We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Tanzania is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Stylish Tanzania Safari and Beach
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Tanzania for 12 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
Arrive into Kilimanjaro. Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be met by your transfer driver who will be holding a sign board with your name on it. You will then be transferred to Arusha. Depending on the time your flight lands, this first night is either a necessity as you will be arriving late at night OR included so that you can relax and rest after an overnight flight, ready to start your safari adventure fresh the next morning.
Lying on the gentle rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. It is here on the outskirts of this town, hidden amongst one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations that you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge, a perfect haven to relax in before any African safari.
After breakfast you will check out of your room and then you will be transferred to Arusha Airport, where you will check in for your light aircraft flight to Tarangire.
Coastal Aviation (Light Aircraft): Fly from Arusha (ARK) to Kuro Airstrip - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to your camp.
During your stay at Kuro Tarangire, explore the Tarangire National Park in 4x4 game viewing vehicles both during the day and under the night sky. The Park is especially renowned for its large herds of elephants, tree climbing lions, huge pythons, its herds of oryx which are regularly seen, and also for its rock paintings which were done by early man tens of thousands of years ago. Walking safaris in the early morning can also be arranged.
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Kuro Airstrip, where you will board your next flight to Manyara.
Air Excel Scheduled Flight (Light Aircraft): Fly from Kuro Airstrip to Manyara Airstrip - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
At Manyara airstrip, you will be met and transferred to your next camp.
Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Surrounded by the soaring peaks of dormant volcanic hills and the ebb and flow of Masai pastoralist life, this is a place to explore beyond the hustle and bustle of the main tourist trail at the Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater
An early start is highly recommended to enjoy your game drive into the Crater today. You will set off with your guide and a packed breakfast and return to camp in time for lunch. Or, head out in the afternoon and enjoy sundowners on the rim on your way back to camp. Whatever you choose to do, the Ngorongoro Crater is on many people's bucket list of places to see and visit. This natural wonder is the largest unflooded, intact volcanic caldera in the world. The actual crater is about 20 km across and 600 meters deep, and covers 300 sq km. Within the rim there are an estimated 30,000 animals, making this one of the densest concentration of wildlife within Africa.
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip, where you will board your flight to the northern Serengeti Plains.
Coastal Aviation (Light Aircraft): Fly from Manyara Airstrip to Kogatende Airstrip - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met and transferred to Lamai Serengeti.
Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, only a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River. For roughly a quarter of the year, between mid July and October, this is where you'll find the migration, right here on the doorstep. For the rest of the year, it is wild Serengeti with all the resident game of the Masai Mara but without the people.
The Serengeti
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip, where you will board your flight to Zanzibar.
Coastal Aviation (Light Aircraft): Fly from Kogatende Airstrip to Zanzibar (ZNZ) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met once you disembark from the plane by our representative who will be holding a sign with your name. You will be assisted through passport control, luggage collection and luggage screening, and then accompanied to meet up with your transfer driver.
You will then be transferred to your beach resort.
Cocooned among 32 hectares of tropical gardens, fringed by a pristine mile-long beach, The Residence Zanzibar immerses you in the splendour of a secluded luxury hideaway.
You will need to check out of your villa this morning but you can remain at the hotel and use all the facilities until you are collected for your transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the villa.
Lying on the rolling foothills of Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. It is here, on the outskirts of the town and hidden amongst one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations, that you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge, a perfect overnight haven either before or after your African safari.
Reminiscent of traditional plantation houses, 30 wooden chalets are nestled amongst the surrounding gardens and coffee trees. The theme of coffee permeates throughout Arusha Coffee Lodge, reflected in the colours and textures throughout, and the friendly and personable staff help create an ambiance that draws appreciation from all those who visit and stay.
Within the main Plantation House there is an a la carte restaurant, an intimate bar and a cosy lounge, all of which have inviting open log fires that give the cool night air a comforting warmth and throw out a welcoming glow.
There is also a swimming pool and a garden terrace where lunch is served.
The 12 Plantation Suites are spacious and modern with homely touches, and are set among the coffee trees. With a soothing 'rainfall' shower, a large bathtub, attractive decor reflecting the coffee theme, and a private sun terrace with a log fire burner, these suites offer a relaxing environment and encourage you to unwind.
