Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Safari Expedition

12 Day Itinerary

Day 1 (July 9): Welcome to Tanzania

Meals: Dinner

Karibu Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your beautiful lodge in Arusha, nestled at the foot of Africa's most famous mountain. Take the afternoon to unwind, recover from your journey, and soak in the excitement of the adventure ahead.

As the sun sets, we'll gather for a special welcome dinner where you can meet everyone, and hear about the incredible experiences that await over the coming days. It's the perfect opportunity for children to make new friends, parents to connect with fellow travellers, and for everyone to begin what promises to be an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure together.

Overnight: Arusha

Day 2 (July 10): Tarangire National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the excitement of your first safari adventure as we head into Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's gems and home to some of Africa's largest elephant herds. Keep your cameras ready as giant elephants wander between towering baobab trees, giraffes stride across the savannah, and zebras, wildebeest, and antelope gather around the park's lifeline, the Tarangire River.

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive in search of lions, leopards, and other incredible wildlife. With your own private safari vehicle and guide, your family can travel at your own pace, making plenty of stops for wildlife sightings, photos, and unforgettable moments. As the sun begins to set over the golden plains, head to your lodge to relax and share stories from an incredible first day on safari.

Overnight: Mto Wa Mbu

Day 3 (July 11): Mto wa Mbu & Maasai Village Adventure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is all about getting off the safari trail and experiencing the real Tanzania. Hop on a bicycle and pedal through the colourful village of Mto wa Mbu, passing banana plantations, local markets, and bustling village life. Meet farmers in their fields, sample seasonal fruits straight from the source, and discover how more than 120 different tribes live together in this vibrant community.

Later, visit a traditional Maasai village where you'll be welcomed by the community and gain insight into one of East Africa's most iconic cultures. Learn about their customs and daily life, step inside a traditional Maasai home, and watch the famous jumping dance that has been passed down through generations. It's a fun, interactive day filled with authentic cultural encounters that both children and adults will remember long after the safari ends.

Overnight: Mto Wa Mbu

Day 4 (July 12): Hadzabe & Datoga Cultural Encounter

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for one of the most fascinating and authentic cultural experiences in East Africa. This morning, you'll meet the Hadzabe people, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa, and gain a rare insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. Learn about their traditional hunting techniques, bush skills, and deep connection to the land as they share their remarkable culture and stories.

Later, visit the Datoga community, renowned for their craftsmanship and rich traditions. Discover how they create tools, jewellery, and household items using techniques passed down through generations, while learning about daily life in this vibrant community.

After lunch, continue to the beautiful Rhotia Valley Lodge, where stunning views, warm hospitality, and a relaxing afternoon await. Surrounded by rolling hills and rural Tanzanian countryside, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of unforgettable cultural discoveries.

Overnight: Rhotia

Day 5 (July 13): Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Community Visit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we venture into one of Africa's greatest natural wonders: the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Often referred to as Africa's "Garden of Eden," this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife, making it one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the Big Five. As we descend into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, keep your eyes peeled for lions resting in the grasslands, elephants roaming the forests, hippos wallowing in the pools, and perhaps even the elusive black rhino.

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery before continuing your safari adventure across the crater floor. In the afternoon, return to Rhotia Valley Lodge where we'll have the opportunity to visit a local school supported by community initiatives in the area. This meaningful experience offers a glimpse into daily life for local children and highlights how responsible tourism can create positive opportunities for future generations.

After an inspiring day of wildlife and cultural connection, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy another memorable evening in the Tanzanian highlands.

Overnight: Rhotia

Day 6 (July 14): Into the Heart of the Serengeti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we leave the lush highlands behind and journey towards one of the most famous wildlife destinations on Earth - the Serengeti. Along the way, watch the landscape transform into endless golden plains stretching as far as the eye can see, offering a first glimpse of the wilderness that has inspired countless nature documentaries and wildlife films.

Upon entering the park, the adventure truly begins. Set out on your first Serengeti game drive, keeping watch for lions lounging beneath acacia trees, cheetahs scanning the horizon, elephants wandering the plains, and perhaps even a leopard resting in the branches above. With your family's private safari vehicle and expert guide, you'll have the freedom to stop for incredible sightings and soak up every moment.

