tanzania 2 week itinerary

Cant wait to visit Tanzania! Bring extra small notes to pay the various people who scale trees to collect coconuts and serve up fresh fruit on the tour. Wooden trunks, leather sofas and textured textiles harp back to the time of explorers. As a solo traveler if you have any more tips would love to hear. The tours are quite touristy but entertaining. The gates of Serengeti are reached after a 6-hour drive from Isoitok Camp. One of the most popular tours is a Safari Blue tour. It really is so diverse and offers something for everyone. Its such an easy online process and it will reduce the risk of running into issues at the border or airport. Im certainly no expert on all the beaches of Zanzibar although its something I wouldnt mind being so go check out this article or this one for a description of some of the best beaches in Zanzibar. Unguja is what people are usually referring to when they say Zanzibar, and its on this island that youll find Stone Town. Was so fun to be hiking through the landscape and camping at night. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'rebeccaandtheworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',170,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rebeccaandtheworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')};Theres no accommodation out here, so youll be camping again. Such a great guide and travel inspiration, thank you! My tent was equipped with two double beds and a bathroom with hot shower water delivered by a tent attendant. Its a great country, let me know if you have any more questions as you plan a trip there one day! For a Tanzania itinerary like the one Ive outlined here, youll need to budget around US$500 per person, per day based on two people sharing. I didnt go down this route because I know that group tours arent really my thing. I took steps to prevent bites during my time in Tanzania. Youll also need to research in advance national park fees and booking requirements. But it also includes a multi-day hike, authentic engagements with Maasai culture and, of course, an obligatory beach stop.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'rebeccaandtheworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',162,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rebeccaandtheworld_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; If you want to save this Tanzania itinerary so you can read it later, click on the below images to pin it to Pinterest! I felt very safe the entire time I was in Tanzania my biggest worry was wildlife! The Sunday Group is also training women as driver guides, and runs tours through Mto Wa Mbu and to Lake Manyara. Tents have enclosed sitting areas, roomy bedrooms and fully-functioning bathrooms with a shower and eco toilet. This is usually the best time for wildlife spotting across all national parks. I arranged my tour through my driver, Daudi contact me or comment below and I can give you his details. One of the best things about the hike is that phone coverage is patchy, so youre completely disconnected from the world and can focus on observing whats around you on the hike.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'rebeccaandtheworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_8',169,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rebeccaandtheworld_com-leader-2-0')}; Before dinner, take a short stroll up to a viewpoint which offers your first view of Old Doinyo Lengai, Tanzanias only active volcano. And, if you know that you want to visit a country but dont want to do have to do all the research that comes with planning an international trip, a group tour means everything is planned for you. Given that youll spend this first day in transit, I recommend booking two nights in Stone Town to give you time to explore the twisting alleyways and include some downtime to escape the islands heat. Cooled down and hopefully elated after completing the hike, youll head to Lake Natron Camp, which is set up right alongside Lake Natron. Wifi is limited to a small area and only for a few hours each day. (2022 Update), Plan a Trip to Argentina: 19 Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors, The Best Brunch in Dallas: 13 Delicious Restaurants To Wake Up For, Dallas Date Night: The 16 Most Romantic Restaurants in Dallas, Do something far more adventurous and take a, Relax in the mineral-rich waters of the propertys. Tanzanias currency is the shilling; you can check the latest exchange rate online at XE. One of my favourite parts of this entire Tanzania itinerary was the hike down to Lake Natron from Empakai Crater. The worst part about this Tanzania itinerary is that it has to end. Learn how religions have lived together fairly peacefully for centuries. There are two pools, a spa and a sandy area dotted with beach lounges for sunbathing under the palm trees. Such an amazing trip! I always purchase my travel insurance throughWorld Nomads. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and most hotels and tour operators actually quote in dollars. Finally, youll reach your waiting car, where youll be greeted with icy hand towels and chilled beer, water and soft drinks. But dont worry about bumping into a big cat on your way to breakfast: a guard escorts guests to their rooms at all times of the day. (Although Ive never travelled in a group tour before, so maybe I shouldnt judge them too harshly!). Before dinner, I gathered around the fire with other guests and sipped a G&T as the sun went down. Its super safe, especially out on safari (the biggest concern is the animals out there!!). Surprisingly though, it actually doesnt work out to be that much cheaper than booking a private driver guide. At dusk, shards of lighting lit up the distant sky like fire. Visit a doctor before you travel to Tanzania so they can advise any required vaccinations or recommended medications. Dont have a lot of time for travel? The tented rooms are private, with fully-functioning bathrooms. One of my favourite spots was the reading nook with its comfortable cushions. Some public buses pass right through national parks, so you may see some wildlife. There are several international flights directly from Zanzibar, so look for these to avoid backtracking to Dar es Salaam or Arusha to return home. The path crosses a river, which is more like a mini gorge cut into the rock. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey there! Just beyond the highlands lies the Rift Valley. Check your countrysgovernment warnings before travelling. But the one Id recommend is Lake Natron Camp. , Its worthy of the bucket list, thats for sure! I saw only a few people doing it while I was there. One of the best luxury hotels in Arusha, it has an on-site restaurant, gym and spa, and is on a huge property dotted with coffee and tea plantations. Wild & Me Safaris of course arranged all of this for my trip, along with the tents, a cook and even an outdoor toilet. Its amazing how quickly they can pack up and move and the quality of the accommodation given the logistical challenges. This African country has been on my wishlist for a while, and now Im even more desperate to go! If youre anything like me, youll be planning your return trip to Tanzania while youre still in the airport. It then leads through waist-high grasses that leave tiny green spikes in your pants so wear pants and not shorts. The locals are generally pretty tolerant, but please show respect and appreciation for their religion and culture. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'rebeccaandtheworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',172,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rebeccaandtheworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};Lake Natron is a salt lake that is the breeding ground for 75 percent of the worlds lesser flamingos. The name means Mountain of God in the Maasai language. But the loop is worth it as you stop for the night at Isoitok Camp Manyara. The award-winning, eco-friendly tented camp encourages people to put down their phones and talk with each other. There are several campgrounds throughout the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Empakai Special Campsite must be booked in advance. Top tip: Please cover up when youre walking around Stone Town. In the first few kilometres, I spotted hyenas, wildebeest (and their days-old calves) and giraffe, and over the next two days I added elephants, zebra, jackals, dik diks, rock hyraxes, baboons, hippos, a leopard, a cheetah, lions, topi, impala, crocodiles and hippos to my viewing list. Tanzania has to be one of the most diverse countries in East Africa. I would definitely do the private driver thing too and glad you had a good and safe experience. The grassy ridge gives way to volcanic grounds, where youll alternate between stepping carefully along rocks formed by lava flows and sinking into charcoal-grey soft volcanic sand. Youd want to have plenty of time on your Tanzania itinerary to factor in the extra time that youll need to get around on public transport. I hope you get there next year! The 10 tents at this luxury eco camp are dotted throughout the property, each one blending into the surroundings. Theres only one way to end this epic Tanzania trip, and thats on the beach. Every effort is taken to be sustainable: electricity is solar powered, the toilet near the main area is compostable using zebra poop, and furniture is made from recycled plastic. The Emerson Spice Hotel is, as mentioned, home to the lovely Tea House Restaurant. The planes are small and tickets arent cheap, but it will save you time backtracking by road to Arusha and flying to Zanzibar from there (which is what I did). As suggested, the chance of rain is low. The rate for drivers/guides is around US$20 per day (split between your group). Lake Natron Camp can arrange several different activities in the area: After a day of relaxing, its time to get back on the road and this is a bumpy road. In Maasai language, Serengeti means endless plains and its easy to see how the park got this name. End the day with a hike down into Empakai Crater. Continuing on, youll come to the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and walk through a yellow acacia tree forest which shields you from the hot sun. This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). My only safety concern in Stone Town was getting lost in the maze of alleyways! At the time of writing, this visa costs US$50. Luckily, I had no issues on my trip to East Africa and didnt need to use my insurance, but italwayspays to be prepared. I dont think Id like to navigate Tanzania by self-driving. This project empowers women to earn incomes through making lunch boxes from banana leaves. As I mentioned in the beginning, Wild & Me Safaris did obtain some discounts for me in my role as a travel writer and blogger, and Nanyukie was by far the most luxurious lodge I stayed at. Is it safe place to travel with kids? Id definitely recommend staying at Lemala Ndutu if the season is right for your visit. The caldera was formed when a huge volcano estimated to be as high as Mount Kilimanjaro erupted and collapsed in on itself around 2.5 million years ago. Im Rebecca, an Aussie travel junkie and serial expat. Oh my goodness, this is my dream right here! The staff were warm and hospitable, always popping up with a hello, Miss Rebecca and asking me if there was anything I needed. While travel writers are usually horrified to write words like these, its hard to avoid when confronted with such beauty. . During my stay, I ate pumpkin soup, roasted lamb and a delicious cake with homemade custard for dinner. This of course attracts predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas hopeful of catching an easy target. I stayed at Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp and loved the authentic bush vibe. Baraka knew exactly where to go to find wildlife and he was a walking encyclopedia full of interesting facts and information. I didnt explore much of Arusha while I was there, but there are plenty of things to do in Arusha if you have the time: Note that Kilimanjaro International Airport is an hours drive from Arusha, so factor this time into your plans. Rebecca thanks for sharing your experience, i am travelling solo in 2 weeks, will follow your itinerary. Full disclosure: I did not take any malaria medication on my trip to East Africa. With an armed ranger (to protect you from overly aggressive lone male buffalos) and a Maasai guide, youll descend into the verdant forest filled with centuries-old trees that at times provide a canopy. After a month of travelling around East Africa, I was ready for a break, so I whiled away a couple of days reading books on the hotels lounge beds, taking a dip in the pool, strolling along the beach and eating a tonne of seafood. I saw very few signs for trails or hotels I have no idea how my driver Baraka knew where he was going each day! I stayed at the magnificent Emerson Spice Hotel. Some of the activities on offer include: Isoitok Camp Manyara was one of my favourite places to stay in Tanzania. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rebeccaandtheworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_9',168,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rebeccaandtheworld_com-leader-3-0')};This village is the last that can be reached by car, and before you arrived, all your stuff the tents, the cooking gear, your own bags will be transferred onto donkeys that are already trotting ahead of you to the next campsite. From the lofty peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the wildlife-packed national parks, and the alluring beaches of Zanzibar, theres plenty of choices for a Tanzania itinerary. Dont wander around Stone Town in your bikini and short shorts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Tanzanias most visited national park. We picked our way across, occasionally stepping directly into the small amount of water still trickling along the river bed. Take a walking tour to learn more about the tangled history of this island. The building was originally owned by the last Swahili ruler of Zanzibar, and over the years has changed hands multiple times. But this is an amazing article and Ill be saving it for later for when its safe to travel again! Youll stop for lunch in Nayobi, a small Maasai village alive with the sounds of cowbells jangling as young shepherds tend their herds of goats, sheep and cows. On the half-day tour, youll snorkel, sunbathe or go swimming with turtles at the tortoise sanctuary on the island. Lake Natron Camp has been working with the local school on a permaculture project that both supports the school with free meals for kids and provides some of the fresh food needed at the camp. (Make sure you pack these long haul flight essentialsto make the trip more comfortable. Its well located, has a swimming pool and the restaurant serves up delicious food (try the butter chicken). A stay at Isoitok is about the culture, not the game drives. This caldera has a lake with alkaline waters that reach depths of up to 85 metres. My guide was Amani, and having him on the hike made it a richer experience. Arusha is considered the tourism capital of northern Tanzania and is the hub for people heading to the Serengeti and other national parks on the northern circuit. Late May to early July is when the herds will attempt the crossing of the Grumeti River, while August is usually when they cross back north and over the Mara River. Finally, a friend who had previously lived in Tanzania recommended Wild & Me Safaris. I didnt have to think about anything, which was exactly what I wanted. If you want to change U.S. dollars when you arrive in Tanzania, bring larger denominations ($50 or $100 bills) to get a better exchange rate. The drive is about an hour from Stone Town. On the first full day of hiking, youll walk along the rim of Empakai Crater, before making your way past Maasai villages and out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. What an excellent post! This part of the hike is down, down, down, so bring trekking poles to reduce the stress on your knees. Youll come across curio stores, kids heading home from school for lunch, churches and mosques, and Zanzibaris going about their days. Day 2: Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Empakai Crater, Day 3: Hike through the Ngorongoro Highlands. Tanzania can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October. I climbed Kilimanjaro and did a safari in some of the places you mentioned so it was a trip down memory lane. It also has another restaurant, the Secret Garden. The Seregenti is arguably one of the most famous game reserves in the world and one of the most popular for a Tanzania safari. I had been hoping to plan a trip to Tanzania in 2020, but it doesnt look like thatll be happening this year. Of course, travelling solo with a private driver meant the individual cost was higher for me, but for a group (of family or friends), I think this is the most affordable way to travel. Amazing images of the animals in their natural habitat, loved the eco tent accommodation and that craterits huge! The ranger who escorted us down into Empakai Crater also stayed overnight with us as protection against wild animals. We stayed the night at Acacia Forest Camp and it was such a beautiful spot. Its located a short drive away in Paje. From the viewpoint, youll see Ol Doinyo Lengai on one side, and the rippling green hills of the Ngorongoro Highlands on the other. Spend some time wandering without a plan through the twisting, turning laneways of Stone Town. Tipping is expected in Tanzania. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'rebeccaandtheworld_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',165,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rebeccaandtheworld_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};Self drive isnt actually very common within Tanzania. A guide will take you to the highlights around Stone Town, including the Old Dispensary, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the former slave market, the Dhajarani Market and Freddie Mercurys (purported) home. Take the usual safety precautions: dont wear expensive jewelry or flash your expensive phones and cameras around, tuck your money into various bags and pockets (and, for the ladies, into your bra), and take extra care when going out at night. (And they in turn actually directed me to Ellington Safaris, the company I used for my Uganda itinerary.). Every night, a fire is lit near the bar area to enjoy a drink before dinner. Of course, Lemala Nanyukie is not for everyones budget, and a tour operator like Wild & Me Safaris can find accommodation that suits your budget. For such a remote area, there are a surprising number of places to stay near Lake Natron. Just my personal preference. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Theres a viewpoint a short drive past the entrance gate where you can take in the enormity of the caldera from above. U.S. citizens need to obtain a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for 12 months (but you can only stay in the country for 90 days at a time). In Stone Town, as a solo female traveller I had a lot of men trying to talk to me, but again I never felt threatened. Especially since theres another big day of driving ahead. I was lucky enough to visit one of the initiatives they support, the Sunday Group in Mto Wa Mbu. It gets really, really hot in Stone Town, so do what I did and swap the heat for pampering at Mrembo Spa. Sitting atop the hotel, the restaurant offers views over Stone Town. The Emerson Spices sister hotel, Emerson on Hurumzi, has a similar 3-course set menu. These are courtesy of the staff at Lake Natron Camp, your accommodation for the night. While its low season, expect to still see many other tourists! I love how it really has it all opps for adventure, safaris (so many animals! Ever since I was a little girl, cutting out travel stories from my mums womens magazines to stick in a scrapbook, Ive had a fascination with Zanzibar. So, if youre planning to visit Tanzania, take a look at this unique itinerary which goes beyond the usual day-after-day of game drives. The hotel is also right in the heart of nature I woke at 4 a.m. one morning to the roar of lions, and saw a lion footprint on the footpath another morning. This is because especially in and near the national parks food and supplies need to be brought in from big cities and theres usually a high staff-to-guest ratio. Such a complete and beautiful post. The national parks in these circuits receive fewer visitors, and theyre on my list for when I return to Tanzania. I cant even imagine how much mud there is during this time and how many cars get bogged! Nanyukie is Lemalas newest property and it is pure luxury. Zanzibar boasts the powdery white sand beaches and azure waters that dreams are made of. This travel itinerary recommends flying into Arusha, as thats the main airport for people starting out on the northern safari circuit, the most popular route for visitors to Tanzania. I tried to find information online but there isnt a whole lot available. National parks are fairly expensive to visit, and even mid-range hotels and lodges are more expensive than you might expect elsewhere in the world. Heres how I spent my two weeks in Tanzania, although for the purposes of this blog post, I have made a few small adjustments to avoid some backtracking and add in a few extra days of downtime. Regardless, all opinions remain my own. Alternatively, try a walking tour that incorporates the flavour-packed food of Zanzibar on this food markets and street food walking tour. I stayed at the Outpost Lodge, a mid-range hotel in a leafy street in Arusha. Not all booking systems are online, some fees can only be paid at certain banks its quite the logistical challenge, so Im glad I didnt have to think about any of that. Ive only been to Zanzibar for scuba diving but would love to do a safari and see the rest of Tanzania. I have yet to visit Africa, let alone Tanzania but Im waiting for my daughter to grow up a bit before we do this. I can tell you, that pool was perfect at the end of a hot day. Adding to my list of places to visit! The food is as you can imagine carefully prepared using fresh ingredients. With a long-established tourism industry and known as one of the best places for an African safari, Tanzania has several international airports with direct or connecting flights from countries around the world. Also make sure you notify your government of your travels, if the option is available. While the government says that it is possible to get a Tanzania visa on arrival, they much encourage and Id recommend visitors to get a visa in advance. I hope to go at some point in 2021. There are plenty of buses in Tanzania that ply the roads, and tickets are affordable. There are several good times to visit throughout the year: go during June and July for the wildebeest migration, or January to February for calving season (where you may even see predators stalking the poor babies as they take their first wobbly steps after being born). And, travelling solo, it meant that I also had the safety and support network of Jackie and Abel as well as my driver guide Baraka and the other people who supported me along the way. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. For this hike, Wild & Me Safaris always arranges a Maasai guide to accompany guests. Your daughter would love it too. If you do want to explore Tanzania by car by yourself, Id recommend it only for people who are familiar with driving in East Africa, who can navigate without digital maps (limited mobile coverage in some areas means Google Maps isnt available everywhere) and have experience driving in a variety of conditions in a 4WD. However, when youre on the ground, its worth having some small shilling notes for shops and restaurants, and for tipping. If you bring U.S. dollars, make sure they are from 2006 or later, and have no tears, marks or stains. To get to Jambiani, contact me for details of my driver, Daudi. While I havent touched on the southern and western circuits in this itinerary, the best time to visit these is during the dry season (June to October). This Insta-famous restaurant sits atop a small rock in the ocean and can be reached by walking at low tide or by boat when its high tide. The prison was originally built in the late 1800s and housed violent prisoners and sick people. The parks are remote, so the risk of petty crime is low. Most travellers to Tanzania require a visa to enter. For dinner, I had the most delicious fish dish. )if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'rebeccaandtheworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',161,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-rebeccaandtheworld_com-banner-1-0')}; There are also plenty of land border crossings if youre overlanding. The flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar is around 2 hours. To help you plan your trip to Tanzania, heres some additional information and tips. Isoitok works closely with the surrounding Maasai communities through education, sanitation and water projects as part of its African Roots Foundation. . There are usually tip boxes in the reception area and management shares tips among all the staff at the end of the month. All the lodges I stayed at had security (although that was mostly for protecting guests against wildlife!). There were times when I woke up to lions roaring near our lodge, or hyenas barking when I was camping, and let me tell you, thats exciting but also scary! They then sell these boxes to Lemala properties so that lunches can be packed more sustainably (youll see other companies with plastic containers that usually get tossed at the end of the day). A must-try is a Zanzibar pizza, a piece of dough wrapped around sweet or savoury fillings and fried. You can fly to Zanzibar direct from Serengeti airport. I hope it can be on the cards for 2021 it really is such an amazing country! If you dont have any, your Maasai guide will fashion a walking stick from an old branch. Oh I could easily spend two weeks in Zanzibar I loved it there!! Major airlines from around the world fly into each of these airports. Its a great place for a first safari in Tanzania. The itinerary Ive laid out here focuses on areas popular with tourists, so you can expect plenty of other people around. Also be aware of police stops and the fines you might be asked to pay. I PAY MY RESPECTS TO ELDERS PAST AND PRESENT AND CELEBRATE THE STORIES, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF ALL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE ACROSS AUSTRALIA. Its now a hotel that screams old-world glamour. I dont think I have any more tips I never really felt alone because I was always in the company of a guide or safari host or other guests at lodges. Zanzibar is actually made up of two islands, Unguja and Pemba. There are plenty of companies offering group tours for all budgets. There are always people about, and the city has installed security cameras in some areas as well. A single-entry visa is valid for 90 days. Tonight, youre camping! The food at the restaurant is divine I had more than my fair share of delicious seafood, coupled with a glass of wine each night. If you bring a credit card, Visa or Mastercard cards are best. I know what it's like to work full time, so I have plenty of tips to help you pack as much into your vacation time as possible. It was definitely one of the best trips Ive ever taken. The quality of the food was especially impressive given how remote the camp is. People are super friendly so just say hello! Theres no shortage of things to do in Stone Town. Each dish of the 5-course, set menu features seafood paired with other local ingredients. I love that youve included a nice multi-day hike in here, and Stone Town, of course . Pemba is smaller and less visited but no less stunning. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Big cities are of course where you will find more crime. I hope you get there!! Heres a link to Australias adviceon travelling to Tanzania, as well as theUnited Kingdomand theUnited States. Pack plenty of repellent, sleep under mosquito nets (all hotels and lodges provide these) and cover up in the evening. A group tour is a great way to meet other people, especially if youre travelling solo. Ultimately, Id want to overland into Tanzania to see as many of these diverse landscapes as I can. Which route did you do? Amanis name in Maasai means peace and someone who can be depended upon, and I relied on him for two days to guide me safely through the hike and share his culture with me. Make sure you have goodtravel insurance. The camps footprint is such that, if they had to pack up and leave, the site can go back to its natural state in a matter of months.

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