Encounters with nature and culture in Northern Tanzania
Itinerary: Arusha-Lake Natron-Serengeti-Lake Victoria-Zanzibar
22.2 – 6.3 2025, 13 days
Imagine this! You arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport in February 2024 to embark on a safari across Tanzania. An epic trip moving slowly and close to nature. We travel via Lake Natron through Serengeti and we get to know local life in Mwanza by the great Lake Victoria. We take a flight from Mwanza to spend the last days at Zanzibar. The tour is done in partnership with local Tarakwai Safaris. This trip offers you a deeper experience, closer both to wildlife and people – the Maasai, whose home land we will be passing and through getting close to local life in Mwanza.
The sense of wilderness
The accommodations we offer together with Tarakwai are carefully chosen and lodges with less ecological footprint, simple, attractive, and cozy. On the wildlife safari we stay in eco-lodges and eco-tented camps. Eco, in the sense of natural building materials, solar power, and recycling of water. The tents are comfortable, with real beds, en-suite bathrooms with either normal or eco-flush toilets, and overhead hot water showers. Semi-outdoors sitting areas where you can watch animals occasionally passing by. Meals are served, from breakfast to a la carte dinners. Add to that some amazing views in the middle of the wild and the sense of being one with nature. It´s priceless!
Day 1 You arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where we will pick you up. Depending on arrival time you will get a glimpse of the vibrant, colorful, multicultural Arusha. The accommodation for the night is cozy Haradali’s Home, a lush oasis outside the town.
Day 2 -3 Lake Natron and Ol Donyoi Lengai. We start our safari moving along the Great Rift Valley Escarpment to Lake Natron and the volcano Ol Donyoi Lengai. A place that offers spectacular, almost surreal nature scenes. We will do a short hike to Ngare Sero where we are met by green, lush landscapes and waterfalls. Our place for the night is Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge, located on the road to Serengeti, close to the foot of the volcano. The lodge is actively working for eco tourism, responsible travel and conservation. Here in the heart of Maasai land and unspoiled wilderness you can sense a standstill of time. A perfect place to relax and contemplate all the impressions from the day.
Serengeti, a wonder of nature
Day 4-6 We enter Serengeti. The name derives from the Maasai word siringet, and means never ending land. You can easily get that impression looking out on the vast plains. Serengeti offers varied landscapes with hills and kopjes and the sunsets are spectacular. Here are great opportunities to spot all the animals you ever dreamed getting sight of. Tarakwai’s guide and driver has a deep knowledge where to move and when, of the animals and the ecosystem.
Serengeti, a wonder of nature
Day 7-8 After breakfast we continue towards Mwanza via Ndabaka gate. During the safari, we get to experience an abundance of biodiversity and a varied landscape. Mwanza is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and with a relaxed atmosphere. Characteristic of the city is a fascinating landscape of green hills with large boulders scattered between the houses. We get to know daily life by Lake Victoria, culture and local food. We will get introduced to the support work of Ni Hekima Pekee, a local organizatiion
Day 7-8 After breakfast we continue towards Mwanza via Ndabaka gate. During the safari, we get to experience an abundance of biodiversity and a varied landscape. Mwanza is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and with a relaxed atmosphere. Characteristic of the city is a fascinating landscape of green hills with large boulders scattered between the houses. We get to know daily life by Lake Victoria, culture and local food. We will get introduced to the support work of Ni Hekima Pekee, a local community based organizatiion
Day 9-13 Transfer to Zanzibar
Transfer till Mwanza International Airport för flyg till Zanzibar. We will stay at the less exploited southeast coast in Jambiani village. Here we will, added to beach life, make a dhow sail through mangrove and in the open ocean. Other activities are village walks, visiting a home, a local ceramic and a traditional doctor. Add to this possibilities for snorkling, a spice tour. We will get familiar with Marine Cultures work, an organization that restores coral reefs and cultivates natural sponge. They employ single mothers in their project, an outstanding activity for social sustainability and meeting the challenges of climate change.
There is also a possibility to visit the world heritage Stone Town, with its captivating ambiance, mixture of cultures, antique architecture, history and local art.
Price: 4-6 persons 3740 € / 7-12 persons 3380 €
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
8 days with an English-speaking guide/driver in a safari jeep
Swedish tour guide day 1-9
Accommodation in a double room
Meals according to program
Activities according to program
All park fees
Unlimited drinking water in the safari vehicle
Domestic flights between Mwanza-Zanzibar
Transfer from/to the airport in Zanzibar
Our local partner in Tanzania is Tarakwai Safaris, a tour operator that places high importance on community based tourism, sustainability and conservation. Their guides/drivers are highly knowledgeable and skilled in spotting wildlife. Tarakwai emphasizes on walking experiences which brings you closer to the animals and the landscape. Contact us for more details, questions and booking. We can also customize your trip to Tanzania.
Kidu Travels