Tanzania to Zanzibar: White Sands & the Wilderness

Arrival in Arusha

Land in Arusha, get to the hotel, and drop your bags. The first night is about meeting the rest of the crew. The plan is usually a local bar for a few Tuskers—a good chance to trade travel stories and figure out the plan for the days ahead.

Into the Serengeti

This is the start of the classic safari. The morning involves packing into 4x4s and heading out of Arusha towards the Serengeti. It’s a long drive, but the scenery shifts from town to the vast, acacia-dotted plains you've seen in photos. Once inside the park, the roof of the truck pops up for the first wildlife drive.

The goal is to spot the big stuff—elephants, lions, buffalo—as you make your way to the campsite for the night. The excursion is a full three-day, two-night affair inside the park and the Ngorongoro area, so settle in.

Serengeti Sunrise & Crater Views

It's an early start for one last morning safari drive through the Serengeti. The light is better and the animals are more active before the day heats up. Afterwards, you'll break down camp and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The main event here is the view from the crater rim—a massive, wildlife-filled caldera stretching out below.

The campsite is near the rim, so you'll set up in the late afternoon. It gets cold at this altitude, so you'll want to have extra layers ready for the evening.