Tanzania

DAY 1 | KILIMANJARO / ARUSHA

We’ll arrive in African lands. Here the smell and the heat are already different. On site you’ll met one of our tour leader LEVA-ME. We’ll take a transfer to Arusha, where the whole group will gather. Along the way we’ll be able to see the small villages on the roadside, with their red, earthy soil and stalls exhibiting the most varied tropical fruits. If we get clear skies, we’ll even be able to see the summit of the gigantic Mt. Kilimanjaro covered by its glaciers. After checking into the hotel in the afternoon we’ll have free time until dinner. By that time, the entire group meets for a brief presentation of the tour and to clarify any possible doubts.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
 

DAY 2 | ARUSHA – NGORONGORO CRATER

We will wake up early, have breakfast, check out of the hotel and head to a new park, Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 180 km from Arusha. Ngorongoro means “gift of life”. It is believed that its formation took place 2.5 million years after a huge active volcano collapsed into it, leaving this big crater that is now considered one of the seven natural wonders in Africa. This huge crater of about 19 km in diameter and 8,292 square kilometers is home to thousands of species. Approximately 25,000 large animals live here, like black rhinoceros, African buffalo, hippo, zebra, gazelles, crocodiles, impala, leopards, lions, etc. After a visit to the interior of crater and a lunch close to our hippo friends, we’ll go to the hotel. You’ll be able to enjoy the swimming pool with a stunning view of the park and relax until sunset, which promises to be phenom
Accommodation: Lodge 4 ****
 

DAY 3 – NGORONGORO CRATER – SERENGETI

Serengeti could be called WOW! That was the word I used incessantly from the moment I first entered the park. Today we’ll wander through the endless plains of the Serengeti. It is the shrine of the most famous wildlife in the world, unequaled in its natural beauty and scientific value. With more than two million wildebeest, half a million springbok and zebras, 3000 lions, many elephants and other species … The Serengeti has the highest concentration of animals in Africa. The day will be spent observing the thousands of animals wandering here … the leader is Mother Nature and the law of the strongest. With some luck you will be able to watch them hunt. Get ready for a day of great emotions. After a walk through the park, we’ll stop for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll carry on our adventure through the park and later we’ll return to the hotel so we can enjoy the wonderful swimming pool.
Accommodation: Lodge 4 ****
 

DAY 4 – SERENGETI

After breakfast, full day game-drive at Serengeti. Late afternoon enjoy the swimming pool at the lodge to see the sunset.
Accommodation: Lodge 4 ****
 

DAY 5 | SERENGETI – KARATU

We wake up early, have breakfast, check-out and continue on to Karatu (near Lake Manyara) where we will spend the night. Along the way you will still be able to see some animals, and observe the day-to-day life in the small villages that we will cross. After arriving at the hotel, it’s time to relax. We ate and slept.
 

DAY 6 | KARATU – ARUSHA – ZANZIBAR

After checking out and heading back to Arusha, on the way we will visit a Masai tribe. Our Safari will have come to an end, but there will still be much more to discover. We’ll catch a flight to Zanzibar, a pearl of the African coast. Zanzibar is an exotic island with such strong turquoise blue waters that it looks photoshopped. The island has tropical architecture with bungalows made of palm leaf that contrast with the houses with Arabic details. Known as the island of spices, Zanzibar has a lot to offer … including white sand beaches which are ideal to rest. After the flight, we’ll take our private transfer to the hotel and after checking in you can put on your bikini or boardshorts, run through the palm trees and fall into the Indian Ocean waters while sipping on coconut water. We will stay in this paradise for four nights.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****
 

DAYS 7 – 8 – 9 | ZANZIBAR

Free days at leisure to enjoy the beach. We also recommend you to do some extra activities, you can book and pay directly with the hotel the day before.
Accommodation: Hotel 4 ****

• Spice Tour: We will visit a farm in the countryside to try and understand everything about the spices. Where they come from, what their benefits are, etc. … and in the end you can buy all the products.
• Visit the markets and streets of Stone Town, famous for his doors and to be the hometown of Freddy Mercury.
• Visit the The Rock – The Rock is a picturesque house built in the middle of the sea. Travelers can have lunch or take a walk at the beach. Lunch at the The Rock is not included.
• Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Zanzibar.

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DAY 10 | ZANZIBAR – FLIGHT TO FINAL DESTINATION

After having breakfast, we’ll check out and take our private transfer to Zanzibar airport. Then each traveler goes their own way to their final destination.

• The company (9 days) of the tour leader LEVA-ME.
• All accommodation in lodges and boutique hotels 4**** (9 nights in total).
• Food (All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners)
• Transfers from the airport in Arusha (within the program dates).
• Transfers from the airport in Zanzibar (within the program dates and time).
• Transport in Jeep 4 × 4.
• Driver
• Diesel oil
• Five days of Safari activities.
• Visiting the Masai tribe.
• Entry fees for Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks.

• International and domestic flight (we will recommend).
• Entry visa in Tanzania ($50 US payable on arrival in the country).
• Gratuities for drivers (approximately $50 USD in total per person)
• Personal Travel Insurance (Mandatory) and Mandatory Zanzibar travel Insurance (44$  USD).
• Government taxes at Zanzibar hotel (16 $USD per person).
• Anything that is not mentioned in “What’s Included”.

30% upfront to guarantee your place (non-refundable in case of cancellation). Final payment of the remaining 70% up to 60 days before the tour. Please check our CANCELLATION POLICY.

Is this trip for me?

This trip is for people who like to have fun and make friends, regardless of their age. We are sure that if you come with a relaxed mindset, you’ll have an unforgettable couple of weeks. It is important to understand that this is an adventure trip, and as such, there is always an element of the unexpected. Traveling in Tanzania is not like staying at the Four Seasons in Paris… a lot can happen, from coming across different animals to getting a weak or no internet connection, the air conditioning breaking, the shower having lower water pressure and temperature than the one in your house, the food not being as good as your mother’s, etc… But it’s good that things are different, otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth it to leave home. Also, good weather is unfortunately not a guarantee, as sometimes it can rain, the sea is rough, and it is important that you know that there may be changes in the itinerary. What kind of a trip would it be without some adventure?!

If you invite a friend to come on the tour, it is essential that you pass them this information. We just don’t want a cranky traveler who has been “dragged” by friends, whose mood can affect the group’s fun and relaxed atmosphere.

What kind of rooms are we staying in?

We will be staying in double rooms. If you are traveling alone, you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender. In some rare cases, you may need to share a triple room. If you are traveling as a couple, you’ll get your own private room together.

What kind of hotels are we staying in?

We will be accommodated in different hotels and lodges 4 **** and finally a beautiful boutique hotel in Zanzibar.

How are the hotels in the savannah?

There are several types of lodges in Africa, there are tents and stone buildings. We will always stay in stone lodges, so it is easier for travelers to move and relax in the recreational areas of the lodges.

Is it safe?

Of course! Tanzania has millions of tourists every year. It is important to understand that you are in a wildlife habitat and sometimes animals approach the lodges. But as you can imagine, all hotels have guards and it’s very uncommon for dangerous situations to happen. You also need to take care when going on the safari, do not hang any limbs or your head out of the jeep’s windows when we go close to wild animals. I know that seeing a baby lion drinking water makes us feel like jumping out of the jeep to hold it, but remember, this is not our environment, and these are wild animals.

Are the flights included?

No,  international and domestic flight are not included, you will have to purchase yours individually.

When should I book my flight?

You should book your flight only after making the payment for the tour and receiving confirmation that your reservation in LEVA-ME is completed.

Can I go alone?

Of course, most of our travelers sign up individually. It’s a trip where you’ll meet new people and make friends.

Who will I share my journey with?

You’ll spend the trip with the LEVA-ME Tour Leader. You’ll also spend the 9 days with other travelers who have many things in common with you, like the passion for traveling, for adventure, for discovery … and who are looking for new emotions and unforgettable moments on this trip. We normally have travelers from anywhere between 20 to 70 years old and we can assure you that the atmosphere is very fun and that you’ll end the trip with a new group of friends.

What is the number of travelers?

It depends on the demand for that specific tour, but the minimum is 12 and the maximum is 30.

Is the group of travelers flying together?

No, there are travelers coming from different parts of the world, so the meeting point is in Arusha. You have the flexibility to choose the time of the flight that best suits you.

How do we meet in Tanzania?

We’ll take the data and flight schedules of all travelers. When you arrive at the airport in Arusha you will have a driver waiting for you there. They will take you to the hotel where the tour leader will welcome you to Tanzania.

Is there an age requirement?

You must be 18 years old or older. If you are 16 or 17, you can come but must be accompanied by a parent. The price is the same as an adult.

Do I need to take any specific equipment?

No, no special equipment is necessary, just bring comfortable clothes and shoes/sneakers, beach shorts, bikinis and flip-flops.

Will I have any time for myself?

Of course! We hate tours that book every minute of your day. Our tour will be busy, but there will also be plenty of time to go exploring on your own!

Why are some lunches not included?

We like to give you some time to be alone and seize every second of the day your own way. With that in mind, most lunches are free, so you can go wherever you want. The extra meals’ expenses should be approximately 130€ in total (on average).

If I want to go to Tanzania a few days before the tour or stay afterwards, can I book accommodation with you?

Yes, if you decide to go a few days earlier or stay for more days after the tour is finished, you can book those extra nights with us.

What is the mandatory travel insurance for Zanzibar?

As of October 1, 2024, the Tanzanian government has mandated that all tourists wishing to enter Zanzibar must purchase travel insurance from a government-designated insurer, even if they already have other travel insurance. Although this requirement may seem unreasonable, it is a government mandate. As such, travelers must obtain and pay for their Zanzibar insurance at the link: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/. The insurance costs $44 USD and must be obtained from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

This insurance only covers Zanzibar, and no information about the conditions and guarantees of the insurance can be found on any government-provided website.

Travelers are still required to present LEVA-ME with travel insurance that covers the remaining days of their trip, including the days spent on Safari. We strongly recommend obtaining insurance for the entire duration of the trip from a reputable insurer, as there is insufficient information about this mandatory insurance and its reliability and quality.

What if I want to climb Kilimanjaro?

João and Mariana (LEVA-ME Tour leaders) both climbed Kilimanjaro one week before doing the Safaris and going to Zanzibar. As it is an experience that not everyone is willing to do, so we decided not to include it in the tour. However, if it is a dream that you have and you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity now that you’re going to Tanzania, you can always go a week earlier, venture up the mountain and join us on the first day of the tour. You can read João’s post about Kilimanjaro, where you will find everything you need to know: www.joaocajuda.com/pt/kilimanjaro/

What about visas?

Everyone needs a visa to entry Tanzania. The visa is paid upon arrival at the airport (50$USD).

How many spots can I book at one time for the tour?

As many as you want. The maximum number of travelers is 24.

Can I save spots?

No, spots are only effectively reserved after payment.

Any doubts?

If you still have doubts, please visit our Frequent Asked Questions page or send us an e-mail: info@leva-me.com