This Tanzania safari will take you to Tanzania and Kenya to enjoy all what sanctuary retreat has to offer. Tanzania is a wilderness and wildlife extravaganza. This vast and sparsely-populated country hosts some of the greatest wildlife experiences on Earth.
Start with the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to the game-rich Ngorongoro Crater, from the endless plains of the Serengeti to the baobabs of the Tarangire, Tanzania is the safari insider’s hot tip. Boasting 14 national parks and numerous game reserves, this is home to the largest wildlife herds on the African continent, as well as the palm-fringed island of Zanzibar, ideal for post-safari relaxation.
The beautiful Serengeti National Park is renowned for the famous annual wildebeest migration, with over one and a half million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and covers around 5,700 square miles of grassland plains, savannah as well as forest and woodlands. The park contains a variety of wild-life, including the “Big Five.” There are also many cheetah to be seen, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, hyena, impala and even the elusive African wild dog.
Sanctuary Kichakani invites guests to intimately experience the movement of a million- plus wildebeest and zebra as they follow the fresh grasses across the Serengeti plains during the annual migration cycle. Accommodation is offered in ten remarkable luxury tents which can be packed up and moved along in a style evocative of the pioneering explorers of the 19th century, yet with added comforts.
Each tent has a wooden deck perfect for pausing for a just-brewed cup of Tanzania’s finest coffee, and en-suite bathrooms. A personal tent attendant is available around the clock to fill each bucket shower to the perfect temperature.
Witness the herd of a million plus wildebeest and zebra as they make their way through the lush grass plains that stretch out across the horizon. Don’t forget about the plethora of predators that such movement attracts such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs to name a few.
Return to camp for an afternoon to relax and freshen up. In the evening, sip on cocktails while witnessing a magnificent African sunset, dine to the sounds of the Serengeti, and finally, retire around the campfire to recount the day’s activities, under a starry African night sky.
Visit Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Sanctuary Swala camp in our customized open safari vehicle. The drive time is approximately 45 minutes with game viewing opportunities en route.
Each of the twelve tents at Swala is shaded by tall acacia trees and ancient baobabs and is a stone’s throw away from the well-frequented waterhole. In the afternoon there is time to relax before enjoying an exciting game drive by open four-wheel drive vehicle. Huge herds of elephants, greater kudus, impalas and zebras are all easily spotted whilst leopard lurk in the trees.
After the morning session, return to the camp where your hosts will greet you with a refreshing drink before taking you into the bush for a well-deserved picnic lunch. In the afternoon, you have time to relax on your private deck with a cool drink and gaze out to the plains surrounding you and watch as the game lazily congregates in the shade to escape the midday sun.
As the afternoon progresses you may like to return to the Tarangire on an afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge to freshen up before meeting around the campfire for a pre-dinner drink as you get ready for an evening game drive.
Transfer to the airstrip for your onward journey to the Masai Mara. Upon arrival, check in at Sanctuary Olonana an exceptional luxury Kenya safari lodge set on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya’s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara.
Featuring 14 glass-sided suites, Sanctuary Olonana is inspired by the Masai Mara’s breath-taking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, and a dramatic river that runs right past its forest setting. Offering game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, Sun downers, scenic flights and balloon rides, Olonana makes for a wonderful African safari.
There is no better way to spend your first morning in the Masai Mara than exploring the bush on one of our customized 4×4 vehicles accompanied by your expert guide. Let him take you to all the hidden spots and listen to him talk about the Mara’s rich eco – system.
From acacia-studded savannah, riparian forest and woodland which attract more than 300 bird species to a stunning variety of animal life all year round, you are in for a treat. If traveling between July and August don’t miss the chance of witnessing the Great Migration.
Back at the camp enjoy a cooling shower with mesmerizing views before sitting down for lunch. In the afternoon we recommend heading out to meet local communities. Whether you wish to visit a school to see how Sanctuary Retreats’ philanthropy projects impact the daily lives of the local community, or meet the members of a local Maasai tribe, our guides will happily assist.
Take off, and rise in the air while the surrounding white noise slowly dissipates leaving you with the occasional roar of the flames keeping the balloon afloat. Once high enough look down and watch the landscape of the Masai Mara light up to the fiery sunrise that spreads under your feet.
Drift through the air for an hour before landing back on firm ground to the smell of a freshly cooked breakfast for you to enjoy in the bush before returning to camp to spend the rest of your morning at leisure. Relax at the camp before you transfer for your flight back home.
