Savannahs & Sands tour
10 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Visiting: Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, Nungwi, Stone Town, Dar es Salaam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
58
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
8-85
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Savannahs & Sands" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of East Africa, exploring the diverse landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania. Experience the breathtaking wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater and the vast, iconic savannahs of the Serengeti National Park. This adventure also takes you to the enchanting island of Zanzibar, where you can unwind on its stunning beaches and explore vibrant coral reefs. Travel in comfort aboard an overland expedition vehicle and enjoy a mix of accommodations, from camping under the stars to staying in 2 to 4-star hotels and lodges. With local guides and a dedicated crew, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Africa's natural wonders and cultural treasures. Perfect for solo travelers, this journey promises a blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Nairobi To Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Njiro Legacy
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
We start our tour today by leaving the bustling city of Nairobi and driving towards the Tanzanian border. Once we have completed all of our formal border checks, we cross over and head towards the buzzing hub of Arusha. Here, we will stop over for the night and those who purchased the optional Serengeti Excursion upgrade package will be briefed by our local guide. The guide will provide you with all the information you need to prepare for the coming days. Note: The tour is available either based mainly on camping in traditional 2-person tents (which we provide together with camp beds), or as an upgraded 'accommodated' version where you sleep in lodges, hotels, or permanent camps (with proper beds & facilities). Details of each night's stay are given in the Facilities section of the daily itinerary. Pricing shown is based on camping - please contact us for prices to upgrade to the accommodated level. Route: Nairobi to Arusha
Day 2 : Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Seronera Private Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We are collected this morning in safari style vehicles and depart Arusha early, heading directly towards the Serengeti National Park. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our camp in the Seronera region located in the heart of the Serengeti. The camp is surrounded by spectacular views and abundant wildlife and this evening, while sipping on a cold beverage, we will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent.
Day 3 : Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Seronera Private Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we rise early to enjoy a full day’s game drive through Serengeti National Park. Famous for the abundant wildlife that exists in the park, we will spend most of our day in search of the animals that reside here. Included Highlight: Full day game Drive through Seronera, Serengeti National Park.
Day 4 : Ngorongoro Crater To Karatu
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Kudu Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We spend the morning commuting towards Ngorongoro Crater where we will enter the conservation area and explore the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. After our exploration, we exit the crater and make the short journey to Karatu where we will overnight. Included Highlight: Morning excursion to Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 5 : Back To Arusha
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Njiro Legacy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Soon after our departure from Karatu, we will visit the Mto wa Mbu Market which is situated in the little village of Mto wa Mbu. Known for crops such as rice and their distinctive red bananas, the town sits on the main road that links the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area with Arusha. Returning to Arusha, we spend the night reminiscing about our experiences of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Route: Karatu to Arusha.
Day 6 : To The Coastal Town Of Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
Accommodation Name: FireFly Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Off to an early start, we begin our journey to our overnight accommodation on the sunny coast towards the town of Bagamoyo. The town of Bagamoyo lies north of the port of Dar es Salaam and was formerly known as the epicentre of the East African slave trade. The atmosphere of African travel envelopes us as we experience the hustle and bustle of one of Africa’s major travel routes. Taking in the buzzing markets and rural villages, we are able to take a glimpse into the window of African rural life. Our evening shall be spent relaxing and preparing for our exciting Zanzibar Excursion that begins tomorrow.
Day 7 : Ferry To Zanzibar And Drive To Nungwi
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Zanzibar Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we take a short drive towards Dar es Salaam where we leave our truck behind and take a leisurely ferry ride to Zanzibar Island. We'll then drive north through the island to the coastal town of Nunwi which will be our base for the next couple of days. There are plenty of excursions both on land and on the water which you can enjoy and your guide will be on hand to help arrange these.
Day 8 : Nungwi, Free Time Or Optional Activities
Location: Nungwi
Accommodation Name: Zanzibar Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day is free today to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer, or just to chill out and relax. Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and various boat safari activities. You can also rent a scooter to explore the island independently.
Day 9 : Spice Tour And Stone Town
Location: Stone Town
Accommodation Name: Paradise Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our time at Nungwi comes to an end today and we drive to Stone Town, en-route taking a spice tour with a local guide, learning more about the island's important role in the historic spice trade. You'll see how the farm workers climb the trees and search out specific plants, and you'll also be able to purchase fresh spices directly from the farms to take home with you. We'll then continue to Stone Town, which is a bustling port, rich with history and culture as it was for many years an important landmark on the Slave and Spice routes, This afternoon there is the option for a boat trip to Prison Island.
Day 10 : Tour Ends In Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation Name: N/A
Meals Included: Breakfast
With some final free time to explore, we spend our morning soaking up the rich history and culture of Stone Town. Taking in the bustling markets and enveloping fragrances, we enjoy our final few hours exploring this island paradise. We then board the ferry back to the port of Dar es Salaam where our tour comes to an end. We recommend that you do not plan to fly out of Dar es Salaam until tomorrow in case of any delays to the ferry.
What's Included
-
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 9 dinners5 -
Accommodation
9 nights accommodation camping or in hotels/lodges/guesthouses.
-
Ngorongoro and Serengeti Excursion
Includes excursions to Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
-
Transport
All transport using a 25-seat expedition vehicle.
-
Included Highlights
All 'included highlights' as mentioned in the itinerary.
-
Truck Crew
2 truck crew members including a driver/guide and an assistant/cook.
-
Local Guides
Local guides for sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
-
Visas
Visas are not included.
-
Locally Available Options
Locally available options are not included.
-
Accommodated Hotel Upgrade
Upgrade to hotels/lodges/permanent camps instead of camping is not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and available on request but not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, tips, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
-
Tips
Tips for guides and drivers are not included.
-
Entrance Fees and Activities
Entrance fees and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Other Items
Any other items not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with our overland expedition vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey across the savannahs. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Zanzibar, adding a touch of adventure to your travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with accommodations ranging from 2 to 4-star hotels, lodges, or camping. Enjoy the flexibility of camping in traditional 2-person tents or upgrading to lodges and hotels for a more luxurious stay.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour offers accommodation in 2 to 4-star hotels, lodges, or camping. You can choose between camping in traditional 2-person tents or an upgraded 'accommodated' version with lodges, hotels, or permanent camps.
-
What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses an overland expedition vehicle for transport, and there is also a ferry ride to Zanzibar Island.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. Specific meals provided each day are detailed in the itinerary section.
-
What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are excursions to Ngorongoro and Serengeti, a full day's game drive in Serengeti National Park, a morning excursion to Ngorongoro Crater, and a spice tour in Zanzibar.
-
What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities in Nungwi include fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, turtle sanctuary visits, and village tours. There is also an option for a boat trip to Prison Island from Stone Town.
-
Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes local guides for sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary, as well as a truck crew consisting of a driver/guide and an assistant/cook.
-
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
-
When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
-
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Tuesday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.