Explore Kenya and Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Sanctuary Retreats representative and transferred by private vehicle to your lodge located on the outskirts of Arusha. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Located on a coffee plantation, Arusha Coffee Lodge is designed around the original plantation houses but completely renovated to achieve the highest standards of comfort, the décor is luxuriant and stylish with undertones of the bygone days of early exploration. Each of the 18 plantation houses has been lavishly furnished and features a split-level living area and a private deck. The lodge also boasts a coffee shop, patisserie, conference facilities and a swimming pool.

Early this morning you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to Arusha airstrip for your onward flight to Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival you will be greeted by a camp representative who will transfer you to Sanctuary Swala camp in our customised 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. Due to the camp’s secluded location, you are unlikely to see many vehicles as you venture out into the national park. As the sun fades enjoy a sundowner as you watch the game carry on with their daily activities. Return to camp to freshen up before dinner.

Meals included: BLD

This morning awaken to the sounds of the bush as a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee is served on your tent’s deck. The rest of the morning is at leisure to enjoy the activities on offer.

Return to your 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.

As dusk falls, relax in the comfort of Sanctuary Swala’s customised safari vehicle as you venture into the park transformed by night (at an additional cost). Search for nocturnal animals rarely seen as this is one of the few places in northern Tanzania where you can enjoy a safari by moonlight. At night, you may encounter an African wild cat, the elusive leopard, or feel the round eyes of a bushbaby peering down at you as the moon rises into the sky. With specialised lighting you will be able to look for lions and hyenas, as well as smaller creatures such as spotted genet, serval, bat-eared foxes, owls and nightjars.

Meals included: BLD

This morning transfer back to Kuro airstrip for your onward journey to the Serengeti. Flight duration to the camp’s airstrip varies depending on travelling season and Sanctuary Kichakani’s location in the Serengeti.

Upon landing, you will be met by a member of our staff who will drive you through the National Park with game viewing en route. 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 ensuite bathrooms. A personal tent attendant is available around the clock to fill each bucket shower to the perfect temperature.

Spend the afternoon at leisure to soak in the raw beauty of the Serengeti before settling down in the evening for a gastronomic dinner conjured up by the chef and his team.

Meals included: BLD

Start your day with a hot coffee or tea before heading out in the Serengeti for a bush breakfast and game drive. Spend your morning tracking giraffes, Thomson’s gazelles, waterbucks, and impalas. 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.

Meals included: BLD

Awaken early this morning to a warm cup of tea or coffee served on the veranda of your tent, and should time allow it head out for a last game drive in the grassy plains of the Serengeti.
You will be met by a member of our team who will transfer you to the airstrip for your onward journey to the Masai Mara.

Upon landing, a member of our team will greet you and drive you to the camp. Sanctuary Olonana is an exceptional luxury 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 breathtaking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, and a dramatic river that runs right past its forest setting. Offering game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, sundowners, scenic flights and balloon rides, Olonana makes for a wonderful African safari.

After your welcome drinks, you will be ushered to your suites by a Maasai warrior, all while being serenaded by the sweet melody of his flute accompanied by the sounds of the bush. The rest of your day is at leisure for you to unwind, relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the Mara River from your pavilion.

Meals included: BLD

There is no better way to spend your first morning in the Masai Mara than exploring the bush on one of our customised 4x4 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 travelling between July and August don’t miss the chance of witnessing the Great Migration.

Back at the camp enjoy a cooling shower with mesmerising 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. Upon your return, freshen up and treat yourself to an in-room spa experience with our team member professionally trained in facial and body massages.

Finally, end your day sipping on cocktails around the campfire recalling the day’s events, and head in for an early night to best enjoy the next day.

Meals included: BLD

In the early hours of the day, you will be driven out to the Masai Mara in the morning’s darkness. After the captain’s safety brief, board the hot air balloon* as it inflates above your head. 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.

After lunch in camp, head out for an afternoon game drive to soak in your last few moments in the Mara. Top it all off by enjoying cocktails in the bush with an African sunset as a backdrop. Upon return to camp, soak in your bath. Relax and unwind to the flowing white noise of the Mara river below. Sit down to a last sumptuous dinner accompanied by stunning views of the bush and the African night sky.

* Additional cost applies and subject to availability at the time of booking

Meals included: BLD

Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing at camp or venture out early on one last morning game drive before transferring to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Nairobi to connect with your onward flight.

Meals included: BLD