The overview of an 8days Tanzania tour mixed with the islands of Zanzibar
Tanzania tour is combined with the incredible relaxing city of the islands of Zanzibar, and later join the adventure of the jungle after Zanzibar to experience the fresh air from the Indian Ocean and the morning breath We began this 8-day safari in Zanzibar Island, touring the stone town and strolling the island beaches, and ended in Mto WA Mbu in Arusha, traversing through the Usambara Mountains, then to Arusha town for the night, to Ngorongoro crater before landing in Serengeti National Park, and finally exploring Tanzanian culture in Mto WA Mbu village in Arusha.
The highlights of this Tanzania tour
- Stone town tour
- Zanzibar Island water beach sports
- Hiking of the untampered Usambara Mountains
- The hospitality of the locals around Usambara ranges
- Descent to Ngorongoro crater
- Unlimited game drives in Serengeti plains
- Discovery of Tanzania culture in Mto Wa Mbu village
- Scenic drives and interactions with the locals
The detailed itinerary Tanzania safari mixed with islands of Zanzibar
Day 1: Meeting at the ferry point in Dar es Salaam and transfer to Stone Town
On the first day of our 8days Tanzania tour, we awoke up for an early breakfast in our hotel in Dar es Salaam and then met our guide, who took us to the banks of the ocean to take a ferry to Zanzibar Island. We arrived still in the morning hours and had the opportunity to explore this magnificent island, strolling along its pure white-sand beaches, winding through cobblestone alleyways, and scented bazaars. Others decided to participate in optional activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, boat canoeing, swimming, and other water sports. For lunch, everyone got a selection of meals.
In the afternoon, we traversed on foot to see the historic part of Zanzibar’s major city, Stone Town, visiting markets, stores, mosques, palaces, and courtyards. In the evening, we took a ferry back to Dar es Salaam and checked into our hotel, where we watched the sunset while sipping beverages in the bar overlooking the seafront. Dinner was seafood curry at an area eatery and spent the night in a hotel.
Meal plan: All the meals were provided
Day 2: Transfer to the Untapped Usambara Mountains
We woke up early to eat breakfast, then went on a 7-hour journey north of Dar es Salaam to the Usamabara Mountains, travelling through lovely, intriguing towns, stopping for brief conversations with residents, and finishing with a picnic-packed lunch. When we arrived in this unspoiled part of Tanzania that few tourists appear to be aware of, we could see woods stretching across the infinite highlands. We arrived at the camp base at Lushoto, an old German colony, and chose to set up our camps for the night.
Meal plan: All the meals were offered
Day 3: Full-day hiking and exploration of the Usambara Mountains
After a delicious breakfast, we went on a hike with a local guide to explore the lovely Usambara Mountains, where we discovered that, unlike the north and coast of Tanzania, this area is not frequently visited by tourists. We went from the base to the stunning Irente viewpoint, experiencing the freshness of these magnificent mountains which may not be found anywhere. As gorgeous as the mountain ranges and rainforests are, the actual jewels here were the local people and villages who welcomed us with open arms when we visited some of the small local settlements. On the way back, we stopped at Irente Farm to visit a local cultural initiative, eat a picnic lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing in the camp.
Meal plan: All the meals were provided
Day 4: Took a drive to Arusha city
We arose early for breakfast and prepared for a full day drive to Arusha town, which took us around 10 hours of driving, with stops along the way for packed lunch and refreshments in some of the local towns. In the evening, we arrived in Arusha, which is a gateway to most of Tanzania’s national parks, and checked into the lodge for dinner and a night’s rest.
Meal plan: All the meals were provided
Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro crater area
After an early breakfast, we drove to Ngorongoro Crater, where we stopped for lunch before descending two thousand feet to the crater floor. We discovered some amazing information about this extraordinary natural marvel of Africa on our trek inside the crater, which was provided to us by the local guide of the place that around 2.5 million years ago, a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, producing the Ngorongoro Crater. We learned that it could be the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, as well as a World Heritage Site and a sealed biosphere! During our drive to the crater, we spotted the big five mammals: lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, and elephant, among other creatures. After our excursion at Ngorongoro Crater, we drove to the Serengeti plains in the late afternoon and checked into the pre-booked lodge for our supper and overnight stay.
Meal plan: All the meals were provided
Day 6: Full-day game drive in Serengeti plains
After breakfast, we went on a full-day wildlife drive into the huge grasslands of the Serengeti. We returned to the lodge for lunch and some rest before embarking on an afternoon wildlife drive in search of more animals and birds. We watched the predator and prey pursuit in the early morning because few predators hunt during the day. It was also a magical time in the Serengeti National Park, with gentle sunshine dappling the landscape, birds waking up, and a sense of adventure emerging. We spent the entire day looking for hippos, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, antelopes, hartebeest, and zebras. Went back to the lodge for supper and stayed the night.
Meal plan: All the meals were provided
Day 7: Another full day in Serengeti National Park
We went on a morning game viewing tour after breakfast at our Serengeti National Park Lodge. Then it was back to the lodge for lunch before heading out on an afternoon wildlife drive. Serengeti is a Masai word that means “Endless Plains.” The Park boasts the most plains animals in the world. During animal drives on this day, we discovered the Serengeti’s heart, the breathtaking Seronera River Valley. The natural beauty of this gorgeous valley is truly amazing. Savannas stretch endlessly beyond the horizon. Rivers wind their way through ponds, seasonal marshes, and open fields. The dark silhouettes of umbrella-shaped acacia trees tower over the plains, while massive granite kopjes loom in the distance, providing a timeless vision of Africa. We viewed Massive herds of Buffalo, Wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelle, Topi, Elephant, Impala, and Waterbuck were promptly followed by packs of African Wild Dogs, Lion pride, Cheetah, Jackals, and Leopards. We saw the Common Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Southern Ground Hornbill, Secretary Bird, and many other bird species in this area. After a busy day of wildlife viewing, we returned to the lodge for some downtime, food, and overnight.
Meal plan: All meals were included
Day 8: A drive to Mto wa Mbu village for cultural exploration and transfer to Arusha
After an early breakfast on this final day, we embarked on a five-and-a-half-hour drive to Mto WA Mbu village in Tanzania, where we found participants of more than 120 tribes living happily side by side. We then took a village walk and discovered the very social side of Africa’s rural life in Tanzania, from small farms to schools and markets. We observed the Makonde tribe’s intricate wood carving and tribal painting techniques, as well as how the Chagga tribe brews their “Mbege,” traditional banana and millet beer, before being transferred to Arusha to the lodge for dinner and a night’s stay, bringing this incredible 8-day Tanzania tour to a close.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch
