10-Days Tanzania Adventure Safari

Kilimanjaro is Africa's tallest mountain at 19,341 feet (5,895 m) and the world's largest free-standing mountain. It last erupted 360,000 years ago. It's been praised in history and literature to the extent where Kilimanjaro's snow-capped table is now virtually mythical. Since 1889, it has become a bucket-list destination for hikers worldwide. This mountain's magnificence awaits you on a day hike.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro National Park is an early start. At 6,135 feet, the Marangu Gate on Kilimanjaro's southeast flank begins the guided hike (1,870 m). Start trekking up through the mountain's lower jungles. The black-and-white colobus monkey and exotic birds will be plentiful.

Following 3-4 hours of hiking, you'll reach Mandara Hut (8,858 ft/2,700 m) in a new temperate zone. You'll picnic in the picturesque montane forest then trek to Maundi Crater. Kilimanjaro's peak, northern Tanzania, and Kenya (weather allowed) are seen from this lookout point. Take lots of shots since you'll descend to Marangu Gate, where a car will take you to Moshi.

You'll have a 30-minute flight to Seronera Airstrip in Serengeti National Park, so after breakfast, your driver will transport you to the airport. This famous nature preserve is the ultimate location for a safari. The word Serengeti comes from the Maasai language and means "endless plains," which is exactly what you'll find in this 14,763-square-kilometer protected region. The park is home to the greatest concentration of plains game in the world, and as a biosphere reserve, it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Big Five are the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhinoceros.

You'll be met at the airport by a second private driver who will take you to your park hotel. You'll be using this location as a home base for your explorations throughout the next few days.

Spend the following few days on safari in the magnificent Serengeti, the stuff of every nature lover's dreams. See one of the world's oldest ecosystems up close and personal on morning and afternoon game drives. The Serengeti is the site of the annual Great Migration as well as the Big Five. More than a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and Thomson's gazelles, embark on this "largest animal extravaganza on earth" from June to November.

You'll have an early start because that's when the animals are most active, so you won't miss a thing. Around this time, you can observe lions hunting wildebeests and gazelles while giraffes and zebras graze nearby. Elephants and buffalo are also frequent visitors, although leopards and rhinos are more elusive. After lunch (either on the road or back at camp), the afternoon game drive will begin.

Sunrise safaris on hot air balloons are available as an extra. Yes, you read that right; you'll spend an hour floating over the African plains in a balloon basket. A luxurious champagne breakfast in the open plains will cap off the adventure. Relax for the rest of the morning in camp, eat lunch, and then go on a game drive in the afternoon. Have another lunch under the stars before heading back to camp.

You'll have breakfast at camp after a Serengeti early wildlife drive. Ngorongoro Conservation Reserve awaits you and your guide. The world's largest volcanic caldera is 1,968 feet (600 m) deep and covers 100 sq miles (260 sq km). Its fertile grazing pastures attract exotic animals and plains game like the Serengeti.

Wildlife watching is abundant in Ngorongoro. Almost 20,000 huge animals live in this African Seven Natural Wonders site. This includes buffaloes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, hyenas, jackals, ostriches, warthogs, and large gazelle herds. Anti-poaching patrols make the crater one of the rare East African spots to sight black rhinos.

After a Ngorongoro wildlife drive and picnic lunch, you'll transfer to Arusha for the night.

You'll fly to Zanzibar after breakfast. East Africa's most picturesque islands are in this archipelago. A private driver will take you to your beach hotel from the airport. You'll visit a spice farm. This is a tasty way to learn about Zanzibar's history as a spice producer. You'll taste and learn about the farm's spices, tropical fruits, and root crops. Lunch will follow.

After checking into your beach hotel, you can spend your time as you choose. There are several extracurricular activities. Zanzibar's beaches are a draw. You can spend the following two days sunning on one of these coveted beaches. At Nungwi, beach clubs and parties abound. Michamvi Kae offers solitude for leisure.

Snorkeling and diving tours may appeal to water enthusiasts. Matemwe provides access to the Mnemba Atoll and its coral reefs, making it the greatest spot for either activity. Spend a day at Jozani Forest, home to unique species like the red colobus monkey. Jambiani's Kuumbi Caves offer more southeastern shore environment. Beside swimming and hiking, try kayaking in mangrove woods, surfing on the southeast coast, riding across the island, or kite surfing. Sport-fishing for marlin and sailfish is another option.

Zanzibar has history and beaches. Stone Town, the capital's historic heart, is UNESCO-listed. Zanzibar's oldest and most historic structures are in this maze of passageways, shops, bazaars, and mosques. The 17th-century defensive Arab Fort stands out. Stone Town's Arabic and Indian architecture is worth exploring. Visit the island's solemn slave market to hear about its awful past.

Leaving a tropical paradise like Zanzibar is like parting with a beloved child. Early in the morning, you will be picked up by a driver and taken to the airport for your trip back home. Hold tight until we meet again!