CAMPING SAFARI: Take in the best wildlife experiences that Tanzania has to offer, with included game drives in the world-famous Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater on this 10 day overland camping adventure. Spend four days relaxing on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar and exploring traditional Stone Town. Discover the port towns of Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo, see giant crocodiles at the Meserani Snake Park and catch a glimpse of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Nairobi
Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). Welcome to Kenya! We board our overland vehicle and depart Nairobi early this morning, driving across the border into Tanzania. We arrive at the country's safari capital, Arusha, which is located close to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other important reserves including Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. The city also sits in the shadow of Mount Meru.
We have time to browse the local markets and take a walk to a nearby Maasai village to meet the locals. Our campsite tonight is at the Meserani Snake Park, which holds a collection of snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles which we can also visit.
Please note: The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. The pre departure meeting will be held on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Overnight: Arusha | Lunch, Dinner
Searching for the Big Five in the Serengeti
Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles this morning. Crossing the Great Rift Valley, we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We then drive around the rim of this spectacular UNESCO-listed crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Serengeti derives from the Maasai word siringitu, which means "the place where the land moves on forever" and the scale of this wilderness is sure to impress as much as the wildlife you will inevitably see.
The Serengeti and neighboring Masai Mara in Kenya play host to the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and antelope. These prey animals follow the rains and the freshest grass, stalked every step of the way by the lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas which feed on them. You are sure to have some amazing wildlife experiences today as we enjoy a game drive en route to our camp. We spend tonight at an unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife from our camp!
Overnight: Serengeti National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 3, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife areas.
On day 4 we get our chance to head into the crater itself, following the steep, winding road into the reserve. On our game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes. Interestingly, they cannot manage the steep climb down the crater rim!
Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha and our overland safari vehicle.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater (1), Arusha (1) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Bagamoyo
Arusha - Bagamoyo. We begin our journey to Zanzibar today, heading towards the Indian Ocean coast. It's a long but scenic drive, and we pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route. If the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of the iconic snow-capped peak.
Our stop for tonight is the port town of Bagamoyo. It was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a center for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Overnight: Bagamoyo | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Dar es Salaam
Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. Saying farewell to Bagamoyo we make the 2 - 3 hour drive along the coast to Dar es Salaam. This vibrant city is Tanzania's main port and a kaleidoscope of culture. Impressive Arab architecture and colorful markets give way to blissful beaches and turquoise ocean. We'll be camping on the beach tonight before our excursion to Zanzibar, and you'll have time to go for a swim or head into the city and explore.
Overnight: Dar es Salaam | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Zanzibar
Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 7, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests.
Enjoy free time on the island. Independently explore historic Stone Town on day 7 before we drive to one of the beautiful beaches in the north of the island for two days of Indian Ocean relaxation. Perhaps visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. You can also enjoy a sunset dhow cruise. Please see the Trip Notes for more details about the optional activities available in Zanzibar.
In Zanzibar, we will not be camping, but staying in simple hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 7 in Stone Town and days 8 and 9 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Overnight: Zanzibar | Breakfast x 3
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Enjoy a final swim or some last-minute shopping this morning before we depart Zanzibar aboard the ferry. On arrival back in Dar es Salaam our tour comes to an end.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 persons. Prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a tent / room. Solo travellers will be matched up and share a tent / room with another solo traveller of the same gender.
Local payment - $850pp paid in USD
Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Meserani Snake Park (campsite), Arusha
Founded in 1993 on the outskirts of Arusha, the Meserani Snake Park was once a barren wasteland, now it's a lush wildlife park, with hundreds of trees planted which are also home to native bird species. Travellers can visit a local Maasai village guided by a Maasai warrior and can explore the Snake Park zoo itself, home to 48 African snake species including the deadly Black spitting cobra and reptiles including crocodiles. The Snake Park hosts a monthly medical clinic for the local community too, serving more than 1,000 patients monthly. The campsite offers shared ablutions with hot water and you will camp amongst the birdsong-filled trees. The onsite Snake Park Bar is famous in the area for its array of memorabilia.
Simba Camp (campsite), Ngorongoro Crater
An unfenced campsite boasting stunning views of the Ngorongoro Crater and with wildlife free to roam around the campsite, Simba Camp is the perfect base for enjoying a wildlife safari in the Ngorongoro Crater. There are well-maintained shared bathroom facilities with hot water, and firewood can be purchased onsite. Take a short walk from camp for unrivalled views of the crater, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife as you go.
Firefly Camp (campsite), Bagamoyo
The campsite at Firefly is just a few metres from the beach in Bagamoyo. There are shared toilets and showers and the communal areas, outdoor swimming pool and Wi-Fi connection are free for campers to use too. Food is served all day at the camp's restaurant and bar, including free coffee in the morning. Guests can also browse the souvenir shop, relax in the spa, or hire bicycles to further explore Bagamoyo.
Kipepeo Beach Village (campsite), Dar es Salaam
The Tanzanian bush meets the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at Kipepeo Beach & Village, situated on the south coast of Dar Es Salaam. The campsite is right on the beach itself and is a popular destination for watersports adventures or simple relaxation. Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant. There are shared bathroom facilities and electric hook-up is available.
All Seasons Hotel, Zanzibar
A great base for exploring Stone Town, the All Seasons Hotel is located in the heart of the old part of Zanzibar City and just a few hundred metres from the beach. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV and a terrace. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant, and the hotel is situated within easy distance of an array of other restaurants and attractions, including the Old Fort of Zanzibar and the Persian Baths.
Amaan Bungalows - Nungwi, Zanzibar
Amaan Bungalows is a laid-back beachfront hotel in Nungwi, on the north western tip of Zanzibar. The comfortable, ensuite, air-conditioned guest rooms are scenically set amid a landscape of coconut palms and sweet-scented flowers. Free Wi-Fi is available and facilities include an outdoor pool, spa and restaurant. Set on Nungwi's pristine white sand beach, the hotel offers a plethora of leisure activities, with water sports facilities, bicycle rental and a tour desk. This tropical paradise is the perfect place to while away a few days before getting back on safari.
At a Glance