As the afternoon light casts a golden glow across the savannah, it's easy to see why this landscape inspired the world of The Lion King. Tonight, settle into your camp in the heart of the Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush and the excitement of tomorrow's adventures.

Overnight: Serengeti

Day 7 (July 15): Full Day Serengeti Safari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up in the heart of the Serengeti and prepare for a day of unforgettable wildlife encounters. Today is dedicated entirely to exploring one of the world's greatest safari destinations, where every game drive offers the possibility of something extraordinary. The Central Serengeti is renowned for its incredible concentration of wildlife and is one of the best places in Africa to spot predators in action.

Throughout the day, you'll venture across the vast plains in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and countless other species that call this remarkable ecosystem home. With your own private safari vehicle and guide, your family can spend as much time as you'd like at each sighting, allowing children and adults alike to fully immerse themselves in the magic of the African wilderness.

Whether from the ground or the sky, today promises to be one of the highlights of your Tanzanian adventure.

Optional activity: For those looking for an even more unforgettable experience, there's the option to book a sunrise hot air balloon safari. Drift silently above the Serengeti as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the plains below, offering breathtaking views of wildlife and landscapes few travellers ever get to experience. The adventure concludes with a champagne breakfast in the bush - a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Overnight: Serengeti

Day 8 (July 16): From the Savannah back home OR to Zanzibar

Meals: Breakfast

After one final Serengeti sunrise, it's time to swap safari vehicles for sandy beaches as we make our way to Seronera Airstrip for your flight back to Arusha from where you can catch your international flight back home.

OR if you feel like you are not ready exploring yet, travel with us to to the tropical island paradise of Zanzibar.

As you fly over Tanzania's spectacular landscapes, watch the vast golden plains of the Serengeti give way to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you'll be transferred our beach hotel where we spent the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Paje

Day 9 (July 17): Safari Blue: Zanzibar's Ultimate Island Adventure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is all about sunshine, turquoise waters, and unforgettable family fun. After breakfast, set sail aboard a traditional wooden dhow for the famous Safari Blue experience, widely considered one of the best days out in Zanzibar.

Cruise across the sparkling Indian Ocean, stopping at pristine sandbanks and secluded islands that seem straight out of a postcard. Jump into crystal-clear waters for a swim, snorkel among colourful tropical fish and coral reefs, or simply relax on deck while soaking up the spectacular coastal scenery. Children will love exploring the shallow lagoons and spotting marine life beneath the surface.

Midday, enjoy a freshly prepared seafood feast served on a beautiful sandbank, surrounded by some of the bluest water you'll ever see. There will be plenty of time to swim, explore, and embrace the laid-back rhythm of island life before boarding the dhow for the journey back to shore.

After an incredible day on the water, return to your beach hotel in the late afternoon with sandy feet, sun-kissed smiles, and memories that will last long after the adventure ends.

Overnight: Paje

Day 10 (July 18): Cooking Class at the Spice farms

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you'll discover why Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island." Wander through a traditional spice farm where you'll see, smell, and taste fresh cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, and tropical fruits growing in their natural environment. Learn how these spices have shaped Zanzibar's history and culture while sampling exotic flavours straight from the source.

After exploring the farm, roll up your sleeves for an authentic Swahili cooking class. Guided by local chefs, you'll prepare a selection of traditional dishes using the freshly harvested spices and ingredients you've just discovered. Finally, sit down together to enjoy the delicious meal you've created, a memorable taste of Zanzibar's rich culinary heritage.

Overnight: Paje

Day 11 (July 19): Farewell Zanzibar

Meals: Breakfast

After one final breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean, it's time to say goodbye to Tanzania. Enjoy a relaxed morning soaking up the last moments of island life before your transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward journey.

As your adventure comes to an end, take with you incredible memories of elephant encounters in Tarangire, breathtaking wildlife sightings in the Serengeti, meaningful cultural experiences with local communities, and unforgettable days spent exploring the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.

We've shared amazing adventures, made new friends, and experienced some of the very best that Tanzania has to offer. While the journey may be ending, the memories and connections made along the way will last a lifetime.

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you on another Flying the Nest adventure soon!