Culture: Tanzania Edition

Trip Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Country(ies): Tanzania
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $3302
Airfare Estimate: $2500
Structure:   •   Lodging:   •   Nightlife: 7   •   Activity: 7

Just like the Migos have changed the “Culture”, this Mtrek to Tanzania & Zanzibar will change the “Culture” as well. Are you ready to explore Ngoro Ngoro Crater, considered a “microcosm of natural habitats” in Africa? Are you ready to explore the greatness of Mt. Kilimanjaro? What better way to kick off your Ross journey than with the dopest Mtrek leaders at Ross.

After this trip, you’ be able to tell your classmates about the bad and boujee beaches you visited, the “home of the Elephants” at Tarangire Park, and the spice farms, where you can smell and taste spices such as cinnamon and ginger. You won’t want to leave Tanzania after this Mtrek. Last but not least, we will indulge in some of the finest wine and alcohol that Tanzania has to offer. If you are looking for relaxation or the ultimate turn-up, we got you covered.

Day 1 — Saturday, Aug 18

Flight to Tanzania. Optional activities. Group dinner and optional social gathering.

Day 2 — Sunday, Aug 19

Arrive in Arusha and transfer to Moshi. Fly into Kilimanjaro. “Welcome to Arusha”. This multicultural Tanzanian hub, known for its popular nightclubs and global cuisine, offers a lush green climate thanks to its location at the foot of Mt. Meru. It’s the perfect gateway to Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Park- just to name a few. Meet your private group transfer at the airport. We will have a guide at the airport to greet us based on the most common arrival time. All others will need to make their way to the hotel on their own. Check in at Bristol Cottages. Welcome Dinner at Maembe. No time to rest, it’s time to rally! Depart the hotel for a group Welcome Dinner (walking distance from hotel). Tour manager will guide group to dinner from hotel (included 1 non-alcoholic drink).

Day 3 — Monday, Aug 20

Meet tour guide and drive to Kilimanjaro in private coach. Day excursion to Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park. Day hike with a local guide to the first hut of the Marangu Route to visit the Maundi Crater and enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding lakes. Return to Moshi after hike. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure in Moshi, considered the cleanest town in Tanzania. Explore the town & colorful market, where people from the Chagga, Maasaim and Pare ethnic groups live together. Nightlife options include Red Stone Night Club and Black Diamond Night Club.

Day 4 — Tuesday, Aug 21

Check out of Bristol Cottages. Meet tour guide and travel to Olduvai Gorge by Safari vans. Olduvai Gorge is a 30-mile long steep-sided ravine in the Great Rift valley and one of the most importabt paleoanthropologicial sites in the world. “Homo habilis”, probably the first early human species, occupied the gorge approximately 1.9 million years ago. Shifting Sands Dune. Don’t let the name fool you, this phenomenon is worth the stop. Learn the history of the shifting sands dune and the bizarre black volcanic sand this is made of. Guided expedition to Maasai Village to observe how these semi-nomadic people grow their crops and prepare and store food. You can even join their jump competition before they show you how to light a fire. Check into Ngorongoro Farm House and dinner at the lodge.

Day 5 — Wednesday, Aug 22

Travel to Ngorongoro Crater. Optional activity includes a guided nature walk around the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Take an early morning guided tour around the rim of the crater. Led by a member of the Massai tribe, take in the breathtaking views as the world within the crater wakes up. Ngorongoro Crater Safari Drive is nicknamed the 8th wonder of the world and one of the most densely crowded wildlife areas in Africa. This area is home to roughly 30,000 animals, including herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, eland, warthig, hippo, & elephant, as well as hyena, jackal, cheetah, and leopard.

Day 6 — Thursday, Aug 23

Check out of lodge in Ngorongoro and travel to Lake Manyara National Park. This day will include an expansive game drive: Search for Africa’s largest concentration of elephants, the famous Manyara tree-climbing lions, as well as the large flocks of flamingos attracted by the algae in the lake. Manyaa has the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world. The park also offers Acacia woodlands, water forests, baobab strewn cliffs, swamps, and the lake itself. Check into The Outpost Lodge. Dinner will be on your own and tour guide will provide recommendations for students.

Day 7 — Friday, Aug 24

Check out of The Outpost Lodge. Depart Kilimanjaro to travel to Stone Town in Zanzibar. Meet tour guide at airport and transfer to hotel. Check in at Maru Maru Hotel. Afternoon & lunch is on your own. Later that evening, travel to the meeting point for the Sunset Dhow Cruise. Return to hotel after the cruise for dinner and nightlife activities.

Day 8 — Saturday, Aug 25

Enjoy a private surf lesson for the group. Instructor and boards included. Minimum 5 participants and roughly 3.5-4 hours long. Time in the waves is 1.5-2 horus depending on the conditions. Other optional activities include spa services or a cultural meal/cooking activity with the locals. Free afternoon to explore Zanzibar (Prison Island Tour, Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest Tour). Visit the beaches or markets or relax by the pool. Evening is free for students to grab dinner on their own and enjoy nightlife in Zanzibar.

Day 9 — Sunday, Aug 26

Depart hotel for Stone Town Tour. Stone Town is a very lively place where you’ll find a mixture of Arabic, African, Indian and European cultures living comfortably together. As you walk through the labyrinth of streets too narrow for cars to pass, you can see mosques, churches and temples side to side. While you wonder around the city, your guide will take you on a historical and cultural journey through the old slave market, Darajani market place, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Sultan’s Palace. All entrances included. Lunch will be on your own and afternoon is free to explore/relax in Zanzibar. In the evening, meet the tour guide to walk to dinner to enjoy the last night in Tanzania.

Day 10 — Monday, Aug 27

Enjoy a free morning in Zanzibar picking up last minute gifts and checking out of hotel. Students would depart to airport for return flight home.