12-day BEACH & BEASTS group tour
AUDIENCE: 18 to 30-somethings
An epic post corona group tour with everything you need: Magnificent Wildlife Viewing, Local Adventures and Relaxing at Gorgeous Beaches. This itinerary was created by an expat in Arusha, ensuring you’ll go to the best spots Tanzania has to offer. Enjoy an unforgettable trip and make new memories with new friends.
FLIGHTS EXCLUDED
HIGHLIGHTS
· Majestic elephant herds and beaming baobab landscape in Tarangire National Park
· Ngorongoro Conservation area with its magnificent views, UNESCO World Heritage Site
· Relaxing White Sand Beach in Zanzibar
· Hot springs with views of Kilimanjaro, weather permitting
· Optional Cultural Trips: School Visits, Buying a goat at the market
· Zanzibar Activities: Dolphin Swimming, Tortoises of Prison Island, Jozani Forest, Sandbanks, Snorkeling
$795 base price
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Day 1: Arrival + Meet & Greet
We will pick you up at either Kilimanjaro airport or Arusha airport upon arrival. Our driver will await you with a sign with your name. We will bring you to a hostel in Arusha (hostel depending on size of the group. Someone will be at your disposal at all times should you need anything. Meet & greet during dinner in the dining hall, with a briefing of the upcoming days.
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From Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha is about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes depending on traffic
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Dinner included
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Drinking water is provided upon pick-up at the airport
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Should flights be cheaper on some days before the trip start date, feel free to let us know and we’ll make sure to accommodate and entertain you.
Day2: Tarangire National Park
We will pick you up at the hostel in Arusha at 8.30 in the morning. We will drive to Tarangire National Park for game drives. We will reach the Tarangire Park gate at around 11am, after a 2.5 hour drive. Tarangire National Park owes his name to the Tarangire river that crosses the park. This river draws animals to the park during the dry season. This park is famous for its herds of elephants and magnificent baobab trees. Here you'll find elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, hyenas and more. We will spend about 6 hours in the park, including a picnic lunch at a location within the park. We will exit the park around 5pm and drive for about 1 hour to Fanaka Campsite for dinner and overnight. We’ll pass through Maasai lands on the way to the hotel.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The safari is optional. You can stay in Arusha as well, go and explore town on your own or go on a hike to the waterfalls with us. If you do not go on safari this day, you can still join and go to Ngorongoro Crater.
• Expert Advice: Avoid wearing dark colors to Tarangire National Park. Insects are plentiful here, and they are drawn too dark colors such as black and dark blue.
• Highlight: Majestic elephant herds and beaming baobab landscape in Tarangire National Park
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast we will descend into the crater for the game drives around 7am. We will spend about 6 hours in the crater doing game drives, including a picnic lunch at the hippo pool picnic site at the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonder of Africa. The crater encloses an area of more than 8000 km² (3200 sq mi), with spectacular views as a result. The crater is home to lions, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, leopards, rhinos, hyenas, elephants and many more. In the afternoon, around 1pm, we will ascend the crater and drive to Arusha, back to the hostel.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The safari is optional. You can choose to stay in town, go on a hike, explore the city or the art gallery.
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Highlight: Ngorongoro Conservation area with its magnificent views, UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Local Day & Barbecue
Today you will visit the local livestock market where we will go, by car or by motorcycle according to your preference, to buy a goat for our barbecue later in the evening. We will also visit a school together to catch a glimpse of what the local education looks like, and enjoy breaktime with the kids on the playground. In the evening you'll get to see how a local barbecue goes.
• Highlight: explore local life
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Hot Springs
Today we’ll say goodbye to Arusha and drive to the Hot springs near Moshi. This natural warm water swimming pool is located about an hour and a half from Arusha. Don't worry though, during the second half of the drive you'll enjoy magnificent scenery as we drive through deserted lands, with a view of mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day; passing my numerous baobab trees. The water is very clear, there is a rope to swing from; and if you feel something tickling while you swim near the rocks, those are the little fish eating the dead skin from your feet. You can rent floaties on the premises. You can also enjoy a drink, lunch (included) and fresh fruit. When we’re tired of swimming we’ll drive to Kindoroko Hotel in Moshi.
• Highlight: natural oasis in the middle of nowhere
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Kilimanjaro View & Bus Day
After having breakfast in the rooftop restaurant of the hotel, and hopefully with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro, we’ll start our drive to Dar es Salaam. The drive is long (+/- 13 hours), but the scenery on the way is magnificent. You’ll get to see many villages and see Tanzania as it is. Our transport is private (bus or car, depending on the size of the group), and we’ll stop regularly for bathroom & snack breaks. Overnight at hostel in Dar es Salaam (dependent on group size).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Should you not wish to join the drive to Dar es Salaam and fly straight to Zanzibar, this can be arranged for you. A domestic flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar will cost somewhere between $75-$200. If you choose this option you’ll arrive at our hostel in Zanzibar a day earlier.
• Highlight: Kilimanjaro Views, cross-country bus ride views of the country
• Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Ferry to Stonetown Zanzibar
Today we will leave Dar es Salaam behind and take the ferry towards Zanzibar Island in the morning. We’ll check into the hotel in Stonetown center and head out to explore the town. Lunch a la carte at a restaurant in town. After freshing up in the evening, we will head to the beach-side to enjoy a glorious sunset with a drink. Overnight in Stonetown View Inn.
• Highlight: ferry to Zanzibar Island, Stonetown visit, beachside sunset
• Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Tortoises & Snorkeling
Today we’ll take a private boat to prison island. You’ll start by visiting the land tortoises on the island. You will be able to touch them & feed them some healthy kale. You’ll continue on your tour of the island by visiting the old prison premises. We’ll have a snack on the island beach before heading back to the boat for some snorkeling, and we’ll have a picnic lunch on the boat. In the afternoon we’ll head to our new accommodation: Teddy’s place by the beach. Dinner not included but available at the accommodation a la carte or in nearby restaurants. Overnight at New Teddy’s place in Jambiani.
• Highlight: feeding tortoises, snorkeling around Mnemba island
• Included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 9: Blue safari Boat tour or relaxing on the beach
If you’re tired of excursions you can have a relaxing day on the beach. Those wishing to explore more can join us on the blue safari tour. This is a full day private boat trip, during which you’ll visit a white sandbank surrounded with the clearest water. You will also take a swim in a naturally rock-formed swimming pool in the sea. You’ll go snorkeling and visit an island with one of the oldest baobab trees, where you’ll have a fresh seafood lunch. Overnight at New Teddy’s place in Jambiani.
• Highlight: natural swimming pool, private sandbank
• Included: Breakfast, lunch for those going on the blue safari trip
Day 10: Swimming with Dolphins - Relax on the beach
In the early morning, for those wishing to join, we’ll head to the south of the island to start our boat tour from there. We’ll try to spot dolphins while they’re out hunting. We’ll provide you with snorkeling gear and you’ll jump into the water as these magnificent creatures are about to pass by. We’ll get back into the boat and pursue them again. The dolphins are wild, they are not held in captivity. We are their visitors and we are there to observe.
In the afternoon you’ll enjoy have the chance to relax by the beach or the swimming pool. Overnight at New Teddy’s place in Jambiani.
• Highlight: swimming with dolphins
• Included: Breakfast
Day 11: Jozani Forest Visit - Relax on the beach
Those missing the flora and fauna during their beach stay, can join us to Jozani National Park, the only National Park of Zanzibar. During this half-day excursion in the morning, you’ll visit the butterfly farm in the beautifully green & lush park, and enjoy a walk while trying to spot the famous red colobus monkey and other species.
In the afternoon you’ll have the chance to relax by the beach or the swimming pool. Overnight at New Teddy’s place in Jambiani.
• Highlight: Red Colobus Monkey and butterfly farm in Jozani National Park
• Included: Breakfast
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Accommodation and meals as indicated on the itinerary
• Transportation from Arusha to Dar es Salaam
• Ferry from Dar to Zanzibar
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Government taxes
• Hot springs in Moshi, Prison Island Visit, Mnemba Snorkeling, Local Day Activities (Visit Lifestock Market & and local school), Stonetown visit
• Service of guide that is with you during the whole trip
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Tanzania Tourist Visa of $100 for Americans and $50 for the Non-Americans
• Items of personal use (e.g. alcohol and other drinks during the meals)
• Flights
• Excursion tips (highly recommended)
• Optional trips as indicated in the summary
ACCOMMODATION
• Arusha: 2 bunk beds per room, private washroom, share a room with 2-4 pax
• Safari: if you opt to go on safari for 2 days, you’ll camp in a tent per 2 pax for 1 night
• Kindoroko hotel in Moshi: Private room per 2-4 pax
• Stonetown View Inn: Private room per 2-4 pax
• New Teddy’s place in Jambiani: Luxury bungalow per 4-5 pax
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
• Tour departs when we reached the minimum of 8 pax confirmed
• Meals
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o Breakfasts are offered by your accommodation and usually consist of fruits, tea/coffee, local pastries, egg, bread, jam, peanut butter
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o Lunch & dinner in Arusha is either a la carte in a local restaurant, or cooked at the hostel premises
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o We can accommodate any dietary needs. Just give us a head’s up when booking
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HOW TO PARTICIPATE
o Fill out our Googleform and let us know which trip you would like to start when
o When we’ve reached the minimum people interested at least 1 month prior to the trip departure date, we’ll send out trip details to your email address. At this point you can still opt out. You now have 2 weeks to confirm if you’ll go or not.
o When 6 pax confirm they’ll join, we’ll send everyone a trip confirmation, together with an invoice for $400 (50% of the base price). This deposit is there to ensure that the others can still go on a trip, even if someone would cancel. This deposit is refundable up until 2 days prior to the trip, and to the extent that all extra costs caused by your cancellation are paid for (i.e. the bigger the group, the greater your refund, with an average of $250 to be refunded)
o Golden Dream Safaris does not carry any bank transfer costs
o Golden Dream Safaris reserves the right to cancel the trip or provide travelers with an alternative in case of force majeure, or in case a large number of participants cancels last minute. Deposits are refunded 100% in this case.
o Golden Dream Safaris does not provide travel insurance.