Serengeti and Zanzibar Adventure: April 17-26, 2027

Introduction

Serengeti and Zanzibar / April 17-26, 2027

Serengeti and Zanzibar Adventure: April 17-26, 2027

Experience the wonders of Tanzania with a journey from the legendary plains of the Serengeti, renowned for its wildlife and the Great Migration, to the idyllic beaches and rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar. This adventure blends thrilling safari encounters with tranquil island relaxation, offering a unique combination of nature, wildlife, and coastal charm.

Space is extremely limited. This entire trip is built around a single private plane with just 10 guest seats, so once they're gone, they're gone. A lot of people have already asked to join, so if this one's calling you, don't wait.

Safari & Beach Escape

At a glance

Serengeti and Zanzibar Adventure: April 17-26, 2027

Map

Day 1 - Arrival and Check-in at Rivertrees Country Inn

17-Apr-2027

Relax at Rivertrees Country Inn in Arusha

Rivertrees Country Inn

Arusha, Tanzania

Check inSaturday, Apr 17, 2027

Check outSunday, Apr 18, 2027

Rivertrees Country Inn is a charming, rustic-luxury retreat set on a former coffee estate in the foothills of Mount Meru, just outside Arusha. Spread across 10 acres of lush gardens and riverine forest, the property features a collection of individually designed cottages, rooms, and private houses, each offering a sense of seclusion and connection to nature. Facilities include a relaxed restaurant serving garden-fresh, locally inspired cuisine, a swimming pool, and a tranquil spa offering a range of restorative treatments using natural ingredients. With its peaceful setting, warm hospitality, and thoughtful design, the inn blends understated comfort with a strong sense of place, creating a restful sanctuary for travelers.

Experiences & Activities at Rivertrees

Rivertrees serves as an ideal gateway to Northern Tanzania’s rich landscapes and cultural experiences, offering both on-site relaxation and a wide array of excursions. Guests can explore nearby highlights such as Arusha National Park, Mount Meru, and Lake Duluti through activities like game drives, guided walks, canoeing, and cycling. Cultural experiences include village tours and coffee plantation visits, providing insight into local life and traditions. Day trips to renowned parks such as Tarangire and Lake Manyara offer opportunities for classic safari wildlife encounters, while Kilimanjaro excursions range from scenic drives to guided hikes.

Garden Room at Rivertrees Country Inn

Arusha, Tanzania

Check inSaturday, Apr 17, 2027

Check outSunday, Apr 18, 2027

The Garden Rooms offer individually styled accommodations set within lush, leafy surroundings, providing tranquil views across expansive lawns. Each room is uniquely furnished to suit a range of guests, with some designed to interconnect for families or groups, while others provide a more private and romantic setting for couples. Thoughtful placement throughout the property ensures a peaceful stay tailored to each guest’s preferences.

Highlights

Tranquil country estate set on a former coffee farm

10-acre grounds with a riverfront setting and abundant birdlife

Relaxing pool and nature-inspired spa treatments

Close proximity to Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park

Quick facts

Restaurant
Bar
Lounge
Pool
Spa
Terrace
Gardens
Boutique
Wifi

Day 2 - Southern Serengeti Arrival and Safari Camp

18-Apr-2027

Arrive in Southern Serengeti and Settle into Safari Camp

Rivertrees Country Inn

Arusha, Tanzania

Check outSunday, Apr 18, 2027

Check out from Rivertrees Country Inn.

Flight from Kilimanjaro to Mwiba

Apr 18, 2027

10:00

Kilimanjaro

Apr 18, 2027

11:00

Mwiba

Flight from Kilimanjaro to Mwiba. 10:00 AM - Depart Kilimanjaro. 11:00 AM - Arrive Mwiba.

Welcome to Southern Serengeti

Today you will arrive in Southern Serengeti.

Area Overview

The vast open plains of the southern Serengeti offer insight into why Serengeti was so named, being derived from the Maasai word for the endless plains. To the east the plains stretch out to the picturesque Gol kopjes, imposing ancient granite outcrops that are islands of biodiversity and provide refuge from the open plains for all the cats. The Maasai steppe in the east is home to huge clans of spotted hyena who are probably the apex predator in this area.

Serengeti Ecosytem overview

The Serengeti is perhaps the most famous African wilderness area, its name synonymous with the notion of safari for nearly a hundred years. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers 14,750 km2 (5,700 mi2) of premiere game viewing in Acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and undulating savannahs interspersed with seasonal rivers. The park on the northern side borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and, together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas, forms the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Between the months of December and April, the southern Serengeti and neighboring Ngorongoro Conservation Area play host to the Great Wildebeest Migration in incredible numbers. During February and April, close to 300,000 baby wildebeest are born within a six week period, and the bush teems with new life. Predatory action is at a high and this is one of the best areas and times to look for cheetah. Lions and leopard can also be found, generally around the Lake Ndutu and Acacia tortilis woodlands in the middle of the plains. The extremely rare African hunting dogs have also made a return to the south near Kakesio and Maswa. Note: The Great Wildebeest Migration and other wildlife phenomena and sightings are natural events and therefore can never be guaranteed.

Serian's Serengeti South

Southern Serengeti, Tanzania

Check inSunday, Apr 18, 2027

Check in at Serian's Serengeti South. Traditional Safari Tent (Game Package).

Serian’s Serengeti is a mobile camp, and from mid-December to May, is set up on the southernmost extreme of the Serengeti’s short grass plains: prime position to spectate the wildebeest birthing season.

Dramatic savannah storms sweep in nourishment and new life, and an innate primordial urge pulls the wildebeest to the site of their origins to reproduce.

The plains literally come to life for the birthing season. Millions of gnus and zebra dominate the landscape, looking for the fresh green grass that follows the first rains – and to give birth to their young.

This part of the world is remarkable for its sheer mind-boggling immensity: think unending savannah, massive vaulted skies – and 2 million wildebeest giving birth to 400,000 calves within a period of 3 to 4 weeks. It’s vastness and numbers on a scale that stretches the boundaries of the imagination.

Birthing season aside, the camp has access to a million acres of a stunning acacia-dotted conservation area – an incredible environment for exploring.

Just south of camp is Lake Eyasi: home to Hadzabe and Ndorobo guides, who have centuries of bush craft at their fingertips. Being among these people and their ways is one of the best things about this spot: they can open your eyes to the secrets of this beautiful space.

Experience & Activities at Serian's Serengeti South

The cornerstone of a safari experience at Serian is that each group has their own open-top safari vehicle, and their own dedicated guide and spotter. The freedom this grants you is key to getting the most out of your stay: go where the day takes you, be it a full day out with a picnic in the wilderness, or a lazy siesta back in camp before that ice-cold sundowner… Serian guides have an intimate familiarity with the landscape, and will translate and render it until you see it through their eyes. Walking safaris and fly camping are also possible.

Traditional Safari Tent at Serian's Serengeti South

Southern Serengeti, Tanzania

Check inSunday, Apr 18, 2027

Serian’s Serengeti South strikes the perfect balance between colonial camping style, and elegant accents of comfort – home away from home, in the form of spacious, lavish tents. Each is complemented by tasteful décor that lends a touch of sumptuousness to the interiors. The en suite bathrooms include a bucket shower and a flushing toilet. Each tent has its own dedicated 240-volt power outlets so that you can charge your batteries and devices at any time of day.

Quick facts

Each has an en-suite bathroom with a flushing toilet and safari shower.
24 hour electricity powered by generator.
Serene environment with no Wi-Fi, encouraging a digital detox experience.

Day 3-5 - Serian's Serengeti South Safari Experience

19-Apr-2027

Immersive Safari at Serian's Serengeti South

Pristine Wilderness: Set in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti South graces the southernmost tip of the short-grass plains. Seketeti Splendor: Proximity to the Seketeti Escarpment, a 3,000 ft dropoff to Lake Eyasi, offers a breathtaking backdrop and serves as the camp's flycamping spot. The Great Calving Spectacle: Witness 1.6 million wildebeest giving birth to 250,000 calves in the space of 3 to 4 weeks, with predators feasting on this glut of prey. Suite Serenity: Indulge in spacious comfort with four tents and a suite, all featuring panoramic views over the wildebeest calving grounds. Thrilling Adventures: Embark on walking safaris, fly-camping, off-road drives, night safaris, and the unique opportunity to walk with and learn from Hadzabe hunter-gatherers. Communal Dining: Come together for warm, family dining in the inviting atmosphere of our cozy mess tent, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. Ultimate Safari Adventures: Experience game drives like never before, led by a dedicated 4WD Safari vehicle and a team of expert guides, and trackers, ensuring an unparalleled safari adventure.

Experience & Activities at Serian's Serengeti South

The cornerstone of a safari experience at Serian is that each group has their own open-top safari vehicle, and their own dedicated guide and spotter. The freedom this grants you is key to getting the most out of your stay: go where the day takes you, be it a full day out with a picnic in the wilderness, or a lazy siesta back in camp before that ice-cold sundowner… Serian guides have an intimate familiarity with the landscape, and will translate and render it until you see it through their eyes. Walking safaris and fly camping are also possible.

Day 6 - Mwiba to Zanzibar, Sharazād Boutique Hotel

22-Apr-2027

Fly to Zanzibar and Check In at Sharazād

Flight from Mwiba to Zanzibar

Apr 22, 2027

10:00

Mwiba

Apr 22, 2027

12:00

Zanzibar

Flight from Mwiba to Zanzibar. 10:00 AM - Depart Mwiba. 12:00 PM - Arrive Zanzibar.

Sharazād Boutique Hotel

Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar

Check inThursday, Apr 22, 2027

Sharazād Boutique Hotel is a charming beachfront retreat on Jambiani Beach on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, set within three hectares of lush tropical gardens and 200 meters of white-sand beachfront. Blending Zanzibar tradition with Italian design, the hotel offers relaxed villa rooms, bungalows, and family accommodations with private verandas or balconies, garden, sea, or beachfront views, complimentary wifi, beach essentials, and thoughtful sustainability features including solar hot water, water desalination, generators, and waste recycling.

Welcome to Zanzibar

Today you will arrive in Zanzibar.

Area Overview

Just a short flight from the Tanzania mainland lies the idyllic Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar. Famous for intoxicating aromas of spices, beautiful white sand beaches, and warm turquoise waters, the heart of the island is undoubtedly Stone Town, a fascinating step back in time with narrow winding streets, Swahili traders and local fisherman, and the daily call to prayer in this predominantly muslim town. In addition to its fascinating Swahili and Arab history, Zanzibar offers world class scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and, at certain times of year, kitesurfing. There is also endemic wildlife in the Johazi Forest. Nicknamed “Spice Island,” Zanzibar was an important part of the slave and ivory trade as a connecting point between the mainland interior and the Middle East. This made the likes of some slave traders, like Tippu Tip, very rich men. A walk around the Sultan's Palace is reminiscent of this dark past. More recent pop culture will undoubtedly lead to the doorway of Zanzibar's most famous son, Queen's iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury.

Day 7-9 - Sharazād Boutique Hotel, Zanzibar

23-Apr-2027

Relax and Explore at Sharazād Boutique Hotel

Sharazād Boutique Hotel

Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar

Check inThursday, Apr 22, 2027

Check outMonday, Apr 26, 2027

Sharazād Boutique Hotel is a charming beachfront retreat on Jambiani Beach on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, set within three hectares of lush tropical gardens and 200 meters of white-sand beachfront. Blending Zanzibar tradition with Italian design, the hotel offers relaxed villa rooms, bungalows, and family accommodations with private verandas or balconies, garden, sea, or beachfront views, complimentary wifi, beach essentials, and thoughtful sustainability features including solar hot water, water desalination, generators, and waste recycling.

Day 10 - Check Out from Sharazād Boutique Hotel

26-Apr-2027

Departure from Sharazād Boutique Hotel, Zanzibar

Sharazād Boutique Hotel

Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar

Check outMonday, Apr 26, 2027

Check out from Sharazād Boutique Hotel.

This cost includes:

Round-trip international airport transfers (JRO Airport to Arusha hotel & Zanzibar hotel to ZNZ Airport)
1 night accommodation in Arusha in Garden Room (bed and breakfast)
4 nights safari game package including all meals, drinks, and safari activities (game drives, walks, sundowners, culture)
Private Charter flights (Cessna Grand Caravan, 12 seater, 2 pilots) from Arusha to Serengeti and Serengeti to Zanzibar
4 nights Zanzibar accommodation in Garden View room (Sharazad at Half Board rates, breakfast and dinner included).
rescue.co medical evacuation insurance (valid while in Tanzania)

This cost does not include:

Zanzibar infrastructure tax collected on site, $5 pp/pn
Zanzibar health insurance to be pre-purchased, $44 per person
All camp/property/staff gratuities (suggested camp gratuities - $20/per person per day (4) for camp staff and $20 per person, per day for driver guide and spotter team).
Tanzania visa (to be done in advance) - $100 for US citizens, $50 for all other countries
International flights (fly in JRO and depart ZNZ)
Any Zanzibar activities

Loading Map…

Map

1. Rivertrees Country Inn

Arusha, Tanzania

2. Serian's Serengeti South

Southern Serengeti, Tanzania

3. Sharazād Boutique Hotel

Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar