Day 1 – Fly USA to Kilimanjaro
Today you will begin your Swain Destinations customized itinerary. Please note, international air has not been included in this package price.
Day 2 – Welcome to Arusha, Tanzania
Lying on the gentling rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. It is here on the outskirts of this town, hidden amongst one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations, that you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge, a perfect haven for relaxation either before or after any safari.
From the industrious coffee pickers gathering in the harvest to the aromas of the morning brew emanating from the main Plantation House as breakfast is being prepared, Arusha Coffee Lodge is full of sensory experiences that revitalizes the body and soul for the adventures and excitement that lie ahead.
Starting Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Day 3 – Arusha to Lake Manyara
Fly on board a small scheduled airplane to Lake Manyara Airstrip. On arrival, you will be met by a representative from &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge for your first game drive to the lodge.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 4 – Activities at &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
At Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, there is a passion to share the knowledge and understanding of the bush and its inhabitants with all guests. Highly trained guides will do their very utmost to delight guests on twice daily game drives.
Go in search of Lake Manyara's famous tree climbing lions and vast herds of elephant on early morning and late afternoon/early evening game drives accompanied by an expert ranger. Head out on game drive as the dawn breaks over the walls of the Rift Valley and the animals begin to stir. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only lodge in the national park and, as it is far away from the gate, guests do not frequently encounter other vehicles while on game drive, particularly early in the morning.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 5 – Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro
Enjoy an early morning breakfast before a scenic drive back to the Manyara airstrip. On arrival, you will be met by a representative from &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge who will drive you to the lodge.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 6 – Activities at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Take part in daily game drives at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Guests leave in the early morning in closed safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, accompanied by an expert ranger. A scenic drive to the Crater floor allows plenty of time to admire the spectacular views.
The road descends through the lush forests that blanket the rim and upper slopes of the Crater, where buffalo and elephant may be spotted. Once inside the Crater, game drives explore the grassy Crater floor, the haunting fever tree forest, the banks of Lake Magadi, as well as the marshes that surround it. Guests enjoy a picnic lunch, surrounded by the vast herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and gazelle. Thanks to the incredible density of wildlife in the Crater, this is one of the few game drives where guests can reasonably expect to see all the members of the Big Five in a single drive.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 7 – Ngorongoro to Grumeti Serengeti Camp
This morning, enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge before you check out and meet your driver in the lobby area. You will be transferred by road to Lake Manyara Airstrip in time to connect with your onward flight arrangements.
You will fly on board a small scheduled airplane to the Grumeti Airstrip. Upon arrival at the airstrip you will be met and assisted to the vehicle for your transfer to the lodge.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Camp (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Activities at &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
Spend the day exploring the Serengeti National Park - morning and afternoon game drives will be enjoyed with lunch included at the lodge.
Serengeti comes from the Masai word 'Siringit' meaning 'the place where the land runs on forever' and refers to the flat grassy plains which make up about a third of the park. It is these grasslands and savannahs that ensure that the area is jam-packed full of game.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Camp (B, L, D)
Day 9 – Activities at &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
There are animals here at any time of the year, but from May to October, the area teems with life, including wildebeest, zebra, impala, warthogs, topi, gazelles and hyena. Lion, leopard, cheetah and caracal are also found in the region.
The Serengeti is well known for the wildebeest migration, when every year two million animals move clockwise around this 14,763 sq km ecosystem in search of grazing and water. The predators follow the wildebeest and zebra closely and a Serengeti Safari is an ideal opportunity to view lions and other big cats.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Camp (B, L, D)
Day 10 – Grumeti to Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Today you will travel from Grumeti Game Reserve to Mnemba Island in Zanzibar.
Mnemba is a tiny island that will leave you feeling like it is almost entirely and exclusively yours. A haven for no more than 20 guests at a time, as well as a team of warm hospitable staff that inhabit this island, Mnemba is a private island with this very sole purpose - to make you feel as if you have fallen off the edge of the world and landed in your very own paradise.
Here luxury is defined by the paradise you wish to create. Whether your perfect island getaway is blissful solitude soaking up the sun or curling up beneath a thatch umbrella reading one of the lodge's library books, diving with dolphins, snorkelling around the Mnemba reef, massages in your very own beach day bed, sleeping in until the fresh ocean air lures you out onto the impossibly luxurious coral beach sands or sailing in a dhow sipping delicious cocktails, Mnemba has a little inspiration in every corner to tempt you to create your very own Robinson Crusoe paradise island story.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 11 – Activities at &Beyond Mnemba Island
While at Mnemba Island you can choose how you want to spend your days. Relaxing on the beach or enjoying the many activities on offer.
Mnemba Island has a fully stocked Dive Centre, and offers a full range of diving activities. A variety of diving courses are also available (additional costs apply). If you are experienced, Dive Instructors will guide you on fantastic dives around the Mnemba Atoll. If you are a beginner, the Instructor is waiting to introduce you to a whole new world of mystery, wonder and beauty!
Snorkeling is ideal for those who do not wish to do a scuba diving accreditation but who want to confidently explore the shallower coral reefs, situated off Mnemba Island, with the help of a snorkel. A guided snorkeling course is also available at an additional cost, offered by &Beyond’s Mnemba Island specialist dive masters, and covers safety procedures, equipment, currents and suggested snorkeling spots.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 12 – Activities at &Beyond Mnemba Island
While at Mnemba Island you can choose how you want to spend your days. Relaxing on the beach or enjoying the many activities on offer including sea kayaking, fly fishing and private beach activities on a deserted island.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 13 – Activities at &Beyond Mnemba Island
While at Mnemba Island you can choose how you want to spend your days. Relaxing on the beach or enjoying the many activities on offer. Today try something new, including stand up paddle boarding, deep sea fishing, luxury yacht transfers and excursions.
Starting Accommodation: &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 14 – Fly Zanzibar to USA
Today, spend some time at leisure at your hotel before you check out and transfer by boat to the Mnemba Crossing. From here you will change to vehicle and transfer by road to Zanzibar Airport (B)
