Tanzania to Zanzibar: White Sands & the Wilderness

Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Got a big appetite for adventure? We're serving up a nine-day tour in Tanzania with your name on it. From the mountains to the mighty elephants, watch as animals come to life on wildlife safari drives through the Serengeti. And if you're cool with heights, hop on an optional hot-air balloon ride to see the expanse of grassland savannah from a bird’s point of view. End the tour enjoying the starry African skies from the beautiful island of Zanzibar. This Swahili paradise will make you truly understand the meaning of "hakuna matata" more than a singing warthog and meerkat ever could.

Day 1 Arusha
Arrive at anytime.

Head out to a local bar where the drinks are affordable and the company is fantastic. Get to know your new travel mates over a few Tuskers as a group. Connect over past travels, set your intentions for this trip, and as the night settles around you; simply enjoy being in the moment.

Day 2 Arusha/Serengeti National Park
Well folks it’s time for the Africa you have all imagined, the experience that has been depicted over and over again in books, movies, and television. So grab those cameras, purchase a quirky bucket hat, and head out on a wildlife safari drive into one of the most famous national parks in Africa; the Serengeti.

Get ready for abundant wildlife, vast golden plains dotted with thorny acacia trees, and hippo-filled rivers as you begin a 3-day and 2-night excursion into the park itself and the great Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 3 Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro
Grab your buddies and jump aboard for one last morning safari in the Serengeti. As the sun rises higher in the sky watch the animal kingdom come to life in this grassland savannah before returning to break down camp.

Then it’s on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, famous for Africa’s best wildlife viewing. Get ready for epic views from the crater rim and watch as animals meander around below drinking water from the permanent supply on the crater floor. You’ll be setting up camp in the late afternoon at a site near the crater rim and then you can spend the rest of the day enjoying one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on the planet.

Day 4 Ngorongoro/Arusha
It’s time to experience “Africa’s Garden of Eden” on a more personal level. Today, venture down to the crater floor where the group will embark on a final safari experience. Have those cameras charged and at the ready because, let’s face it if you are going to see any wildlife this would be the place (and we are so excited for you)!

The animals are bound to this area by the crater walls and the enclosed nature of the crater means its own ecosystem has been created think; rich grasslands, swamps, acacia forests, and Lake Makat so get ready to see some magic.

With full camera rolls the group will exit the crater in the late morning and travel back to Arusha. Swap stories along the way, pick those favourite photos from earlier, or simply sit back and let yourself enjoy the passing scenery as you cruise along.

Day 5 Arusha/Dar es Salaam
Leave Arusha early and be on the lookout for the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro on the road towards Dar es Salaam and watch as the Tanzanian countryside passes by and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean make their debut.

The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre. The group will spend the night here before embarking for the island beaches of Zanzibar.

Want to cut travel time in half and spend more time in Stone Town? Pre-book the Zanzibar Express on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.

Day 6 Dar es Salaam/Stone Town
After the jam packed last few days of this trip where you are going next is going to be just what you needed. Wake in Dar es Salaam before hopping on the ferry to the paradise of Zanzibar.

Get ready for picturesque island beaches that will make you contemplate staying here and living off the grid. Few places on this planet are as entrancing and exotic as this Tanzanian archipelago so get ready to enjoy it, take loads of pictures, and relax in a place that has long lured backpackers and adventurers to it’s sandy shores.

Day 7 Beach day in Zanzibar
Roll out of bed this morning in Stone Town and explore the heart of Zanzibar. Wander the winding historic unpaved alleyways of Stone Town passing by balconies and gigantic wooden carved doors along the way.

Get lost and spend hours exploring the streets and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors and buying sweetmeats from tiny cafes. Keep an eye out for tinga-tinga paintings, antique shops, beautifully printed cloths (kangas and kikois worn by local people), little carved chests with copper inlays, and spices – all beautiful presents or memories to take home. Transfer to the tropical haven of Jambiani for a relaxing few days as a group.

Day 8 Beach day in Zanzibar
Wake up in this island paradise and get ready to seize the day. You’ll be exploring one of the world’s great cultural crossroads… think Africa meets Arabia and add the Indian Ocean into the mix as the cherry on top.

The day is yours to spend as you choose; head out for a diving experience, grab some goggles and go snorkelling, hop aboard a sailing trip, or just lounge on the beach and relax. Zanzibar’s tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene make this place a very enjoyable East African Indian Ocean experience.

Day 9 Stone Town
Your most difficult task today is going to be pulling yourself away from the beauty that surrounds you in Jambiani. Travel back to Stone Town on the other side of the island and explore the heart of Zanzibar.

The tour ends in the late morning.