Travelling to Africa has been our dream since we have been young kids. At the heart of this dream lies something so captivating about this amazing continent. Could it be the wildlife, culture and landscapes that are so unique from the rest of the world? I mean haven’t we all dreamt of going to Africa ever since we first watched Lion King? I know I have! We wanted to share our incredible Tanzania itinerary in hope of inspiring you to visit this beautiful country.
The Intrepid tour “Road to Zanzibar” started in Kenya then crossed over to Tanzania where we embarked on a safari through the Ngorongoro Crater. We then drove across the endless plains of the Serengeti national park, sleeping to the sound of the wild animals. Afterwards we drove through the lush Usambara mountains, visiting local villages and finished on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. The perfect 12 day Tanzania itinerary.
Traveling with Intrepid
We had the opportunity to work with Intrepid as content creators for this trip and we were so excited to tour through Tanzania with a reputable company such as Intrepid. Looking back we were able to experience Africa in a way we never could on our own. The tour company focuses on giving travellers a truely authentic and cultural experience. They focus on avoiding the touristic hotspots and engage their travellers with the genuine Africa. Smaller group sizes, being more environmentally conscious, having more local guides and appealing to a more diverse range of people are some attributes that differentiated Intrepid from other tour groups.
Here you will find our 12 day Tanzania itinerary. We include everything from where we stayed, activities, photos, inclusions and more.
Our Tanzania “Road to Zanzibar Tour” itinerary with Intrepid starts now!
Are you ready for a jam packed Tanzania itinerary full of National Parks, wild animals, safari drives, African culture and adventure? If so than read on!
Arriving in Nairobi, Kenya
The start of our Tanzania itinerary starts in Kenya so we flew from Perth to Johannesburg with South African airlines, which took 11 hours. Once in Johannesburg we had a 4 hour lay over before boarding our last plane to Nairobi which only took 4 hours. On arrival you have to pay $50 USD for a Kenyan visa. Intrepid had organised a tour guide to meet us at the departure lounge before taking us to the hotel where we would meet up with the rest of the tour the following day.
A Kenyan visa on arrival this cost $50 USD each.
Day 1: Nairobi
The first stop on our trip in Africa was Nairobi. This was the starting point of the trip where we would meet all our fellow travellers, our guide, the chef and driver. Unfortunately we didn’t have much time to see Kenya but we hear its an amazing country.
Day 2: Mto Wa Mbu
Today was officially the first day of the tour and we departed early in the morning at 7am. The drive from Kenya, crossing into Tanzania and then arriving to Mto Wa Mbu took approximately 10 hours.
Our transport for the tour was a converted truck big enough to fit all 20 of us comfortably and was equipped with dual power plugs. Having the power pionts on board was extremely convent for us to charge all our equipment while driving.
Crossing the border into Tanzania.
Crossing the border from Kenya to Tanzania was stress free. We just had to scan our big bags and pay for a visa for Tanzania. The visa costs $50 USD and if your an American citizen unfortunately the visa will cost $100 USD.
For lunch we pulled over on the side of the road on a grassy area, grabbed the deck chairs and tables and all sat around a big circle as the chefs prepared a delicious lunch. We had healthy avocado salad with rolls, there were cheese and ham for the non vegetarians . The chef Manuelle made sure there a plenty of vegan options like salad, veggies, beans and rice for the vegans and vegetarians.
By the time we arrived in Mto Wa Mbu it was already 6pm. It was our first night camping on this trip. We had to put our head torches on to pitch up our tents. To my surprise the tents are actually big and sturdy which was great because it did start to rain heavy that night.
The Mto Wa Mbu lodge camp site was very clean and had great facilities. The camp site has thick green grass, we had access to warm showers, a pool and even a bar. For those who wanted to upgrade could upgrade to a room for $50 USD.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Ngorgoro Crater/ Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
Today was the first day of our safari drive into the Serengeti Nation Park. We had to be up and tents packed away by 7am. We said good bye to the big truck, pilled into the 4wd land cruiser’s and drove towards the Serengeti where we spent the next 2 nights. Our driver was called Safari and he was an excellent driver and very informative. Each 4wd fits 7 people including the driver and comes with 2 power adapters built inside and a pop up roof so you have the freedom to stand and move around to see the animals.
The first game drive started down in the Ngorongoro Crater which took approximately 3 hours to drive to. While driving through the National park the landscape changed from thick lush rainforest to an open view of the crater. Once we were down in the 8000 km2 crater and we were surrounded by thousands of hoofed animals .
Ngorongoro Crater.
Once we drove down into the Ngorongoro Crater I was excited to see my first zebra. As I looked around I noticed we were surrounded by thousands of zebras, wilderbeests, gazelles and antelopes.
In the first 10 minutes we spotted a big bull elephant only a few meters away, then as we drove through the park we passed 2 prides of lions and lioness’s. They weren’t very active because they just had a kill and were resting. When we looked in the distance we could see the remains of a kill, it was guarded by a hyenas and vultures. We passed a cute family of warthogs with 4 small babies. “Pumba’s” I like to call them, Did you know that Pumba mean stupid in Swahili? Safari told us that warthogs have a very short memory, hence the nickname.
The binoculars in the jeep came in handy because we were able to spot 2 black Rhinos in the far distance. I would have loved to been closer to them but they are known to be extremely shy.
For lunch we stopped next to a lake and we were able to walk around outside, stretch our legs and use the toilet. We stopped here and ate our prepared lunches. We had watermelon, pineapple, salad and peanut butter sandwiches.
Serengeti National Park
After lunch we went back into the 4wd’s, made our way out of the Ngorongoro Crater and into the Serengeti National park. On the way out we passed more zebras, buffalo, lions, flamingo, jackals and wildebeest. We had just caught the end of the migration were 2.5 million wildebeest and over 250 000 zebras migrate to the Ngorongoro Crater every year.
Driving into the Serengeti the landscape became more flat as plains of the Serengeti stretch out as far as 14 000 km. By the time we arrived at our campsite in the Serengeti it was already dark but lucky for us our tents were already set up. The campsite is within the Serengeti National Park and has no fences around it. We were completely surrounded by wildlife and laying in bed we could hear the hyenas around the campsite .
For dinner we had delicious butter bean pasta, vegetables and potatoes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Our first safari game drive in the Serengeti National Park
In the morning we had a quick breakfast before getting into the 4wd’s at 7 am and heading out on our first morning game drive. The scenery was so beautiful as we watched the sunrise over the plains. The first animals we spotted were a herd of up to 20 elephants. There were 2 young male elephants play fighting for about 20 minutes. We were driving around the Serengeti for about half an hour before we spotted a female lion sitting on her own. Through out the day we spotted more zebras, antelopes, wildebeest, ostriches, monkeys and hippos.
Around 11am we headed back to the camp site for lunch and a few hours break were we had the option to have a shower, relax and recharge our equipment before heading back out for the afternoon game drive.
Afternoon Safari game drive.
The afternoon game drive was by far my favourite because we spotted 2 cheetahs and it was the first time I had ever seen them in real life. Even though they were quite far away they were still so exciting to watch. We also found a herd of elephants who were very protective of a 2 day old baby elephant. Seeing a family of elephants with the small 2 day old baby was a highlight on our Tanzania itinerary. The baby elephant was tiny and mainly just hung very close to the mum and other female elephants.
On our way back we stopped in front of 8 female lions that were eyeing off zebras in the distance. We were all waiting for the to make chase but our driver Safari said that it was to light in the day for them to hunt and they will probably follow the zebras until its dark enough to make their move. If you are planning your own Tanzania itinerary be sure to include a safari in the Serengeti national Park.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park/Mto Wa Mbu
It was our last morning on safari in the Serengeti National Park so we packed up our tents and headed out on one last game drive. The animals weren’t as active this morning but we did see the same elephant family in the distance. We drove around in search of a leopard in the trees but no luck. The drive out of the safari and back to the top of Ngorongoro Crater the view was much clearer with less clouds. Being up high and looking at the surrounding national park was breathtaking. Camping in the Serengeti and going on safari drives was a highlight for the whole trip.
Guided walking tour in Mto Wa Mbu.
We arrived in Mto Wa Mbu by the afternoon, unpacked the 4wd’s and pitched our tents up. Afterwards we went on a guided walking tour through the local community where we learnt all about the local village life. We started in the lush rice fields learning about how the locals grow and harvest white rice. From there we walked to a local carving shop where the local men were carving wooden pieces. We were shown the different types of wood used and what goes into creating a masterpiece. The details in the work are incredible and the men have an amazing talent. Some of the others brought small ornaments like wooden salad servers to take home to their families.
Trying local Banana Beer for the first time!
Next stop was to a small home where local banana beer is made. We sat around in a circle and were shown the process of banana beer before trying it for ourselves. Im not a fan of beer but the banana beer was not bad. Banana beer is mainly served at weddings or big events, we were told that if villages are having tension between them than banana beer is brought out and given to keep the piece.
Dinner was prepared and served by the local women of the small village. The meals were all cooked in beautiful pots and we had a variety of rice, eggplant, sweet potato, bananas, beans, polenta, fish and vegetables. The food was delicious and we enjoyed tasting authentic African food. After dinner instead of walking home the 19 of us piled into tuk tuks to make our way back to the camp site. Driving past the village all the children ran out to wave goodbye.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Usambara Mountains- Lushoto
This morning we had to wake up and depart by 5am. We had a long drive ahead of us today as we travel back in the big truck and make our way to Usambara Mountains in Lushoto (approximately 10 hours)
As we drove closer to the Usambara Mountains the scenery changed to green and as we drove up the mountains we were surrounded by lush forrest, wooden huts and picturesque mountains.
We had 2 night booked at a hotel called Lawn Hotel, which was a former German colony. The hotel looked like something out of a movie. The Lawn hotel had a warm feel to it built out of wood and already decorated with Christmas decorations.
The camp site had stunning views of the trees and mountains. We were able to pitch the tents on thick soft grass and were spoilt with heated showers. It was beautiful to wake up to fresh air and views of the mountains. Room upgrades were available for as little as $25 USD.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner.
Day 7: Guided walking tour through Usambara Mountains
Today we explored the Usambara mountains and visited the local communities.
We embarked on a 14 km walking tour with 2 wonderful local guides leading the way through villages and lush forrest. We started by walking through the small local villages and Hi 5ing all the children. On the walk we we stopped a few times to look at the very camouflaged chameleon lizards.
Did you know? Not only do chameleons change colour to camouflage themselves from prey but they can also change their temperatures to adapt to environment the live in? Pretty cool huh!
Irente view point.
On elf my favourite stops was at Irente view point which is 1500 meters above sea level. The view was incredible over the surrounding mountains and looking down into the villages. The clouds would often come in and hide the view but they added to the misty mood.
From Irente we walked to another local village where we had a delicious traditional lunch cooked for us which was a variety of beans, rice, vegetables, chapati, yams and lamb.
After lunch we joined in traditional dancing and music. The ladies wrapped a scarf around our waists and we all danced in the circle around the ladies playing the drums. We we were singing and clapping, it was a great feeling being involved with the locals. Even the children were watching and laughing at us.
Interacting with the locals.
On our walk back to the hotel we stopped serval times to talk and interact with the locals, we had help from guide MJ to translate any questions we had.
One lady was braiding a women’s hair and he asked her if I could have a go. It was so fun to test my braiding skills out but it was harder than I thought on Afro hair. The women do such an incredible job doing different types of braids on hair. We pasted young group of kids that were chewing on what looked like a piece of wood but was actually raw sugar cane. Our guide MJ was chatting to them in Swahili and asked them if we could try it.
When you start chewing on the sugar cane you can taste the sweetness. We learnt that you don’t swallow it, you spit the remainder of the sugar cane out once the sweetness is gone. Max chewed the sugar cane for a while before the locals started laughing at him and told him to spit it out.
For our last stop on the tour we went into small local bar, only big enough for the 22 of us to sit in. Here we sampled local sugar cane rum for the first time. The colour of the rum was bright yellow and the taste was very bitter. To me it tasted like a very bitter kombucha and I wasn’t a fan.
Happy children.
The rest of the walk we couldn’t help but play with the small local children. I picked up the children and spun them one by one in a circle and at one point I tried to spin 3 of them. I had to stop after a while due to soar arms. The children were so adorable and loved taking selfie photos with us.
For the afternoon a small group of us went on a 1 km walk to the local markets. On our way out we spotted a big shed which was full of spice, rice, meat and vegetable stalls.
We have left Usamaba mountains feeling like we had experienced true Lushoto culture. You could tell this wasn’t a tourist hot spot area, it was a very unspoilt area of Tanzania and there was a certain freshness that we haven’t yet felt on this trip.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8: Dar Es Salaam
It was time to say goodbye to the lush green scenery of Usambaro and make our way to the coast of Dar Es Salaam. The journey to the coastal town of Kipepeo took about 8 hours. As we drove into Da EsSalaam we could already tell that we were in the city. Traffic was terrible and the roads were extremely congested.
We arrived to find our camp site at Kipepeo Beach village right on the beach and it was refreshing to see the ocean after so long. Once we found a perfect spot on the grass we pitched our tent and watched the sun go down. A few of us enjoyed a cocktail together before having dinner. I slept like a baby listening to the sound of the ocean all night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 9: Stone Town
Today we made our way to the “Spice Island” of Zanzibar. We said goodbye to the truck, the chef and the driver, packed all our clothes and made our way to the ferry port.
