Journey through Tanzania and Zanzibar on a cultural safari showcasing the best of East Africa’s culture, people and wildlife.
Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Cultural Safari in Tanzania & Zanzibar
Travel to East Africa for an eye-opening cultural safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar. The trip starts in Arusha (famous for its working coffee plantations) and continues in Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park. End your cultural safari with a relaxing island break in Zanzibar, including the opportunity to explore Stone Town and beyond.
Connect with the local communities, taste traditional dishes and step into the lives of these ancient African tribesmen. The highlights of your trip includes a visit to Shanga Village in Arusha, a Maasai Village experience in Tarangire, a local village in Karatu and lastly, a unique spice tour in Zanzibar’s Stone Town.
Each property included in this itinerary has been hand-selected to maximize the accessibility and quality of your cultural safari – from staying at Arusha Coffee Lodge set on a working coffee plantation, to staying at Gibb’s Farm, a working farm deeply rooted in African culture and community. Expect the finest accommodation, memorable connections with the diverse cultures and people who cross your path and an amazing Tanzania cultural safari coupled with a taste of an idyllic Zanzibar beach holiday.
Your cultural safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar starts on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will assist you through the airport and transfer you to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Located just a short distance from the vibrant town of Arusha, hidden among one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, lies Arusha Coffee Lodge. Check into your Plantation Room and make yourself at home after your long journey. This afternoon you will start your cultural discovery at the Shanga Village which lies in close proximity to the lodge. Here, you will have the opportunity for an authentic cultural experience in the bustling atmosphere of a local arts and craft market. This evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge.
After breakfast on your second day you will meet your driver for your transfer to Tarangire National Park. Before your check-in at Lemala Mpingo Ridge you will enjoy your first game drive in Tarangire with the opportunity to spot large herds of elephant, buffalo and a remarkable concentration of big cats. For lunch, you will be treated to a packed picnic prepared by your guide. Head to your lodge for the night and check into your tented suite at Lemala Mpingo Ridge. Set on the top of an escarpment, the lodge boasts sweeping views of the Tarangire River and valley below and features private decks, sunken outdoor lounges and outdoor baths to be enjoyed at leisure. Begin your second day in Tarangire with a morning game drive, followed by a cultural visit to a local Maasai village. Learn about their unique cultural practices and knowledge of their environment.
Visit a traditional Maasai Village for a cultural experience as you learn about Maasai traditions, practices, local culture and beliefs. The lodge offers game drives to Tarangire National Park, famous for their tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds. Other activities to be enjoyed include walking safaris and bush dinners.
Enjoy your final breakfast at Lemala Mpingo Ridge before preparing for your transfer to Lake Manyara National Park and your final destination, Karatu. Lake Manyara offers unrivaled wildlife sightings and is specifically known for their unusual tree-climbing lions and large flock of pink flamingos who congregate at the shores of Lake Manyara. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue your journey to Gibb’s Farm in Karatu. After check-in you will visit the cultural village of Mto Wa Mbo and have the opportunity to taste traditional Swahili cuisine. The rest of your afternoon can be spent exploring the grounds of Gibb’s Farm and a variety of projects running on the property – from their artist in residence program, coffee brewing to a medicinal plant tour.
Gibb’s Farm is perfectly positioned in Karatu, on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. The working farm features seventeen 1-bedroom cottages with outdoor showers, mosquito nets and modern interiors. The property also offers exclusive-use of two farm houses perfect for families.
Visit the cultural village of Mto Wa Mbo to experience Swahili culture and have the opportunity to taste traditional Swahili cuisine. The rest of your afternoon can be spent exploring the grounds of Gibb’s Farm and a variety of projects running on the property – from their artist in residence program, coffee brewing to a medicinal plant tour.
Wake up for an early breakfast at Gibb’s Farm before meeting your driver for your transfer to the Serengeti National Park. Here, you will enjoy your first game drive in the Central Serengeti and a packed lunch before heading onwards to your luxury tented camp – One Nature Nyaruswiga. This elegant safari camp consists of just 14 luxury tents, spread across the open Serengeti savanna. Your two full days in the Serengeti National Park will allow ample time for game drives, abundant wildlife, walking safaris, photographic opportunities and gourmet dining experiences. In addition to these experiences, you can also book a sunrise hot air balloon ride or enjoy private bush dinners under the stars. An optional cultural activity is also available should you wish to visit another Maasai Village. Famous for its annual wildebeest migration, the Serengeti is a bucket list destination which promises great wildlife action.
On the 9th day of your cultural safari in Tanzania, enjoy your last breakfast at One Nature Nyaruswiga and begin your journey to your end destination – Zanzibar. Your driver will transfer you to the Seronera Airstrip where you will board your Auric Air flight at 11h00 with an estimated time of arrival of 14h20 in Zanzibar. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you on arrival and transfer you to White Sands Zanzibar. Check into your one-bedroom, beachfront villa and unwind at your private swimming pool at leisure. Your time at White Sands can be spent however you see fit and includes a full day Stone Town and a Spice Tour on your second day – a unique cultural experience which should not be missed. Your days can be spent on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar, snorkeling or scuba diving or enjoying a variety of water sports on offer.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa is a family-owned property set on the East coast of Zanzibar on Paje beach. The luxury boutique hotel is a proud Relais and Chateaux member which boasts exclusive beach villas set on 1,500 square-metre private plots, deluxe rooms and Cinnamon rooms.
Your time at White Sands can be spent however you see fit and includes a full day Stone Town and a Spice Tour on your second day – a unique cultural experience which should not be missed. Your days can be spent on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar, snorkeling or scuba diving or enjoying a variety of water sports on offer.
Your cultural safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar comes to an end on your 13th day. Enjoy your last breakfast at the lodge before your transfer to the airport where you will board your international flight home.
Our experts are here to help.
The best safari experiences from Zanzibar are a short flight away at the Serengeti National Park and the Tarangire National Park. Our 13-day itinerary includes visits to these must-see national parks for the best possible experience.
For a quintessential safari holiday, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro are unbeatable, offering abundant wildlife, geological formations and more.
Tanzania offers unbeatable wildlife experiences like the great wildebeest migration, while Kenya is known for its high density of big cats, accessibility and infrastructure. Both offer amazing holidays and unforgettable safaris! Contact our safari experts to plan the best holiday for you.
A safari in Zanzibar typically lasts about 3 to 5 days. This allows enough time to explore key attractions, such as the Jozani Forest, Stone Town, and the beautiful beaches.
If you want to combine wildlife experiences on the mainland, like a safari in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, you might need an additional week or more. Contact our safari experts to plan your perfect Zanzibar safari.
Yes, you can see the Maasai tribe on a Tanzania cultural safari. Our full Tanzania cultural safari tour includes a visit to Maasai villages, where you can learn about the traditions, customs, and crafts of the tribe. We provide an experience that respects and involves the community while providing you with a wealth of insight.
Yes, you can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) in the Serengeti National Park. The park is reputed for its diverse wildlife and offers plenty of opportunities for spotting these iconic animals during our game drives and guided safaris.
Book a curated trip with our safari experts at Ker & Downey® Africa to enjoy a Tanzania cultural safari.
Our 13 day trip including plenty of cultural tours and wildlife safaris in Tanzania and an immersive Zanzibar retreat is especially curated for the best possible holiday with the highlights of African travel.
