11-Day Zanzibar To Serengeti (Camping)

Our tour starts early on day one as we head from Dar es Salaam to the busy ferry port and make our way across the channel to Zanzibar island. Zanzibar was the base of the great 19th century explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and once was a major trading centre of slaves spices. Indeed the spice trade is centuries old Zanzibaris have traded with the people of the Arabian peninsula for generations, plying the ocean in simple dhow sailboats relying on the annual trade winds for passage. The Arab influence is evident in the architecture and diverse street stall offerings of the capital, Stone Town. This afternoon we have some free time to explore our new surroundings. Wind your way through the market alleyways, marvelling at the studded wooden doors and Arabic architecture, or pick a spot with a view of the ocean and enjoy a delicious seafood treat or tasty cocktail.

We spend the next two days exploring the Island and its many delights. Opt for a tour of the spice and fruit plantations en-route to the north of the island, where there is an opportunity to dive the colourful reefs, or snorkel to see the diverse sea life. The beaches are welcoming with views out across the azure ocean and perfect for relaxing and enjoying a swim in the warm waters.

After a last round of the colourful markets to ensure we have all the souvenirs we need, we make our way back across the channel to the mainland and our Acacia vehicle waiting for us at the beach camp. Tonight we enjoy our last night near the ocean before taking the northern road to the base of Kilimanjaro.