Tanzania safari, Kilimanjaro and islands
From mountain top and safari adventure to island beaches
Begin your Tanzanian trip in Arusha, gateway to Northern Tanzania's national parks and the perfect place to acclimatise before you head to Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, you'll take the Rongai route to the summit, which takes you through tropical forest, moorland and mountains. After your mountain exertions, head to Karatu's farmlands, which allow you to explore the wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater. Next, travel to the world-famous Serengeti for encounters with the Big Five and the wildebeest migration. Finish off your trip on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, where you can swim and snorkel. Fly home from Dar es Salaam.
Key information
| Destinations | Serengeti, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Arusha, Karatu, Dar es Salaam |
|---|---|
| Activity | Safari, Luxury, Beach, Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Nature & Wildlife |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
 Season |
January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Culture and coffee in Arusha
Day 1 in Arusha
Start your Tanzanian adventure by acclimatising in cultural Arusha, gateway to the safari parks of Northern Tanzania and the perfect place to get used to the altitude before Kilimanjaro. Explore the city’s coffee plantations, search for birdlife, go canoeing on Lake Duluti, or simply unwind with a massage at your lodge.
Don't miss
Take a cultural tour with the Masai or Meru peoples
Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional village, witnessing daily life and learning more about the lives and history of these semi-nomadic people.
Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro's Rongai Route
Day 2–8 in Mt. Kilimanjaro
From Arusha, you will be taken to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort to begin your stay at one of Africa’s most celebrated locations. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, rising 5,896 metres above sea level. Over the next six days you'll tackle the famed Rongai route starting in lowland tropical forest, climbing through open moorland, into alpine desert before finally reaching the summit.
Wilderness exploration in Karatu
Day 9–10 in Karatu
Based in a farmhouse constructed in a colonial style, your trip to the farmlands of Karatu allows you easy access to the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you can take guided treks searching for wildlife or an easier stroll around the farm’s coffee plantation.
Situated in the foothills of Oldeani Volcano, your accommodation offers great views and a swimming pool to relax in at the end of the day.
Witness the great migration in the Serengeti
Day 11–12 in Serengeti
Travel into the grasslands of the Serengeti where you’ll have the chance to witness the planet’s largest mass migration of land mammals. Depending on the time of year, you’ll have the chance to see more than 2 million, wildebeest, Zebra and gazelles on the move, chased by big cat predators. Your comfortable semi-permanent camp travels where the migration goes, so you’ll always been in the right place to see the action.
Swim and snorkel on a Zanzibar beach
Day 13–15 in Zanzibar
End your Tanzanian trip by unwinding on a tropical beach in Zanzibar beneath the sun. This is the perfect chance to relax in luxurious surroundings after your previous travel.
However, if you’re still feeling active, a trip to the nearby Mnemba Atoll is a great way of seeing marine life, while there are traditional wooden dhow boats available for fishing trips and secluded areas for both swimming and snorkelling.
Don't miss
Immerse yourself in Zanzibari culture at Darajani Market
Zanzibar’s premier market is a hive of activity, offering everything from nose-tingling fresh spices and iced fish to the latest mobile phone. Head here for a taste of daily life in Zanzibar.
Explore the stunning architecture of Stone Town
Zanzibar’s Stone Island is a tangle of narrow streets, overhanging balconies and building battered by ocean winds. Marvel at its architectural flair, from spikes designed to fend off elephants to lavish Arab-style mansions.
Departure
Day 16 in Dar es Salaam
End your trip with a transfer back to Dar es Salaam for your flight home.
Where to stay
Deluxe Safari Lodge
Asilia Sayari Mara Camp
Sayari is one of the best camps in the north of the Serengeti. It is a beautifully stylish and well furnished camp that combines luxury with a fantastic point for game viewing. The food is impressive and the all round service is of a very high standard. The north of the Serengeti offers a very private experience. It’s a once in a life time opportunity to see the great migration without huge numbers of other vehicles ruining your picture!
Superior Tented Camp
Lake Manze Tented Camp
The Lake Manze area is one of the richest for game in the entire Selous, both in the dry and wet seasons. There is a cool and shady thatched lodge with a dining area and a sitting area, overlooking the lake. The camp maintains simplicity – there are no extra frills here and the purposeful lack of electricity in camp makes for a charming old world safari experience. It is certainly exciting; you do feel like you are out in the wilderness. This feeling is enhanced by the camp's position on the floodplain of Lake Manze. Renowned for its excellent resident game, the camp is right next to an elephant walkway, who love the Doum Palm trees!
Superior Tented Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp
Nomad are one of the longest running safari companies in Tanzania with camps and lodges in every corner of the country. We love the Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp as it is a mobile camp following the migration inside the Serengeti National Park, with private vehicles and some excellent guiding. Out of all the mobile operators Nomad earns extra respect for following the migration with every move, not just in peak tourist season.
Superior Tented Camp
Asilia Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is a must to any cheetah enthusiast. The cheetah numbers here are vast and there’s plenty of everything else too. Being owned by Asilia, Namiri Plains will most certainly deliver a world class safari experience. It’s not often that new areas open up in the Serengeti so we highly recommend a stay here.
Superior Tented Camp
Kigelia Camp
Kigelia is the least commercial product in Ruaha and offers a unique product. Owned and run by Nomad, this eco focused camp blends in extremely well with its environment, aided by very good guides and a great camp character. Although it is rather basic in design, the high quality is obvious throughout your stay. It is a top choice for a Ruaha safari.
Superior Safari Lodge
Ikuka Safari Camp
Ikuka, in Ruaha really stands out from the others in the park as it only has 6 bandas and sits perched on an incredible escarpment with the best views of Ruaha National Park. Behind all great lodges are great people; Mark who was born and brought up in the Ruaha area and is the chap behind all the guiding and walking safaris. Expect an intimate, relaxed and luxurious safari here with great views and top guiding.
Deluxe Tented Camp
Kirurumu Camp
Kirurumu is made up of two camps. One in the central region and is a more permanent camp located towards the central regions of the Serengeti. The second camp is a mobile camp that moves two times a year to ensure its guests are very well placed to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Both camps offer an authentic and intimate bush experience in the middle of remarkable areas of the Serengeti’s pristine wilderness.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from $7,883pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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This tour is operated by
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