Nairobi to Stone Town

Intrepid Travel · 9 days

4.7

20 Reviews

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Watching a sunrise over the wide-open plains of the Serengeti is one of those ‘pinch me’ moments, and on this nine-day, it won’t be the only one.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (6), Dinner (7)
Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (5 nights), Hotel (1 night)

Highlights

Explore the Serengeti, a wildlife hotspot like no other. You're bound to see plenty of iconic African wildlife on your safaris at sunrise and sunset – when the animals are most active.
Meet with local community members and join in on village activities in Mto Wa Mbu with a guided stroll around the farming areas.
Travel in an open roof 4WD vehicle across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater with your small group for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros up close.
Wander around Stone Town’s bustling bazaars and fragrant spice markets and consider extending your stay on the Northern Beaches – full of sun, surf and seafood.
Embark on a hike through the Usambara Mountains to the Irente viewpoint, then stop at a farm on the way back for a picnic lunch.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Overland vehicle, 4WD safari vehicle

Guide Language

English

Starts

Nairobi, Kenya

Finishes

Dar es Salaam, Kenya

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Overland Expedition, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi

Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.

Optional Activities:

Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (45 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Mto Wa Mbu

Depart early this morning, headed for Mto Wa Mbu in your overland truck. The trip includes a border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania, so be sure to have your passport ready. While you're on the road, there will be a stop at an ATM and a market or shop to stock up on any supplies you might need for the coming days. Arrive in Mto Wa Mbu and familiarise yourself with this delightful small village – it's a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, situated well off the tourist trail.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Serengeti National Park

Rise bright and early, put your camping and personal gear into a six-person jeep and head out for an excursion into the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater. During your safari through this impressively intact volcanic caldera, watch for black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent wildlife viewing all year round (some 30,000 animals live here!) and the photo opportunities are unparalleled. Next, it's on to the wide open plains of the Serengeti. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season, this is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa – the home of thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators. Your campsite is located within the Serengeti itself, so listen out for the sounds of nocturnal animals as you drift off to sleep.

Included Activities:

Ngorongoro Crater - 4x4 Game Drive
Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

Wake up at dawn and head out on safari at a time when the animals are at their most active. Then, head back to camp for brunch at around 11 am. You’ll have the middle of the day to relax at the campsite, then you’ll head out again as the day begins to cool. You'll return from this second game drive in time for dinner. You might also opt to take a balloon ride over the park this morning in place of today’s morning safari. If you have pre-booked this activity, you will be picked up before dawn and driven to the launch site. After a safety briefing, take off and glide through the dawn sky, sometimes at tree height, getting some amazing photo opportunities. Sometimes you'll ascend higher, giving you an overview of the vastness of the plains and the early morning movements of the teeming herds. After landing, head into the bush, where you’ll tuck into a special breakfast paired with a glass of champagne, then you’ll be returned to camp.

Included Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Optional Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Balloon Safari (from price) (600 USD)

Accommodation:

Camping (with basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Mto Wa Mbu

Rise with the sun and go out on another game drive. Then, leave the Serengeti behind and jump back into your overland vehicle, bound for Mto Wa Mbu. When you arrive, set up camp, then you’ll take a guided stroll through the local homes and farmlands, getting to know the local community and their way of life. Later, you’ll enjoy a local dinner in town.

Included Activities:

Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Mto Wa Mbu - Village walk & local dinner

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Usambara Mountains

Prepare yourself for a long travel day as you head for the Usambara Mountains. Stretch your legs during a brief supply stop in Arusha, then jump back in the vehicle and watch the ever-changing scenery, read your favourite book or take the chance to get to know your fellow travellers better. Your base in the Usambara Mountains will be Lushoto – home to the Wasambaa people. This highland town sits at an elevation of approximately 1400 m. This evening, you'll camp on the grounds of one of the oldest hotels in Africa.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Usambara Mountains

Explore the striking landscapes of the Usambara Mountains today. Unlike the coast and the north, far fewer tourists visit this part of Tanzania. As beautiful as the surrounding mountains and rainforests are, however, the real highlights here are the local people and villages. You'll experience the local hospitality on a visit to a small community. You’ll also take a walk out to the Irente Viewpoint. It's best to pack some water and snacks in a day pack for this trip. On your way back, visit a local cultural project where you’ll also stop for lunch.

Included Activities:

Irente - Lushoto hike
Irente - Local lunch

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Dar es Salaam

Leaving the mountains behind, travel further south to the coastal town of Kipepeo Beach in Dar es Salaam. Your camp is by the beach, so make the most of it – maybe take a stroll along the shore after you arrive and settle in.

Accommodation:

Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Dar es Salaam

Drive to Dar es Salaam, then catch a ferry to Zanzibar, filled with pristine white-sand beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars. Watch traditional dhows sail along the coast and join a local guide to explore the many charms of Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar's main city. Sample some local food and gain insight into daily life on the island. After your guided tour, no further activities are planned and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Zanzibar to explore the markets, shops, mosques, palaces and courtyards, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Included Activities:

Stone Town - Guided Walking Tour
Stone Town - Local Food Tasting

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $3430

AUD $2,744

(Tour only)

Offer ends 21 Jun, 2026 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Watching a sunrise over the wide-open plains of the Serengeti is one of those ‘pinch me’ moments, and on this nine-day, it won’t be the only one.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Agnes

Traveled, March 2023

03/24/2023

I thought this trip would be incredible, but it far exceeded my expectations. Unforgettable experience that I will be going on about to anyone who will listen for many moons to come! Tour director was fantastic, with expert knowledge & great stories to share. Every day was packed, maximising the time we had in each place. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting to have a truly unique adventure.

4.5

Melissa

Traveled, February 2023

02/28/2023

This trip is a good introduction to Tanzania and includes the major highlights (Serengeti, Usambara Mountains, Zanzibar...) in a short amount of time. There have been 3 long driving days on the truck, which is very tolarable and way less compared to other tours I did. The change in nature and temperatures in such a short time is interesting to experience, but can take a toll on your body, especially the humid and hot sections. Also, be prepared for some noisy nights. Our cook and driver were excellent, the leader was always available and in a good mood.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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