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Value Tanzania: Safari + Zanzibar Beaches

Arusha – Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti – Zanzibar – Great Migration

Join other Solo Female Travelers on an all-female expedition tracking wildlife through the Ngorongoro Crater Region and the Central Serengeti, before relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar and exploring Stone Town, all while staying in unique and special properties.

Highlights: The Big 5 | Picnic lunches | Sundowners in the bush | Famous Ngorongoro Crater – a collapsed volcano home to more than 30,000 animals | White sand beaches | Architectural tour of Stone Town | Welcome and Farewell dinners | Full Board

Activity level: Low, but expect to spend several hours a day in a 4×4 car in search of wildlife.

Value for money | No single supplements* | 14 spots

*Prices per person, we pair you with another solo traveler

Trip Overview

  • 14 – 24 June, 2024 – CONFIRMED
  • 7 – 17 September, 2024 – SOLD OUT
  • 21 September – 1 October, 2024 (Photographer onboard) – SOLD OUT
  • 23 December 2024 – 2 January 2025 – CONFIRMED
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Glory Salema, our local guide

Payment plan

$5,495 USD pp sharing

Max. 14 guests

See inclusions

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Looking to spoil yourself? Click here to view our Luxe Safari which stays in luxury 5* accommodations and is all inclusive (alcoholic beverages on safari too).

Take a peek into our trip!

Turn the sound ON to hear what our guests had to say!


Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be welcomed by a private driver who will transfer you to your hotel.

If you arrive earlier in the day, chill by the pool read a book or venture into town.

We will all meet at the Welcome dinner, where you will meet your travel buddies as you enjoy your first night in Tanzania!

Overnight at Kili Seasons

Cape Dutch inspired Kili Season is a newly opened resort surrounded by farm houses and wilderness.

The lodge features a large swimming pool, spacious rooms and a cozy manor house restaurant and offers a respite from Arusha’s traffic and noise.


Days 2 – 3: Ngorongoro Region

On day 2 we move towards the Great Rift Valley to Lake Manyara National Park or Tarangire National Park depending on the rains and wildlife viewing opportunities for a morning game drive and exploration.

Both parks are famous for their tree-climbing lions, flamingos, breathtaking scenery and in the case of lake Manyara, the soda-ash lake in the center.

You will have a first taste of safari game drives in these relatively small parks where we get a flavor of what to expect before Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.

Lunch will be a classic safari picnic within the park, while enjoying a glimpse of the great wild of Northern Tanzania.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the lodge just outside the Ngorongoro Crater for two nights. Dinner will be served at the lodge’s veranda and if the weather is chilly, you can ask the staff to light the fireplace for you.

The lodge also offers free plantation tours where you can learn more about coffee, a commonly planted crop in the area.

On Day 3 we will wake up early and drive towards the floor of Ngorongoro Crater to witness large herds of zebra and wildebeest.

Game viewing here has been described by UNESCO as the eighth wonder of the world here and Ngorongoro Crater is always a highlight because of the very high concentration of wildlife that at times seems impossible.

Ngorongoro is a collapsed volcano – an incredible natural amphitheater, 25 km across, and teeming with more than 30,000 protected animals, including all The Big 5. It is common to drive along zebra and spot large herds of elephants.

We depart from the lodge with a picnic so we can maximize your time in the Crater and will enjoy lunch by the hippo pool. Be careful not to get your lunch stolen by the very smart birds!

In the evening, amazed by the incredible day we’ve had, we will return to the lodge for the night.

Two Nights at Ngorongoro Farm House

Colonial style Ngorongoro Farm House is a working coffee plantation with thatched roof tops, ample verandas and colonial interiors.

Rooms come with their own fireplaces and the lodge has views over Oldeani volcano. The beautiful gardens and coffee bushes surrounding the property will make you feel right among nature.


Days 4 – 6 : Central Serengeti

On day 4, we will move into the heart of Tanzania, to the famous Central Serengeti, known for its prime wildlife-viewing and for being one of the most well known safari parks in the world.

On our way to the Serengeti, we will drive through Maasai territory and pass through several Maasai villages and stunning landscapes, all the way spotting animals.

Serengeti’s picture-perfect landscape is characterised by endless stretches of savanna-covered open plains, interspersed by rocky outcrops of granite, scattered with acacia woodlands and a network of rivers and streams that attract all sorts of wildlife.

The Central Serengeti forms part of the great wildebeest and zebra migration and provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife such as giraffe, impala, hippo, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, serval and much more.