We boarded a small local ferry to the other side of Dar Es Salaam because to drive to the other side would take hours in the traffic. From there we boarded the main big ferry to Zanzibar. This ferry cost $30 USD and took about 2 hours.
After departing the ferry in Zanzibar we had only a short 10 minute walk to our hotel. I could tell just by seeing the beautiful old stone walls, the atmosphere from the markets and people that I would love Stone town.
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar or Unguja is the largest in a cluster of isles, 25-50 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania. Its inlet made a defensible port for colonial powers Persian, Indian, Omani, Portuguese and British which made way for the spices and slaves business. The slave economy pivoted in Stone Town and became the world’s last known slave trades, eventually shut down by the British in 1873.
The labyrinth of streets and unusual architechal angles offer a sense of curiosity and romance. Old peeling walls, high up balcony’s, tight-knit streets only big enough for 2 people to walk through combined with the sweet smell of spiced aromas and coffee are just some of the characteristics this place has to offer.
In the afternoon we went on a guided walking tour through Stone Town. First stop was the Freddy mercury museum where Freddy was born on September 5th 1946. Exploring the streets of Stone Town learning the history of Zanzibar, its iconic buildings, mosques, churches and local markets.
We could smell the sweet aromas as we walked through the main market of spices, fruits, fresh vegetable and rice.
Stone Town walking tour- $30 USD
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Northern beaches
For our last 2 nights we made our way to the north end of Zanzibar to Sunset Kendwa. The hotel is located right on the beach, the sand is white and the ocean is sparkling blue.
Zanzibar has pristine beaches and we were looking forward to spending the next three day relaxing, enjoying the beach, the great sunny weather and swimming in the Indian ocean.
On the way to the northern end of the Island we stopped and for a half day snorkeling tour. We boarded onto 3 small boats and made our way out to a popular snorkeling spot. The water is so clear and when we jumped in we were surrounded by thousands of fish. If your lucky you can swim with the dolphins but unfortunately we didn’t see them on this day.
The snorkelling tour went for 2 hours, when arrived back on shore we had lunch already prepared for us on the beach. Zanzibar is known for its seafood and for lunch we were served fresh cray fish, salt and pepper squid, rice and hot potato chips.
For our last 2 nights we had booked for Sunset Kendwa. Camping had been fun but we were looking forward to sleeping in a spacious hotel room.
The rest of the afternoon we spent on the beach enjoying the sunny weather and crystal clear ocean.
Snorkeling tour- $25 USD
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11: Northern beaches
Our first morning where we didn’t have to wake up early or check out. We did not get out of bed until 7:30 am which was a sleep in for us.
Today was a free day for everyone and most of us spent it swimming, enjoying the sun, relaxing on the day beds or exploring the beautiful beaches.
A group of us hired a jet ski for $50 USD for half an hour from down the beach. Myself and Max had never driven one before there for we had the time of our lives. We were out there at golden hour and it was beautiful watching the sun set over the ocean.
On last night the hotel put on a African style buffet for dinner. The food was outstanding they had 14 chefs all cooking the food out on the sand. We had a choice of soup, meat dishes, pasta dishes, vegetables, salads, spring rolls, curries and many more traditional African food. Desert was a selection of cakes, dates and fruit.
The food was that delicious I returned 3 times. After dinner a group of men dressed in traditional Masai Mara clothing sung songs and danced. When the tribe finished dancing the next band came on and ended the night with songs from the 80s and 90s.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: Spice tour and goodbyes
For our last day on Tanzania itinerary we went on a walk through a local spice plantation. A variety of spices such as cinnamon, ginger and vanilla are grown in the plantation. We touched, tasted and smelt the sweet aromas of home made soap, natural perfume, spices and teas. Finishing with a lunch at a family house in the local village. A great experience to finish a fantastic 12 days in Tanzania and we hope this itinerary can help you plan your next trip to Tanzania.
Guided Spice tour – $25 USD
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This trip was absolutely incredible and was everything we could have wished for, it was a perfect combination of culture, safari, mountains and beach. From seeing the “Big Five”, walking through villages in Mto Wa Mbu and Usamabara mountains which provided excellent opportunities to learn about Tanzanian cultures and interact with the locals. We learnt about historical and cultural insights for each region by our excellent guide MJ while ensuring everyone was having a great time. Our Tanzania itinerary covers it all. Thank You Intrepid and we look forward to traveling with you again. To check out Intrepid tour dates for “Road to Zanzibar” click here.
Our next adventure takes us to the incredible country of Namibia where we spend 6 days in a 4wd camper exploring all the best spots. Read all about our Namibian road trip guide here!!
We hope you enjoyed reading our Tanzania itinerary blog and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
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