15 days more than Zanzibar
From €2490
15 days Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Zanzibar City, Arusha.
Do you think that Tanzania is famous only for spectacular safaris with large wild animals at arm’s length? Do you believe that all the other attractions, such as culture, snorkeling, fishing and beaches are only in Zanzibar?Â
Well, I will prove the opposite to you! The idea of this tour is to discover hidden gems of mainland Tanzania. 15-day adventurous trip “More than Zanzibar” will steal your heart away.Â
You will see the endless plains of Serengeti, migrating herds of zebras and wildebeests, prides of lions, authentic tribes, waterfalls, old-growth rainforests, the majestic Kilimanjaro, Usambara Mountains, the cliffs of the mainland beach Pangani, the warm waves of the Indian Ocean and its underwater world…Â
However, on this journey, I will still take you to famous Zanzibar! We will start our tour from the island, and at the end of the adventure we will take a motor boat to reach the northern beach of Zanzibar, Kendwa.Â
I have been carefully tailoring this tour for you for over a year, traveling through our beautiful Tanzania, combining the most thrilling places, and designing this trip conscientiously.Â
Let me take you on a journey that will “disconnect” you from reality and show you true bright colors of Africa! Are you ready to follow me? Let’s hit the road!
- Group: up to 6 people
- Lodging: Lodge, Hotel 3*
This is the schedule:
Day 1. Arrival to Zanzibar
Airport pickup and transfer to hotel
Welcome to Tanzania! At Zanzibar airport you will be met by our driver with a signboard showing the logo of our company in his hands. The driver will take you to the city hotel.
Restaurant
Joint dinner and meeting your travel partners
After a short rest, we head to one of the colorful city restaurants and begin to get acquainted with the local cuisine. Meet your travel partners and make new friends. The tour leader briefs your about Swahili cuisine and your trip that starts tomorrow.
Hotel
We return to our comfortable city hotel and go to rest before tomorrow’s great adventures!
Day 2. Zanzibar – Arusha – Lake Eyasi – KaratuÂ
Flight to Arusha
After an early breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport. 1 hr 15 mins flight will take us to Arusha city. At the exit from the Arusha airport we will be met by our safari driver guide.
Lake Eyasi and local tribes
We head to Lake Eyasi area, stopping along the way at the view point overlooking the famous Lake Manyara.
Lake Eyasi is a seasonal salty shallow lake at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley, being home to three different African tribes, who have preserved their traditional way of life to this day. They make and wear costumes from animal skins, hunt by shooting bows, practice gathering and cattle breeding. Fascinating cultural excursions will deeply introduce you to real, genuine East Africa. You will literally touch the history and traditions of African nations.
Additionally, if you wish, we will also make a stop at the authentic village of the vibrant African Maasai tribe (additional option, extra cost $10 to the cost of the program).
Dinner and overnight in the lodge
We go to have dinner and overnight in a comfortable authentic lodge surrounded by coffee trees, with beautiful views of the green hills and a spacious clean pool.
Day 3. Karatu – Crater Empakai – Serengeti
Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Empakai Crater trek
Today we enter a protected area, Ngorongoro Conservation. But today we are not descending to the legendary big caldera on its territory, Ngorongoro Crater. We will descend to Ngorongoro Crater a day later, and today the road will take us a little away from the tourist trails, to another natural wonder – Empakaai Crater.
Surrounded by steep, forested cliffs, Empakaai Crater is less famous than Ngorongoro Crater, but its beauty is spectacular. The turquoise lake, which occupies most of the crater bottom, attracts flamingos and waterfowl. The view from the crater rim is one of the most incredible in northern Tanzania, and the descent into the crater accompanied by an armed ranger will become your lifetime memory. Empakaai is home to hyenas, blue monkeys and even elephants. On clear days, standing at imposing rim of Empakaai Crater, we can see Ol Doinyo Lengai, one of the youngest active volcanoes in the world.