We will enjoy the next three nights in this amazing, secluded area of the park, viewing African wildlife by day and enjoying the calls of the animals from our intimate lodge at night. 

Bring your binoculars and be prepared to witness nature’s most incredible spectacle.

Every morning, wake up to the sound of calling hyena as the sun rises over the horizon and the lovely staff at the lodge bring you a warm cup of coffee or tea and biscuits to enjoy on your unfenced veranda.

We will look for leopards and cheetah on trees, lions mating in the tall grasses, large herds of zebra and impala, towering giraffes often in small groups and very large elephant families with animals of all ages.

Animals can get really close to our safari vehicles, sometimes less than a meter from your window. We’ll pop the car’s roof up and stop to admire the big cats and the many unbothered animals, not scared of humans.

At sunset, we will get back to camp to marvel at the sun setting behind the hills by the camp fire or pick a spot for a sundowner with a view.

One thing we can promise, you won’t want to leave.

OPTIONAL EXTRA – Why not take an unforgettable sunrise flight over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon! On the second morning in the Serengeti, we will wake up before dawn to drive to the balloon take off station for a once in a lifetime experience you won’t regret.

Three Nights at Sound of Silence

Sound of Silence is a beautiful tented camp with tents on small raised platforms from where to enjoy beautiful views and the lovely food.

We like it because, while it is not female owned (there are no mid-range female owned tented lodges in the Serengeti), this lodge employs more than 10 women and treats all staff fairly.

Note: Sound of Silence camp is unfenced and wild animals may roam into the camp’s area. The lodge’s rangers will escort us to and from the tents are night.

The camp is solar powered. Water is manually heated and a bucket system ensures fun and efficient showers.

You will sleep with the sounds of nature and, if you are lucky, the resident giraffe may come say hi as you relax in your tent or enjoy lunch.

Only for September departures: Given the Northern Serengeti location of the Great Migration in September, the group will spend 2 nights at Mara Under Canvas Lodge and 1 night at Sound of Silence instead of all 3 nights at Sound of Silence.


Day 7 : Zanzibar

We’ll do a final game drive in the Serengeti National Park in the morning of day 7 before boarding a small propeller plane on our flight to Zanzibar Island.

These small planes are unpressurised and fly relatively low for a true scenic experience.

Zanzibar island is characterised by exquisite white sand beaches fringed by palm trees and lapped by turquoise waters lined with coral reefs brimming with an abundance of exotic marine life.

After landing, we will head over to our beach resort for 3 days of relaxation, seaside living and, if you feel like it, adventures in Zanzibar!

Overnight at Breezes Beach Club and Spa

Breezes Beach Club and Spa is a great beach resort with Arabian influences right on one of the nicest and quietest beaches in Zanzibar.

You will be staying at one of the Deluxe suites. These are located on the ground floor of the bungalows and are tastefully decorated in ivory tones, cotton throws, teak wood finishes and Zanzibar carvings. They all have outdoor terraces to read or relax.

Your stay is inclusive of breakfast and dinner (half board) at the hotel’s restaurant.

Note: September 7th to 17th tour will stay at Nungwi Dreams by Mantis, a seafront property in the north part of the island near the turtle conservation project and the sandy beaches of Nungwi.


Days 8 – 9 : Zanzibar Beach Relaxation

Your last few days in Tanzania are all about relaxation and beach life.

You will have free time to soak in the coast, or participate in a number of optional activities, including reef-walking, kayaking, kite-surfing, spa treatments, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to explore the island, you can book an excursion out of the resort and go sky diving, visit Monkey Forest or an otter sanctuary.


Day 10 – 11 : Stone Town

After one last breakfast at our beach resort, we will check out and jump on the van headed towards Stone Town.

We will check in into our hotel and have some free time for lunch, shopping or exploring the maze of streets of this UNESCO-listed city.

Take your time to get lost among the alleyways, admire the intricately carved doors or drop into some of the town’s quaint shops.

In the afternoon, we will again for a private guided architectural and historical tour of Stone Town with Aisha, our female local guide.

The capital of Zanzibar is both fascinating and disorientating with its labyrinth of alleys amid whitewashed houses.

Our guide, an expert researcher on the island’s slave trade past, will provide insights into its crude past and point at the many historic houses and their legends.

We will also walk by what once was Freddy Mercury’s home (the famous singer was born in Zanzibar)

After the tour ends, we will reconvene at the rooftop of one of the famous wind towers of Stone Town for a sunset farewell dinner high above the city at the tea house of historical 236 Hurumzi.

