Encounters with nature and culture in Northern Tanzania
Arusha-Lake Natron-Serengeti-Lake Victoria-Zanzibar
22.2 – 6.3 2025, 13 days
Imagine this! You arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport in February 2025 to embark on a safari across Tanzania. An epic tour taking you closer to nature and people. We journey via Lake Natron to Serengeti and we get to know local life in Mwanza at Lake Victoria. We get to know local life in Mwanza and from there we catch a flight to spend the last days at Zanzibar. The tour is done in partnership with Tarakwai Safaris.
This trip offers you a deeper experience, closer both to wildlife and people – the Maasai, whose home land we will be passing. We get close to local life and culture in Mwanza and in Jambiani, Zanzibar.
Day 1 You arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
We will pick you up and depending on arrival time we make a stop in Arusha to get the first taste of vibrating Tanzanian life. The first night we spend on cozy Haradali’s Home outside town.
The sense of wilderness
The accommodations we offer together with Tarakwai are carefully chosen, simple, attractive, cozy eco-lodges and eco-tented camps. 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. Outdoors sitting areas where you might see animals passing by. Meals are served, from breakfast to a la carte dinners. The sense of being in the middle of the wild, far away and one with nature. It´s priceless!
Day 2 -3 Lake Natron and Ol Donyoi Lengai
We start our safari moving along the Great Rift Valley Escarpment to Lake Natron and volcano Ol Donyoi Lengai, the holy mountain of the Maasai. A place that offers spectacular, almost surreal nature scenes. Here we hike to Ngare Sero where we are met by a green, lush landscape and a waterfall. we stay for the night at 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 they run social support projects in nearby villages.
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.
Accommodation: Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Day 4-6 Serengeti, a wonder of nature
We drive into 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 awesome. The drive offers great opportunities to spot all the animals you ever dreamed getting sight of. Tarakwai’s guide and driver has a solid knowledge where to move and when and the ecosystem.
Accommodation: Serengeti View Camp North
Day 7-8 Mwanza
After breakfast we continue towards Mwanza via Ndabaka gate. During this part of the safari, we get to experience an abundance of biodiversity and a varied landscape.
Mwanza is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and this second biggest town in Tanzania has a relaxed atmosphere. Characteristic 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. Here we will be introduced to Ni Hekima Pekee Organization and their community support work.
Accommodation: Hotel Tilapia
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 on the open ocean. Other activities are village walks and we visit a home, a local ceramic and a traditional doctor. There are possibilities for snorkling and a spice tour.
We get familiar with Marine Cultures work, an organization that restores coral reefs and cultivates natural washing sponge. They employ single mothers in their project, an outstanding activity for social sustainability, 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
Accommodation: Casa Beach Hotel
Price: 4-6 persons 3740 € / 7-12 persons 3380 € per person
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
8 days with an English-speaking guide/driver in a safari jeep
Swedish tour guide day 1-8
Accommodation in a double room
All meals included day 1-8, breakfast day 9-13
Activities according to program
All park fees
Unlimited drinking water in the safari vehicle
Domestic flight between Mwanza-Zanzibar
Transfer from/to the airports
Our local partner in Tanzania is Tarakwai Safaris, a tour operator that places high importance on community based tourism, sustainability and protection of the eco system. 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.
If this trip is not suitable for you – We can also customize your trip to Tanzania.
