Tanzania Safari

Embark on an Incredible Adventure

Imagine standing beneath the vast Tanzanian sky, where the sun sets in a brilliant display of oranges and purples over the Serengeti, and the sounds of nature fill the air with life. From its savannas brimming with wildlife to its enchanting islands, Tanzania is more than worthy of a bucket list trip.

This vibrant country offers not just stunning views, but a chance to connect with welcoming communities, experience unique cultures and embark on adventures alongside a welcoming group of female travelers with Cherish. Plus, you can feel good about your trip knowing that your tourism dollars support the local women you’ll meet along the way.

Trip Overview

The Details:

8-day, 7-night safari with an optional 3-day extension to Zanzibar

Cherish trips are group experiences designed for you to immerse yourself in a destination alongside fellow adventurous women. Each trip is designed around supporting local businesses, especially with an eye for women-owned companies.

Departure Date:

February 26 to March 5, 2025 with an optional add-on to Zanzibar through March 8

Pricing:

Trip pricing starts at $5,995 and includes the full experience in Tanzania. Pricing plans are available. Deposits are due by December 26.

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Trip Highlights

Fully planned and guided experience through Tanzania's Northern Circuit
Travel alongside fellow women travelers & cultivate meaningful connections
Bucket list safari experience to see Africa's Big Five with a private guide and safari jeep
Witness the wonders of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and more of Tanzania’s great outdoors
Connect with locals during a visit to an authentic Maasai Lodge
Boutique accommodations and delicious, multi-course dining
Meet and support local women and entrepreneurs in Tanzania
Supports female scholars in their pursuit of education through our partnership with the Unite Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

Meet Zakia

Each of our trips is designed with a mission to empower women in the destination we visit. In Tanzania, our trip directly supports Zakia in continuing her education and attending Hospitality & Tourism School.

Zakia’s Story

Disclaimer: The following story mentions sexual assault, which could be triggering to some readers.

Zakia lives in Tanzania with her family (her parents and three siblings). Her parents are farmers, and work hard to cultivate maize, rice and cassava on their small plot of land using only hand hoes. They live in extreme poverty and are unable to properly sustain or nourish themselves, often surviving on just one or two small meals a day.

Zakia was top of her class while attending school. Unfortunately, due to Zakia’s family living in poverty, she often walked long distances by herself (such as going to school or collecting firewood for cooking). In 2022, when she was walking alone, she was brutalized by a stranger who raped her before fleeing. The attack left Zakia pregnant, and she now has a young daughter to care for. In Tanzania, girls are often expelled from school if they become pregnant, but because Zakia's situation was widely known she was allowed to complete her final exams. Her goal is to continue her education and eventually work in hospitality.

A portion of proceeds from your trip will directly support Zakia’s education fund. If you’re interested in an additional donation, you can support Zakia’s education funds through the 501c3 nonprofit Unite the World with Africa Foundation, Inc.

Who is this trip for?

WILDLIFE ENTHUSIAST

OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH EXPLORER

OPEN-MINDED TRAVELER

INQUISITIVE SOUL-SEEKER

IMMERSIVE ADVENTURER

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Day One (February 26)

Arrive in Africa
Fly into Mt. Kilimanjaro to start your Tanzanian safari vacation. Don't stress about a thing upon your arrival at the airport: Cherish handles all of the details and will pick you up. We’ll head to our first hotel at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. You’ll check into the woman-owned accommodations that directly benefit the local Masaai people, and connect with your fellow female travelers during your first evening in Tanzania before resting up for your big adventure.

Day Two (February 27)

Immersive Experience with the Maasai

Learn about the Masaai culture through hands-on experiences at the lodge. The lodge you are staying at is fully operated and run by local Masaai people. Enjoy a full day with curated experiences alongside the Masaai, including taking a walking safari, crafting with Masaai women and visiting a nearby school. You’ll even try your hand at spear throwing, and end the day with a traditional ceremonial dance.

Day Three (February 28)

City Life in Tanzania

Say goodbye to the Maasai Lodge and the beautiful locals you met while visiting. After we enjoy breakfast, we’ll head out for a short drive into one of Tanzania's largest cities, Arusha. Today, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Tanzania city-life and see a big city firsthand. Visit a local market for shopping, go to an art center that employs disabled people, and visit Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre (the largest in all of Africa).

Day Four (March 1)

Tanzanian Culture

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own adventure. Hike through the Ngorongoro conservation area to elephant caves and a stunning waterfall, choose to explore farm life, or simply relax at the gorgeous farm. Afterwards, enjoy a gorgeous buffet lunch at a local farm. The evening is yours to relax at the mountainside lodge where we’ll stay.

Day Five (March 2)

Safari Game Drive in the Ngorongoro Crater

Today is a special day – you will descend to the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro is a deep, volcanic crater, the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world. About 12 miles across, 600 meters deep and 115 square miles in area, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder. The crater walls provide a natural fence for a heavy concentration of wildlife on the ground floor. Nature is never a guarantee, but we’ll keep our eyes out for lions, hippos, rhinos, zebras, flamingos, hyenas and more.

