Perfect for travelers who want an even mixture of adventure and relaxation, this 10-day sample itinerary is designed to give you a better idea for what you could expect on an African safari vacation to the Serengeti and Garden Route.
10-Day Sample Itinerary for The Serengeti and The Garden Route:
Day 1: Your adventure begins.
Upon arrival to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro airport, you will be greeted by a Hills of Africa representative who will escort you to the Rivertrees Country Inn.
Situated between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Rivertrees Country Inn emits a comforting aura through its traditional African hospitality, layout, design, and staff that welcomes guests with open arms to enjoy the luxuries of nature and comfortable living.
As you settle into your charming suite at the Rivertrees Country Inn, experience a sense of balance and rejuvenation before enjoying a delectable meal in Rivertrees’ quaint, country-style restaurant.
Image taken from Rivertrees Country Inn Website (http://www.rivertrees.com/)
Day 2 – 5: Follow the Great Migration.
After a comforting stay at the Rivertrees Country Inn, you’ll be escorted to the Arusha airport where you will take a flight to the Western Serengeti. Upon arrival, a Hills of Africa representative will greet you and bring you to the Serengeti Safari Camp. During your four-night stay at the Serengeti Safari Camp, you will witness one of the most spectacular wonders of the world, the great East African wildebeest migration.
Designed as a semi-nomadic camp, the Serengeti Safari Camp does not move while you are visiting. However, as the migration moves throughout the year, the camp will follow. This ensures that the camp remains close to the migration at all times.
During your safari tours, you will be provided with your own 4WD vehicle, and a private safari guide who will accommodate your every need and preferences. Therefore, your safari guide will customize your adventures so that they always cater to your desires.
It’s important to note that the camps at the Serengeti Safari Camp are built for luxury and convenience. With all necessary modern amenities at your fingertips, your tent is spacious, and equipped with a lavish bed and en-suite bathroom that contains a toilet and traditional bucket showers with both hot and cold water whenever you desire.
Screengrab taken from Serengeti Safari Camp website (http://www.serengeti-safari-camp.com/camp/accommodation.html)
Day 6: Set aside adventure for relaxation.
After an adventurous 4-days in the Serengeti, you will be driven back to the Arusha airport where you will take your next flight to Dar es Salaam. Here, a Hills of Africa agent will greet you and escort you to your next destination, the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel.
Overlooking the harbor, the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel provides you with the ultimate in luxury. Designed with sophistication and elegance, this refined hotel is the perfect place to retreat to after safari adventure in the Serengeti.
Day 7 – 8: Pass through the picturesque Garden Route.
After a delectable breakfast at the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel, you will be driven back to the Dar es Salaam airport for your next adventure. Your next flight will take you to Port Elizabeth in South Africa where you will then drive to Lairds Lodge Country Estate. This gorgeous, 24-acre estate is situated in the center of South Africa’s breathtaking Garden Route.
During your 2-day stay at this exclusive country estate, enjoy easy access to world-renowned golf courses, stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, and wildlife-abundant reserves.
Image taken from Lairds Lodge Country Estate website (http://www.lairdslodge.co.za/livinggardenroute.html)
Day 9: Explore De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Today, you will spend an exciting day in the Garden Route’s most lively nature reserve, De Hoop. As you explore the rolling sand dunes, Potberg Mountains, towering fynbos, and sea birds, you’ll begin to realize why the Garden Route is arguably South Africa’s most astonishing destination.
While exploring this one-of-a-kind nature reserve, you’ll also witness Cape mountain zebra, the endangered Cape vulture, red hartebeest, ostrich, baboon, and other spectacular wildlife.
You may also choose to spend part of your day mountain biking the pristine slopes of the area, snorkeling, hiking, or lounging at the beach.
After a full day of adventure, retreat to your relaxing suite in De Hoop Cottage before enjoying a delectable dinner.
Screengrab taken from De Hoop website (http://www.dehoopcollection.co.za/luxury_self_catering/7/vlei_cottages)
Day 10: Seaside living at its finest.
Situated on the towering Hermanus cliffs lies one of the Garden Route’s most luxurious accommodations—the Birkenhead House and Villa. Here, you merely have to peer off your balcony to witness whales breaking the sea surface in Walker Bay.
Today, you will enjoy a day lounging in front of Walker Bay before retreating to the Birkenhead Spa for one of their signature treatments.
When the day has passed you may enjoy a delightful seaside dinner at one of the areas seafood bistros or cafes before retiring to your plush bed for a good night’s rest.
Image taken from Birkenhead House and Villa website (http://www.birkenheadhouse.com/)
Day 11: Goodbye (for now)
Today you must say farewell to Africa. But you’ll be returning soon enough!
A favorite among wine lovers, nature enthusiasts, and passionate beach goers, Hermanus in the 
The beach lover: Hermanus is just one of the many places in Garden Route that offers exquisite beaches. As a matter of fact, Hermanus’ Grotto beach is so beautiful that it was awarded the Blue Flag Status. Other beaches within walking distance of Birkenhead House include Voëlklip, and Kamma Bay. Whether you’re looking to soak in the sun, whale watch from the shore, enjoy a picnic, or play some paddle ball, Birkenhead House is dedicated to fulfilling your every need and desire—down to the very last detail.
Imagine standing in the bush as you watch a 12,000 lb. mammal approach you without the restraint of a fence or cage. It would be exhilarating to say the least.
The Elephant Sanctuary has three different locations including Plettenberg Bay, Hartbeespoort Dam, and Hazyview. All three locations provide excellent care for young African elephants that need a temporary home. Once the elephants become more independent, The Elephant Sanctuary will release the elephant into the wild.
Early morning elephant brush downs: During this program, you have the rare opportunity to interact with the elephants as they are groomed and brushed down as well as view their daily training and stimulation program. In addition to these wonderful activities, the early morning elephant brush down program also includes the one-hour-trunk-in-hand elephant education program.
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