Tanzania Wildlife and Zanzibar Retreat

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HIGHLIGHTS

HIGHLIGHTS

HOTELS

HOTELS

SIGHTSEEING

SIGHTSEEING

MEALS

MEALS

Tanzania is a land of extraordinary contrasts—home to some of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife parks and the white-sand shores of Zanzibar. From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti and the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater to the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean, Tanzania offers a diverse and unforgettable experience rich in nature, culture, and coastal charm.

Price starting from $ 6599  New York (JFK/EWR)

OVERVIEW

This journey takes you through the heart of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, crafted for a balanced and immersive experience. Begin in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s wild landscapes, before traveling to Karatu in the lush Ngorongoro Highlands. Spend two days exploring the Serengeti’s vast savannahs, renowned for the Big Five and the Great Migration, followed by a day in the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with wildlife. Continue to Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephant herds and baobab-studded landscapes, before flying to Zanzibar for three nights of relaxation on pristine beaches. With comfortable lodges, tented camps, and a beachfront resort, plus all game drives and transfers included, this itinerary ensures a seamless blend of adventure and tranquility.

Itinerary

Pack your spirit of adventure — today, you begin a journey from the wild heart of Tanzania to the tranquil shores of Zanzibar!

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some leisure time to unwind after your journey. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel.

Overnight in Arusha

After breakfast at your Arusha lodge, embark on a 3-hour drive to Karatu, a tranquil town in the Ngorongoro Highlands. The scenic route offers views of local villages and rolling hills. Check into a cozy lodge, such as the Country Lodge Karatu, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. The afternoon is free to unwind and take in the highland ambiance. Dinner at the lodge features fresh, local ingredients, setting the stage for your safari.

Overnight in Karatu

Following breakfast in Karatu, depart for a 4-hour drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti National Park. The journey showcases expansive landscapes and occasional glimpses of local life. Arrive at your tented camp, such as the Serengeti Pioneer Camp, for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive across the Serengeti’s vast plains, spotting wildlife like lions or wildebeest, depending on the season. Return to camp for dinner under the stars.

Overnight in Serengeti

Begin your day with breakfast at the Serengeti camp, then set out for a full day of game drives. Your guide navigates the park’s savannahs, seeking out animals like elephants, zebras, or leopards. A picnic lunch is served in the park, allowing you to dine surrounded by nature. Continue exploring in the afternoon, returning to camp in the late afternoon for dinner and a restful night in your tent.

Overnight in Serengeti

After breakfast in the Serengeti, enjoy a morning game drive to catch final wildlife sightings. Around mid-morning, depart for a 3.5-hour drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at your lodge, such as the Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge, for lunch with views of the crater. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the lodge’s tranquil setting. Dinner features a mix of Tanzanian and international dishes.

Overnight in Ngorongoro

Start with an early breakfast in Ngorongoro, then descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a 5-hour game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts diverse wildlife, including rhinos and flamingos, within its dramatic caldera. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a scenic spot in the crater. In the early afternoon, ascend the rim and drive 2 hours to Tarangire National Park. Check into the Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge for dinner and views of baobab trees.

Overnight in Tarangire

After breakfast in Tarangire, head out for a full day of game drives in Tarangire National Park, known for its elephant herds and baobab trees. Explore the park’s savannahs, spotting wildlife like giraffes or lions. A picnic lunch is served at a designated site within the park. Continue your game drive in the afternoon, returning to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night.

Overnight in Tarangire

Following breakfast in Tarangire, enjoy a morning game drive to spot the park’s wildlife. After a picnic lunch, transfer to the Kuro Airstrip for a 1.5-hour charter flight to Zanzibar. Upon landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a private transfer takes you to a beachfront resort, such as the Ocean Paradise Resort, on the east coast. Settle in and enjoy dinner featuring Zanzibar’s fresh seafood and spices.

Overnight in Zanzibar

Wake up to breakfast at your Zanzibar resort, then spend the day unwinding on the island’s white-sand beaches. Swim in the turquoise waters or relax by the resort’s pool, soaking in the tropical ambiance. Lunch and dinner at the resort highlight Zanzibar’s Swahili cuisine, with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. The evening offers time to enjoy the beachfront setting.

Overnight in Zanzibar

After breakfast in Zanzibar, enjoy another day of relaxation at the resort. Spend time on the beach or by the pool, taking in the island’s serene beauty. Lunch and dinner at the resort feature dishes inspired by Zanzibar’s spice trade heritage. As evening falls, relax in the tranquil surroundings, reflecting on your Tanzanian journey.

Overnight: Zanzibar

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a bit of free time before your transfer.

Accommodation

JW Marriott Nairobi
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At JW Marriott Nairobi, you can enjoy world-class amenities and a prime location on Chiromo Lane, allowing you to indulge in your passions with style. This iconic hotel tower boasts stunning views of the city and is close to top local attractions. It offers 315 luxurious guest rooms, 51 serviced apartments, excellent event and business facilities, thoughtfully designed restaurants and bars, and a serene retreat at the Spa by JW. The combination of the African savannah's beauty and elegant design makes it an ideal destination.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
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When you stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, you'll be just steps away from Central Serengeti. This luxurious hotel is located 19 miles (30.6 km) from Serengeti National Park and 9.8 miles (15.8 km) from Ikorongo Game Reserve.

Indulge in onsite massages, body treatments, and facials, and enjoy recreational amenities like an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel also offers concierge services, babysitting (for an additional fee), and an arcade/game room.

All-inclusive rates are available, covering meals and beverages at onsite dining options, though some restaurants and special dishes may incur extra charges. Choose from three restaurants, or enjoy room service. Relax at the end of the day with a drink at the bar/lounge or poolside bar.

Additional amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. The hotel features conference space and meeting rooms, with free self-parking available.

Feel at home in one of the 77 air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with minibars and DVD players. Rooms also feature private balconies, complimentary wireless internet access, and flat-screen televisions. Bathrooms come with complimentary toiletries and bidets.

Kwanza Resort
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Located in Kizimkazi, Kwanza Resort by SUNRISE is just a 3-minute drive from Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque and 6 minutes from Kizimkazi Beach. This luxurious resort is 13.9 miles (22.3 km) from Jambiani Beach and 18.6 miles (29.9 km) from Paje Beach.

Indulge in onsite massages and facials, and after a refreshing dip in one of the two outdoor swimming pools, enjoy some relaxation at the private beach. The resort also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and babysitting (for an additional fee).

All-inclusive rates are available, covering meals and beverages at onsite dining options. Some restaurants and special dishes may incur additional charges. Savor international cuisine at Jua, one of the resort's three restaurants, or opt for 24-hour room service. For a drink, visit the beach bar or choose from three bars/lounges and two poolside bars.

Notable amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. Free self-parking is available onsite.

Feel at home in one of the 151 air-conditioned rooms, each featuring minibars and LED televisions. Rooms also include private balconies or patios, complimentary Wi-Fi, and satellite programming for your entertainment. Private bathrooms come equipped with bathtubs or showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

INCLUSIONS

  • 10 nights’ accommodation on a twin sharing basis in superior or deluxe lodges, tented camps, and beachfront resorts
  • Daily breakfast
  • 10 lunches
  • 10 dinners
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
  • English-speaking professional guide for all game drives as per the itinerary
  • All ground transfers and transportation in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for game viewing
  • Bottled water during game drives and ground transfers
  • All conservation fees and park entry fees (Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park)
  • Domestic flight: Tarangire to Zanzibar
  • International Return Airfare ex New York ( Please check with us for pricing from other cities)
  • Air taxes and fuel surcharges
  • All local applicable taxes

EXCLUSIONS

  • All other meals & All other sightseeing or services
  • Gratuities for meals, tourist guides, drivers
  • Visa fee & Travel Insurance
  • Optional tours or excursions
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls, and laundry
  • Any other services or Items not mentioned above as included

Planning a trip to Tanzania?

Visa requirements:  U.S., and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your return date to enter Kenya (and Tanzania for the tour extension). It’s advisable to have at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps. Visas for Kenya must be purchased from the Kenyan government’s Electronic Travel Authority website (etakenya.go.ke/en) before your trip. For Tanzania, a visa is required for entry (U.S. citizens should apply for a multiple-entry visa). While visas can be obtained at the border, it’s recommended to secure one in advance, as wait times can exceed two hours. You can purchase an electronic visa via the the Tanzanian Electronic Visa Portal website. If you're not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, check with the respective consulates for entry requirements.

Clothing: Pack loose-fitting, layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures. Quick-dry materials are best for hot days, while warmer layers are recommended for cooler evenings. Choose muted colors for game drives, as bright clothing can scare animals, and avoid blue or black attire to prevent attracting tsetse flies. Comfortable closed-toe shoes, like sneakers or lightweight hiking boots, are ideal for daytime walking. Bring a swimsuit for hotels with pools, and don't forget sun protection, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat are essential. Lightweight rain gear may be needed during certain seasons due to occasional rain. Additionally, mosquito repellent, binoculars, a flashlight, and a small hand sanitizer bottle are highly recommended. Note that plastic bags are banned in Kenya; bring reusable cloth bags for shopping instead. Transfers between parks can be long and bumpy, so a small pillow may enhance your comfort. Consider packing a universal adapter and a voltage converter if you plan to use your own hairdryer or devices without built-in converters. Keep your medical insurance card handy in your carry-on for emergencies.

Cuisine: This tour includes nine lunches and nine dinners, which may consist of set menus, buffets, or family-style meals depending on the location. Dinners come with one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, along with water, coffee, and tea. Breakfast is included daily at the hotel, typically served buffet style with hot and cold options. Lunches may be picnic-style on longer travel days. The cuisine at game lodges reflects British colonial influences, and you’ll find many locals enjoy afternoon tea. Most restaurants serve curries and other dishes influenced by the Indian community, while ingredients like maize, sweet potatoes, and pineapple were introduced by the Portuguese.

