Zanzibar to Nairobi Tour by Intrepid Travel

12 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

22 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Ends

Nairobi, Kenya

Highlights

Wander around Stone Town’s bustling bazaars and fragrant spice markets and opt to embark on a guided tour of the spice plantations.

Explore the Serengeti – a wildlife arena like no other – and look for lions, leopards, elephants and giraffes in this iconic park with your local crew.

Relax on the northern beaches of Zanzibar, enjoying the pristine white sand and sparkling blue sea, and spend some time exploring historic Stone Town.

Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof 4WD vehicle for a chance to see endangered black rhinoceros.

Embark on a hike through the Usambara Mountains to the Irente viewpoint, then stop at a farm on the way back for a picnic lunch.

Itinerary

Admire the sweeping landscapes of Tanzania – full of incredible wildlife and fascinating cultures – on this 12-day adventure. From the pristine beaches of Zanzibar across the lush slopes of the Usambara Mountains and through the savannas of Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, discover a land where elephants roam, lions hunt and communities embrace the land. This is the heart of Africa – a land for the true explorer. When will you go in search of the Big Five?

day 1 - Stone Town

Welcome to Zanzibar! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Aside from this important meeting, there are no planned activities for the day, and you are free to explore on your own. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like centuries ago. The old part of Zanzibar's main city is known as Stone Town, and the best way to see this is on foot, exploring the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. When the sun is setting, why not grab a drink from a bar overlooking the seafront? A seafood curry at a local restaurant is also a great choice. You'll spend the night in Stone Town at a basic inn.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 2 - Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.

accommodation:Bungalow

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Zanzibar Northern Beaches

Ease into the day with the sound of gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. With a full day free to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastline, you might choose to take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or savour the flavours of the island with a seafood dinner by the water. However you spend it, today is all about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.

accommodation:Bungalow

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Stone Town / Bagamoyo

Travel to Stone Town this morning, Zanzibar’s Old Town. Meet your new leader and travel group at an 11 am welcome meeting at the hotel. After, catch the ferry to Dar es Salaam. Then, board your overland vehicle (and meet your driver and cook) and take the short drive to your camp at Bagamoyo, a lovely spot by the beach.

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Dinner

day 5 - Usambara Mountains

Travel into the remote Usambara Mountains (approximately 7 hours). This unspoilt area of Tanzania attracts very few tourists, making it the perfect place to soak in your surroundings. The forests stretch across the mountains and are ideal for easy hikes and guided walks. You base is the old German colony of Lushoto, where you’ll stay on the grounds of one of the earliest hotels in Africa.

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Usambara Mountains

Today, explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains and experience this area’s gentle hospitality on a visit to some of its small communities. From your base, hike 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 locally prepared lunch.

included:Irente - Lushoto hike, Irente - Local lunch

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Arusha

Today, journey from the scenic Usambara Mountains to Arusha. While there are no planned activities, enjoy the drive through Tanzania's picturesque landscapes as you make your way to the bustling gateway to the northern safari circuit. Upon arrival at your campsite on the outskirts of town, unwind and settle in for a restful evening and prepare for the adventures ahead.

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 8 - Karatu

After breakfast this morning, head to Karatu, the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater. Here, you'll hike through the Ngorongoro Reserve Forest to Elephant Caves and the Endoro waterfalls along the way. Rich with calcium, the Elephant Caves got their name as elephants would come here and break off pieces of rock, eating the dust to receive important minerals. Today's trek, accompanied by an expert local guide and armed ranger, is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a few days of overland travel. You'll hike through Ngorongoro rainforest as your local guide explains the ins and outs of the area here and points out interesting animal tracks and footprints. Marvel at the wild landscape and spot beautiful birdlife as you walk. After, head to Karatu village for a tour of the local coffee farm. Here, you'll see the innovative farming practices from the locals and learn about the farming activities that sustain the coffee, bean, maize, banana, soya and pea crops. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner with a local Tanzanian family in their home, who will cook you a few different dishes to try. Learn about the local culture with educational stories from a locally trained guide. What a night!

included:Ngorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave Trek, Karatu - Home-Cooked Dinner, Karatu - Coffee Farm Tour

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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 3 and 4 hours exploring this perfectly intact volcanic crater. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. Next, move on to the 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.

included:Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive, Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 10 - Serengeti National Park

Wake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then go 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 today of a balloon ride over the park (in place of a portion of the morning game drive). If you have pre-booked this activity 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. After landing, you'll be treated to a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to your camp.

accommodation:Camping (with basic facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 11 - Mto wa Mbu

Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti in your dust. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu.

After setting up camp, we'll take a guided stroll through the farming areas, local homes and farmlands, getting to know the local community and their way of life. Later, we'll enjoy a scrumptious locally prepared dinner in town.

included:Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner

accommodation:Camping (with facilities)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 12 - Nairobi

Set off early and cross the Kenyan border then continue to Nairobi. You'll be dropped at the finishing point hotel in Nairobi where your trip ends. If you'd like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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What's Included

Accommodation

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

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Transport

Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Ferry, Minibus

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Irente - Lushoto hikeIrente - Local lunchNgorongoro Forest - Elephant Cave TrekKaratu - Home-Cooked DinnerKaratu - Coffee Farm TourNgorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game DriveSerengeti National Park - Morning 4WD SafariMto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner

What's Excluded

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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

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