Arrival in Arusha, onward journey to Moshi, travel time: approx. 1 hour Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome and be transferred to your accommodation in Moshi. Even during the journey, you'll get your first impression of northern Tanzania. Passing small villages, fields, and plantations, you'll approach the vibrant city at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Moshi is best known as a starting point for climbs of Africa's highest mountain. However, this pleasantly manageable town is also known for its coffee plantations and its proximity to the Chagga people's homeland. On a clear day, the majestic Kilimanjaro is visible above the town's rooftops. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You can relax after your journey, explore the area around your accommodation, and prepare for the days ahead.

1 night · Double room · Full board Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat is a small boutique hotel in a tranquil location on the outskirts of Moshi, nestled in lush gardens at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Away from the bustling town center, the hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere and is ideal as a restful stopover after a safari or before climbing Kilimanjaro. On clear days, it offers breathtaking views of Africa's highest mountain. The expansive grounds are characterized by manicured lawns, tropical plants, and shady trees. A swimming pool with comfortable loungers invites relaxation, while various seating areas in the garden and on the terraces offer space to enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The modern restaurant serves regional and international cuisine. The rooms are tastefully and stylishly furnished. Warm natural tones, high-quality wooden furniture, and subtle African design elements create a welcoming atmosphere. Large windows and private terraces or verandas provide ample natural light and beautiful views of the surrounding greenery. The combination of contemporary comfort and a personal touch makes the Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat a charming accommodation option in the Kilimanjaro region.

Pure travel time: approx. 3 hours The next two days are dedicated to the wildlife and vast landscapes of Mkomazi National Park. From Moshi, you'll travel southeast, gradually leaving the bustling city behind. Along the way, the landscape changes: the lush vegetation around Kilimanjaro gives way to increasingly dry bushland, open savannahs, and rocky hills. Mkomazi National Park borders Kenya's Tsavo West National Park to the north, forming a contiguous ecosystem with it. Elephants and other wildlife can move freely across the border between the two protected areas. Compared to the more well-known national parks in northern Tanzania, Mkomazi is significantly less visited. As a result, you'll often experience your game drives in a particularly tranquil environment. During your game drives, you'll be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and various antelope species. Among the park's special inhabitants are the giraffe gazelle, which can stand on its hind legs to feed, and the oryx antelope with its long, straight horns. Numerous bird species also call this diverse landscape home. A highlight of the program is a visit to the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary. This protected area is dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered black rhinoceros. During your visit, you will learn more about the protection of these animals and, with a bit of luck, have the opportunity to observe rhinos up close. Between activities, there is time to enjoy the special tranquility of the region and to let the impressions of the two safari days sink in at your accommodation.

2 nights · Double room · Full board Mkomazi View Camp is secluded in the northwest of Mkomazi National Park, near the rhino sanctuary and the Dindira Dam. Surrounded by the vast landscape of the Watershed Valley, the small camp offers tranquility and an authentic safari experience away from the more popular regions of Tanzania. The spacious safari tents are simply and naturally furnished and feature a private bathroom with toilet and open-air shower. From the private terrace, you can enjoy views across the plains, where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes can often be spotted, and with a bit of luck, even elephants. The camp includes a dining tent, a lounge, a bar, and a cozy fire pit. The camp is powered entirely by solar energy. The secluded location, personal atmosphere and clear starry sky make Mkomazi View Camp a great choice for guests who appreciate peace and closeness to nature.

Pure travel time: approx. 3.5 hours Today you'll travel from Mkomazi National Park to the western Usambara Mountains. The journey takes you through the plains of northeastern Tanzania and then up winding roads to Mambo. This small village lies in a fertile mountain region where bananas, maize, beans, and vegetables are grown, among other things. On a guided tour, you will first visit the Mambo Caves, also known as the Ngozoi Caves. They were likely formed when large boulders were pushed on top of each other by strong tectonic activity, creating cavities in between. Traces of both past and more recent use have been discovered in the caves. According to local tradition, they once served as a refuge for the Shambaa people during conflicts with groups from the surrounding plains. The Shambaa are an ethnic group who have lived in the Usambara Mountains for many generations. Afterwards, you'll get to know Mambo better on a guided cultural walk. Together with a local guide, you'll stroll through the village and its agricultural surroundings. You'll gain insights into the daily lives of the inhabitants, the cultivation of regional foods, and life in this mountainous region. To conclude your day, you'll take a sunset tour to the Mambo Viewpoint. From this elevated vantage point, you'll gaze across the mountain ranges and the vast plains below the Usambara Mountains. Here, you can let the day wind down in a tranquil atmosphere as the sun sets.

1 night · Double room · Full board Mambo View Point Eco Lodge is located in the Usambara Mountains near the village of Mambo in northeastern Tanzania. From its elevated position, it offers sweeping views across verdant valleys, cultivated mountain slopes, and the lower plains. On a clear day, the view extends as far as Mount Kilimanjaro. Surrounded by gardens and lush nature, the lodge provides a tranquil atmosphere far removed from the typical tourist routes. The accommodation is simply designed in harmony with nature and is particularly appealing due to its unique location and expansive views. The rooms and cottages are functionally and comfortably furnished, incorporating natural and locally sourced materials. Private verandas or seating areas offer opportunities to enjoy the scenery in peace and quiet. Meals are served in the communal main area, and according to the lodge, locally sourced ingredients are used. The lodge collaborates with people from the surrounding villages and is involved in various local projects. The Mambo View Point Lodge is particularly suitable for nature-loving travelers who value a personal atmosphere and the unique mountain landscape more than upscale comfort. Due to its remote location, guests should expect a potentially long and uneven journey.

1 night · Double room · Full board The traditional Lawns Hotel is nestled amidst the verdant Usambara Mountains on the outskirts of Lushoto. The town center is about a 15-minute walk away, while the hotel, surrounded by a well-maintained garden, offers a pleasantly tranquil atmosphere. Its location makes it an ideal base for walks, hikes, and excursions in the mountain region. The historic main building exudes the charm of a classic country hotel. The rooms are spread across various buildings within the gardens and differ in size and amenities. They are comfortably and traditionally furnished, each with a private bathroom with a shower or bathtub and toilet. Some rooms also offer a seating area, a terrace, or a balcony with views of the garden or the surrounding mountains. The main building houses a restaurant, a bar, and several communal lounges. Especially on cooler mountain evenings, the lounges with fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere. Breakfast and other meals are served in the restaurant. Wi-Fi is available, primarily in public areas. The spacious garden, with its flowers and mature trees, offers various places to relax. The property also includes an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a small play area. Due to the altitude, the pool water can be quite cool depending on the season. It is a suitable accommodation for travelers seeking a personal atmosphere and a good base for exploring Lushoto and the Usambara Mountains.

Pure travel time: approx. 4 hours Today you leave the Usambara Mountains and travel to the coast of the Indian Ocean. In Pangani, you'll check into your beachfront accommodation and spend the next three nights surrounded by palm trees, sand, and sea. The days are yours to relax or can be supplemented with optional excursions (at an additional cost). Maziwe Island Marine Reserve You'll travel by boat to the protected sandbank of Maziwe, which partially emerges from the sea depending on the tides. While snorkeling, you can discover the surrounding coral reef and its colorful marine life. The trip is subject to tide and weather conditions. Boat trip on the Pangani River On a boat trip, you'll explore the lower reaches of the Pangani River and travel through a landscape dominated by mangroves. Along the way, you can observe various bird species and learn more about the river's importance to the region. Historical walking tour of Pangani Pangani was once an important trading post on the East African coast. On a guided walking tour, you'll see historical buildings and learn about Arab influences, the German and British colonial periods, and the city's role in the ivory and slave trade.

3 nights · Double room · Full board Emayani Beach Lodge is located south of Pangani, directly on the tranquil Ushongo Beach. Nestled in a sprawling coconut palm grove, the small lodge offers direct access to the Indian Ocean and is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing getaway away from larger resorts. The approximately one-kilometer-long beach invites guests to stroll, swim, and relax under the palm trees. The resort features twelve detached bandas, built from local materials and located no more than 50 meters from the beach. These airy accommodations face the sea and offer spacious bedrooms, fans, and en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated showers. Each banda has a private veranda with seating and sun loungers. A short path leads guests to their own shaded relaxation spot on the beach. The main area houses an open-air restaurant, a comfortable lounge, a bar, and a small gift shop. Meals are served with ocean views, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice. A swimming pool right by the sea provides a refreshing respite. Those wishing to enjoy a more active stay can optionally rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the hotel or participate in snorkeling and diving excursions. Massages and trips to Maziwe Island Marine Reserve, Pangani, and along the Pangani River can also be arranged.

Pure travel time: approx. 4.5 hours After a few relaxing days on the Indian Ocean, you continue your journey along the Tanzanian coast towards Saadani National Park. En route, you cross the Pangani River by small ferry and then continue south on roads that are partly unpaved. Saadani National Park combines savannah, coastal forest, mangroves, and the Indian Ocean. This unique location distinguishes it from classic inland safari areas. During your game drive, you'll be on the lookout for giraffes, elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, and various antelopes, among other animals. Lions also inhabit the park, but as with any wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed. After the game drive, you will reach your accommodation near the park and can end the day relaxing between the coast and the African bush.

1 night · Double room · Full board Simply Saadani Camp is situated on a tranquil Indian Ocean beach, approximately five kilometers outside the Madete Gate of Saadani National Park. Its location combines safari experiences with a relaxed coastal atmosphere and allows for easy access to game drives within the national park. The elevated, generously spaced bandas stand directly on the beach and offer plenty of privacy. The furnishings provide comfortable, yet deliberately natural safari comfort. The accommodations feature a bed with a mosquito net, seating, and a private bathroom with shower and toilet. Each banda also has a private veranda overlooking the Indian Ocean. Thanks to the open design, the sound of the waves can be heard almost everywhere in the camp. The main communal area houses the restaurant, a lounge, and a bar. Meals are served in a relaxed atmosphere with sea views. Wi-Fi is generally available in the restaurant area. The camp is powered by solar energy and collaborates with local partners on various nature and wildlife conservation projects. The beach is perfect for walks and, depending on the tides, swimming. At low tide, the water recedes quite far. Simply Saadani Camp is particularly suitable for travelers seeking a secluded accommodation with a personal atmosphere and wishing to experience the unusual combination of African bush and Indian Ocean.

Pure travel time: approx. 4 hours Early in the morning, you'll embark on one last game drive in Saadani National Park. At this time of day, many animals are particularly active, and the temperatures are still pleasant. Keep an eye out for giraffes, elephants, buffalo, antelope, and the park's numerous bird species. You then leave Saadani and continue on to Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's largest city is the country's economic center and has several million inhabitants. Its name comes from Arabic and roughly translates to "place of peace". After your arrival and check-in at the hotel, you'll visit Coco Beach in the Oyster Bay district. The beach is a popular meeting place for locals. A stroll along the seafront allows you to observe the lively atmosphere and unwind at the end of the day.

2 nights · Double room · Full board The Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant is located directly on the Dar es Salaam coast and offers a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere with views of the Indian Ocean. The well-maintained gardens with palm trees and tropical vegetation provide a pleasant retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The rooms are comfortably furnished in a Mediterranean-inspired style and are spread across several small buildings within the complex. Light colors, wooden elements, and private terraces create a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Some rooms also offer beautiful sea views. The hotel features a swimming pool, a restaurant serving fresh international and local cuisine, and various quiet seating areas right on the coast. The seaside location is particularly inviting in the evenings, perfect for enjoying the sunset. The accommodation is ideal as a relaxing start or end to a trip through Tanzania.

Boat trip: approx. 15 to 20 minutes each way The day begins early with a visit to the Kivukoni fish market at the port of Dar es Salaam. As soon as the fishermen bring in their catch, the market is already bustling with activity. Fish and seafood are sorted, sold, and sometimes even processed on the spot. A guided tour offers a firsthand glimpse into the daily work of the traders and the importance of fishing to this coastal city. Afterwards, you'll travel north of Dar es Salaam and take a motorboat to Mbudya Island. This uninhabited island is part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve and is just a short boat ride from the mainland. Spend a few relaxing hours on the beach, swim in the Indian Ocean, or explore the underwater world while snorkeling. Lunch on the island is also included. In the afternoon, you'll return to the mainland and your accommodation, located directly on the Indian Ocean. Enjoy your last evening on the Tanzanian coast and reflect on the experiences of the past few days. With a view of the sea, your diverse journey comes to a relaxing close. Distance traveled within Dar es Salaam: approx. 40 to 50 km Travel time: approx. 1.5 hours depending on city traffic.

Today your diverse journey through northern Tanzania and along the coast comes to an end. Depending on your departure time, you may have some time this morning for a leisurely breakfast or a final view of the Indian Ocean. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Dar es Salaam International Airport. With many impressions from Mkomazi National Park, the Usambara Mountains, the Pangani coast, and the vibrant metropolis of Dar es Salaam, you will begin your journey home. TANZANIA JOURNEY OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.