The 18 Plantation Rooms also have a welcoming open log fire, an en-suite bathroom with shower and bath, and a verandah overlooking the surrounding green coffee garden.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Plantation Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Providing all the necessary comforts without ever overdoing it, Kuro Camp (part of the Nomad collection) is a place at one with the wild. Full of heart and soul and tucked away in a grove of riverside bush, the camp combines the essence of an authentic safari with the textures and elements of Africa. In creating this camp, Nomad Tanzania have sought to keep their footprint as light as possible, ensuring the human presence here is in tune with, and not overbearing to this beautiful place.
The Tarangire National Park is second only to the Serengeti in its concentration of wildlife and is well known for big herds of buffalo, elephant that stand picturesquely beneath the spreading branches of baobabs and prides of lazy lion sprawled in the shade of acacia scrub. With over 550 species of birds here, the muted colours of Africa are frequently lit up by the bright reds and yellows of barbets, starlings and bee-eaters.
Game drives are a fantastic way to see Tarangire, giving you the freedom to explore in open vehicles both during the day, and under the night sky.
Furthermore, why not take the opportunity to go on a walking safari. Head off in the cool of the early morning and walk straight out of camp to discover evidence of the night's activities along the course of the Tarangire River, learning more about the animals that often go unseen from a game vehicle, or simply switching off from the outside world. It's the sort of rare freedom that we seldom enjoy in our busy lives.
Kuro Camp has 6 large en-suite safari tents that rest amongst the trees with views over the African bush. In addition, there is a family tent with 2 en-suite bedrooms and an adjoining lounge area.
The open-sided grass thatched lounge and dining room is the heart of the camp, and has been furnished with hides, canvas and plenty of colourful textiles.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Safari Tent | ||
Includes: | Game Package: Tarangire Park fees; 3 meals a day; drinks (except champagne and premium wines); shared game viewing activities with a Kuro Tarangire guide; bush walks; transfers to the nearest airstrip; Park camping fees; and a laundry service are included. Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on walking safaris. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the wild side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with soaring peaks of dormant volcanic hills and views of the crater on one side, and out over the Serengeti on the other. There’s nothing tame about this location - the high altitude sun has some real heat and the wind can be biting and sometimes noisy.
The beauty of Entamanu is that it is only a 30 minutes drive from the descent road into the crater itself. You will set off early in the morning with your guide and a packed breakfast and return to camp in time for lunch, or head out in the afternoon and enjoy sundowners on the rim on your way back to camp.
Guided walks are also on offer, going along the crater rim and in the surrounding highlands. Guests will head out with a guide and a member of the local Masai community and learn all about medicinal plants, Masai beliefs, as well as track any local wildlife that has wondered close to camp. Walks are all about soaking up the view at a slower pace and learning to appreciate the little things that can often go unseen.
The camp has 7 large en-suite tents, 2 of which are family units. Large verandas wrap around the front of the rooms and are the ideal place to sit and marvel at the incredible view. The style here is as unique as the location - everything carefully handcrafted locally to the highest standard. The tents are made cosy with heaters, warm textiles and sheepskin throws.
In addition, for those wanting to appreciate the magnitude and wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater entirely on your own terms and schedule, there is Entamanu Private. Consisting of 4 glass, wood and stretched-canvas rooms with a backdrop of ancient acacia trees (2 of which are family units), this private highland retreat provides an exclusive crater experience.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Tented Room | ||
Includes: | Game Package: Conservation/crater fees; 3 meals a day; drinks (except champagne and premium wines); morning/afternoon or full day game drives into the Crater with an Entamanu Ngorongoro guide; airstrip transfers; and a laundry service are included. Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on guided walks. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks of Kogakuria Kopje with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, just a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River. For roughly a quarter of the year, between late July and October, this is where you'll find the migration.
This area of lush, rolling grassland and tree-lined watercourses is the hub around which the Serengeti migration circulates. During the dry season, the herds mass on both banks of the Mara River, frequently crossing - and braving the crocs - in response to local weather patterns that only they seem to understand.
But even a brief visit to Lamai Serengeti at any time of year will demostrate that it's not all about the migration.
Unlike the southern plains of the Serengeti that dry out, forcing all but the hardiest of species to leave, this area remains lush and green. The resident game at Lamai Serengeti is spectacular. Plains game in the form of zebra, topi, gazelles, impala, buffalo and giraffe all frequent the area throughout the year. Lion are rarely far away and leopard, ever present, but always elusive, stalk the rocky kopjes and river lines. It is a true Serengeti safari experience - but without the people.
There are 12 open-fronted rooms, split between 2 separate lodges. The Main Lodge consists of 8 rooms and the smaller Private Lodge, which is booked exclusively for just one group at a time, has just 4 rooms.
All the rooms have their own private and spacious verandas spread within the rocks and all have been sited with spectacular views. All rooms have 24 hour power and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold runing water (provided by a solar system).
Three of the rooms are suitable for families, as these have a master bedroom with adjoining twin rooms, making them perfect for guests travelling with children.
Each lodge has its own private bar and dining area plus a library/map room and its own natural rock swimming pool.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Tented Room | ||
Includes: | Game Package: Serengeti National Park fees; all meals; all drinks (excluding champagne and premium wines); a laundry service; airstrip transfers; and shared safari activities with a Lamai Serengeti Camp guide are included. Only children aged 12 years and older can participate in walking activities. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Set in isolated splendour on the south-west coast of Zanzibar Island, The Residence Zanzibar lies on a mile-long powdery white sand beach, flanked by coconut palm trees and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Located just 55 minutes from the airport and the capital Stone Town, and within 32 hectares of pristine land once occupied by Shirazi princes, The Residence Zanzibar is truly a dream fit for a Sultan.
A stay here offers you a wide variety of activities. The hotel features a glass walled swimming pool overlooking the ocean, an air-conditioned fitness centre and flood-lit tennis court. Dependent upon the tides, complimentary non-motorised watersports are available. The village of Kizimkazi, famous for its dolphin safaris, is also just 20 minutes away.
A gastronomic journey can be enjoyed in the 2 restaurants or in the intimacy of your villa. The Dining Room offering international dishes with a hint of Zanzibar 'spice', and The Pavilion Restaurant showcases the best of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
The hotel's star attraction is The Spa, which features 6 pavilions and a rest area with a whirlpool nested amongst 2 hectares of surrounding tropical gardens. The Spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape providing the perfect escape for rejuvenating the mind, body and soul.
The 66 villas are luxuriously appointed with contemporary, stylish furniture reminding guests of the island's African and Omani heritage. A private butler is on hand to attend to your requests.
On the deck outside, overlooking your private swimming pool, wicker chairs and day beds are ideal to relax in and enjoy the views. Bicycles are provided with each villa to explore the gardens and local area.
Nights: | 5 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Ocean Front Pool Villa | ||
Includes: | Half Board basis. Full Board and All Inclusive rates available on request. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes the US$1 per person per night Infrastructure Levy - this is payable directly to the hotel upon check out. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania
Normally, holders of the following passports require a visa to enter Tanzania when travelling as a tourist: United Kingdom; United States of America*; Canada; Australia; New Zealand; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain; Ireland.
If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local Tanzania High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements or check this website which lists countries whose nationals are NOT required to apply for a visa to enter Tanzania: http://immigration.go.tz/index.php/countries-which-are-not-required-to-apply-for-visa - so if your nationality is not listed, you will be required to obtain a visa.
Visas are issued online via the Tanzania Immigration website https://visa.immigration.go.tz/. Visas can also be obtained on arrival.
Visitors coming for holiday/tourism purposes are advised to apply online for an Ordinary Visa.
* Holders of American passports who come for holiday/tourism will have to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa online (due to bilateral agreements between Tanzania and America) even if they come for a single entry visit.
