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Road to Zanzibar

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Road to Zanzibar

Was From $ 3,910 AUD
Now From $ 3,128 AUD
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Description

Travel overland on a 12-day eastern Africa experience all the way to Zanzibar. Whether you’re spotting lions deep in the Serengeti, hiking a lush mountain trail in the Usambara Mountains, cruising on a traditional dhow in the Indian Ocean’s azure waters or interacting with local communities near Mto wa Mbu, you’re set to learn a thing or two about the wonders of these lands and its people. Travel with an expert local leader and a group of likeminded adventurers keen to scour every inch of the Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five and share travel stories over a seafood meal in Zanzibar.

Trip Name
Road to Zanzibar
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
22
Highlights
  • Explore the Serengeti, a wildlife arena like no other, and look for lions, leopards, elephants and giraffes in this iconic park.
  • Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof 4WD vehicle for a chance to see the 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.
  • Wander around Stone Town’s bustling bazaars and fragrant spice markets, and consider heading on an optional guided tour of the island’s spice plantations.
  • Accompanied by a local crew — a leader, driver and cook – you'll be in excellent hands for the duration of your adventure.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure. URBAN ADVENTURES: Join us for the Best. Day. Ever. Urban Adventures are for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds and really connect with a city, with a local by their side. The experience can be as short as a couple of hours, or as long as a whole day, but in every case our Urban Adventures tours take travellers to interesting places to experience local culture and see what makes a place unique. If you are travelling before or after your trip with us and would like to book an Urban Adventure in advance, please contact your booking agent or use this link: http://www.urbanadventures.com/?aff=2226. While on tour with us, your leader can assist in booking other Urban Adventures.

Day 1 - Nairobi
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.
Day 2 - Mto wa Mbu
Depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. The trip includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail.
Day 3 - 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 3 to 4 hours exploring this incredible, perfectly intact volcanic caldera. 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 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.
Day 4 - 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 this morning – in place of some of today’s game drives. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, getting some 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, indulge in a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to camp.
Day 5 - Serengeti National Park / 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 local dinner in town.
Day 6 - Usambara Mountains
Prepare yourself for a long travel day heading for the Usambara Mountains. Stretch your legs during a brief supply stop in Arusha, then jump back in the vehicle and watch the ever-changing scenery, read your favourite book or get to really know your fellow travellers. Your base will be Lushoto – an old German colony and home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at approximately 1400 metres and this evening you'll camp in the grounds of one of the oldest hotels in Africa.
Day 7 - Usambara Mountains
Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains today – a lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this part of the country, so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains and rainforests are, however, the real jewels here are the local people and villages. You'll experience some hospitality on a visit to some of the small local communities. 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 where you enjoy a prepared lunch.
Day 8 - Dar es Salaam
Leaving the mountains behind, travel further south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp is by the beach, so make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in.
Day 9 - Stone Town
Rise and shine to catch a ferry to Zanzibar. 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 in centuries ago. Explore the many charms of Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar's main city, with a local guide. Taste the local delicacies and gain insight into daily local life living on Zanzibar.
Day 10 - 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.
Day 11 - 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, or you could take a traditional dhow boat on the water. You might also like to feast on a sumptuous lunch of grilled local seafood, or just relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book. It's totally up to you!
Day 12 - Stone Town
After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 3,614-
22-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 3,614-
05-01-202516-01-2025AUD $ 3,128-
26-01-202506-02-2025AUD $ 4,065-
09-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 3,910-
09-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 3,990-
06-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 3,910-
20-04-202501-05-2025AUD $ 3,910-
18-05-202529-05-2025AUD $ 3,910-
01-06-202512-06-2025AUD $ 4,065-
08-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 4,065-
15-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 4,065-
22-06-202503-07-2025AUD $ 4,065-
29-06-202510-07-2025AUD $ 4,105-
06-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 4,220-
09-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 4,220-
13-07-202524-07-2025AUD $ 4,220-
20-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 4,220-
23-07-202503-08-2025AUD $ 4,220-
27-07-202507-08-2025AUD $ 4,220-
03-08-202514-08-2025AUD $ 4,430-
10-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 4,220-
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 4,220-
24-08-202504-09-2025AUD $ 4,220-
31-08-202511-09-2025AUD $ 4,220-
07-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 4,430-
14-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 4,220-
21-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 4,065-
28-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 4,065-
05-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 4,065-
12-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 4,065-
19-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 4,065-
26-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 4,065-
09-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 3,910-
23-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 3,910-
07-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 3,910-
14-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 3,910-
21-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 4,065-
28-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 4,065-
04-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 4,105-
11-01-202622-01-2026AUD $ 4,105-
25-01-202605-02-2026AUD $ 4,105-
08-02-202619-02-2026AUD $ 4,105-
22-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 4,105-
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $ 4,105-
05-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 4,105-
19-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 4,105-
17-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 4,105-
31-05-202611-06-2026AUD $ 4,105-
07-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 4,270-
14-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 4,270-
21-06-202602-07-2026AUD $ 4,270-
28-06-202609-07-2026AUD $ 4,270-
05-07-202616-07-2026AUD $ 4,430-
08-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 4,430-
12-07-202623-07-2026AUD $ 4,430-
19-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 4,430-
22-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 4,430-
26-07-202606-08-2026AUD $ 4,430-
02-08-202613-08-2026AUD $ 4,430-
09-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 4,430-
16-08-202627-08-2026AUD $ 4,430-
23-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 4,430-
30-08-202610-09-2026AUD $ 4,430-
06-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 4,430-
13-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 4,430-
20-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 4,270-
27-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 4,270-
04-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 4,270-
11-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 4,270-
18-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 4,270-
25-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 4,270-
08-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 4,105-
22-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 4,105-
06-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 4,105-
13-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 4,270-
20-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 4,270-
27-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 4,270-
10-01-202721-01-2027AUD $ 3,910-

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights),Camping (with facilities) (5 nights),Hotel (2 nights),Bungalow (2 nights)

Transport

Overland vehicle,4x4 Safari Vehicle,Ferry,Minibus

Map