Day Six-Eight (March 3-5)

Searching for the Big Five

After exploring Ngorongoro and the surrounding areas, our safari continues in Ndutu & the Serengeti. We’ll take a stunning drive to the Ndutu Region of Tanzania. Your local guide will know the best places to track down and spot wildlife. The group will spend the next few days exploring Ndutu and the Serengeti. Let's see if you can find all of Africa's Big Five!

Extend Your Trip

Visit Zanzibar (Optional Add-On)

Extend your Tanzanian adventure with an idyllic island escape to Zanzibar. Relax on pristine beaches, snorkel vibrant coral reefs and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this enchanting destination. Whether you want to visit the spice-scented streets of Zanzibar or choose to meet the famous Seaweed Women, this island extension promises blissful relaxation after a busy safari experience.

Departures

International Flights Back From Designated Tanzania Airport

Cherish prides itself on our ability to coordinate every detail meticulously. We will support you in returning to your selected Tanzania International Airport after the trip. Please note, if you choose to extend your trip to Zanzibar, you're able to fly home from the Island's International Airport.

Your trip includes:

Boutique accommodations for seven nights.
All meals at the lodges and on-the-go lunches during the safari portion of your trip.
Regional flight from Serengeti back to Kilimanjaro/Dar es Salaam or continuing on to Zanzibar.
Airport pick-ups for both regional and international flights (international flight cost not included).
Dedicated travel guide throughout the entire experience.
Safari game drives: Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu Region, Serengeti, and additional game drives in-between. Each experience is a private jeep safari safari with a local guide with wildlife expertise.
Walking Safari with a Maasai Guide and a visit to elephant caves (caves made by elephants)
Meet the Maasai: Immersive experiences alongside tribe members of the Maasai
Local experiences: Visit a local village, school, and orphanage, shop from a city market, support disabled locals in their workplace and more.
Curated recommendations throughout your travel experience, as well as free time to explore on your own or relax and recharge.
Dedicated pre-trip support to help you prepare.
Curated travel resources with robust travel tips, including a detailed packing list, itinerary, safety tips and more.
Personal travel consultation: A one-on-one call with Cherish's Founder to discuss all of the details of your trip.
Collaborative virtual trip group chat.
Group photo album.

Exclusions:

International flights (arrival and departure from the Designated Tanzania Airports).
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal transportation during free time.
Any incidental costs: personal shopping, souvenirs, etc.
Gratuities for local guides, hotel staff, etc.
Travel insurance
Zanzibar extension (priced separately)

Our Approach to Accommodations

Prioritizing local digs packed with charm

Each of the boutique properties on your trip has been selected for its unique character and charm. Whenever possible, we select locally owned properties with an eye for long-term community development. All of the properties include basic amenities like wifi and comfortable rooms so that you can stay in style. You’ll receive a detailed itinerary with everything you need to know in advance of your trip.

Arrival Hotel - Mt. Kilimanjaro

Welcome to Tanzania! Our first accommodations are built and run by the Maasai and offer the opportunity to stay in traditional bomas built with premium amenities. On clear days, you’ll be able to catch stunning views of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The pool, massage rooms, and sauna are just right for relaxation and regaining strength after a long transit. When you’ve worked up a hunger, venture to the on-site restaurant and bar to share a meal with new friends.

What we love: All of the revenue for this property directly benefits local Maasai people. Plus, you’ll get a unique and immersive experience by staying in a traditional boma.

African Glamping - Outside of Arusha

Quietly tucked away on the top of a hill in rural Tanzania, our next lodge is crafted with an eco-conscious approach: it’s built with indigenous hardwood and in traditional African style. It is in complete harmony with its surroundings. It has a spacious set up, personal and friendly service, and its finishing touches, such as cozy sofas around the fireplace and warm decorative details, provide the perfect home base for your stay. Each of the comfortable tented houses has its own veranda with splendid views. With only fifteen individual tents, this lodge has an intimate charm.

What we love: This remote, luxury tented lodge is a woman-owned property that directly supports the adjacent orphanage through tourism dollars.

Safari Lodge - Ndutu

Next, we’ll head to the southeastern part of the Serengeti for our stay at a historic safari lodge. Built using traditional approaches, the lodge embodies a back-to-basics mentality. The stone and thatch cottages are naturally cool due to the thick walls and they provide simple and comfortable accommodation. Their team has more than 50 years of experience hosting safari guests, and they’ve perfected every detail. You’ll meet scientists who can explain the natural surroundings and wildlife, plus professional photographers to capture each special moment.

What we love: This property is one of the oldest lodges in Tanzania, and the historic setting is part of the Serengeti. Here, you’re one with wildlife. You’ll be able to sit near the bonfire and observe the resident wildlife from a safe distance.

Safari Lodge - Serengeti

Welcome to the center of the Serengeti! Cherish selected this particular safari lodge to explore the heart of the famous and expansive plain that stretches more than 10,000 square miles. This lodge boasts elegant tents built on raised wood platforms with en-suite facilities and an open-air shower (that our founder personally raves about).. Pro-tip: Enjoy a refreshing shower under the stars! Each tent has its private terrace to enjoy the landscape and the environment.

What we love: The hotel has its own foundation which supports different projects to improve the living conditions of the local population through sanitation and education.

Zanzibar Extension - Beachside Hotel

For those who extend their trip for beachside relaxation in Zanzibar, we’ll head to Sharazād, a family-owned property that is named after the legendary queen and the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights. The name has Persian origins and translates roughly to 'she whose land is free' as well as 'pretty woman', 'wise woman', and 'woman with the liberty of mind.' This is a beachfront property with stunning surroundings and a culturally rich stay in Zanzibar.

What we love: This is a family-owned property ideal for relaxation after an adventure-filled safari. The boutique hotel blends traditional Swahili and contemporary design, offering a luxurious and culturally rich experience.

FAQs

What makes Cherish trips unique?

Our trips are designed to champion women. We’ve scoured the globe for the best experiences: each of our itineraries has a core focus on supporting women-owned businesses throughout your journey. Let Cherish Tours help you create memories and lifelong friends with our uniquely curated, women-only travel tours.

Who are the other women on the Cherish trip?

Cherish travelers are adventurous and curious women, just like you. We embrace travelers of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. We’re all different, but we’re united by our love of travel: we seek out immersive and unique experiences, and ways to connect with the world around us. We never settle for the status quo, and believe in self-growth at any age. We’re here to support women and cheer you along, before, during and after your trip with us.

What airport do I fly in/out of?

You will fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and depending on where you end your trip, you may decide to fly out of a different airport.

You will fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Cherish facilitates all group transportation for your trip, including picking you up from the airport. JRO is approximately one hour away from our first lodge. The suggested arrival time is prior to 5 pm on February 26 to allow enough time for pick up and transfer to join the group dinner at 7 pm.

For guests who are ending their trip after the safari portion, they will be able to choose the international airport of choice within Tanzania (Dar es Salam or Kilimanjaro).

For guests who choose to extend their trip with our Zanzibar add-on, you can depart from the Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).

What are the travel requirements for entry into Tanzania?

We recommend checking government websites for official, up-to-date information on your entry requirements, but so that you have a general understanding of what to expect, you will need:

Valid passport: The expiration date should be more than six months after your departure date.
Travel visa: Cherish will provide detailed instructions on how to apply for the visa after you have booked the safari with us. It is a straightforward process. CIBT is the best resource for checking visa requirements.
Return ticket to the country of origin or the next destination to visit.
Address of the place of lodging: Cherish will provide this to you.
Yellow fever vaccine if you are traveling to Zanzibar. Cherish recommends checking all vaccine requirements with your doctor.
Mandatory insurance: For those extending to Zanzibar only.

Tanzania does NOT require any vaccinations, testing, or otherwise for entry related to Covid-19.

Please note, this list is geared toward US citizens traveling from the US. Travelers who hold a non-US passport should inquire further to gain more information about their own specific travel requirements.

What are the activities like? What should I know in advance?

Cherish Trips are for women curious about mindful and immersive travel.

Our Tanzania Safari is a culturally immersive experience that requires some additional considerations prior to travel in comparison to Cherish's other offered destinations. We expect all women who sign up for the safari to be respectful of local cultures and wildlife.

Activities do include long hours in the safari jeep, including going off-roading. The lodges we stay at are comfortable and charming, but are not five-star luxury resorts (which we think is a good thing). You’ll have some places where you stay that do have mosquito nets. Expect to experience Tanzania's culture in its authenticity which may include seeing poverty first-hand. Please inquire further or book a call with us if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.

Who is my Cherish travel guide throughout the trip?

For every Cherish trip, we provide a dedicated guide to travel alongside you for the duration of the trip. They are with you to not only facilitate the itinerary but also ensure you have an incredible travel experience. That's why we call our team "Memory Creators." They work with our local partners, tour operators, etc. to seamlessly create an impactful and memorable experience for your vacation.

In Tanzania, your Travel Guide is Taylor Perez. She’ll be with you throughout the trip to make sure your experience is exceptional. Learn more about Taylor on our team page.

We also hire a local safari jeep driver and wildlife guide. The guide will travel with you during the duration of the safari portion of the trip to enhance your experience and teach you about Tanzania's culture, history, and of course, wildlife!

When is the trip?

The trip February 26 to March 5, 2025 with an optional add-on to Zanzibar through March 8.

How much does the trip cost? Are there payment plans available?

The cost of the trip varies depending on whether you book a shared room with a fellow Cherish traveler or a private room. The shared room price is $5,997 for the full eight-day, seven-night safari, or $6,847 for a private room. There is an optional three-day extension to Zanzibar for three nights and four days. It is $695 for a shared room or $905 for a private room.

To reserve your space, we require a $500 deposit. We offer up to five additional payments.

When do I need to book my trip? How can I book my trip?

Trip bookings are now open for our Tanzania trip and we are accepting reservations through Dec. 31, 2024. The trip will be from February 26 through March 5, 2025. To book, please make your room selection (shared room vs. private) and submit a deposit.