Tanzania & Zanzibar

OVERVIEW

 

You look out across the picturesque plains and baobab trees, shielding your eyes against the glare of the sun and realize you are not imagining things. That really is an elephant walking slowly towards you! 

 

Once you get over your surprise, you realize that someone is gently pressing a drink (known here as a “sundowner”) into your hand and inviting you to have a seat, so you can relax and enjoy the view.

 

​You sink into your chair and grin at your new-found friends, remembering your day out on safari, living your dream, seeing all those marvelous beasts in their natural habitat.

 

This is not your imagination! You are in a scene from “Out of Africa!”

​

What better place than Africa to find your totem animal, celebrate and learn from its wisdom and power…and begin to recognize all of that in yourself. 

 

Tanzania is magical! It is a country of contrasts, both geographically and ethnically, a riot of vibrant colours, vast open spaces populated by wild beasts and cities packed with every possible ethnic group, living peacefully side by side.  

 

Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Unlike other African countries, most people identify themselves as Tanzanian first and foremost. 

 

As a woman traveler, more often than not, you will met with only warmth, hospitality and sisterly regard, and find that you receive special treatment that you probably wouldn’t be shown if you were a male traveller.  

 

It is respectful if women tourists wear long pants or a long skirt and a shirt with 3/4 sleeves (and bring a scarf) when visiting local communities, and only wear bathing suits at the beach.  

 

If you find yourself with an unwanted suitor (maybe you don’t mind!) or are asked if you are married or have children, just respond “bado” (meaning “not yet”), which usually gets a good laugh, depending on your age! 

 

Mostly, just enjoy the warmth and hospitality of this beautiful land! 

​

​

ITINERARY

 

THE VENUES…from Bush to Beach…
​​
Our first night in Tanzania is at the Hotel Slipway (a decidedly not Hilton hotel, with lovely Arabic architecture) on the Indian Ocean. 

This is your first taste of Africa!

​Wander along the waterfront of the Msasani Peninsula, exploring the local crafts shops and smelling the exotic spices (here we are only a short flight away from the famous Spice Islands, which you will visit!)
 

Our adventure begins the next morning, with a flight to the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa. From the air, we see that the Selous is defined by the Rufii river and the sinuous sand rivers (literally bleached sand with fresh water flowing beneath.)

 

Here, the magical, romantic Lake Manze Camp awaits us with stunning lake views from every verandah. Experience sunrise on a walking safari or get up close and personal with hippos and crocodiles and thousands of exotic birds on a sunset boat safari. Delight in a sumptuous candlelight dinner on the lakeshore to the symphony of the animals.

 

This is our base-camp for the next 3 days of bush breakfasts, lunches and sundowners out on game drives and a relaxing swim in the natural mineral baths.

​

Our adventure continues, as we will fly to the heart of Tanzania, to a plateau located a thousand meters high at the footstep of the Rift valley. This is Ruaha National Park, the biggest and wildest national park in Tanzania.  Mdonya Old River Camp awaits us…think wild! 

Our traditional safari tents are nestled in a spacious area along the curving banks of the Mdonya sand-river, under the shade of huge sycamore figs and acacias.  And don’t worry, there will be proper toilets and showers, not to mention amazing food! 

 

For the next 4 days, we’ll enjoy the breathtaking mosaic of ecosystems and abundant variety of wildlife in the Ruaha.
​

Finally, and with heavy hearts, we leave this glorious animal kingdom and travel to an aquatic one on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. ​

At last!  Welcome to the Spice Islands! 

We detect the faint aroma of cloves as we drive through the spice plantations…and as we pull up to the Pongwe Beach Hotel, we are greeted with a vision of the picture perfect beach with white powdery sands, turquoise waters and shady palm trees, complete with hammocks! 

AHHHH! …Now THIS is paradise!

“Last one in, is a rotten egg!” … We all drop our bags and make a mad dash for the water! 

                            YOU SO DESERVE THIS! 

Don’t forget to book that massage you’ve been craving! 
And how about kayaking along the coast? 
And snorkeling with the dolphins! 

We’ll even take a tour of Stone Town (the historic center of Zanzibar) and learn about these islands’ colorful (and sometimes bloody) history,  all of which has given it such a rich and vibrant culture. Of course there will finally be shopping opportunities, so you don’t go home without a treasure from Africa.

We spend our last days relaxing at the beach, partying, eating amazing Swahili food and reflecting on the life-changing adventure we have shared together!

​

​

WHAT'S INCLUDED

 

• 12 nights accommodation in twin rooms or glamping tents with 2 beds

• 11 wholesome breakfasts with fresh local juices

• 7 delicious, locally sourced lunches 

• 11 dinners by lantern-light on safari and candle-light on Zanzibar

• Group transfer to the airport on October 15th (at designated time only)

• All ground transfers and flights while in Tanzania

• All park entrance fees 

• All awesomely guided vehicle, boat and walking safaris

• Guided tour of Stone Town and its souks

• Tips for guides on safari and in Stone Town

• Group discussions/exercises/meditations during the trip

​

​

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

​

• Your round-trip airfare to/from Tanzania

• 4 lunches at Hotel Pongwe (although you probably won’t need it after their full English breakfast!)

• Any beverages other than coffee and tea (juices are included at breakfasts, but sodas and alcohol are billed separately.)

• PLEASE NOTE – all extras on safari must be paid in cash – either USD, EUROS or local currency

• Any extras including: laundry, massages or room service, tips for maids, private taxis, souvenirs

• Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended)