want to take a break from the dance floor? Walk out to the beach and join any number of bonfires on the beach or take a moonlit stroll. We cant think of a more memorable way to end this journey of a lifetime. There is no better way to say goodbye!

Over the course of the day several of our fellow travellers say some of the most difficult goodbyes of their lives as they leave the group. We hear that you get tougher and goodbyes get easier as you get older. Maybe, but not for the 30 and 40 something year olds that travel with us. I guess we're still too young! you will meet people that will leave an impression on you for a long time! Till we meet again... Kwaheri!

For those with flights in the evening or the next day, many of the group get together for  activities of their favorite spots around Zanzibar, from lazing on the white sandy paradise of Nungwi to getting lost in the narrow streets of Zanzibar.