Zanzibar to Nairobi
12 days
From $ 2075
Duration12 days
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Journey through Tanzania and Kenya on an adventure to Nairobi. Cross the stunning scenery of Tanzania - full of incredible wildlife and fascinating cultures - on this East African adventure. From the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, across the lush slopes of the Usambara Mountains, and through the teeming wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater and the endless Serengeti, discover a land where elephants roam, lions hunt and the people welcome you to the heart of Africa.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 12 days
    Service level: Basic
  • Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Nairobi
    Ages: 15+
Zanzibar to Nairobi - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Stone Town
Welcome to Zanzibar. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your tour guide and travel group. Aside from this important meeting, there are no planned activities for the day and you are free to explore on your own. Filled with idyllic beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has a varied and sometimes dark history. This is a place rooted in slavery and where Arabian sultans once lived. It's also know for its fruit exports. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in Livingstone's day. The old part of Zanzibar's main city, known as Stone Town, is an enticing mix of vibrant markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. And its best explored on foot. Take the time to explore its historic streets, then perhaps enjoy a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront as the sun is setting. A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. Spend a night in Stone Town at a basic inn with double/twin-share rooms and access to Wi-Fi.
Day 2: Zanzibar Northern Beaches
Check out of your Stone Town hotel and either drive to the spice plantations for your optional guided tour, or head directly to the perfect northern beaches. On the spice plantations guided tour you can learn all about the history of this town's renowned spice trade. You will also have the opportunity to touch, smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. Sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch here you will head to the northern beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await, and reunite with your group. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.
Meals: B
Day 3: Zanzibar Northern Beaches
Enjoy free time in this beautiful archipelago today. There are many ways you can spend your day – perhaps talk to your leader for any recommendations they might have. Snorkelling in search of exotic fish is an excellent option. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or simply relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book.
Meals: B
Day 4: Bagamoyo
Catch the midday ferry to Dar es Salaam, then hop in the overland vehicle (and meet your driver and cook) for the short drive to your camp in Bagamoyo. Located right on the beach, accommodation upgrades are available at this location (subject to availability). However, there is no access to Wi-Fi, and showers are cold only.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Usambara Mountains
Perhaps wake up early and visit the old slave trade markets. It's then time to get off the well-beaten track and head into the remote Tanzanian mountains (approximately 7 hours). The Usambara Mountains are a lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, this area attracts very few tourists, so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. The forests stretch across the mountains and are ideal for easy hikes and guided walks. You base is the old German colony of Lushoto. You'll stay in the grounds of one of the earliest hotels in Africa. The campsite has flush toilets and showers, and upgrades are possible. WiFi is rare here though.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Usambara Mountains
Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains and experience this area's gentle hospitality on a visit to some of its small communities. As beautiful as this place is, its real jewels are the local people and villages. From your base, you will take a walk out to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project based at Irente farm and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Arusha
Today is a full day of travel as you board your truck once again and venture towards Tanzania’s national parks. Your destination is the sprawling, gateway town of Arusha. It should take about 10 hours to arrive at your campsite on the outskirts of the town. The campsite has flush toilets and showers. It also has a bar – the perfect place to unwind with a drink after a long day in the truck.
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Karatu
Take a short drive to the small town of Kisongo where you’ll get to enjoy a fun day with some local mamas. First, the women will teach you how to prepare a local Swahili dish for lunch. After enjoying your creations, you’ll get the chance to take a closer look into their lives. With help from a translator, the women will lead smaller groups around their village. Visit their homes and see how a traditional boma (small hut made of mud and cow dung) is set up. You’ll also get to meet their families and learn about Maasai culture. After this illuminating day, drive to the small town of Karatu, the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti National Park
Get up early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari in the crater, spending between three and four hours exploring this incredible, perfectly intact volcanic crater. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round (some 30,000 animals live here) and the photo opportunities here are unrivalled. Next it's on to the wide open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep. The camp is basic with limited running water and no upgrades or Wi-Fi available.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Serengeti National Park
Awake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the middle of the day relaxing, just like the animals do, head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner. 
There's also the option of a balloon ride over the park today (in place of some of the morning game drive). If you have pre-booked this activity (please see the 'Important Notes' section) you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, you will glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, which provides amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to your camp.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Mto Wa Mbu
Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you exit the Serengeti. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu. Take a stroll and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail. Tonight you'll stay at a campsite with flush toilets, showers and optional upgrades (subject to availability).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Nairobi
Set off early heading to the border with Kenya and on to Nairobi (approximately 9–10 hours). You'll be dropped at the finishing point hotel in Nairobi. No accommodation is provided for tonight, but this can be arranged when you book this trip. You can also choose to finish your trip in Arusha this morning if you wish.

End place: Nairobi

Meals: B, L

Inclusions

Included

  • Irente - Lushoto hike & local lunch
  • Kisongo - Cooking class, village walk & home visit
  • Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

  • Transport

    Overland vehicle, 4x4 Safari Vehicle, Ferry, Minibus

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (1 night), Bungalow (2 nights), Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (6 nights)

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