This will be a highlight of your time in Tanzania.

Dinner will be a traditional shared Zanzibari meal accompanied by live music and singing. There is no better way to say goodbye to Tanzania.

On day 11, enjoy one last breakfast in paradise and maybe sneak in some more shopping before heading to the airport in time for your flight.

Overnight at Spice tree by Turaco, Marriott Bonvoy member

Spice Tree Hotel is hosted in one if the traditional and historic tall buildings in Stone Town, at the heart of the UNESCO listed city.

Rooms are traditionally decorated with dark wood and carved furniture pieces and are very spacious. The rooftop restaurant and bar is a great place to see the sunset and there is an indoor pool and quiet garden cafe at an adjacent building that is part of the hotel.


About Your Host, Glory

Glory Thobias Salema is one of the very few female guides in Tanzania and was recognised as the Best Female Guide by Tanzania National Park Authority (TANAPA) in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and received awards from Mr. Kigwangala, Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources.

Glory can not only take you on safari but also to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro being one of the first 2 female guides in the country.

She is passionate about empowering women and girls in tourism and founded the Tanzania Women Guides Foundation, an NGO focused on training women to become guides and connecting them to opportunities in tourism so the future generations are more gender balanced.

Glory is a real inspiration to our guests and to local guides in Tanzania. As we go on game drives through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro craters, you will notice how other guides, who are 99.9% male, turn heads at her taking the lead on cross-country safari trips.

She is thrilled to share with you the beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness and will no doubt make the trip unforgettable.


Guest feedback

Sydney – “I was expecting to use my binocular all the time but animals were so close, it was euphoric. I made so many good friends. Glory is a superhero, she is so passionate about women in Tanzania moving forward in roles that were meant for men. She also made me laugh so much my face hurt. I never thought I would enjoy group tours as a solo female traveler but I will now highly recommend others go on a group tour with other women”

Shelly – “This entire trip was the trip of a lifetime. I really loved the tent in the Serengeti, it was so beautiful to be in nature and see the stars. Being able to support women around the world, and being able to support Glory and her then supporting other women is such a profound experience. Zanzibar is beautiful and it is the perfect way to end the trip”

Elena – “Glory made me feel very safe; she is so knowledgeable about animals and loved to share this with us. This trip confirmed that I want to have a career around animals. Being on a women-only tour made me feel very comfortable, like we were sisters”

Vera – “I loved being in the tent and just connecting with nature. Glory is a role model; she takes every opportunity to elevate women whenever she can. I was very inspired by the other guests on the trip and enjoyed meeting different women that I would not have otherwise met”

Marta – “The trip to Tanzania was a fantastic experience! It was so memorable and unique, and I strongly recommend it to everyone. Tanzania is beautiful! On Safari, we saw so many animals up close; the scenery was breathtaking, and the local guides were amazing; a special shout-out to Glory and Harry. Mar and Meg did a terrific job preparing us for the trip and answering all our questions. Hakuna Matata and go ahead and book your trip to Tanzania!”

Bekah – “Mar and Meg are absolutely amazing and accommodating! They were able to be agile with our requests while still providing AMAZING service and ensuring an immersion into the Culture of Africa/Maasai/Zanzibar people. Would greatly recommend!!! You can never go wrong with SFT group nor the tour operators. Huge Shout Out to Glory Thobias!!!”

Jasmin – “Solo travel is very intimating but this is exactly what I needed to take the step to travel alone! This trip made me feel confident that I can actually explore the world safely while meeting new people and having one in a lifetime experiences.”

Irina – “The trip was truly an experience of a lifetime! The itinerary, accommodations, guides – everything was no less than perfect. I cannot imagine pulling a trip like this off on my own. It exceeded my expectations in every aspect!”

Angela – “I just returned from a safari trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar. The entire trip exceeded my expectations from the detailed planning and packing lists to the amazing animals we saw on the safari to the hot water bottles in our tents at night and morning coffee delivered by the amazing camp staff. The guides especially Glory Thobias were knowledgeable and went to extremes to make sure our experience was an unforgettable one, she knew the best spots to find the wildlife and had amazing driving skills. We were lucky enough to have a group of ladies in our group who were strangers when we met who meshed perfectly which enhanced the trip even more. Would recommend the hot air balloon ride which was optional and amazing. Also recommend the spice farm tour and cooking class in Zanzibar which was a great and unique experience. The only problem now is how do I top that on my next vacation, it will be very hard to beat. Special thanks to Mar also for the amazing planning.”


Inclusions

✔️ Local Female Drivers & Guides, the only ones in Tanzania

✔️ 2 arrival transfers to meet most guests on day 1 (based on flight details)

✔️ 10 Nights at 3-4* Accommodation (twin occupancy)

✔️ Full Board on Safari: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.  See dietary requirements.

✔️ Half Board in Zanzibar (Breakfast & Dinner)

✔️ Non alcoholic drinks (water, juices, coffee) on safari

✔️ Professional Photography pack for Sep 21st 2024 departure only

✔️ Alcoholic drinks at the Welcome and Farewell dinners

✔️ Ground Transportation throughout in 4×4 safari vehicles

✔️ Internal Flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar ($600)

✔️ National Park Fees ($1,250 approx)

✔️ Architectural tour of Stone Town in Zanzibar

Exclusions

✘ International flights to Arusha and from Zanzibar

✘ Travel & Medical Insurance (Required)

✘ Hot Air Ballooning in Serengeti (Optional Extra)

✘ Additional Snacks & Meals

✘ Alcoholic drinks unless otherwise mentioned

✘ Souvenirs

✘ Tips for Drivers / Guides – Guidance of $30 a day

Payment Info

Only 14 Spots Available

$5,495 USD

Payment Plan:

30% non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot

Final balance due 120 days before the trip

*If the trip is cancelled by us before the balance is due, a full refund of the deposit will be issued minus any bank charges. Otherwise, payments are non refundable. By joining our trips you agree to our T&C.

The Solo Female Travelers difference – What makes us unique

All our tours follow the same values and philosophy that makes us who we are which you can find here. In Tanzania, something very special sets us apart from others: Our female safari guides.

No other tour company in Tanzania hires only women for their tours. We are committed to making a difference and helping shape the travel industry in the country, and we are doing just that with our lead guide Glory, and her Tanzania Women Guides Foundation.

Oh! And we also stay at handpicked lodges and resorts that are just fab!


Book NOW

Interested in joining us in Tanzania? We are keeping the group to 15 guests maximum so don’t wait and book now.

IMPORTANT: Due to the nature of this trip, we are unable to cater to several food allergies. As the deposit is non refundable, please notify us of any dietary requirements before making any payments. Note: Please do not book any flights until the trip is confirmed.

Credit card payments carry a 3% surcharge. Wire transfer details are available via email: [email protected]. Click to join the waitlist for sold out dates.

Book 14 to 24 June, 2024

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Book 7 to 17 September 2024

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Book 21 September – 1 October, 2024 (Photographer onboard)

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Book 23 December, 2024 – 2 January 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

This is a trip of a lifetime and we know there are many things you’d like to know more about.

What’s the difference between the Value & the Luxury Trip?


Our Value trip features 3-4 star accommodation, is full board on safari, but half board in Zanzibar (breakfast + dinner only, lunches are your own) and one day longer than the Luxe trip. The Luxe trip offers 4-5 star accommodation and is all inclusive on safari (all meals and drinks including alcohol) and full board (Zanzibar).

The price difference between the two trips comes down to travel style, that is accommodation and inclusions.

What is the difference between traveling in June & September?


The difference between June and September is generally small but there are a few things to note. June is the beginning of the season and September is the end. As such, June will see the plains still green from the rainy season, and there will be more green, lush vegetation than yellow colors. September is slightly hotter than June and also dustier; along with the landscapes being more yellow, there will also be more dust having been dried out from 3 months with no rain since June.

In June we may still have some residual showers, which are very much welcome when it is so hot, and the animals don’t care about the rain either. With more green, there is more vegetation, so animals still have some chances to hide, which they don’t in September. Though Glory is incredible at spotting wildlife and the Serengeti / Ngorongoro Crater are teeming with animals, so visibility is never an issue.

Fun fact: even in March, when it is the rainy season and there have been a few months of rain and high grass, the guests that went on safari after Kilimanjaro had a cheetah climb on their roof! So really, there is no difference on paper, but if you are prone to dust allergies etc then we would recommend traveling in June.

What are the COVID measures in Tanzania and how will you ensure everyone is safe?


We care deeply about the wellbeing of our guests and our trip follows all local regulations. Safaris are uniquely designed for social distancing and isolation as they guarantee that you will only be interacting with the other guests in your group and with the guides. In Zanzibar, you can also limit your interactions to the group.

We require guests who develop a cough or cold-like symptoms to use a mask and separate themselves from the rest of the guests. COVID testing is not mandatory though it will be encouraged.

What if I cannot travel because of COVID restrictions?


Payments are not refundable if the trip goes ahead. This is why we require all guests to purchase travel insurance that covers unforeseen circumstances that would prevent them from traveling.

In the event that the trip needs to be postponed for reasons beyond our control such as a global pandemic or COVID after the the 30% deposit is due, any payments made will be put towards a similar trip in the future.

We recommend checking with an aggregator such as Travel Insurance Master to compare quotes and coverage.

What is included in the trip?


This value safari and beach trip is all inclusive except for meals in Zanzibar and alcoholic drinks, with the exception of the welcome and farewell dinners. Alcohol during other meals will be available for purchase. Optional activities not included in the trip are the sunrise hot air balloon trip in the Serengeti and any additional paid activities in Zanzibar (the hotel offers a range of free water sports such as kayaking).

Can I have a room to myself?


All costs above are considered on a sharing basis with two guests per room in twin bedding; we will pair you with another solo female traveler on the trip. If you wish to have your own room, that is absolutely possible, but a supplement of $650 will apply.

I want to bring my partner to the trip


This is a female-only small group trip specifically designed for women traveling on their own. If you wish to travel with a female friend, they are welcome, however we are not able to book male travelers on this trip.

I want to bring my daughter


How wonderful! If your daughter is above the age of 16, we will be glad to have her with us.

Will the guides be female?


Yes, the safari portion of this trip is exclusively hosted Glory, acclaimed Tanzania female guide and founder of Adventure Women Tanzania.

How does this trip help local communities in Tanzania?


We believe that travel can be a force for good and we support trainee female guides led by Glory who get a chance to practice their skills with our guests. Glory’s work focuses on training more women to become qualified guides through her foundation.

What medication do I need to take for a trip to Tanzania?


You should make an appointment with your doctor to confirm any travel inoculations and other medications that you may need to take before and during the trip, including those to prevent malaria or yellow fever. If your onward travel includes other African nations, you may also require a Yellow Fever certificate, you can check the CDC website for more details.

What should I pack for an African safari?


Once your trip is confirmed, we will send you a detailed packing list with everything you need to take. In general, the number one rule on safari is to blend in, that is, avoid colors that do not naturally occur in the bush (eg. red, blue, white) and go for earthy tones like brown, green, etc. Black is also a color to be avoided because it attracts mosquitoes. You can find more details here.

What happens if I get sick?


The prospect of getting sick while alone in a foreign country is daunting, and this is why we require all our guests have comprehensive travel and medical insurance that includes international evacuation.

Should you fall sick, we will help arrange transportation to the nearest medical facility so you can get the help you need, and will stay with you if needed.

What travel insurance should I get?


We recommend you get the most comprehensive travel and medical insurance that would cover you in the event that you need to be evacuated to Dar es Salaam, Nairobi or back home. We recommend checking with an aggregator such as Travel Insurance Master to compare quotes and coverages.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?


All travelers to Tanzania need a visa which can now be obtained online via this link. We strongly recommend that you apply at least 3 weeks in advance of your trip. If you do not manage to obtain a visa online before your trip, you may also get one on arrival, but expect to queue for up to 2h to get it sorted.

Can I make various instalments for this trip?


Our payment plan includes 2 instalments: a 30% payment to book your spot and the balance 120 days before departure. You may make additional payments between payment due dates.

Can I pay by credit card?


We offer the option to pay via bank transfers as these are the most cost effective bank charges. However, if you wish to use a credit card, an additional 3% fee applies.

Will the lodges and camps have WiFi?


All the accommodation we will be staying at have WiFi but in most cases this is only available at the main common area. This is because camps try to keep impact to a minimum and because connection in the bush is challenging. We invite you to take this opportunity to be in the moment and disconnect from your always-on life.

Can you cater to dietary requirements?


Due to the nature of this trip, we are unable to cater to several food allergies. Please notify us of any dietary requirements before making any payments.

Vegetarian options are available at every meal, though we regret that vegans will have to accept a level of repetition when it comes to food choices. As the deposit is non refundable, it is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requirements before booking.

What if I need a refund?


Payments for this trip are non refundable, except in the instance that the minimum number of guests is not reached. We recommend looking into travel insurance as soon as you confirm your spot, in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from travelling between now and the departure. 

Travel Insurance Masters is a great comparison tool you can use to compare policies and coverages. Travel insurance is mandatory for all our trips, however please cover yourself straight away. Don’t wait or delay.