GROUP TRIP: Africa: From Zanzibar Shores to Safari Roars, Nov 1st-15th 2025

AFRICA DREAM TRIP: From Zanzibar Shores to Safari Roars
November 1-15, 2025
Email Jamie: ms.jamiethomas@gmail.com , or attend a Travel & Culture Group event (next event is Weds June 25).
Limited to 12 spots (8 are remaining)

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TRIP DESCRIPTION
Ready to walk the powder beaches of Zanzibar… fall asleep under the stars in the Serengeti… feed a giraffe in Nairobi—all in one trip? This November, the Travel & Culture Group is going on an extraordinary journey through Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Kenya, that combines stunning beaches, legendary safari parks, and up-close cultural experiences. You’ll come back with your memory card full and your soul even fuller.

We’ll kick things off by departing on November 1st or 2nd (depending on flight times). On Nov 3rd you’ll land on the exotic island of Zanzibar where we spend three nights at Bluebay Beach Resort. Tucked along the powdery white sands of Kiwengwa Beach on Zanzibar’s picturesque east coast, this resort is where tropical serenity meets barefoot luxury. Whether you’re into beach naps or wandering spice plantations, Zanzibar delivers. Our few nights here are delightfully under-committed, giving you plenty of time to relax & recover from jet lag, lounge at the pool, or walk the stunning white powder beaches of Zanzibar. One of the days we have a guided tour, taking us to the ancient town of Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), hopefully stopping at a spice plantation, with a special group dinner at a local restaurant that afternoon.

On November 6th we switch gears—big time. We hop a flight to Serengeti National Park, where wildlife viewing is the stuff of documentaries. Picture zebras crossing the horizon at sunset while you sip your drink at our camp (yes, this happens). We'll spend two nights at Intimate Camp Seronera, an eco-chic glamping experience smack dab in the heart of the Serengeti. These are canvas tents with real beds, plush linens, and lantern-lit paths under the stars. We’ll have that “Out of Africa” feeling—with a hot shower, cold drink, and cozy bed waiting at the end of each safari drive. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of nature and wake to the soft light of dawn over the savanna.

Next, we head to the Ngorongoro Crater for 2 nights. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater is a massive volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife—including the Big Five. Over 25,000 large animals live inside the crater year-round—making it one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in Africa. It’s like stepping into a real-life wildlife documentary. Our lodging for our 2 nights here is Acacia Farm Lodge… with elegant cottages, farm-to-table meals, and warm Tanzanian hospitality, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a thrilling day on safari.

On November 10, we continue to Tarangire National Park, a lesser-known gem with baobab trees, massive elephant herds (some of the largest in East Africa), and birds that will make you wish you paid more attention in biology class. We'll stay two nights at Tarangire Sopa Lodge where the refreshing swimming pool is often visited by thirsty elephants. During our time here we’ll stop by a Maasai village (a bush tribe who lives side by side with wild lions) for an authentic cultural experience. It’s your chance to ask them about their customs, warrior training, life without technology, and possibly an opportunity to barter/purchase some of their intricate beadwork.

After we end our safari and say goodbye to Tanzania, we’ll then cross the border into Kenya. Our 2 nights in Nairobi are filled with meaningful connections and memorable moments: We begin with a visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you'll meet rescued baby elephants up close—each with their own story of survival. Afterward, we stop for a relaxing lunch at the Karen Blixen Gardens. In the afternoon, we visit the Giraffe Center (where the world famous Giraffe Manor is located), where you can feed endangered Rothschild giraffes and may even receive a lick on the cheek in return. Our final Nairobi experience: we dive into the heart of Nairobi on a tour led by former street children who now serve as local guides. As they walk us through their neighborhood, they share raw, powerful stories of resilience and hope, offering a side of the city most travelers never see. It’s real, personal, and unforgettable.

This journey is more than just a vacation—it’s a rich, immersive adventure through the heart of East Africa. From pristine beaches to thrilling safaris and powerful cultural experiences, every day offers something unforgettable. Join us for the trip of a lifetime—you’ll come home with new friends, incredible stories, and memories that will stay with you forever.

DETAILED ITINERARY
Depending on the flight you pick out, and due to crossing time & date zones, you’ll have to depart your home city either on Nov 1st or Nov 2nd, in order to be in Zanzibar for Day 1 on Nov 3rd.

Day 1 : Monday, Nov 3 : Zanzibar
Arrival Zanzibar airport, meet and transfer to your beach hotel
Hotel: Bluebay Beach Resort

Day 2 : Tuesday Nov 4 : Zanzibar
Full day at leisure
Hotel: Bluebay Beach Resort

Day 3 : Wednesday Nov 5 : Zanzibar
Enjoy a tour to the Spice Plantations, with the opportunity to taste and smell a variety of fruits and spices unique to the Island. Enjoy a Historic tour of the Stone Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meal at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Bluebay Beach Resort

Day 4 : Thursday Nov 6 : Zanzibar to Serengeti National Park
Transfer from your beach hotel to Zanzibar airport. Flight from Zanzibar to start our safari. On arrival, we meet our representatives and transfer to the camp for lunch. Afternoon safari drive.
Hotel: Intimate Camp Seronera

Day 5 : Friday Nov 7 : Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a full day safari with a picnic lunch in the Serengeti exploring the local ecosystem.
Hotel: Intimate Camp Seronera

Day 6 : Saturday Nov 8 : Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart for Karatu with picnic lunch enroute safari drive in Serengeti. Afternoon at leisure, for some free time to relax at Acacia Farm Lodge.
Hotel: Acacia Farm Lodge

Day 7 : Sunday Nov 9 : Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro crater for full day animal viewing with picnic lunch. Ascend to the lodge from the 2000ft. deep crater.
Hotel: Acacia Farm Lodge

Day 8 : Monday Nov 10 : Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park for game viewing with picnic lunch. Enroute, we visit a local Maasai Boma (village) for a cultural experience in Mto wa Mbu
Hotel: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 9 : Tuesday Nov 11 : Tarangire National Park
Enjoy a full day safari, animal viewing with a picnic lunch.
Hotel: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 10 : Wednesday Nov 12 : Tarangire National Park to Nairobi
Depart for Arusha. On arrival, meet and transfer to Arusha Coffee Lodge. After lunch we hopefully have some time to visit Shanga, an uplifting local community for unique handmade gifts. Transfer from Arusha to Kenya.
Hotel: Eka Hotel

Day 11 : Thursday Nov 13 : Nairobi
After breakfast, Visit Elephant Orphanage Public Visit, lunch at Karen Blixen gardens followed by a visit to the Giraffe Center
Hotel: Eka Hotel

Day 12: Friday Nov 14 : Nairobi
We have access to pre-booked day rooms until the early afternoon. Daytime at leisure, with the opportunity for a Nai Nami tour with Nairobi street kids as tour guides. In the afternoon, we have a hotel transfer to a restaurant for dinner (dinner cost not included) and thereafter proceed to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi Airport) for your flight home.


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PRICE

Tour Price: $8,367 per person (this doesn’t include the US flights to/from Africa, estimated $1,200 to $1,800 per person round trip). Please read ‘Exclusions’ below.'
Single Supplement: + $992 (if you'd like a private room to yourself throughout the trip)

Deadline to book: June 30th, 2025, or when the remaining 8 spots are filled
Deposit: 25% of trip cost
Final Payment: due August 15, 2025
Airfare: Please be prepared to pay for airfare right away in order to ensure best pricing (not included in the tour price)
TRAVEL INSURANCE is mandatory and is an additional charge.
Perks and upgrades are offered on a first come first serve basis and goes down the list based on the order people sign up.

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INCLUDED
Flight transfers from Zanzibar to safari
Flight transfers from Nairobi to the airport
Park fees
Scenic flight from Zanzibar to the Serengeti
Safari 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs
Meals: 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners (drinks not included)

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EXCLUSIONS
International airfare from US to Zanzibar, and Nairobi to the US
Arrival transfer from Zanzibar Stonetown airport to the Bluebay Beach resort
Travel Insurance (mandatory)
Zanzibar-specific insurance, mandatory for all tourists (estimated $45 USD)
Visa, passport, and entry/exit fees. Tanzania Visa (estimated $100 USD), Kenya Visa (estimated $35)
Yellow Fever vaccine
Airport transfers if you arrive on flights other than the group airfare
Lunches & dinners not mentioned above
Laundry
Tips for the drivers, tour guides, luggage porters, etc
Any airline imposed fees, such as baggage or seat fees

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RESERVE YOUR SPOT
This adventure is limited to 12 travelers, and 4 have already signed up. If Africa has been on your bucket list—or you’re just ready to swap routine for roaring lions—this is your sign.
Want to join us, or have questions? Email Jamie: ms.jamiethomas@gmail.com , or attend a Travel & Culture Group event (next event is Weds June 25).