Tanzania: Kili to Crater

Epic safaris, and then some. Beyond the Big 5, Tanzania boasts Africa’s highest peak, ancient tribal cultures and stunning wilderness hikes. Want it all? You’ve got it

What's included

Accommodation in twin rooms
Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
2 internal flights
Private minibus & safari Jeeps
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Stays in lodges and tented camps
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Arrival airport transfer
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travelers per group

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Superlatives come thick and fast in Tanzania – and, sure enough, on this 10-day adventure you’ll see the country revealed at its biggest, brightest, boldest best.

Always wanted to trek Kilimanjaro? No problem – you’ll take on Africa’s highest peak, right from the off, with an accessible-to-all day hike. Heard rumours the Ngorongoro Crater is the place to spot Big 5 wildlife? Naturally, the world’s largest caldera also comes in reach. How about those Serengeti plains? Step right this way to witness the world’s greatest wildebeest migration, as it moves back and forth from the Mara.

But, as always, it’s the above-and-beyond experiences that really set this trip apart. Hanging out with Maasai locals and cooking with a local family. Surprise dinners in star-lit spots and safari-camp stays. Plus down time in Zanzibar to soak up Stone Town and cruise the Spice Island’s coast. Ready to go wild? Join the stampede…

Jambo, Tanzania

Touch down in Kilimanjaro Airport, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you to your first hotel in the shadow of Africa’s highest mountain
Relax by the pool before meeting your Pack Leader and group for a welcome drink and dinner

Day hike on Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, prepare for a challenging 3.5-hour trek in the foothills of Kilimanjaro, following an undulating section of the scenic Shira Route
Keep your eyes peeled for Colobus monkeys in the trees as you trek through wild shrubland to an altitude of 3,500 metres
Celebrate your epic hike with a picnic lunch before driving to your next base in Arusha

Into the Serengeti

Take a short flight to Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, teeming with large mammals
Transfer to your scenic tented camp, where you’ll be spending the next two nights, spotting animals along the way
Enjoy lunch under canvas, before heading out for an afternoon game drive, returning for dinner back at base under a star-lit sky

Game drives & a surprise

Rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride (for an additional cost), to experience the magic of sunrise over the Serengeti plains
Set out on morning and afternoon safaris, searching for the whole spectrum of African wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and more

Maasai locals & the Ngorongoro Crater

Say goodbye to your Serengeti camp and visit a Maasai boma (village), where you’ll chat with the tribe as they go about their daily lives
Travel to the 20-kilometre wide Ngorongoro Crater, formed over 2.5 million years ago, one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing
Enjoy a picnic inside the crater before your afternoon game drive, checking in at your lodge for dinner

Cooking with a local family

Take a 2.5-hour nature walk in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, hiking through montane forest to the Endoro Falls and visiting the Elephant Caves
Join a local family in the Karatu community for a hands-on cooking experience; help prepare fresh local dishes and share your home-cooked meal together
Finish your day with dinner back at the lodge, soaking up the sounds of the African bush all around you

Downtime in Zanzibar

Travel to Arusha Coffee Lodge, where social enterprise Shanga employs people with disabilities to create jewellery and homewares from recycled materials
Stop for lunch at the lodge, before flying to Zanzibar, an idyllic island lapped by the warm Indian Ocean
Dig out your flip-flops for a mosey along white-sand beaches, with fronds swaying in the background and glistening blue sea on the horizon

Slow island living

Enjoy a free day on Zanzibar to relax and explore at your own pace
Book an optional walking tour around Stone Town, in the island’s bustling capital, once a thriving port for the spice trade
Perhaps spend your evening exploring Nungwi Beach for a bar hop around the beach huts of this vibrant fishing village

Beaches & a sunset cruise

Spend another day at leisure on Zanzibar; sink into a poolside lounger or ask your Pack Leader to help you book additional tours
Gather with your group for a spectacular sundowner cruise and celebrate the trip with your fellow Flashpackers before a final farewell dinner

Farewell, Zanzibar (& Tanzania)

Bid a fond farewell to your group and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
It’s easy to forget how wondrous and beautiful our planet is, and Tanzania is the perfect reminder. Returning home you’ll feel a deep sense of excitement for what you’ve seen, and what’s yet to be discovered on the adventures to come

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Osinon Camp, Serengeti

You’ll stay at this central Serengeti base for two nights, shaded by acacia trees and visited by the area’s wildlife. Rooms are tented, walkways are lantern-lit, and group-gathering spots include a fireplace and private lounge.

Kudu Lodge, Ngorongoro

A bar, pool and even a spa – you’ll feel immediately at home in the retreat in reach of the Ngorongoro Crater. Bungalow-style rooms have muslin-draped beds and 11-acre gardens chime with the sound of African birdlife. Time for a massage?

Maru Maru, Zanzibar

Your characterful base in Stone Town sets you up to explore the Spice Isle’s main hub. There are coral-y beaches and markets in reach, plus a roof terrace and small pool for raising a glass to the day’s adventures.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and fly out of Zanzibar – Abeid Amani Karume Airport International Airport (ZNZ).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 3 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5 pm and check-in time is from 2 pm (if you would like an early check-in you will be required to book a pre-night).

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

We’d suggest booking a flight from 12 pm onwards in order to leave plenty of travel time. The hotel is close to the airport but the recommendation is that you arrive at the airport three hours before your flight.

Do you include airport transfers?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

Departure transfers are not included, however your Pack Leader will be on hand to help arrange a taxi to Zanzibar Airport.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 7-10 USD per day
Driver: 5-7 USD per day
Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

Do I need additional insurance?

As of 1st October 2024, the Zanzibar government has introduced a mandatory insurance policy for all visitors. Here are the need-to-knows:

• The insurance costs $44 per person and must be purchased through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation in advance of travel here https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/

• This insurance is only valid while in Zanzibar and does not cover other parts of the trip, such as mainland Tanzania.

• You must still have comprehensive travel insurance for the rest of your journey.

• Entry to Zanzibar may be denied without proof of purchasing this specific insurance.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalized medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

Approximately 10 – 20 USD per day.

Do I need to book the hot air balloon safari in advance?

On Day 4, there is the option to take part in a sunrise hot air balloon safari. The cost for this is 600 USD.

If you would like to sign up for this, please contact our sales teams before departure so they can add it to your booking.

By making a reservation with us, we can ensure that you secure a spot. While it may be possible to book on-site at a different rate, we cannot guarantee availability.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

The most challenging activity is the scenic hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, which takes around 3.5 hours to complete. The trail from Morum Point to Shira 1 Camp undulates up and down valleys and requires a good level of fitness.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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