Accompanied by an armed ranger, we will trek to the crater and walk near the lake at the bottom of Empakai.
Entrance to Serengeti and en-route game drive
Transfer to Serengeti National Park with en-route game drive. This very evening, heading to the lodge, we will begin to spot the inhabitants of the “endless plains”.
Dinner and overnight in the lodge
Overnight at a luxury lodge in the heart of the great Serengeti with beautiful landscapes and a swimming pool with a view over endless plains
Day 4. Serengeti – Safari in Serengeti in search of Great Migration
Get up with the sunrise to the sounds of awakening nature. We are going on a full day game drive across the vast plains of Serengeti.
Serengeti, the “endless plains” from maa (the language of Maasai) has repeatedly won the best safari destination in Africa. The abundance of big game, including rare predators, and the incredible number of birds will surprise even experienced travelers. Here you have every chance to hold your breath and witness the legendary Great Migration of animals – this unprecedented privilege will undoubtedly become one of the most remarkable events in your life. Wildebeest and zebra migration depends on the season, and our experienced safari driver guides will use all their knowledge, skills and experience to show it to you.
We will devote entire day to Serengeti, with a picnic lunch in the park.
Dinner and overnight in the lodge
For dinner and overnight we will return to our luxurious lodge with a swimming pool at the heart of the national park.
Day 5. Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Moshi
Â
Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
We descend to the bottom of the Ngorongoro Crater. Game drive in the Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater – world’s eighth natural wonder – is the crater of an ancient collapsed volcano, teeming with big game.
Ngorongoro Crater is the most densely populated by wildlife territory of Africa, where, among others, critically endangered black rhinos are found. Let’s try to meet with all Big Five of Africa!
Adventurous picnic lunch by the hippo lake
We will settle for a picnic lunch by the lake, which is home to schools of hippos. Cunning birds, kites, will be after our food, but our brave driver guide will defend us from their raids. Yet, let’s stay alert! This will add even more wild flavor to our adventure!
airport_shuttle
Transfer to Moshi town
We get out of the crater after a vibrant game drive, and leave the territory of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This evening we head to Moshi town, located at the foothills of the “roof of Africa” – Kilimanjaro.
Â
Dinner and overnight in hotel
We get to our comfortable hotel with a clean and spacious swimming pool, have dinner, briefly discuss our safari, and relax.
Day 6. Moshi – Kilimanjaro (Shira Plateau) – MoshiÂ
Trekking to Shira Plate, Kilimajaro, 3400 m.a.s.l.
After breakfast at the hotel, we get to our jeep and go to one of the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance gates.
Kilimanjaro is a majestic dormant volcano, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, 5895 meters above sea level. It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, to which we will go trekking today. The summit of Kilimanjaro is covered with snow and glaciers, which, unfortunately, are disappearing at dismaying speed. Hurry up to become one of the last luckies who had a chance to admire the snows of the great Kilimanjaro!
After arrival at Londorossi gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (about 2 hours on the way, altitude 2250 m.a.s.l.), we ascend by jeep to the Morum Barrier point at an altitude of about 3400 m.a.s.l. From here we start trekking on the Shira plateau to Shira-1 Camp. The total trekking time is from 1.5 to 2 hours, the speed is regulated by mountain crew according to our wishes and possibilities. We walk along the moorland, observe mountain flora and extraordinary landscapes. After a picnic lunch on the mountain, we trek back to the Morum Barrier point.
Transfer to Londorossi gate by jeep.
Return to hotel, dinner and overnight
Our driver takes us back to our cosy hotel with a swimming pool, where we can relax after an active day. Have dinner and get a good rest.
Day 7. Moshi – Lushoto, West Usambara
Transfer to West Usambara
After breakfast we say goodbye to Moshi and Kilimanjaro Region and head to West Usambara Mountains, to Lushoto town (about 4.5 hours of a roadtrip). We exchange impressions and observe beautiful landscapes.
