tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basic

Overland

Wildlife

Road to Zanzibar

12 Days | Safari to sea on an overland African adventure

4.8

Excellent

152 reviews

12 days

Start

Nairobi, Kenya

Finish

Zanzibar, Africa

Trip Code

YXODC

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 22

Physical Rating

Meals

11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Ferry, Minibus

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (5 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Bungalow (2 nights)

From £1,536(12 days)

Trip Informations

Travel overland on a 12-day eastern Africa experience all the way to Zanzibar. Whether you’re spotting lions deep in the Serengeti, hiking a lush mountain trail in the Usambara Mountains, cruising on a traditional dhow in the Indian Ocean’s azure waters or interacting with local communities near Mto wa Mbu, you’re set to learn a thing or two about the wonders of these lands and its people. Travel with an expert local leader and a group of likeminded adventurers keen to scour every inch of the Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five and share travel stories over a seafood meal in Zanzibar.

Why you’ll love this trip

Explore the Serengeti, a wildlife arena like no other, and look for lions, leopards, elephants and giraffes in this iconic park.

Take a mind-blowing safari across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in an open-roof 4WD vehicle for a chance to see the endangered black rhinoceros.

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.

Wander around Stone Town’s bustling bazaars and fragrant spice markets, and consider heading on an optional guided tour of the island’s spice plantations.

Meet with local community members and join in on village activities in Mto wa Mbu with a guided stroll around the farming areas.

Is this trip right for you?

No two journeys in Africa are identical. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days. Be prepared for travel times to be longer or shorter than advised. Weather and road conditions can change things significantly, so embrace the detours, shortcuts, and unforgettable moments along the way.

This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, visiting remote communities, setting up your tent, occasionally roughing it in the bush with no facilities, and getting the best possible views of iconic African wildlife. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page at tuuur.com/africa/overland.

Camping in the Serengeti National Park with no barriers between you and the animals is amazing, but it's important to heed the safety advice of your leader. You'll be briefed on arrival.

The day-to-day itinerary features a selection of optional activities. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. Prices are approximate and may change at the discretion of the local provider. All activities are subject to availability.

Itinerary

Safari to sea on an overland African adventure

DAY 1
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, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum, or join a local guide on an Tuuur day tour who'll not only show you the sights but also lead you to the perfect lunch spot to try some local cuisine.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Petty theft is common in Nairobi. As a general rule, the safest place for your valuables is on your person in a neck wallet or money belt, though your hotel room may have a safe in which to store things. If you do decide to go exploring, make sure you get local advice on where it is and isn't safe to walk – particularly for later in the day. Be careful not to leave bags unattended on chairs or on the floor when in bars or restaurants. Without being paranoid, appearing vigilant is a great deterrent to would-be thieves. It’s highly recommended you make scans of important travel documents and email them to yourself – this will save you hours of time in paperwork if anything does happen.
DAY 2
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) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
Your camp tonight has wi-fi, a swimming pool and optional upgrades (subject to availability). We recommend using local currency for any purchases or upgrades.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Ngorongoro Crater / 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Ngorongoro Crater - 4WD Safari
Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
Special information
Tonight’s camp within the Serengeti National Park is basic with limited running water. No accommodation upgrades or wi-fi are available. The camp does not have a fence to separate the campsite from the animals. This is quite the experience as animals such as buffalo and hyenas often come close to camp after sundown. When you arrive at the camp, your leader will give a detailed safety briefing on what is required to ensure the safety of the group.
You may notice some Maasai villages in the region of the Ngorongoro Crater offering a cultural experience. Tuuur recommends avoiding these villages, as they can impact negatively on the Maasai culture and travellers' perceptions of it by selling an artificial experience.
DAY 4
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 your second safari in time for dinner. You might also opt to take a balloon safari over the park this morning. If you have 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. After landing, celebrate with a glass of champagne before tucking into a special bush breakfast.
Accommodation
Camping (with basic facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari
Optional activities
Serengeti National Park - Balloon Safari (from price) - USD660
Special information
The optional balloon safari over the Serengeti can be pre-booked at the same price as booking locally. You're welcome to decide once you're on the ground, but please note that this is a popular activity and places are limited. If you choose to participate, you will miss the included morning safari with the rest of the group.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Serengeti National Park / 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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari
Mto Wa Mbu - Village Walk & Local Dinner
Special information
Your camp tonight has wi-fi, a swimming pool and optional upgrades (subject to availability). We recommend using local currency for any purchases or upgrades.
DAY 6
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) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 10 hours.
DAY 7
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.
Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Irente - Lushoto Hike
Irente - Local Lunch
DAY 8
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) (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
Tonight’s camp is on the grounds of a hotel which has wi-fi. Accommodation upgrades are usually possible (subject to availability).
DAY 9
Day 9 • Stone Town
Catch a ferry to Zanzibar, Africa’s famous ‘Spice Island.’ On arrival, enjoy some free time to discover Zanzibar City at your own pace. Lose yourself in the maze of cobblestone alleyways in Stone Town, admire the mix of Arabic, African and European architecture, or soak up the bustling atmosphere of Darajani Bazaar. This afternoon, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 2 pm to meet the new travellers joining you on the next leg of your adventure. After your meeting, perhaps head out together for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Stone Town - Guided Walking Tour
Stone Town - Local Food Tasting
Special information
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
The Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Zanzibar Northern Beaches
Once checked out of your Stone Town accommodation, consider booking in to an optional guided tour of the island's spice plantations, learning all about the history of this town's spice trade. You will have the opportunity to smell and taste various spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, plus sample some teas made with these spices too. After lunch, head to the Northern Beaches, where white sands and sparkling blue seas await. This is the Indian Ocean at its best.
Accommodation
Bungalow (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Zanzibar - Spice Tour - USD25
Special information
If you choose not to book in on the optional Zanzibar spice tour this morning, you will be transported directly to the island's Northern Beaches.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Zanzibar Northern Beaches
Ease into the day with the sound of gentle waves and soft ocean breezes. With a full day free to enjoy Zanzibar’s coastline, you might choose to take a refreshing swim, stretch out on the beach beneath the palms, or savour the flavours of the island with a seafood dinner by the water. However you spend it, today is all about slowing down and letting the rhythm of island life take over.
Accommodation
Bungalow (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
DAY 12
Day 12 • Stone Town
After checking out of your accommodation this morning, you will make your way back to Stone Town, arriving at a centrally-located hotel around 12 pm. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn't mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you wish to stay on in Zanzibar, either at the Northern Beaches beach resort or in Stone Town, we'll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
If you wish to organise onward transfers today, please note that the easiest option is to fly out of Zanzibar Airport. However, if you have arranged to fly out of Dar es Salaam Airport, ferries depart Zanzibar at 7.30 am, 9.30 am, 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm. It's important to allow enough time to get back to mainland Africa if you need to catch your departing flight from Dar es Salaam. Speak to your group leader earlier in your trip for more information.

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Overland Vehicle, 4WD Safari Vehicle, Ferry, Minibus

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (2 nights), Camping (with facilities) (5 nights), Hotel (2 nights), Bungalow (2 nights)

Included activities

Ngorongoro Crater - 4WD Safari

Serengeti National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari

Serengeti National Park - Morning 4WD Safari

Mto Wa Mbu - Village Walk & Local Dinner

Irente - Lushoto Hike

Irente - Local Lunch

Stone Town - Guided Walking Tour

Stone Town - Local Food Tasting

Optional activities

Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure - USD45

Serengeti National Park - Balloon Safari (from price) - USD660

Zanzibar - Spice Tour - USD25

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Oct 25, 2026

Thursday Nov 05, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - Sold Out

Sunday Nov 08, 2026

Thursday Nov 19, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 12 spaces left

£2,211£1,769

Sunday Nov 22, 2026

Thursday Dec 03, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 12 spaces left

£2,189£1,751

Sunday Dec 06, 2026

Thursday Dec 17, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 19 spaces left

£2,195£1,536

Sunday Dec 13, 2026

Thursday Dec 24, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 17 spaces left

£2,195£1,646

Sunday Dec 20, 2026

Thursday Dec 31, 2026

Trip size max: 22 - 12 spaces left

£2,222

Sunday Dec 27, 2026

Thursday Jan 07, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 9 spaces left

£2,305

Sunday Jan 03, 2027

Thursday Jan 14, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 13 spaces left

£2,123

Sunday Jan 10, 2027

Thursday Jan 21, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 14 spaces left

£2,063

Sunday Jan 24, 2027

Thursday Feb 04, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 22 spaces left

Sunday Feb 07, 2027

Thursday Feb 18, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 8 spaces left

£2,156

Sunday Feb 21, 2027

Thursday Mar 04, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 18 spaces left

£2,063

Sunday Mar 07, 2027

Thursday Mar 18, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 12 spaces left

£2,129

Sunday Apr 04, 2027

Thursday Apr 15, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 22 spaces left

£2,063

Sunday Apr 18, 2027

Thursday Apr 29, 2027

Trip size max: 22 - 22 spaces left

£2,063

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. An optional balloon safari over Serengeti National Park is available on this trip. You can pre-book this activity at the same price as booking locally, which secures your place in advance. You're welcome to decide once on the ground; however, this is a popular activity and availability is limited.

3. As this is a combination trip made up of two popular itineraries, the composition of your group and your leader may change.

4. The Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have a few more passengers than the maximum group size of 22, as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.

5. This trip starts in Nairobi on Day 1 at 6pm and finishes on your return to Stone Town on Day 12. Please do not book any flights until after 2 pm on the final day.

Reviews (148)

5 stars

129

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Troy

Oct 10, 2026

Loved this tour, it’s literally the name of the tour - lots of Gorillas, Game and beautiful beaches. The best way to see so much of Africa on a budget.

Giorgia

Oct 09, 2026

I had an amazing time on the road to Zanzibar. The tour itself was balanced with a mixture of culture, wildlife, relaxing on the beach and history. Filled with unforgettable moments this trio achieved all expectations. The camping was comfortable and the campsites were beautiful. The crew were attentive, kind and helpful throughout the entirety of the trip. Our driver Edwin drove us safely and was a great help around camp. Our chef Charles cooked delicious meals that kept us energised and happy. Our tour leader Erellah was the best! He went out of his way to make sure we all had the best time, from celebrating birthday, to helping us with any issues whilst keeping us informed and organised our trip ran smoothly. I felt safe throughout the entirety of the trip and made some unforgettable memories. I would 100% recommend this trip.

Peter

Oct 09, 2026

The whole experience was 10/10! Highly recommend Intrepid and I hope I’ll be traveling with Intrepid again very soon!

Niovi

Aug 23, 2026

Road to Zanzibar was an incredible humbling but very powerful experience for me . It is a chill journey where you go through different sceneries meeting locals along the way in a very safe and well organised way. You get to experience Africa in its purest form. The stuff and local guides are super helpful and wonderful people making sure that you have a great time while being in Africa. I returned home a changed person full of new images tastes experiences and wonderful new connections

Jennifer

Jul 18, 2026

Had a wonderful time, really enjoyed seeing all the different animals and travelling across Africa. Camping was a real adventure for me and I loved it all the crew were so helpful. Would highly recommend this trip

Natasha

Jul 18, 2026

This trip was great, from Serengeti to the mountains! The team was the best I've had.. Passionate (leader, chef & driver) & the all made the trip a trip to never forget!

Dagmar

Jul 14, 2026

Our first holiday to another continent, my two teenage sons and myself have had a wonderful experience. We made new friends, got to know places that will be in our memories for ever. Thank you to everyone on our trip.

Louise

Jun 15, 2026

I would recommend this trip! Be prepared for the long drives & basic camping facilities but all the activities were super exciting and the animals on safari were incredible.

Anthony

Apr 21, 2026

Road to Zanzibar tour was amazing. Our guide Laban treated us like a family friend and his passion and knowledge of Africa was truly spectacular!

Leila

Apr 18, 2026

I genuinely can’t believe how much we saw and experienced in such a short time. The trip, taking in the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and finishing on the northern beaches of Zanzibar, was one of the richest, most sweeping travel experiences I’ve had in a long time. No photo or documentary quite prepares you for the scale and density of wildlife. The game drives across the Serengeti will stay with me forever. The whole thing was very efficiently run and managed, which matters on a trip with this many moving parts. You could really feel the experience and care behind the logistics. Ending on Zanzibar’s northern coast was beautiful, unhurried, and exactly what you need after the intensity of the safari. We were lucky enough to travel out of season, which meant we practically had places to ourselves!

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