Currency: During this tour, you'll use the Kenyan Shilling and U.S. dollars, with the Tanzanian Shilling for the tour extension. You can purchase Kenyan Shillings in advance from local banks or currency exchange retailers like Travelex. There''s no limit on bringing currency into Kenya, but you can't take more than $100,000 in Kenyan Shillings out, or more than $5,000 in Tanzanian Shillings out of Tanzania. It's advisable to carry small amounts of U.S. dollars (only crisp bills printed in 2004 or later; $1, $5, or $10 bills are ideal). ATMs are available in Nairobi, so withdraw cash in small bills for your safari. Major North American credit cards are accepted but can be challenging to use in remote areas (Visa is most widely accepted). Make sure to have at least one debit or credit card with an EMV chip, and notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid issues with your international purchases. Bring cash for tipping your tour director, local guides, and drivers.

Health: Check with your healthcare provider at least 60 days before departure for the latest health updates and entry requirements or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, inform us at least 30 days prior to your trip by updating your traveler information online. Ensure you have enough daily medication for the tour, including potential delays. Proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card) may be required, particularly if you're arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk (this does not apply to the U.S. or Canada). For travel to Tanzania, you''ll need to provide proof of the yellow fever vaccination. If you need to bring medical equipment requiring electricity, such as a CPAP machine, contact our customer experience team to ensure accommodations are met. Drink only bottled water and avoid tap water, even when brushing your teeth. Refrain from eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or peeled. Bringing a small first aid kit with antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness pills, and any prescription medications in your carry-on is also a good idea.

Baggage: Luggage allowances on the small planes used within Africa are quite strict. In East Africa, each person is allowed one soft-sided duffel bag weighing up to 33 pounds. It's essential to avoid wheeled luggage, as the wheels alone can add 8 to 12 pounds to the total weight.

Make sure to pack any prescription medications in your carry-on bag, just in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost—it can happen. Bring enough of each medication to last your entire safari.

It's also wise to pack a basic medical kit with items you might need in case of minor health issues. This includes medications for diarrhea, headaches, heartburn, sore throats (like lozenges), indigestion, insect bites (antihistamines), and of course, insect repellent and hand sanitizer. Don’t forget anti-malarial pills, eye drops, and moisturizer along with sunscreen (SPF 20 or higher) to protect against the sun.

Payment Policy & Insurance

Deposit:           US$ 750 per person [Non-refundable / Non-transferrable]
Booking date: 25th Aug 2024
50% Deposit:  11th January 2024
Full Balance:   11th April 2024

(Once the deposit is paid, the travelers can then pay any amount on any date. Travelers to ensure that the payment deadlines are met as above)

Insurance Policy

We encourage everyone who books a VOYAGES HUB TOURS package, regardless of age or tour choice, to obtain a travel protection plan. While you intend to take that once-in-a-lifetime trip, illness, family emergencies, and other factors can derail your best-laid plans.

VOYAGES HUB TOURS has teamed up with Travel Guard to provide a Travel Protection Plan specifically designed for U.S. residents. Feel free to email us to receive a quote, without any obligation to commit.

Cancellation Policy

  • Starting from the booking date until January 11, 2025, a cancellation will incur a $750 per person non-refundable/non-transferable deposit fee plus any interruption insurance costs if bought.
  • Between January 12, 2025, and April 11, 2025, 50% of the tour price be charged as a cancellation fee.
  • From April 12, 2025 to July 10, 2025, canceling will result in the full tour price being charged with no possibility of a refund.

Note:
A person becoming single because of the roommate’s cancellation must pay the single supplement
All payment cut-off dates are firm, and missing deadlines without approved extensions will result in cancellations without refunds being offered. 

PLEASE NOTE

Voyages Hub reserves the right to levy a surcharge commensurate to the fuel increase at the time of operation of this movement.

REVIEW

Hands down one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. The transition from the wild plains of the Serengeti to the peaceful beaches of Zanzibar was magical. Everything ran smoothly—from airport transfers to meals. We felt well taken care of and completely immersed in Tanzania’s beauty and culture.

Jessica Monroe verified
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Our safari through Tanzania was beyond amazing. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and every lodge had its own charm. I loved the balance between exploring the parks—especially Tarangire’s elephants—and unwinding in Zanzibar at the end. Highly recommend this itinerary for anyone wanting the full Tanzania experience!

Mickey Torres verified
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This trip was absolutely unforgettable! From the moment we landed in Arusha to relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, everything was perfectly organized. The game drives in Serengeti were the highlight—seeing lions up close was surreal! The lodges were cozy and the food exceeded expectations. A perfect mix of adventure and relaxation

Erica Richardson verified
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