Global Trips for Women, destination Tanzania

Tanzania

Tanzania has a great variety of things for visitors to experience, from wild animals to fascinating tribes, incredible scenery and exotic islands. It has one of the largest wild animal populations in the world, and thus has some of the most famous game parks in Africa.

We experience the mesmerizing, vast golden plains of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park… you will see elephants, zebras, gazelle, or lions resting in the shade, or moving slowly in the heat. But the animals are only part of the allure of this huge country.

Visiting local villages will give you an incredible insight into how simply Africans live, especially the fascinating Maasai, clothed in their red shukas, and living in small mud homes. Our trip ends with a visit to the fabled spice island – Zanzibar - which is a complete contrast culturally and physically to the mainland, with it’s trading history of spices, slaves, and it’s white beaches and turquoise waters.

Date & Duration:	13th-25th September 2008 - 13 days
Cost:	£2,100 / NZ$5,200 / US$3,900 - What's included?
Arrival & Departure points:	Arusha/Zanzibar
Group size:	min 6, max 12
Accommodation:	hotels, lodges
Meals not included:	3 lunches, 1 dinner
Adventures:	safari, optional snorkelling

Tanzanian Highlights

• flying over the infamous Serengeti, then going on a gamedrive to view African animals in the wild
• a fascinating visit to the Olduvai Gorge, the Cradle of Mankind, where primitive hominid remains were found
• viewing wild animals in the Serengeti National Park, the unique Ngorongoro Crater and in Tarangire National Park
• taking a guided walk through a local Chagga village to learn about village life and customs
• meeting the Maasai, dressed in their red shukas, we visit them in their mud huts built by their wives
• Zanzibar, the spice island! – turquoise waters, pristine beaches, palm trees, deliciously spiced food and drinks and great shopping…great swimming, relaxing, or snorkelling
• We take a fascinating spice tour around the island of Zanzibar, learning why it was such an important trading post for, amongst other things, slaves and spices.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arusha

You will arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport with Kenya Airways and be taken to the hotel to freshen up. To get over your jet lag you can spend the afternoon by the pool, or go for a stroll into town for a look around the Maasai market and local shops.

Meals - B, L, D

Day 2 Serengeti

We take a morning flight to the Serengeti National Park. On arrival we check into our bush camp, set just a few kilometres away from the park, where we stay "safari style" in a beautiful permanent camp. The rest of the day is spent out on game drives, viewing African animals in the wild.

Meals - B,L,D

Day 3 Serengeti

After a good breakfast we spend the fist half of the day on game drives in the Serengeti. Animals we are likely to see include elephants, zebra, wildebeest, lions, gazelles, wart hogs to name but a few.

In the afternoon we stretch our legs by taking a walk around the area of Ikoma. On the way we will visit a local village, and if we are lucky, we might also see some animals – we walk to a small hill which has excellent views over the Serengeti.

Meals - both B, L, D

Day 4 Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge

Today we drive from the Serengeti to the Olduvai Gorge, a steep-sided ravine in the Great Rift Valley in the eastern Serengeti Plains. It is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world.

It is believed that the site was that of a large lake, which has been successively covered with volcanic ash. The gorge was made famous by Mary and Louis Leaky and their finds. Excavations have revealed evidence of campsites and tools, known as Olduwan. Bones found here are not from modern humans, but primitive hominid forms. This is a fascinating look back into the beginnings of mankind.

Meals - B, L, D

Day 5 Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is an amazing place to view game, driving within the walls of the huge caldera, which is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. The crater is 610m deep and 260 square kilometers, and it contains a microcosm of East African scenery. There are an estimated 25,000 larger animals within the crater, with a large number of Zebra and Wildebeest.

It is also the best place in Tanzania to see Black Rhino, not to mention, hyena, impala, hartebeest, warthog, elephants, eland and lots more. We spend a full day in the Crater to make the most of this spectacular and unique "animal sanctuary".

Meals - B, L, D

Day 6 Mto Wa Mbu

Having seen more animals than you can poke a stick at, it is time for a break from game viewing – and time for some culture!

We go to the village of Mto Wa Mbu, where we will also stay the night. During the day we take an interesting village walk with a local guide to learn about village life, traditions and customs – we might learn about banana beer brewing, or see the Masai market or have a local lunch prepared for us.

Time permitting we might also go for an afternoon walk towards Lake Manyara from our camp.

Meals - B, L, D

Day 7 Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is well-known for its elephant population and the huge Baobab trees which grow in the open Acacia woodland. This park is also home to many different birds of prey.

After a game drive you can spend the afternoon at our wonderful lodge relaxing by the pool, sipping a cool drink, and watching the animals below come and go from the river.

Meals - B, L, D

Day 8 Arusha to Stone Town, Zanzibar

We have the option of an early morning game drive before making our way back to Arusha airport, where we board our flight to the tropical island of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is a great place to end our trip, as it has a little bit of everything – shopping, beaches, culture and a rich history - it is a complete contrast to the mainland. The afternoon is free for you to relax on the beach or take in a bit of retail therapy – this is a great place to get last-minute gifts and souvenirs – and of course, you will find some beautiful things to buy for yourself.

Pop into a local café and try a Zanzibari coffee or tea spiced with things like ginger, cardamom or cloves. Mmm! We meet in the early evening for sunset drinks on the balcony of a local hotel before enjoying some Zanzibar cuisine.

Meals - B and D

Day 9 Stone Town, Zanzibar

Today we go on a Spice Tour, a must when visiting Zanzibar, as it will not only give you an insight into the fascinating history of the island, but you will also get to see all the different spices in their natural form. The spice tour finishes off with a swim on a secluded beach.

This evening you are free to eat where you like. A visit to the evening fish market for dinner is highly recommended.

Meals - B and L

Day 10 - 11 Zanzibar, Kendwa Beach

It is time for some r'n'r! This morning we are picked up and driven up to the north of the island for two days on the beautiful beach of Kendwa.

Here it is up to you what you do – you can spend the 2 days beach combing, sunbathing and swimming. Or if you like you can book yourself onto a snorkeling tour. Take a stroll down to the end of the beach to visit the craft and souvenir market. There is an array of beach cafés to choose from for lunch.

Meals - B, D and B, D

Day 12 Stone Town

After breakfast we are transferred back to Stone Town. In the afternoon we visit the local museum to learn about Zanzibar’s rich history of trading, spices, slavery etc.

We have our final dinner together in a good local restaurant and celebrate the end of a great trip.

Meals - B, L, D

Day 13 Zanzibar, Stone Town

Breakfast and transfer to airport.

Meals - B

Join us on:
13th-25th September 2008, 13 days, Cost: £2,100 / NZ$5,200 / US$3,900 - What's included?
12th-24th September 2009, 13 days, Cost: £2,100 / NZ$5,200 / US$3,900 - What's included?

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