Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Wildlife

The Trip

Tanzania provides all the essential elements of a classic African Safari adventure of a lifetime. The largest country in East Africa and situated just south of the equator, Tanzania has a truly magnificent variety of landscapes and 12 national parks that are unsurpassed in beauty and variety. Among its unspoiled savannah one can still find Maasai nomads and millions of wild animals. Tanzania is home to over 40 species of mammals, including elephant, giraffe, cape buffalo, hippo, rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, antelope, warthog, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, and many more. 

Tanzania is also a bird watcher's paradise with too many species to list.  Who can say which bird is more spectacular? The greater flamingo, secretary bird, crowned crane, lilac-breasted roller, kori bustard, lily trotter, spoonbill stork, marabou stork, the bee eaters, or any of a dozen others.

Of all the African wildlife areas, none surpasses Tanzania's for spectacular scenery and number of animals. Our safari takes us from the green foothills of snow-mantled Mount Kilimanjaro (the continent's highest mountain at 19,340 feet); through the limitless expanse of the Serengeti Plain (a World Heritage site) and to the misty Ngoronogoro Crater (the world’s largest intact caldron, which measures 12 miles across). And if these natural wonders are not enough, the trip will also visit historic places like Oldovai Gorge, the site of Leakey's discovery of early human bones, near the very dawn of human existence.

The Serengeti National Park’s name is derived from the Maasai language “Siringet,” which means "endless plains." Within an area of 5,700 square miles we’ll find a staggering animal population of about four million, including huge herds of zebra, wildebeest and other grazing animals. Over 350 species of birds and 35 larger mammals can be found here. Each game drive will feature different animals and surprises.  The skill and experience of our driver guides will be obvious as they look for animal viewing opportunities.

In addition to wildlife observation, this outing also offers opportunities to learn about Tanzania's Maasai ethnic group, and to see a vast cross-section of Tanzania -- the largest country in East Africa and the continent's most politically stable. 

We will be accompanied at all times by an accomplished Tanzanian naturalist/guide who will be able to identify and tell us all about the wildlife encountered. We will listen for the sounds of the bush as we enjoy our comfortable camps and lodges. In settings of incomparable beauty and grandeur, we will savor the African dawn and sunset.

At the end of our safari, we are in for a treat.  We will fly over the Serengetti to Arusha, and then we fly to Zanzibar! 

Off Tanzania's coast is the exotic Zanzibar Archipelago, consisting of over 50 islands, most of which have a long history and a rich cultural mix. The best known island here is Zanzibar (or Unguja Island, as it is more properly known). Zanzibar is the ultimate Indian Ocean experience.

Not everyone has heard of this unique place and its fascinating historical Stone Town, magnificent beaches and reefs.  We will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of options there.  We snorkel, enjoy the different beaches, hike in a national park, go on a Spice Island tour, as well as enjoy a dhow ride into the sunset! This island will be a fun and relaxing way to conclude the exciting safari. 

One of Zanzibar's main industries is spices. The islands are covered with small farms and the air is thick with the aroma of spices growing there -- it's an exotic atmosphere. The islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. That is why the islands, together with Tanzania's Mafia Island, are sometimes called the Spice Islands (a term also associated with the Maluku Islands in Indonesia).

The beaches on these islands are stunning. Most are powdery white sand, shaded by palm trees. Picture perfect! The sea is shallow and tropical, and the reefs are great for snorkeling.

The heart of Zanzibar is Stone Town and it's a labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops. We will come here and soak up the atmosphere.

Zanzibar also has its share of exotic animals. It is the home of the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, the Zanzibar servaline genet, and the (possibly extinct) Zanzibar leopard. We’ll hike in Jozani National Park and try to see the red colobus monkey.

At the conclusion of this side-excursion, we will take a flight to Dar es Salaam, where our trip ends and we will be in time to take the KLM (or other) flight back to your home. Or you may choose to extend your trip in Africa or somewhere along the way.  

Day 1: The outing begins in the city of Arusha with an early morning orientation. Later we visit the Arusha Cultural Center fine arts museum and the Shanga House arts center for persons with disabilities, and enjoy a casual lunch surrounded by a coffee plantation. In the afternoon we are transferred to the School of St. Jude to meet students and tour this outstanding charity school that is helping to break the poverty cycle for children. In the evening we learn about Tanzania history and culture from a community leader and enjoy a welcome dinner.  

Days 2-3: After breakfast, we drive to Tarangire National Park, the “Baobab Capital of the World,” where we will be for two nights. During this time of the year, nearly three thousand elephants are returning to the park to join another 3,500 resident elephants that call Tarangire home year-round. Wildebeest, zebra, gazelles and antelopes are also migrating from the surrounding areas for only water source within 1,600 square miles of protected wildlife area. Birds are equally abundant, with over 550 recorded species. It is truly a favorite place to be for wildlife...and therefore, for humans!  

Day 4: We depart after breakfast and do game drives in the morning. Lunch will be a real treat. It will be served at a historic farm that grows its own vegetables. We will be able to tour the grounds, too. And anyone interested in coffee to take home will be able to purchase the local coffee from this farm. After our lunch, we stop at a native Iraqw Village to understand their way of life and daily activities. We are in a hotel for one night here.

Days 5-6: We will depart with box lunches and then enjoy a game drive in the famous Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro crater is home to over 30,000 animals including elephants, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, buffaloes, and the rare black rhinos. It is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ngorongoro Crater was created from a volcano that exploded creating the caldera wilderness haven. The crater is 12 miles across and has 102 square mile of wilderness. The rim of the crater rises just over 2,000 feet above the caldera floor reaching an elevation of 7,500 feet. It is the largest un-flooded and unbroken caldera in the world and the view is a breathtaking.  We will spend the whole day there observing the wildlife in this wilderness haven! We will stop at the Olduvai Gorge Archaeological Museum and gorge overlook which is the site of Louis and Mary Leakey’s archaeological work. It was here that Mary Leakey discovered the earliest known humanoid footprints, which were solidified in volcanic ash some 3.6 million years ago.  Standing at the top of the Gorge envisioning early ancestors evokes a feeling of returning home to the birthplace of humankind, quietly reminding us that we are all related.  We stay for two nights at a lodge on the rim of the crater.

Day 7: This morning we drive to the central Serengeti. The word “Serengeti” means “Endless plains." Here, we are in search of the many “cats” that reside here. The leopards, cheetahs and lions to name a few. We also see the various antelope species and other species as well. We will arrive at our luxury camp (running water, comfortable beds, electricity, and flush toilets in each large tent) for an evening of dinner under the stars (weather permitting) and turn in for a restful night. We spend two nights at this lovely site.

Day 8: We will wake to the call of birds, or perhaps the howl of monkeys, or the roar of a lion. The fresh air and sounds of the wild will be all around you.  This is where the heart of the activity will be. To optimize opportunities to view cheetahs and other wildlife, we leave before sunrise and return for brunch and rest (while the animals typically also rest in the heat of the day). Late-afternoon drives allow us to enjoy the interesting light and increased activity of the predators. After these excursions, you will be met back at camp with cold beverages, appetizers, hot showers, and a gourmet meal.

Day 9: We depart our luxury camp, and are in for a treat. First, we fly from the Central Serengeti to Arusha. Many times you are able to see herds of animals on the plains below. Once in Arusha, we will take an afternoon flight (both flights are included in the price of the trip) to Zanzibar. The flight leaves Arusha near noon and arrives in Zanzibar in the early afternoon. We should get a glimpse of some beautiful scenery below, as well as Zanzibar Island as we approach it. After arriving at our charming ecolodge and getting settled in, we will enjoy a dhow cruise to enjoy the beautiful sunset in the Indian Ocean. We will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. There, we'll also get to know our hosts and learn about how they assist the local native community and protect the regional environment.

Day 10: Today some of the group may want to relax and have a leisurely morning and beach time, while others depart early via a private shuttle bus for Stone Town. There we'll board a dhow to snorkel a reef full of amazing coral and colorful tropical fish -- all while enjoying the warm waters. During lunch back at our hotel, we'll learn more about the history of Zanzibar. After that, everyone will enjoy a tour of a local spice farm. We will relax and enjoy a seafood dinner tonight. And if we are lucky, we will enjoy some traditional Arabian music provided by local musicians. 

Day 11: Today our day will begin with a visit to the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, a forest preserve home to mahogany woods, the unique Zanzibar red colobus monkey, and mangroves. This hike will be followed by a trip to the butterfly center community ecotourism project, and hundreds of colorful flyers. After lunch we enjoy a historical tour of Stone Town and visit the slave caves. We then depart for the airport for our flight into Dar (included in the price of the trip). The flight typically leaves Zanzibar around 6:30 p.m. and arrives at the international terminal around 7:00 p.m. (do not make air reservations until times are confirmed by the trip leader). We will arrive in plenty of time to catch the KLM (or other airline) flight back to the U.S. We will have a simple dinner at the Dar airport. Unfortunately, this dream trip will come to an end. It will be sad to say goodbye to Africa, all the wonderful animals, and our new friends. You will be enticed to return again -- and soon!

Occasionally, changes may occur in the trip -- either in advance or during the trip. Please be aware that we will make every effort to follow this itinerary. However, if weather, equipment, construction, the National Park Service or any other condition, circumstance or situation causes a change, please be flexible and respect the decision of the leader. The safety and enjoyment of the entire group is our number one concern. 

Getting There

The trip begins at the Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) in Arusha, Tanzania and ends in Dar es Salaam (DAR).  Julius Nyerere International Airport is the international airport of Dar es Salaam, and is the biggest airport in Tanzania and among the largest in East Africa.

You will need to make reservations into JRO and departing from DAR.  KLM is the airline that services this area the best, but other airline options exist.  Once you sign up for this fabulous safari adventure, the leader will provide more detailed information on tips and ideas for securing your reservations. 

It is the highest recommendation that you arrive at least a day early.  This will allow for any inconveniences to get resolved -- delayed flights, lost luggage, and recovery from jet lag. 

There are three in-country flights provided in the cost of this trip:

1. The flight from the Central Serengeti to Arusha
2. The flight from Arusha to Zanzibar (ZNZ)
3. The flight from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (DAR)

The Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main airport in the Zanzibar Archipelago located on Unguja Island (more commonly known as Zanzibar).

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations will include safari lodges and a private luxury camps. Most of the lodges are among the finest that Tanzania has to offer but do not correspond to luxury class hotels in the more developed countries of the world.  

Private luxury camps will be a fun African experience!  The tents will accommodate two persons each and will be plenty large, with beds, mattresses, bedding, towels and lamps. There is hot and cold running water in regular bathrooms with showers and flush toilets. The setting will be serene and quiet -- except for the sounds of occasional wildlife. The advantage of these camps is that they are set up in areas with the most wildlife activity. Plus, it is private. 

All lodging is based on double occupancy for lodges and luxury tent.

Food is fresh, well prepared and tasty. Most of the dishes are Western or European-style, with some African meals included. Meals will be served at the table or will be buffet-style. Basic vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Please check with the leader regarding other dietary requirements.

Trip Difficulty

No special conditioning is required for this safari. We will ride in vehicles with a maximum of seven persons in each vehicle, each person having access to a window and roof hatch.  The game drives will be over uneven dirt roads with plenty of ruts and pot holes. Guests will need to hold on at times of rough road conditions. There will be the inevitable inconveniences and difficulties associated with travel in a developing country. It is important to accept Tanzania on its own terms, with a sense of adventure and good humor. On rare occasions the itinerary may need to change somewhat due to unforeseen circumstances. Snorkeling off Zanzibar starts from our boat into the open ocean and there is a guide with us. No previous snorkeling experience is required, but it is highly recommended.

Equipment and Clothing

A good camera with at least a 300 mm lens is ideal for photography. One can take some good photos with a smaller digital or other type of camera when animals are close to the vehicle but it will not be possible to take good quality pictures of birds and animals that are a longer distance away. Many animals in the parks are habituated to vehicles so do not shy away, therefore close photo opportunities are possible.

Good binoculars are a necessity. It is best for each person in a couple or family group to have a pair of their own. Dress is always informal. A clothing/equipment list will be sent to participants by the trip leader.

References

There are many good general guidebooks to Tanzania, Zanzibar, and East Africa. For example, one of Passport's Regional Guides of Africa, Tanzania, by Lisa Asch and Peter Blackwell, gives a very readable overview of this fascinating country. For more in-depth material and a better understanding of the safari experience, here are a few of the leader's recommendations:

• Gallmann, Kuri, I dreamed of Africa.
• Markham, Beryl, West with the Night.
• Moss, Cynthia, Portraits in the Wild.
• Bonner, Raymond, At the Hand of Man.
• Brunner, John, Stand On Zanzibar. A Hugo Award winning novel.
• Smith, Anthony, The Great Rift: Africa's Challenging Valley.
• Saitoti, Tepilit Ole, and Carol Beckwith, Maasai.
• Matthiessen, Peter, Sand Rivers.
• Grzimek, Bernard and Michael, Serengeti Shall Not Die.
• Hatch, John, Serengeti: A Profile.
• Iwago, Mitsuaki, Serengeti: The Natural Order.
• Matthiessen, Peter, The Tree Where Man Was Born.

Conservation

The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, and encourages grassroots involvement. Our outings seek to empower participants toward environmentally understanding parallel concerns at home and abroad.

As of this writing, there is a proposal to build a road thought the Serengeti. It is feared this will interfere with the migration of animals.  It will also allow poachers greater accessibility to sensitive areas, hence more opportunity to devastate the remaining herds

Twenty-five percent of Tanzania's land (over 95,000 square miles) has been set aside for wildlife parks, reserves, and game areas. This is probably more than any other country on earth. However, Tanzania's economic resources for rangers, roads, research, and administration of these lands is meager, and illegal poaching and hunting still take their toll on wildlife. The integrity of national parks and wildlife reserves is also being threatened as the need for land and food increases.

There are many projects going on in Tanzania today to help solve these problems. Ngorongoro Crater is part of the extensive Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a pioneering effort in multi-purpose land, allowing for the protection of animals and the continuation of tribal lifestyles at the same time. Also, there are several animal research projects in the field, including the world's longest-running research project, the Serengeti Lion Project, which began in the l960s.

One of our conservation objectives will be to try to understand the challenges that Tanzania faces in continuing to support such a large national park system. Tourist dollars are a major source of revenue, so by coming to see these magnificent animals and their habitats, we are helping to ensure their future. That said, we will become aware of both the positive and negative consequences of tourism in a country like Tanzania.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.