Usambara Mountains (West and East parts) are the one of most ancient mountain ranges, divided into two separate massifs by a 4-km alley. West Usambara is larger and higher than East part, the highest point of the West Usambara reaches 2290 m.
Cultural excursions in Lushoto
Lushoto is a cool green town, hidden in a fertile plain among the West Usambara Mountains at an altitude of about 1200 m, surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees mixed with banana and other tropical plants. Here we will find delightfully fresh air and lush landscapes, a enjoyable climate, the oldest forests, rich fauna and culture of the vibrant mountain tribe Sambaa, as well as delicious organic farm products. It’s no accident that Lushoto is nicknamed as “African Switzerland”!
Lunch with farm products in Irente village
Walk around Lushoto and visit Irente farm, which produces cheese, butter, jams, rye bread. We will have lunch with local foods on the farm and enjoy the views of the mountains.
Dinner and overnight in the lodge
We will reach a comfortable lodge surrounded by beautiful nature, have dinner and relax. If you want to be closer to nature and breathe the wonderful air, you can spend the night here in a tent (please let us know about your desire in advance).Day 8. Lushoto West Usambara
Trekking and visiting local village
We spend this day in Western Usambara Mountains with light trekking to Irente view point and visit to a local village of the Sambaa people, whose women skilfully make wonderful pottery by hand. Today is the day of immersion in a daily life of the mountain tribe and enjoying the views of the mountains.
Dinner and overnight in the lodge
We will reach a comfortable lodge surrounded by beautiful nature, have dinner and relax. If you want to be closer to nature and breathe the wonderful air, you can spend the night here in a tent (please let us know about your desire in advance).
Day 9: Lushoto – Magoroto, East Usambara
Transfer to East Usambata
After breakfast we head to the southeast, to another part of Usambara mountain range, to lovely East Usambara mountains (about 3 hours driving).
East Usambara are isolated from their West part. Like the West Usambara, they are also located between Mount Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean, but much closer to the coast. More precipitation falls here. East Usambara are much smaller in area and height (the highest peak is about 900 m), but the local landscapes are particularly beautiful, cozy and unique.
Lake activities in Magoroto Forest Estate
Magoroto Forest Estate is a gem hidden in East Usambara Mountains. The family owned estate just recently, only in 2018, opened its doors for rare travellers. The landmark of this place is a large clear lake surrounded by mountains, palm trees and a tropical forest, where we can swim, dive, float on a raft, and go fishing. The other attraction is extensive spice plantation on the mountain slopes: black pepper, vanilla, turmeric, cardamom, cocoa and others.
Mountain biking (optionally)
Those who are keen on biking, can go mountain biking around the estate with a local guide.
Watching the sunset on the top of the mountains
We will go to a magical place with breathtaking views. Enjoy views of the mountains and valleys, capture the sunset, meditate, and completely disconnect from reality.
Bonfire night and local dance to African drums
Dances of the local mountain tribe Sambaa to the drums, bonfire and positive vibes of this place are guaranteed to sink into your soul forever! Watch/ listen and make sure to participate!
Dinner and overnight at the campsite
We will have a delicious open-air dinner near the lake. The place of today’s overnight stay is a camping, spacious tents right by the lake, with big, high-quality and very comfortable mattresses and fresh bedding. Maximum comfort merging with nature!
If desired, an overnight stay at the campsite can be replaced by accommodation in the rooms in the main building, or in wooden cabins (please let us know about your desire in advance).
Photoshooting
On this and the next day (during our entire stay in Magoroto) we will be accompanied by a photographer, so let’s take the opportunity and give rein to our imagination, posing in these beautiful and diverse locations! Photoshooting in Magoroto is a bonus for you from us, you can have as many pictures as you want. I will send edited photos to you within a few days after the end of the tour.
Day 10. Magoroto Forest Estate – Pangani
Spice Tour
Another pride of Magoroto Forest Estate is extensive spice plantations on the slopes of the mountains: black pepper, vanilla, turmeric, cardamom, cocoa and others. Waking up to the singing of birds in the rainforest, we will go on a spice tour – a tour of local spices that are grown here on an industrial scale.
By the way, if you love indoor plants, you know exactly what a violet Saintpaulia looks like. And enthusiastic flower growers know another name for this plant – Usambara violet, whose homeland is nothing else than Usambara mountains! If we are lucky, we will see the Usambara violet in its natural habitat.
We will also see how different varieties of bananas, avocados, palm oil, citruses grow here, and learn what a “Christmas tree” in Tanzania is.
Waterfall in a tropical forest
While trekking through the vast territory of Magoroto, we will reach a beautiful waterfall, safely hidden in incredible natural “scenery”. We will find ourselves in a waking adventure movie!
You can swim in the waterfall, lie under its streams, splash into each other, take unique photos and videos, meditate and merge with the water element.
Ride to Pangani and Pangani River ferry crossing
In the afternoon we will board our minivan again and drive to Pangani (about 2.5 hours on the way).
Pangani is a town in the mainland Tanzania, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. We will cross Pangani River, which flows into the Indian Ocean, by ferry. We will move to the other side of Pangani, where rural settlements are located, in that iconic place where the river merges with the ocean. Depending on the time of day and tide, the water in this place changes from salty to fresh. Isn’t it an amazing natural phenomenon?
Transfer to cliff beach. Chilling at the beach
Return to the minivan and drive to a beautiful deserted coral beach with cliffs. We check into the lodge, and explore the unusual beautiful beach.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge
We will dine and spend the night in a lodge of amazing architecture with unique open rooms. You will admire the ocean and listen to the sound of the surf right from your bed. You can also spend the night in more common (but very authentic) spacious rooms with walls.
Day 11. Pangani
Relax at Pangani Beach
Relax day in an exquisite lodge on the coral beach with cliffs. We swim at high tide and take a walk at low tide. Observe the phenomenon of high and low tides, meet sunrise and sunset and take delightful photos (an additional option, a photoshoot by photographer, is possible upon prior request).
Bonfire and dinner under the stars
At nightfall, we can have a “heart to heat” talk by the bonfire. You can ask me questions about Africa and taste Tanzanian wines.
Dinner with candles will be served for us on a cliff under a starry sky near the ocean.
It will be so magic, that you will hardly believe that all this is happening to us, here and now!
Overnight at the lodge
We spend one more night in a lodge on the Pangani beach, on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Day 12. Pangani – Ushongo
Transfer to Ushongo Beach
After breakfast, we move to the nearby Ushongo beach. It is a paradise sandy beach with palm trees and white sand, with almost no low tides, making it ideal for enjoying a beach holiday.
Snorkeling in the marine reserve Maziwe Island
We get into the boat, armed with fins and snorkel masks, and sail to the marine nature reserve Maziwe Island.
Maziwe Sandbank has been designated a nature reserve as one of the most important breeding grounds for sea turtles on the East African coast, as well as a preservation site for coral reefs. It is also home to about 400 species of fish and many coastal birds.
We will go for a beautiful snorkeling, where (if lucky enough) there will be a chance to meet dolphins, as well as come face to face with sea turtles.
Chilling at the beach
After returning from snorkeling, we will spend the rest of the day chilling on the beach with a mug of cold Tanzanian beer, swimming, sunbathing, playing the traditional Tanzanian board game Bao.
Dinner and overnight in the lodge
We will dine and overnight at the lodge on the Ushongo coast, in the bungalows. If desired, you can spend the night in tents right on the beach in order to be even closer to the ocean, and watch the sunrise at dawn (please let us know about your desire in advance).
Day 13. Ushongo
Deep sea fishing in the open ocean
Early in the morning straight from our beach we board an equipped boat and go for a 4-5-hour deep sea fishing with a professional fisherman. Among our today’s catch there can be dorado, dolphinfish, tuna and even marlin. The catch for tonight’s dinner will be cooked by a gifted chef!
