Safari to Sea Adventure in Tanzania and Zanzibar
Spot wildlife in Tanzania’s magnificent reserves then sail and snorkel the glittering waters of the Indian Ocean
What's Included?
Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Head out on a game drive in the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater - eyes open for lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and black rhino
Hike through the verdant foothills of Kilimanjaro, enjoying views of Africa’s mightiest peak whilst monkeys hoot overhead
Sail Zanzibar's idyllic shores on a traditional dhow and snorkel teeming technicolour coral reefs
Bunk down in leafy Tanzanian lodges, luxury Serengeti safari camps and blissful beachside hotels in Zanzibar
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Tanzania
Your host will meet you on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. Enjoy welcome drinks and have a chat through the adventure to come with your tour leader and fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Hike the Kilimanjaro foothills
Hiking
Head to Kilimanjaro National Park for a taste of what it's like to climb Africa's highest peak - but without the arduous 7-day trek to the summit. From the Main Gate, you'll hike through the lower altitudes, approaching the mountain from the southeast. Tuck into a picnic, overlooking Tanzania's vast plains, then continue through the rainforest - home to both colobus and black monkeys - and visit Maundi Crater. Rest up at Mandara Hut, where you'll have the chance to chat with guides and porters who make their living on the mountain. Descend, and head back to the lodge for a well-earned dinner.
Day 3
The 'Cradle of Mankind' & Serengeti National Park
Wildlife Watching
Wake up early ready for the long drive to Serengeti National Park. You'll stop at Olduvai Gorge, a paleoanthropological site famous for the discovery of early human remains. These fossilised ancestral bones have provided invaluable insight into the evolution of humans. Reaching the iconic open plains of the Serengeti, you'll waste no time as you enjoy a game drive en route to your luxury safari camp.
Day 4
Serengeti game drives
Wildlife Watching
Buckle up for a game drive, watching the landscape change from vast, treeless, central plains to thick scrub and forest. Linking these areas is the savanna, dotted with acacia trees and magnificent rocky outcrops. You'll visit the Simba Kopjes, high perches favoured by lions and cheetahs as a spot to hide their cubs; they can often be seen basking in the morning sun. You have the chance to add on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti in the morning - see Optional Extras for the price. In the afternoon you'll enjoy another game drive amongst giraffes, elephants, zebras, leopards and many other species, before relaxing over sundowners and dinner at camp.
Day 5
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Wildlife Watching
Head to another of Tanzania's wildlife hotspots - the Ngorongoro Crater, widely regarded as a microcosm of Africa's natural habitats. The ancient volcanic caldera is home to a truly remarkable concentration of wildlife. Descend to the crater floor on a game drive, with the chance to see a considerable variety of wildlife, including the highly endangered black rhinoceros. In the afternoon, you'll head to Karatu.
Day 6
Trek to the Elephant Caves
Hiking
Time to move those legs again after a few days of game drives. Today you'll trek to the Elephant Caves in the Ngorongoro Highlands, weaving through tropical rainforest to reach a spectacular waterfall. You'll have an armed park ranger alongside you as there are bountiful large wild animals around, and if you're lucky you'll see a large gathering of elephants at the cave. Later, you'll walk to some nearby coffee farms, before enjoying dinner and sundowners at the lodge.
Day 7
Head to Zanzibar
Hop on a short flight over the shimmering Indian Ocean to the paradise archipelago of Zanzibar. Home to some of the most pristine white beaches in the world, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania with its own distinct vibe and easygoing culture. Head straight for Stone Town, the historic heart of the island, for a stroll through the exotic, UNESCO-listed port town. You can also jump on a boat trip to Prison Island, formerly a penal colony which is now home to a giant tortoise sanctuary. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Day 8
Dhow sailing and snorkelling
Snorkelling
Sailing
Head along the stunning north-east coast of Zanzibar then settle into your beachside hotel. Board a traditional boat called a dhow and sail out for some world-class snorkelling in the famous Mnemba Atoll, a marine conservation area with large populations of dolphins. You'll explore coral gardens and a steep ocean reef. Tuck into a barbeque on the idyllic Muyuni beach and enjoy some hammock time, before sailing back to Nungwi for an evening on the beach.
Day 9
Downtime in Zanzibar
Today is yours to do as you please. Your guide will be on hand to offer recommendations on the best sights nearby, but with startlingly turquoise waters and perfect powdery sand beneath your toes, you can simply spend your day swimming in the Indian Ocean and chilling on the beach.
Day 10
Goodbye Zanzibar
Your Tanzanian odyssey comes to an end today as your host transfers you back to Zanzibar's airport, in time for your onward flight.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Anytime on Day 1
Ends
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar
Anytime on Day 10
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation in nearby Moshi. On the last day of your trip, your host will drop you off at Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in time for your return flight.
Airport transfers are included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 10. If you wish to arrive before the trip start date or stay longer at the end, your host can arrange private airport transfers and pre/post-trip accommodation. See Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
There are a range of indirect flight options to Kilimanjaro International Airport and returning from Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. You can transit in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines or Nairobi with Kenya Airways which connects to direct flights to major hubs in Europe and North America. You can also transit through Amsterdam, Zurich and Istanbul with various European carriers.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
You'll sample traditional Tanzanian food along with some Western options. Tanzania has a lot of Indian and Arabic influences in its cuisine, so expect samosas, spiced meats, vegetable/bean dishes, chapatis and rice. On safaris, you'll be given lunch boxes by your accommodation. In Zanzibar, you'll tuck into tropical fruit (like mangos, pineapples, rambutans, bananas, and coconuts), plenty of seafood (such as shrimp, octopus, squid, lobster, crab) and one of Zanzibar's tastiest dishes: fresh grilled fish. The people of Zanzibar eat rice with different spices almost every day, while couscous is also popular with the locals.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Moshi
Your first two nights of this adventure are spent at Chanya Lodge, nestled in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The lodge has lush gardens, a restaurant serving local and international food and a large swimming pool. You'll stay in twin-share rooms.
Serengeti
In the Serengeti, you'll stay at Ang’ata Serengeti Camp, located in an incredible setting with a view of the plains and often surrounded by wildlife. You'll stay in luxury twin-share safari tents with en-suite bathrooms.
Karatu
On the outskirts of Karatu, a small farming town next to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, you'll spend two nights at Pamoja Farm Lodge. Luxurious, with strong sustainability practices and an organic farm which provides much of the produce for the restaurant, you'll stay in beautifully designed twin-share rooms. There's an outside fireplace and a swimming pool where you can enjoy some downtime after exploring the African bush.
Stone Town
Your first night in Zanzibar is at Tembo House Hotel, right on the beachfront within the UNESCO Heritage Site of Stone Town. Ideally located to explore the maze of streets, the hotel also has a gorgeous pool if you fancy relaxing on arrival. Previous guests include Mahatma Gandhi and Freddie Mercury. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with an en-suite bathroom.
North East Zanzibar
Your final two nights are at the Kena Beach Hotel, nestled in a peaceful oceanside spot on the stunning north coast of Zanzibar. There are beach loungers and idyllic verandas overlooking the Indian Ocean, a swimming pool and a fantastic restaurant. You'll stay in beautiful twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Amazing trip. Well organised. Friendly and helpful hosts. Accommodation comfortable. Would definitely recommend this trip to friends and family.
The Trip of a Lifetime. Im not exaggerating. The experience, the people, the guides and the scenery of Tanzania are indescribable. I've never felt so welcome and had the local team work so hard to give us an incredible experience - Godfrey the safari guide didn't stop until he found all the Big Five. Take a good camera, because the pictures are worth it :)
Guides
Local, English-speaking tour leader and game drive guides
Accommodation
Think lush African lodges, luxury safari tents and chilled beachside hotels
Meals
All your breakfasts, 8 dinners, 6 lunches
Transfers
Airport transfers and everything in between
Equipment
Snorkelling gear in Zanzibar
Permits
All national park and marine park entry fees
Internal flights
Internal flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
What's included?
- Snorkelling gear
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof cover/liner for daypack
CLOTHES
- Light waterproof jacket
- Light waterproof trousers
- Fleece jacket or similar for cooler evenings
- Buff or neckscarf for sun protection
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear & socks
- Swimwear (for Zanzibar and swimming pools at accommodations)
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots or shoes (worn-in)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti
Payable Before Departure
Hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti
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Pre trip accommodation in Moshi (Single room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre trip accommodation in Moshi (Single room)
… Per night
Pre trip accommodation in Moshi (Twin/double room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre trip accommodation in Moshi (Twin/double room)
… Per night
Post trip accommodation in Stone Town, Zanzibar (Single room)
Payable Before Departure
Post trip accommodation in Stone Town, Zanzibar (Single room)
… Per night
Post trip accommodation in Stone Town, Zanzibar (Twin/double room)
Payable Before Departure
Post trip accommodation in Stone Town, Zanzibar (Twin/double room)
… Per night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private airport transfer Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi accommodations
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi accommodations
…
Private airport transfer - Zanzibar accommodation to airport
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - Zanzibar accommodation to airport
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 525kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Recently there have been concerning reports of an eviction program underway in Ngorongoro, which is moving Tanzanian Maasai people via incentivisation practices, and Kenyan Maasai people via forced eviction means. Much Better Adventures can reassure our community that conservation-based tourism, of the kind offered on this trip, is not contributing to this practice. After widespread discussion with our partners in the area, we have been assured that conservation-based tourism is continuing to deliver economic benefits to the Maasai communities. A percentage of the cost of the permits that our trip price includes to access the park enables the Maasai communities to pay for education and provides them with access to healthcare and business opportunities. In return, they aid the conservation effort by safeguarding wildlife and continuing to co-existing with animals as they have done for centuries.
The Tanzanian government has not officially stated the driver of the evictions, however the sentiment amongst a coalition of tour operators in East Africa - including our local partner who operates this trip - is that the change has been driven by the potential zoning of the area for big game trophy hunting - the antithesis of the conservation-based tourism that we promote. The lack of transparency around the evictions is making it difficult for tour operators in the region to advocate collectively against the decision, however discussions are underway as to how the coalition of local tour operators can protest the issue in the coming months. Our local partners have also assured us that withdrawing from the area will only negatively impact the current Maasai community who benefit from conservation-based tourism, which remains a vehicle for them to stay connected and earn a living on their ancestral lands.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
$10USD per person per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Tap water is not safe for travellers to drink in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Most of the hotels and lodges you'll stay at will provide safe drinking water, meanwhile, your host will ensure purified drinking water is supplied throughout the trip. Make sure to bring along a reusable water bottle or two to keep water with you while on safari and on the hikes.
Your luggage will be transported in the overland vehicle throughout the adventure, and it is safe to leave in the vehicle with your host and driver. Since your trip starts in Moshi and ends in Zanzibar, it is not feasible to leave luggage at the start of the trip to collect at the end.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
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DEPARTURE DATES
