Day 1: Dar es Salaam / Zanzibar

A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island", where we will spend three nights on this legendary island. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands.

Day 2/3: Zanzibar

History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organised. Other options include a trip to the nearby Prison Island with its giant tortoises, and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Or perhaps you would enjoy the opportunity to hire a motorbike and explore the more remote areas of the island.

Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - giant lobsters being a popular speciality. Alternatively, joining the locals for dinner in the waterfront market is an experience not to be missed. The market stalls offer an unusual selection of fast food African style at a very reasonable cost.

Day 4: Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam

Leaving Zanzibar we take the ferry back to mainland for an overnight in Dar es Salaam.

Day 5: Dar es Salaam/Arusha

From Dar es Salaam we travel through the countryside with its vast sisal plantations to Arusha. On the way we pass the Pare and Usambara Mountain ranges before driving through the town of Moshi, the base for Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting, we may catch a glimpse of this magical mountain.

Day6: Arusha/Serengeti National Park (optional Excursion)

Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use. Depending on which option you choose, you will be away from the Arusha campsite for either one or two nights.

If you take up the two-night/three day option you will depart Arusha in the morning with your vehicles and guides. The drive to the Serengeti National Park takes us through the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu (Mosquito River) and up into the Ngorongoro Reserve for a glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater before descending down onto the plains of the Serengeti. The abundance of plains game in this area is truly astounding. The afternoon will be spent game viewing before setting up camp in the midst of the national park. With some luck we will be able to listen to the nighttime noises of the wildlife! (B,L,D)

Day 7: Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Crater

After a full morning game drive in the Serengeti we will return to pull down camp and head back towards the Ngorongoro. Enroute we will have the option of a visit to Olduvai Gorge, known as the cradle of civilisation (time permitting), or a visit to a Masai village to learn a little more about these unique and intriguing people. From here we travel up to Ngorongoro craters edge for our campsite for the evening.

For those taking the one-night/two day option you will be collected from Arusha in the afternoon and transferred to the town of Karatu for the evening.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater/Arusha

Ngorongoro Crater with its 600 metre walls and 20-kilometre width is a natural wonder, and offers a spectacular view from the rim. The true size of this caldera is only appreciated from the floor itself and the abundance of its animal inhabitants becomes apparent. It is home to nearly every species of African animal and offers a chance to view an incredible concentration of East African mammals, such as elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion, and plain’s game. After spending the full morning in the crater you will return to the campsite near Arusha for another night. Both optional excursions will follow the same schedule today.

Day 9: Arusha/Namanga

After a leisurely morning start and the chance to explore the snake exhibits at our campsite in Arusha we will take some time in Arusha for our last Tanzanian stop. Explore the craft markets in town or stop at the bakery for a local coffee. Lunch will be just outside town as we head the last 120kms north to the Tanzania / Kenya border town of Namanga. After competing formalities we will camp at Namanga on the Kenyan side of the border.

Day 10: Namanga/Nairobi

This morning we travel the final 180kms north to the capital city, Nairobi, arriving in the morning. On arrival in Nairobi, the truck will proceed to the Boulevard Hotel to allow passengers to disembark there, and will then drive to our campsite to finish the trip. (B)