Chilling at the beach
Spend rest of the day chilling at Ushongo beach. Swimming, sunbathing, walking, relaxing at your own pace. restaurant
Dinner under the stars and overnight
A lavish dinner, freshly made from our today’s catch, will be served right on the beach under the starry cope. Enjoy our final evening on the beautiful mainland Tanzania!Day 14. Ushongo – Zanzibar, KendwaÂ
Speedboat crossing to Kendwa Beach
After breakfast, we will board the motor boat and get to Unguja island (main island in Zanzibar archipelago). Our destination is Kendwa beach on the north coast of the island (about 1.5 hours on the way).
Chilling at the beach or excursions (optional)
Spend a day at Kendwa Beach. Choose among free program at your own pace, or additional excursions (visit the island of giant tortoises, Jozani forest with endemic red colobus monkeys, a seaweed farm and a factory of seaweed products, go for snorkeling, diving, riding quad bikes, or wildlife tour at sanctuary for wild African animals, etc.).
Dinner (restaurant or homemade, optional)
We will dine in one of the atmospheric restaurants on the beach (the restaurant bill on this day is excluded from the cost of the tour). Alternatively, choose a homemade Swahili dinner, carefully prepared by the owners of our today’s lodge.
Beach party (optional)
If desired and possible, we will plunge into the nightlife of Zanzibar during an explosive party on one of the Zanzibar beaches (additional option).
Overnight in the lodge
We are going to spend the night in our comfortable rooms before heading to airport tomorrow.
Day 15. Zanzibar, Kendwa – Zanzibar Airport
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport
If time permits, we spend this morning at Kendwa Beach. After that we go to Zanzibar airport (about 1 hour 20 minutes driving).
Flight back home
Check-in for your return flight home.
Have a safe flight!Â
Thank you for traveling with us! Until next time!
- All transfers according to the itinerary
- Domestic flight from Zanzibar to Arusha
- Safari in 4WD customized Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, each passenger is provided with a window seat
- All activities according to the itinerary
- All lodging according to the itinerary
- Meal plan: Day 2-9 – breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 10 – breakfast, lunch Day 12-13 – breakfast, dinner Day 11, 14-15 – breakfast
- Chilled drinking water during the safari
- Accompaniment of an experienced tour leader
- Service of a professional English-speaking driver guide on safari, and other English-speaking guides on excursions
- Development contributions to the village foundations of local communities (1.5% of the total price of your tour)
- Binoculars for game drive (1 pc per car)
- 24/7 information support from the moment of booking until the end of the tour
- Complimentary Tanzanian wine
What’s not included:
- Local flight Zanzibar – Arusha (around €90)
Read how we can help you - Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- Drinks, except drinking water and hot drinks for breakfasts
- Tipping for the driver guide (at your own discretion)
- Visa ($50 on arrival or online at (https://visa.immigration.go.tz/),
- medical insurance
- Personal expenses, laundry service
- Optional photoshoot in Usambara mountains or on Pangani beach (€60)
- Optional beach party in Zanzibar (around €20 with transfers and entrance fees)
- Additional full-day or half-day excursion in Zanzibar (from €35, depending on the choice)
- Single supplement (€300)
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
|
4 people |
€2690 |
|
5 people |
€2630 |
|
6 people |
€2550 |
|
7 people |
€2500 |
|
8 people |
€2790 |
|
9 people |
€2690 |
|
10 people |
€2550 |
|
11 people |
€2510 |
|
12 people |
€2490 |
|
At 8 travelers in the group, the price is least attractive due to the fact that we use 6-7-seaters cars, and in the case of 8 travelers we will need 2 of such cars, both of which will not be fully occupied. In case of 6-7 people, each seat of the one vehicle will be fully occupied, that is why the price is more attractive. And the best price is naturally guaranteed for the bigger group of 12 people (2 vehicles, both fully occupied). |
|