Nairobi to Stone Town
Nairobi to Stone Town
Nairobi to Stone Town
9 Days Starting in Nairobi, Kenya and ending in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Visiting: Nairobi, Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Usambara Mountains, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
YXOP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 22
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Nairobi to Stone Town, exploring the heart of East Africa's wildlife and culture. This adventure takes you through the iconic Serengeti, where you'll witness Africa's Big Five in their natural habitat during sunrise and sunset game drives. Experience the vibrant local life in Mto wa Mbu with a guided village walk and savor a traditional dinner. Traverse the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater in a 4WD, offering a rare chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros. Discover the lush Usambara Mountains and the coastal charm of Dar es Salaam. Conclude your journey in Zanzibar's Stone Town, wandering through its bustling bazaars and spice markets. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local crew, this tour not only offers thrilling wildlife encounters but also supports conservation efforts through the Intrepid Foundation. Enjoy camping under the African sky, with the option to upgrade to hotel accommodations in select locations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi
Location: Nairobi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Mto Wa Mbu
Location: Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Accommodation Name: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Depart early for Mto wa Mbu in your overland truck. The trip includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport handy. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto wa Mbu and acquaint yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities)
Accommodation Name: Camping (with basic facilities)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Get up early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a safari in the crater, spending 3 to 4 hours exploring this incredible, perfectly intact volcanic caldera. Watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round (some 30,000 animals live here) and the photo opportunities are unrivalled. Next, it's on to the wide-open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities)
Accommodation Name: Camping (with basic facilities)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Awake at dawn and embark on a game drive. You will head out while the animals are at their most active, then head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. After spending the middle of the day relaxing, just like the animals do, head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner. There's also the option of a balloon ride over the park this morning – in place of some of today’s game drives. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height, getting some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you will ascend, getting an overview of the enormity of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, indulge in a five-star bush breakfast, then be returned to camp.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Serengeti National Park / Mto Wa Mbu
Location: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Accommodation Name: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Rise with the sun and enjoy another game drive as you leave the Serengeti in your dust. Jump back into your overland vehicle and head for Mto wa Mbu.
After setting up camp, we'll take a guided stroll through the farming areas, local homes and farmlands, getting to know the local community and their way of life. Later, we'll enjoy a scrumptious local dinner in town.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Usambara Mountains
Location: Usambara Mountains
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Accommodation Name: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: Dinner
Prepare yourself for a long travel day heading for the Usambara Mountains. Stretch your legs during a brief supply stop in Arusha, then jump back in the vehicle and watch the ever-changing scenery, read your favourite book or get to really know your fellow travellers. Your base will be Lushoto – an old German colony and home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at approximately 1400 metres and this evening you'll camp in the grounds of one of the oldest hotels in Africa.
Day 7: Usambara Mountains
Location: Usambara Mountains
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Accommodation Name: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Explore the beautiful Usambara Mountains today – a lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this part of the country, so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains and rainforests are, however, the real jewels here are the local people and villages. You'll experience some hospitality on a visit to some of the small local communities. From your base, you will take a walk out to the gorgeous Irente viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project where you enjoy a prepared lunch.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Dar Es Salaam
Location: Dar es Salaam
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Accommodation Name: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the mountains behind, travel further south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp is by the beach, so make the most of it – perhaps take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in.
Day 9: Stone Town
Location: Zanzibar
Drive to Dar es Salaam, then catch a ferry to Zanzibar. Filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars, Zanzibar has had a colourful history – everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast evokes what the island must have been like in centuries ago. Explore the many charms of Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar's main city, with a local guide. Taste the local delicacies and gain insight into daily local life living on Zanzibar.
Your trip comes to an end after the tour (approximately 3 pm), but that doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! Stick around to explore the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards. If you would like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (5 nights), Hotel (1 night) -
Meals
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners -
Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
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Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
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Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner
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Irente - Lushoto hike
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Irente - Local lunch
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Stone Town - Guided Walking Tour
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Stone Town - Local Food Tasting
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Serengeti National Park balloon ride are not included and can be booked separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Kenya and Tanzania are not included.
