Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Holidays 2025/2026

Day 1 – Departure

Today you will fly from your local airport to Kilimanjaro.

Day 2 – Arrival & Transfer to Marangu

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your guide will warmly welcome you and tranfer you to Marangu. Travel time of 2 hours. Marangu village is located at the southern base of Mount Kilimanjaro’s foothills, nestled in the lush, green landscapes that surround the iconic peak. Situated in the Kilimanjaro Region of northern Tanzania, this village is one of the main entry points for trekkers aiming to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.

Location: Marangu                Hotel: Marangu Hotel                   Board: Breakfast & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 3 – Marangu Route Day Trek → Mandara Hut & Maundi Crater

After breakfast, set out for an exciting day trek on the Marangu Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic trails. A short drive brings you to Marangu Gate, where you begin your ascent through a lush rainforest alive with black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vibrant birdlife. The trail winds through towering trees and thick undergrowth, leading to Mandara Hut (2,720m), where you’ll pause for lunch. If time allows, continue to Maundi Crater for breath-taking views stretching into Kenya.

After soaking in the scenery, descend through the rainforest, taking in Kilimanjaro’s diverse flora and fauna before returning to Marangu village for an overnight stay at Marangu Hotel.

Location: Marangu                Hotel: Marangu Hotel                   Board: Breakfast & Dinner

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 4 – Marangu → Arusha

• Begin the day with a scenic drive to Materuni, a charming Chagga village nestled on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your guided hike winds through lush banana and coffee plantations, offering glimpses of local farm life and stunning mountain views.Arriving at Materuni Waterfall, take in the breath-taking sight of water tumbling down from Kilimanjaro’s highlands. If you’re feeling adventurous, enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool, clear pool at its base.
• Afterward, visit a local Chagga coffee farm for an interactive coffee-making experience. From hand-picking ripe coffee cherries to roasting and grinding the beans using traditional methods,you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Tanzania’s rich coffee culture. Savour a freshly brewed cup while listening to stories about the Chagga way of life.
• In the afternoon, drive to Arusha, where you’ll settle in for the night at Forest Hill Hotel, a cosy retreat perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Location: Arusha                        Hotel: Forest Hill Hotel                              Board: Bed & Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 5 – Arusha to Lake Natron – Flamingos and Engaresero Waterfalls

• Depart early for Lake Natron, a striking soda lake set against the backdrop of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the “Mountain of God” in Maasai culture. As you approach, the landscape transforms into a dramatic mix of volcanic terrain, cracked earth, and mineral-rich waters that shimmer in hues of red and orange.Upon arrival, head to the shores of Lake Natron, where thousands of lesser flamingos gather to feed on the lake’s algae. This is one of the world’s most important flamingo breeding sites, offering a mesmerizing spectacle as the pink-hued birds take flight against the stark, otherworldly scenery.
• In the afternoon, embark on a guided hike through Engaresero Gorge to reach the hidden Engaresero Waterfalls. Walk through narrow canyons, wading through shallow streams before arriving at the cascading falls—a cool, refreshing escape in this arid landscape. Take a dip in the natural pools before returning to your lodge.
• Dinner and overnight stay at Africa Safari Lake Natron – Tent, where you can unwind beneath the vast African sky.

Location: Lake Natron                Hotel: Africa Safari Lake Natron       Room: Bungalow

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 6 –  Maasai Cultural Experience – Transfer to Serengeti

• Begin the morning with a visit to a Maasai boma, where you’ll step into the daily life of one of Africa’s most renowned indigenous communities. The Maasai people, known for their colourful shukas, intricate beadwork, and deep connection to cattle, will welcome you withtraditional dances and chants. Engage in storytelling, learn about their warrior culture, and gain insight into their nomadic lifestyle, from herding cattle to traditional medicine.
• After this immersive cultural experience, embark on a scenic drive towards Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife destinations on Earth. The journey takes you through ever-changing landscapes—from the arid beauty of Lake Natron to the vast savannas of the Serengeti.
  Entering the Serengeti, the wildlife spectacle begins almost immediately. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions as you enjoy a game drive en route to your camp. Arrive at Serengeti Thorn Tree Camp just in time to witness a breath-taking African sunset.
  Relax with a delicious dinner under the stars, surrounded by the distant sounds of the savanna.

Location: Serengeti      Hotel: Serengeti Safari Lodge

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 7 – Full-Day Game Drives in the Serengeti

• Spend the next three days fully immersed in the untamed beauty of the Serengeti, where the rhythm of nature unfolds in breath-taking ways. Your game drives will take you deep into the park’s vast plains, woodlands, and river valleys, offering unforgettable encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife.Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, a dramatic spectacle where thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of greener pastures, closely followed by predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles lurking near river crossings. Even outside of migration season, the Serengeti boasts some of the highest big cat populations in Africa, making for thrilling wildlife viewing year-round.Each day brings new opportunities to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with giraffes, hippos, warthogs, and countless bird species. Your expert guide will take you to prime locations, from the open savannas where cheetahs sprint after prey to the acacia-dotted woodlands where leopards rest on tree branches.

Location: Serengeti      Hotel: Serengeti Safari Lodge

• Return to Serengeti Thorn Tree Camp each evening, where you can unwind by the campfire, sip on a refreshing drink, and swap stories with fellow travellers. The sounds of the wilderness—distant lion roars, the calls of night birds, and rustling leaves—will lull you to sleep under a starlit African sky. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Thorn Tree Camp.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Days 8 – Game Drivers in Ngorongoro Crater – Transfer to Karatu

This morning, set out for one of Africa’s most breath-taking wildlife experiences—a game drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater. As you descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, be prepared for exceptional wildlife viewing in this natural enclosure, home to over 25,000 animals.

The crater floor is a haven for the Big Five—you may spot black rhinos grazing in the open grasslands, prides of lions lounging in the sun, elephants wandering near the Lerai Forest, and elusive leopards hiding in acacia trees. The freshwater Hippo Pool is a great place to see pods of hippos, while the surrounding marshlands attract flamingos and a variety of waterbirds.

Keep an eye out for hyenas, jackals, zebras, wildebeest, and cheetahs as they roam the crater’s diverse landscapes.

Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the crater, surrounded by stunning views and the sounds of the wild.

In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and drive to Karatu, a lush highland town nestled near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Relax and unwind at Crater Rim View Inn, where you’ll have dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Location: Karatu               Hotel: Rim View Inn

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 9 –  Lake Eyasi → Hadzabe and Datoga Cultural Tour → Arusha

Begin your day with an early departure to Lake Eyasi, a remote and picturesque location that is home to the Hadzabe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in East Africa. Upon arrival, meet the Hadzabe people and join them for a traditional hunting excursion. Learn their ancient skills of survival, including tracking game, using bows and arrows, and foraging for food in the wilderness. Their intimate knowledge of the land and nature provides a unique perspective on a sustainable way of life.

Datoga community, renowned for their metalworking skills. Watch as artisans craft arrowheads, jewellery, and tools using recycled metals, a tradition that has been passed down for generations. Their intricate techniques and the rhythmic sounds of their work offer a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage.

Next, visit the Shanga Workshop, a remarkable project that empowers disabled artisans to craft stunning handmade glassware, jewellery, and other beautiful items. Explore the workshop and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir to remember your journey.

 Location: Arusha                   Hotel: Forest Hill Hotel     

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 10 – Arusha → Zanzibar

In the morning you will be transferred to Arusha airport for your flight to Zanzibar.

Welcome to Zanzibar. You will be welcomed & greeted by your guide or representative on arrival Zanzibar International Airport. You will travel to your hotel. Travel time 90 minutes.

Location: -North  Hotel: Royal Zanzibar   Room: Superior     Board: All Inclusive

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 11 – Stone Town

• Stone Town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will discover the rich cultural heritage of Stone Town, with its unique blend of Arab, European, and African traditions and architecture. Explore the narrow streets lined with houses featuring large carved wooden doors, historic mosques and shops.In the morning Stone Town Tour – This tour takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum (People’s Palace), Dr Livingstone’s House and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar. You will see Zanzibar’s bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! A trip to the site of Sultan Barghash’s harem at Marahubi should also be included and rounds off an insight into Zanzibar’s huge history and vibrant culture. Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from.
• Afternoon you will enjoy a Spice tour – Zanzibar has always been an important trade location for Spices. Its location in the India Ocean was deemed ideal for the spice trade worldwide. The trade in spices between India, the Middle East, Africa and Europe became even more important to the economy of Zanzibar after the slave trade was made illegal. The spice tour will give you the chance to visit one or more spice farms growing a variety of key spices to Zanzibar such as Cloves, Chilli, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Pepper and Vanilla. You will learn about the uses of the different spices, their history on the island, how they grow and best of all be able to taste them. If you wish you will also be able to buy them direct from the farms. While you will be taken right into the heart of the Island to the spice growing area, there is more to discover other than spices . During the tour you will also encounter a selection of tropical fruits and depending on the season try some of these such as the wonderful coconut with its refreshing milk and sweet flesh or the exotic Rambutan. The spice tour guides will also teach you about the many other uses both cosmetic and medicinal for spices and herbs seen at the farms like the shampoo plant or the iodine plant.

Location: -North  Hotel: Royal Zanzibar   Room: Superior     Board: All Inclusive

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 12, 13 & 14 – Zanzibar

• Optional – Today you will visit The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is in the central east region of Zanzibar island and is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkey. which is endemic to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character, and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve’s perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Syke’s monkey’s, small buck and bushpigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night – perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?! Jozani has an excellent nature trail.Jozani is the island’s only remaining complete forest. With evergreen thickets, mangrove boardwalks, succulents and broadleaf varieties, the forest is a botanists delight. Jozani Forest has a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with a huge variety of wildlife in and around the forest. There are large troops of the rare endemic Red Colobus Monkeys (Procolobus Kirkii) one of the most endangered monkey species in the world.
• Just down the road is the pioneering Zanzibar Butterfly Centre. Providing income for local farmers – who previously relied on mangoes and were over farming the forest- this small but delightful centre provides pupae to butterfly collectors globally. It generates valuable sustainable income for the farmers, and re-skills them. Next door is the Zala conservation park, a private conservation and education project, with details of the indigenous animals of the region. A small contribution is required on entrance to both places. The best times to visit are early morning or dusk, and the forest is at its most abundant between May- August and December – January.

Location: -North  Hotel: Royal Zanzibar   Room: Superior     Board: All Inclusive

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 15 – Zanzibar → Flight home

Today you will travel to the airport for your flight back home. Travel time 90 minutes.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner