Tanzania Family Overland
15 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Visiting: Nairobi, Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Marangu, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
669
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Tanzania Family Overland adventure, a captivating journey through the heart of East Africa. Begin in Nairobi, where you can get up close with giraffes at the Giraffe Centre. Venture into the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater for thrilling 4x4 safaris, spotting majestic wildlife like lions, elephants, and cheetahs. Discover the ancient secrets of Olduvai Gorge and immerse yourself in Maasai culture. Explore the lush landscapes at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, visiting waterfalls, hot springs, and plantations. Conclude your journey on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town's vibrant spice markets. Travel in comfort with our Oasis Overland Expedition Truck, specialist safari vehicles, and enjoy a mix of camping and lodge accommodations. This unforgettable experience combines wildlife, culture, and relaxation, offering a perfect family adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: Wildebeest Eco Camp - garden tents
Welcome to Kenya! Today is arrivals day where you’ll be met from your flight at Nairobi airport and transferred to our camp for the start of the trip. If you arrive early there are various optional excursions you can arrange such as visiting the orphaned elephants at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Or just relax at camp and recover from your flight.
Day 2 : Nairobi. Pre-Trip Briefing, Giraffe Centre
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation Name: Wildebeest Eco Camp - garden tents
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will have our pre-departure meeting where your crew will show you around our overland truck, your home for the next few days, as well as demonstrate how to put up and break down your tent and what to expect from your family overland adventure. Our first wildlife experience of the trip will be right here in Nairobi at the Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary and conservation centre for the East African Rothschild Giraffe. Here you can observe these incredible creatures at close hand and even look them in the eye from a raised platform.
Day 3 : Nairobi To Meserani Snake Park
Location: Arusha
Accommodation Name: Meserani Snake Park - camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We board the truck early this morning for our first drive, taking us south across the border into Tanzania. Journeying across vast grasslands, we’ll pass villages and people going about their daily lives on our way to the town of Arusha. We will camp tonight at Meserani Snake Park on the outskirts of Arusha and get ready for tomorrow’s safari into the Serengeti.
Day 4 : Serengeti Safari, Olduvai Gorge
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Seronera campsite - camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our safari guides and drivers will collect us after breakfast in specialist safari vehicles, and we’ll begin our journey to one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, the Serengeti National Park. Passing through rolling hills, we stop at Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site where fossils of early man have been unearthed and given us incredible knowledge of our own evolution. We visit the museum for wonderful views over the gorge and to learn about the site, see the fascinating fossils found here as well as tools used by early man. We continue to our camp for the night on the Serengeti Plain, where our tents and evening meal will be ready for us.
Day 5 : Serengeti Wildlife Safaris
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Seronera campsite - camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early this morning we head out in our safari vehicles for our next game viewing drive, hoping to spot some of the Serengeti’s vast range of wildlife. We’ll look out for well known species like lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, hippo and buffalo as well as lesser known characters that may be new to grown ups and children alike, such as the dik dik, topi, dung beetles and mongoose. Depending on the season, we may view vast herds of wildebeest and a wide array of birdlife is usually seen. After a morning’s game drive, we will return to camp for lunch and time to relax before heading out again in the afternoon, driving through different areas and looking for animals we didn't see this morning. Keep your binoculars and cameras at the ready!
Day 6 : Serengeti Safari, Masai Village
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Name: Simba campsite - camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start with an early morning game drive or you have the option to take a hot air ballon ride over the plains – an incredible experience and a unique way to look for wildlife! Please note the Balloon Safari is an optional activity at additional cost and must be booked in advance. After an early lunch at camp we start to head towards the rim of the Ngorongoro crater, visiting a traditional Masia Boma (village) on the way, before reaching our overnight stop at Simba Campsite. If time allows, we'll take a guided walk through the more forested countryside of the rim of the crater, a big contrast to the grassy plains we've mainly been exploring so far.
Day 7 : Ngorongoro Crater Safari, Back To Arusha
Location: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Name: Meserani Snake Park - campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s safari takes us from the rim to the floor of the crater which is home to a huge range of animal and plant species. This area has possibly the highest concentration of game animals in the whole Africa! We should see herds of zebra and wildebeest, family groups of hyenas and elephants and maybe glimpse the rare leopard or black rhino. There are also healthy populations of lions and cheetahs, so this morning should be packed with highlights. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch on the crater floor before a final game drive out of the crater and then the return journey back to Arusha where our overland truck and crew are waiting for us.
Day 8 : Arusha To Marangu
Location: Marangu
Accommodation Name: Marangu Hotel - camping (upgrades may be available)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our family overland journey continues this morning bringing us to the town of Marangu, in the foothills of Africa’s most iconic mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Hopefully we will get clear skies over the next day or two for a view of this magnificent mountain’s peak. We’ll spend two nights here and we have some free time this afternoon to settle in and relax after our few days of driving and being on the look out for wildlife!
Day 9 : Marangu Village Walk
Location: Marangu
Accommodation Name: Marangu Hotel - camping (upgrades may be available)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll go on a village walk, taking in the lush environment and seeing caves and waterfalls and walking through coffee plantations. We may also have the opportunity to see a local blacksmith at work. For those that enjoy a more adventurous hike there is the option to trek to one of the base camps on Kilimanjaro.
Day 10 : Marangu To Bagamoyo
Location: Bagamoyo
Accommodation Name: Firefly - camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Marangu, we drive south and head to the beach! Bagamoyo is a beautiful beach on the Indian Ocean and a great spot to break our journey on our way to Dar es Salaam.
Day 11 : Ferry Crossing To Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Baraka Bungalows or similar - rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
We continue to Dar es Salaam where we say goodbye to our overland crew and truck and board the ferry to take us to Zanzibar Island! Our friendly local Oasis representative Daniel will meet us from the ferry from where we transfer to Nungwi, another fabulous beach location where we will spend the next 4 nights. He'll give everyone a briefing about the island and all the various activities available during your stay.
Day 12 : Spice Tour And Stone Town
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Baraka Bungalows or similar - rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we’ll gain in insight into Zanzibar’s rich history on a Spice Tour. Venturing into the busy, narrow streets of Stone Town, we explore the spice market, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells! We can imagine the grim days of the slave trade as we walk around old slave forts and delve into dungeons before travelling out to working farms to learn how spices are produced along with other local fare. A delicious local lunch is included during the tour.
Day 13 : Free Time At The Beach
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Baraka Bungalows or similar - rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have a free day today to snorkel, swim with dolphins, scuba dive or just enjoy Zanzibar’s famous white beaches! Our local representative will help you to arrange any optional activities.
Day 14 : Another Day At The Beach
Location: Zanzibar
Accommodation Name: Baraka Bungalows or similar - rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Free time again today to enjoy your last full day on Zanzibar. This evening we will have a group meal to mark our last night on the trip and reminisce about our adventures over the last two weeks!
Day 15 : Departure From Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our family adventure comes to an end. Your transfer to Zanzibar airport is included. Extra nights can be arranged if you wish to have a longer stay on Zanzibar.
What's Included
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Transport on Oasis Overland Expedition Truck
Transport on our Oasis Overland Expedition Truck from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam is included.
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Specialist Safari Vehicles
Transport on specialist safari vehicles on the Serengeti is included.
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Ferry to Zanzibar
Ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is included.
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Minibus Transport on Zanzibar
Minibus transport on Zanzibar is included.
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Airport Transfers
Arrival (Nairobi) and Departure (Zanzibar) airport transfers are included.
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Camping and Cooking Equipment
Camping equipment (tents) and Cooking equipment are included.
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Services of Oasis Crew
Services of 2 Oasis Crew (driver & tour leader), specialist Serengeti safari guides, and Oasis representative on Zanzibar are included.
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Meals
Approximately 70% of meals are included.
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Accommodation/Campsites
Accommodation/Campsites (approx. 40% hotels/lodges/permanent camps, 60% basic camping) are included.
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Nairobi Giraffe Centre Entry
Nairobi giraffe centre entry ticket is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees, if required, are not included.
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Sleeping Bags and Camping Mats
Sleeping bags and camping mats are not included; you should bring your own.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available on request.
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Meals Not Indicated
Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses (e.
g.
laundry) are not included. -
Tips
Tips for guides & drivers are not included.
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Entrance Fees and Activities Not Mentioned
Entrance fees and activities not mentioned above are not included.
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Other Items Not Mentioned
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with our Oasis Overland Expedition Truck from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, specialist safari vehicles in the Serengeti, and a ferry to Zanzibar. Minibus transport on Zanzibar and airport transfers are also included, ensuring a seamless journey throughout your adventure.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and adventure with approximately 40% of your stay in hotels, lodges, or permanent camps, and 60% in basic camping. Enjoy the unique opportunity to camp in the Serengeti and other stunning locations, with all necessary camping equipment provided.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses an Oasis Overland Expedition Truck for travel from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, specialist safari vehicles in the Serengeti, a ferry to Zanzibar, and minibus transport on Zanzibar. Airport transfers are also included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour offers a mix of accommodation with approximately 40% of the stay in hotels, lodges, or permanent camps, and 60% in basic camping. Camping equipment is provided.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Approximately 70% of meals are included in the tour package.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater?
During the safari, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and possibly the rare leopard or black rhino. There are also vast herds of wildebeest and a wide array of birdlife.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to a traditional Maasai village to learn about their culture and way of life, as well as a Spice Tour in Zanzibar to explore the spice market and learn about local spice production.
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal activities?
Yes, there is free time during the tour, especially on Zanzibar Island where you can snorkel, swim with dolphins, scuba dive, or relax on the beach. Optional activities can be arranged with the help of the local representative.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Nairobi, Kenya, and ends in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
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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).
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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.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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