Experience Overview
Watching a sunrise over the wide-open plains of the Serengeti is one of those ‘pinch me’ moments, and on this nine-day, it won’t be the only one. Beginning in Nairobi, take a trip into the countryside to Mto wa Mbu, get a safari fix in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, change up the altitude with walks around the Usambara Mountains and ferry to Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches and intriguing Old Town. This east Africa adventure will leave you with a greater appreciation of the stunning beauty of this part of the world and the people and wildlife that call it home.
Highlights
- Explore the Serengeti, a wildlife arena like no other. You're bound to spot most of Africa's iconic Big Five game on your adventures at sunrise and sunset – when the animals are most active.
- Meet with local community members and join in on village activities in Mto wa Mbu with a guided stroll around the farming areas.
- Travel in an open-roof 4WD vehicle across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater with your small group for the chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros up close.
- Wander around Stone Town’s bustling bazaars and fragrant spice markets, and consider extending your stay on the Northern Beaches – full of sun, surf and seafood.
- Accompanied by a knowledgeable local crew — a leader, driver and cook – you'll be in excellent hands for the duration of your adventure.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the East African Wildlife Society. Donations help them protect endangered wildlife, support conservation and promote sustainable management of natural resources in East Africa. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3170
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Overland vehicle,4WD safari vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Overland Expedition
Supplier Code: YXOP
Starts: Nairobi, Kenya
Finishes: Stone Town, Kenya
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (6), Dinner (7)Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights),Camping (with facilities) (5 nights),Hotel (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2380 (CAD 264 /day)
Itinerary
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.
Optional Activities:
- Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (55 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. The trip includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Get up early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari in the crater, spending 3 to 4 hours exploring this incredible, perfectly intact volcanic caldera. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round (some 30,000 animals live here) and the photo opportunities are unrivalled. Next, it's on to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.
Included Activities:
- Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
- Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Awake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the middle of the day relaxing, just like the animals do, head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner. There's also the option of a balloon ride over the park this morning – in place of some of today’s game drives. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, getting some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, indulge in a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to camp.
Included Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Optional Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - Balloon Ride (from price) (745 USD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti in your dust. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu.
After setting up camp, we'll take a guided stroll through the farming areas, local homes and farmlands, getting to know the local community and their way of life. Later, we'll enjoy a scrumptious local dinner in town.
Included Activities:
- Serengeti National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
- Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Prepare yourself for a long travel day heading for the Usambara Mountains. Stretch your legs during a brief supply stop in Arusha, then jump back in the vehicle and watch the ever-changing scenery, read your favourite book or get to really know your fellow travellers. Your base will be Lushoto – an old German colony and home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at approximately 1400 metres and this evening you'll camp in the grounds of one of the oldest hotels in Africa.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains today – a lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this part of the country, so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains and rainforests are, however, the real jewels here are the local people and villages. You'll experience some hospitality on a visit to some of the small local communities. From your base, you will take a walk out to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project where you enjoy a prepared lunch.
Included Activities:
- Irente - Lushoto hike
- Irente - Local lunch
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Leaving the mountains behind, travel further south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp is by the beach, so make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive to Dar es Salaam, then catch a ferry to Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. Explore the many charms of Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar's main city, with a local guide. Taste the local delicacies and gain insight into daily local life living on Zanzibar.
Your trip comes to an end after the tour (approximately 3 pm), but that doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! Stick around to explore the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. If you would like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
- Stone Town - Walking Tour & Local Food
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Agnes - Traveled, March 2023
I thought this trip would be incredible, but it far exceeded my expectations. Unforgettable experience that I will be going on about to anyone who will listen for many moons to come! Tour director was fantastic, with expert knowledge & great stories to share. Every day was packed, maximising the time we had in each place. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to have a truly unique adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2023
Melissa - Traveled, February 2023
This trip is a good introduction to Tanzania and includes the major highlights (Serengeti, Usambara Mountains, Zanzibar...) in a short amount of time. There have been 3 long driving days on the truck, which is very tolarable and way less compared to other tours I did. The change in nature and temperatures in such a short time is interesting to experience, but can take a toll on your body, especially the humid and hot sections. Also, be prepared for some noisy nights. Our cook and driver were excellent, the leader was always available and in a good mood.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2023
Avalon - Traveled, February 2023
This trip is a lot of fun. A good mix of game drives and beaches! Lots of time in the beautiful Serengeti to explore, find animals and get some amazing views of the landscapes. The time in Zanzibar is great and a perfect way to end the trip, the locations are beautiful and the resorts are central. Florence, Emanuel and Charles are great leaders, chefs and drivers. The camping experience is a lot of fun but of course there are opportunities to upgrade. Would definitely recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2023
Jillian - Traveled, February 2023
This trip had the best of everything. You get to see iconic parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater while also getting to experience paradise in Zanzibar. 10/10 would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2023
Barry - Traveled, January 2023
The trip was a great experience and delivered what it said in the itinerary. We had great guides , super people to spend time with. Would highly recommend Intrepid Travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2023
Alex - Traveled, January 2024
Brilliant value for money, excellent guides and experiences. Definitely recommend ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Anja - Traveled, January 2024
I am going to write a review about the whole trip. When you want I send you the link of Polarsteps
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Marzena - Traveled, December 2023
Great trip! Enjoyed a lot, met amazing people. Fabulous view! Loved safari x
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/01/2024
Daria - Traveled, November 2023
A wonderful trip - we drove 960 kms from Nairobi to Zanzibar, walked through the villages, ate local foods and danced local dances with the villagers. We camped in the Serengeti park, heard a lion roar around our tent and a buffalo feed in the bushes. It was scary to go to the bathroom alone at night (I had to ask our guide to walk me there ??). We saw mothers with cubs, couples that mate for life, elephants with their tusks intact - the animals are so magnificent and it pains me to think that someone would hunt them for fun. Children waved at us as our bus drove through rural Tanzania.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Dounia - Traveled, November 2023
Amazing and enriching experience! The trip was very diverse in term of landscapes/encounters/local experience. The safari in Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti are unforgettable. The intrepid local crew was the best!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Patricia - Traveled, October 2023
This trip was amazing! Do not worry about booking the hot air balloons, can be booked on the ground a little cheaper. The whitewater rafting on the Nile was a lot of fun. Some days are long drives but goes by quickly, sleeping, early start and watching the changing scenery. I rented my sleeping bag, so worth not packing it and took a liner. I requested 2 mats and had a much better sleep. We had an excellent team, Paul, tour leader, Edwin the driver. Charles the cook was the spice king, excellent food with a great heart! He gave us a Dahl and chapati lesson, we all got involved with the rolling and using his techniques to make them have more layers. I have never made them before but I will be trying them when I get home!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
Abigail - Traveled, October 2023
A fantastic experience which exceeded all expectations. The safari element was outstanding, we saw so many animals, was amazing. Great to also experience the mountains and Zanzibar and meet local people and really experience the culture, the people and the food. Would definitely recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Michelle - Traveled, September 2023
The trip was great. MJ was the best you trip leader you could ask for. Everyone should take this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Kim - Traveled, September 2023
Everyone on the team exceeded expectations and added to the enjoyment of the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Caitlyn - Traveled, September 2023
What a trip! Could not recommend more. I was the most nervous about camping in Serengeti (and camping in general!) but it ended up being my favorite part. Listening to the sounds of the animals at night is not something I will ever forget. This trip really does have it all: safari drives, mountains, beach, history, cultural walks. Loved it all. (tip: book a few nights in Zanzibar to relax after the trip!) Been on several Intrepid trips and will book with them in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Lizzy - Traveled, August 2023
Had a fantastic trip, totally exceeded my expectations. Everything was so smooth from start to finish. I enjoyed every moment of the adventure. I got to see and do everything I wanted.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, August 2023
Do not hesitate to book, the variety of sights & activities is incredible from open savannah in the Serengeti to tropical paradise in Zanzibar. The crew are fantastic & we really enjoyed getting to know our fellow passengers. 5***
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/31/2023
Daniel - Traveled, August 2023
Intrepid is a truly outstanding company and this tour through Tanzania was an inspiring, incredible, and life-changing experience. If you want to see amazing wildlife, landscapes, and culture in a safe and environmentally and socially responsible way, then this trip is for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2023
Azizun Nazmin - Traveled, August 2023
Our tour guides Laban, driver Mash, and chef Wilson were amazing hosts. They made sure we were comfortable and knew exactly what to do and very accommodating. The adventure was so much fun seeing the animals in the wild and visiting the villages. We saw lions, zebras, elephants, girrafes, pumbas, wildabeasts and many more. I'm also glad we got to experience visiting the villages where we were treated well and got to see how people in Tanzania live and understand their culture. Our hosts also shared some of their stories which I was very grateful for as they gave us insight into their life experience. Laban especially was such a kind and considerate host and guide. You could go to him for anything. I wish I had enough money to sponsor him to come visit London and return the favour to host him also. Chef fed us so well with a freshly made tasty food everyday. I felt spoilt and had seconds most days!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
Alberto - Traveled, August 2023
Take this trip. It will change your life in the nicest way possible. And ask for Timothy[Timtim], Esther[Essie], and Charles. They are the most caring family you could ever choose to bring on a trip with you. Cheers to more trips with them!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
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