ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low to Medium

Tanzania & Zanzibar: The Big 5 & Beach Vibes 

with Ralph Velasco 

Join award-winning travel photographer and veteran tour organizer Ralph Velasco for this highly unique and once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, located in the heart of East Africa. 

Keeping our travel schedule in mind, the goal is to put participants in the right place, at the right time, to explore the best of Tanzania and Zanzibar. This thoughtfully designed trip offers unforgettable experiences; incredible wildlife, people and landscape photo opportunities; and a chance to connect with the rich local heritage.

TANZANIA

Tanzania, home to iconic Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks and Ngorongoro Crater, offers unmatched wildlife experiences. Discover the Big Five, breathtaking landscapes, and the awe-inspiring Great Migration in this safari paradise.

Arusha – A bustling gateway city to Tanzania’s incredible safari experiences, located at the foot of Mount Meru. A perfect spot to explore local markets and get a taste of Tanzanian culture.

Tarangire National Park – Known for its giant baobab trees, large herds of elephants, and diverse wildlife, including zebras and wildebeest, along the Tarangire River. 

Karatu Town – A charming stopover on the way to Ngorongoro and Serengeti, offering cozy lodges, coffee plantations, and vibrant local markets where you can connect with the region’s culture. 

Ngorongoro Crater – Visit the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home to an unparalleled concentration of wildlife within its lush crater floor. 

Serengeti National Park – Witness the world-renowned Great Migration and marvel at the vast savannahs teeming with wildlife, including lions, elephants, and cheetahs.

ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar, a stunning island off Tanzania’s coast, is famed for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich history as the "Spice Island." It’s a tropical paradise and cultural gem.

Stone Town – Wander through the maze-like streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can visit Freddy Mercury’s birthplace and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Zanzibar.

Spice Tour – Discover how your favorite spices are grown and harvested in Zanzibar’s world-famous spice plantations. Experience the aromas and vibrant colors of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Pristine Beaches – Unwind on Zanzibar’s stunning white sandy beaches, where you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and sailing in the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear waters.

Jozani Forest – Explore this lush forest reserve, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, and discover its unique mangrove ecosystem.

"I'd travel to the ends of the Earth to photograph with Ralph."  ~ Liz R.

"I'm sure you hear this all the time, but this is the best trip I've ever taken." ~ Kathy S.

“The trip to Georgia and Armenia was really fantastic overall! I did not know what to expect but was very pleasantly surprised. I love travel with deep, rich culture and this was exactly that. Tbilisi is such a diverse city with Old Tbilisi in one part and then modern fast paced in other areas. It had some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. In Armenia, my personal highlight was visiting the village of my ancestry with the Molokan family. I loved how welcoming they were and I am sure they enjoyed having us visit. Overall, driving all over Armenia was so interesting to see the changing terrains and all the beautiful fall colors, the little villages, and the very friendly people. This trip was a great education, as well, for this part of the world and I am so glad I went and would highly recommend this trip to others who want a unique and cultural experience!”  ~ Carole R.

“The trip was everything we had hoped for and so much more we didn’t expect. …the luxury of someone who has taken the time to plan an itinerary focusing on the very best of each destination was so wonderful. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and memories of Armenia and Georgia are endless and magical. Ralph is a wonderful, caring host…we can’t wait to plan our next trip with him!”  ~ Gavin & Nicky B. 

“I decided to go on Ralph’s Tbilisi and Armenia trip almost as soon as he announced it…just because I’d never been there. Then I saw/imagined really how close Baku, Azerbaijan is, so why not? How about an extension, Ralph?  Like so many things Ralph does well, he arranged 4 days and 3 nights there. The planning was impeccable as usual and every bump in the road was dealt with in an efficient and seamless manner. I’ve now been on four trips with Ralph, every one of them well-planned, but not over-structured, with plenty of time to make photographs. Can’t wait to see what Ralph comes up with next.”  ~ Candice J. 

ALL ACTIVITIES, LOCATIONS, DAYS, AND TIMING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Included Meals: B = Breakfast - ALL; L = Lunch - 10; D = Dinner - 10

Special Note:

The program leader, tour operator and tour coordinator reserve the right to make adjustments to the published itinerary whenever, in their sole discretion, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort or safety of the group.  Rest assured that all efforts will be made to provide a comparable alternative should an activity on the itinerary need to be changed or cancelled.

Meals: D

Arrive at Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

After moving through passport control and collecting your luggage you’ll be TRANSFERRED to your hotel in a private vehicle with a professional driver (he should have a Continental DRIFTER® Experiences sign). Depending on traffic it takes around 1.5 hours to drive from the airport to the city center where your hotel is located, but on the way, you’ll already begin to see some interesting parts of Arusha.

(We recommend arriving no later than 5:00 pm or so this day to allow time to get from the airport to the hotel in time to make the Meet & Greet and Welcome Dinner. If no suitable flights are available then we are happy to arrange extra nights both pre and post-trip at cost.)

Check-in and settle in at Kibo Palace Hotel (or similar).

~6:00 pm  Based on everyone’s flight arrival times, we’ll plan to have a Meet & Greet in order for you to get to know your fellow tour participants and to go over the details of the trip ahead.  

Exact time and location are to be announced as the trip approaches, but most likely we’ll meet in the lobby of our hotel.  Please keep an eye on the private WhatsApp group we'll set up for any last minute instructions.

7:30 pm  Enjoy a WELCOME DINNER at a wonderful local restaurant.

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, we’ll embark on an enriching tour of Arusha.

Our journey will take us through vibrant streets where you’ll meet the welcoming people of Arusha, as well as visit several local NGOs that are making a meaningful impact.

One of our first stops will be a water filter maker, where you'll see the innovative solutions being used to provide clean water to underserved communities. From there, we’ll visit an albino children’s home, where the children receive care and support. We'll also explore a craft center for people with disabilities, empowering them to build a sustainable livelihood through their crafts.  Please know that visits depend on the availability of local staff and other conditions that are often beyond our control.

After these inspiring visits, we’ll enjoy a delicious hot lunch at the Shanga Craft Centre, a beautiful spot that supports local artisans and offers a relaxing atmosphere with stunning views. 

Following lunch, we’ll stroll through a local market, where you’ll experience the lively atmosphere and vibrant colors of the region’s fresh produce, handmade goods, and traditional artifacts.

In the late afternoon, we’ll head to our hotel for dinner.

Meals: B, L, D

After BREAKFAST, we’ll TRANSFER to visit Tarangire National Park, located a scenic 2.5 hour drive from our hotel. 

Known for its vast herds of elephants, Tarangire is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. We’ll spend the day searching for these gentle giants, often seen in large groups around the park’s riverbeds, as well as with other magnificent animals such as giraffes, zebras, antelope, and the ever-elusive lions.

Around 1:00 pm we’ll pause for a delicious hot lunch, served in a scenic spot within the park. 

We’ll continue exploring the park, with its diverse landscapes ranging from open grasslands to dense woodlands, providing the perfect setting to spot a variety of animals.

As the sun sets, we’ll head to our accommodation within the park, Tarangire Safari Lodge, where you can unwind after a day full of excitement. 

Dinner will be served at the lodge. 

Meals: B, L, D

Continue your thrilling game drive through Tarangire National Park. As we explore deeper into the park, you’ll have more opportunities to spot wildlife. The park’s diverse ecosystems provide a rich backdrop for incredible wildlife sightings, ensuring a day full of discoveries.

Around midday, we’ll take a break for a hot LUNCH within the park. After lunch, we’ll begin our journey toward Karatu Town, a charming town nestled near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. 

Along the way, we’ll make a special stop at a local Maasai family’s boma (compound). Here, you’ll be welcomed into their traditional home and have the opportunity to learn about the Maasai people’s fascinating culture, customs, and way of life. This hands-on experience will provide a unique insight into one of East Africa’s most iconic communities.

In the evening, we’ll continue our drive to Karatu, where we’ll arrive in time for DINNER and check-in at our accommodation for the night, Pamoja Olea Farm Lodge. 

Meals: B, L, D

Today, we’ll embark on a truly unique cultural experience as we visit the Hadzabe tribe of the Lake Eyasi area, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in the world. 

This fascinating tribe has maintained their traditional way of life, relying on hunting and foraging in the wilderness. We’ll spend the day learning about their customs, survival skills, and the deep connection they have to their land.

During our visit, we’ll enjoy a picnic LUNCH in their village, where you’ll have the chance to observe and interact with the Hadzabe as they go about their daily routines, from hunting with bows and arrows to gathering food from the surrounding environment. 

In the afternoon, we’ll bid farewell to the Hadzabe and visit one or two other tribes in the area, each with its own distinct customs and traditions. These tribes offer a contrast to the Maasai and Hadzabe we’ve encountered, providing further insight into the incredible diversity of cultures in Tanzania.

After returning to the lodge, you’ll have time to relax and freshen up before DINNER, where you can reflect on the day’s extraordinary cultural experiences. 

Meals: B, L, D

After an early BREAKFAST, we’ll set off for a spectacular day of exploration in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa. 

This enormous, 12x12 mile caldera is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, and today it is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Due to the long-standing relationship between the Maasai and the land, the animals in the crater are accustomed to the presence of people and vehicles, which gives us the rare opportunity to get closer to them than in most other places. 

Expect to see an array of animals, from herds of wildebeest and zebras to the majestic lions and rhinos. We’ll spend the entire afternoon inside the crater. 

Around 1:00 pm we’ll pause for a picnic LUNCH on the caldera floor, surrounded by nature. This will be a peaceful break during our game drive.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll begin our journey back toward Karatu, where you’ll have plenty of time to unwind and refresh at the lodge before DINNER. 

Meals: B, L, D

After BREAKFAST, we’ll begin our journey towards Serengeti National Park, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and as the home of the Great Migration. The vast, golden plains of the Serengeti are famous for the incredible spectacle of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles making their annual trek, and we’ll have the opportunity to witness this wildlife paradise firsthand.

Upon arriving at the park’s entrance, we’ll stop for entry formalities before enjoying a picnic LUNCH in the heart of the Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the African wilderness. 

We’ll continue our journey towards our luxury accommodation, Land of Nature Tented Camp, taking our time to stop and observe any wildlife that crosses our path. You’ll be greeted and shown around the grounds of your new home for the next three nights.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a delicious DINNER.

Meals: B, L, D

Today, we’ll head into the southern areas of Serengeti National Park, where we’ll have the exciting opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration up close. 

This incredible natural phenomenon sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals migrating in search of fresh grazing grounds. The southern Serengeti is one of the best places to see this migration, offering a front-row seat to one of nature's most spectacular events. Along the way, we may also encounter predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, all of whom follow the migration for their own opportunities to hunt.

We’ll spend the day exploring this area of the park, observing the wildlife, and learning about the intricate dynamics of the migration. After an incredible day of wildlife viewing, we’ll return to our lodge.

You’ll have time to relax and unwind before a delicious DINNER, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences.

Meals: B, L, D

If you’d like to participate, wake up early to be collected for your sunrise hot air balloon safari around 5:00 am. You’ll board just after 6:00 am and have around one hour in the air to witness the spectacular landscapes and see animals from the air. 

After landing you’ll be picked up by the balloon crew members and taken to a special spot where you’ll be served a full BREAKFAST in the middle of the park. You’ll be reunited with your guide around 10:00 am, after which we'll continue our land-based safari for the rest of the day. 

For those that choose not to do the hot air balloon, you’ll be able to sleep in until 7:00 am or so, have BREAKFAST, and then do a game drive on the way to the central Serengeti meeting point where you’ll be reunited with the balloon flyers, after which it will be a normal safari day in the central part of the park. 

Farewell DINNER with your guides tonight at your tented camp.

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey towards the Seronera Airstrip, located in the heart of Central Serengeti. Here, we’ll board a light aircraft that will take us on a scenic flight of approximately 1 hour to Arusha Airport (ARK). Once we land, you’ll board your included flight to the beautiful island of Zanzibar, located off the coast of Tanzania.

Upon arriving at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), our driver will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your lodge, Marriott Turaco Nungwi Hotel, in the northern beach area of Nungwi. This picturesque part of Zanzibar is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the island. 

Once we arrive, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax, explore the area, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of your new coastal retreat.

Meals: B

Start your day with a delightful BREAKFAST at your hotel, then enjoy a free day to explore the enchanting island of Zanzibar at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Zanzibar offers an array of activities and attractions to suit every interest.

Meals: B

 Start your day with a delightful BREAKFAST at your hotel, then enjoy a free day to explore the enchanting island of Zanzibar at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Zanzibar offers an array of activities and attractions to suit every interest. 

Meals: B

After BREAKFAST, we’ll TRANSFER to Stone Town, the historic and cultural heart of Zanzibar. This former capital of the Sultanate exudes a unique charm with its maze-like streets and vibrant atmosphere. 

Upon arrival, you can explore the birthplace of legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, learning about his connection to this fascinating city. A visit to Zanzibar’s famous spice farms offers an opportunity to uncover the secrets behind the cultivation of household spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, as well as their significance in local culture and cuisine.

Stroll through Stone Town’s bustling streets and discover its rich history through its intricate architecture, lively markets, and storied past. Whether you choose to join a guided walking tour or wander independently, the city offers endless surprises. 

DINNER tonight is on your own, with plenty of exceptional restaurants offering everything from traditional Swahili dishes to international flavors. 

Lodging will be at Tembo House Hotel.

Relax and soak in the ambiance of this captivating coastal gem.

Meals: B

THANK YOU for joining our trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, but unfortunately, your trip, at least with us, has come to an end.  

BREAKFAST will be served at your hotel, then feel free to relax until it comes time for our driver to pick you up and transfer you 20 minutes to the Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), where you’ll board your international flight(s) home.

Transfer times and details will be confirmed beforehand.