Please note that getting a single entry visa on arrival can take a substantial amount of time and if possible, we would advise getting your visa online prior to travel IF YOU ARE ARRIVING INTO TANZANIA via the following international airports/border posts – Kilimanjaro (JRO), Julius Nyerere/Dar es Salaam (DAR), Zanzibar (ZNZ), Namanga Border Post (road border between Tanzania and Kenya) and Tunduma (road border between Tanzania and Zambia). NOTE: Zanzibar Airport is referred to as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on the visa application.
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so the same single entry visa can be used upon arrival at Zanzibar.
Single entry visas obtained at port of entry currently cost USD 50 per person (but USD 100 per person for US nationals) - costs all subject to change - and the cost is payable in USD cash only. We recommend small denominations of dollars as officials are not in the position to give change. You must also bring 2 recent passport size photographs of yourself if getting the visa on arrival and you must provide proof of a return ticket.
Online visa applications for minors under 18 years travelling alone or with only one parent/legal guardian must also be accompanied by a consent letter, jointly signed by both parents or legal guardians approving the travel.
Please note that if you are applying online, you need to allow 2-3 weeks to receive your visa. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Tanzania and have sufficient blank pages for entry/exit stamps (AT LEAST 4 consecutive pages).
IMPORTANT: Entering Zanzibar from 1 October 2024: With effect from 1 October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (excluding residents) must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days).
You can only buy this insurance from ZIC. Other international travel insurance policies will not be accepted. Go to https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/ for more information and to buy your insurance. If you have any questions that are not covered on the website, contact ZIC by emailing inbound@zic.co.tz.
You may be refused entry if you do not have the correct insurance.
IMPORTANT: Plastic bags are banned in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bring plastic bags into the country - this includes in suitcases and carry-on hand luggage. Please check hand luggage before disembarking and any plastic bags (including plastic duty-free shopping bags and the transparent plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, etc) should be left in the plane. Ziploc bags that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Tanzania.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled. To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Tanzania and Zanzibar - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
Tsetse flies are found throughout most of Tanzania's Northern and Southern Parks, especially in wooded areas. There have been some cases of sleeping sickness occurring after a tsetse fly bite, although these are mainly amongst farmers/locals who have repeated exposure to bites. However, the fly can still deliver a painful bite, so it is advisable to take necessary precautions - don't wear dark colours, especially black and blue (including denim), wear long-sleeved clothing/trousers, and don't walk through bushes during the hottest part of the day.
Tanzania is not listed as a yellow fever endemic country, however, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Tanzania requires all travellers over one year of age to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival if:
They are arriving from a yellow fever risk country (including low risk)*
They have been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of a yellow fever risk country (including low risk)*
They have left the airport whilst on transit in a yellow fever risk country (including low risk)*
*Yellow fever risk countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list (including low risk yellow fever countries) via this website https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
Kiswahili is the official language of Tanzania. However, English, as the second official language, is the spoken commercial language and is widely understood.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Loud and aggressive behaviour, drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards the older generation, is likely to cause offence. Kissing in public or display of affection is not customary to Zanzibar. Drinking alcohol in public places (outside of clubs/restaurants) may offend the residents.
As over a third of the population in Tanzania is Muslim, it is important to dress modestly out of respect for the Muslim culture.
On the beaches and within the confines of hotels/beach resorts, normal swimwear is acceptable but not nudity/topless sunbathing.
Away from beach resorts, women should avoid walking around in public areas (especially in Stone Town) displaying their legs, midriff and shoulders - ‘short’ shorts, miniskirts, vests and tank tops are viewed as a sign of disrespect.
A dress code in public places (such as the airport, Stone Town, markets and shopping centres) has now been introduced and ALL tourists must now cover their bodies from shoulders to knees in public areas. The authorities will penalise visitors for inappropriate appearance and penalties and fines will be given out - the fine could be up to $700 or more.
Homosexuality is illegal on mainland Tanzania and on the island of Zanzibar. Many of the local communities are also very traditional and conservative, and whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients (and this includes members of the LGBT+ community as well as members of the heterosexual community) to refrain from overtly public displays of affection which may cause offence to some local citizens and in some cases public displays of homosexuality such as kissing in public or holding hands could even lead to an arrest and imprisonment.
You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Military and security sensitive areas cannot be photographed.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.