Transport
Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Our fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style. Your vehicle type may differ from those listed above. It is also important to note that our overland vehicles are not air-conditioned, but all vehicles have windows that can be opened to allow for fresh air. Each seat will have access to a power socket to charge your devices. This outlet will use a UK/Kenyan 3 pronged outlet.There are many early starts with long hours spent driving on rough roads on all African itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate distance covered each day and how many hours this normally takes to drive so that you can choose the safari experience that is right for you.African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it's certainly our aim to avoid them, it's important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the African adventure. Due to wet weather there may be times when we have to take an alternative route which will mean longer travel times.
Included Activities
Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game DriveSerengeti National Park - 4x4 Game DriveSerengeti National Park - 4x4 Game DriveSerengeti National Park - 4x4 Game DriveMto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinnerIrente - Lushoto hike & local lunch
Accommodation
Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied.The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some, we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others, we also use hotels. In Africa, it's not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities, so we use hotel accommodations and eat out in local restaurants.There may be the occasional night stop when we stay on the grounds of a hotel or at a campsite, which may also have rooms/cabins available. In this case, there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room. Rooms cost approximately USD 40-100 per room per night for a twin room and cannot be pre-booked. Standards of these rooms vary greatly, and we recommend viewing the room before purchasing the night's accommodation. The day-by-day itinerary advises when upgrades may be possible (subject to availability).Keep in mind that if we are staying in dormitory accommodation, you may have to share with other passengers or be split into same-sex rooms.Campsites do have facilities, but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in Western countries. For example, the bathroom facilities can be very basic. Toilet paper is rarely provided, and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Wild camps have no facilities at all.At times, there may be spare tents in the vehicles. Unfortunately, these cannot be used without the purchase of a single supplement. This is to ensure the tents avoid wear and tear or are clean and ready for the customers arriving on the next section of the trip.If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night.
Important Information
1. A single supplement is available on this trip for some nights. Read the itinerary for details on which nights have optional upgrades.2. Your tour comes to an end on Day 9 at approximately 3 pm, after the Tour of Stone Town. Please keep this in mind when booking your departure flight.2. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
Mode of Transport
Our trucks are purpose-built, self-contained safari vehicles, varying by group size, trip route, and style. They are not air-conditioned but have windows for fresh air and power sockets for charging devices. Expect early starts, long drives on rough roads, and occasional breakdowns as part of the adventure.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied. The type and variety of accommodation are determined by conditions on each of our routes, including campsites, wild camps, and hotels. Facilities can be basic, with some campsites offering limited amenities.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied. Depending on the route, a mixture of campsites, wild camps, and hotels may be used. In towns and cities, hotel accommodations are typically used. There may be opportunities to upgrade to a room at some campsites, but these cannot be pre-booked and vary in standard.
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What should I know about the transport during the tour?
The tour uses purpose-built, self-contained safari vehicles. These vehicles are not air-conditioned, but have windows that can be opened for fresh air. Each seat has access to a power socket using a UK/Kenyan 3 pronged outlet. The tour involves long hours of driving on rough roads, and occasional breakdowns may occur due to tough African conditions.
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What kind of wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will have the opportunity to explore the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where you can spot Africa's iconic Big Five game, including the endangered black rhinoceros. Game drives are conducted in 4x4 vehicles, and you will have the chance to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as a guided stroll around the farming areas in Mto wa Mbu, where you can meet local community members and join in on village activities. Additionally, you will explore Stone Town's bustling bazaars and spice markets with a local guide.
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Is there an opportunity to support local conservation efforts during the tour?
Yes, by traveling on this trip, you will learn about the Intrepid Foundation partner, the East African Wildlife Society. Donations help protect endangered wildlife and promote sustainable management of natural resources in East Africa. Intrepid will match all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions