The Heartland of the Swahili
Land of the Swahili Adventure
The call of the wild is hard to resist – so don’t try! On this East Africa safari bonanza, we’re tossing the guidebooks aside and diving headfirst into Kenya and Tanzania, embarking on a 20-day adventure that’s drenched in the Swahili spirit. As you explore, you’ll meet different ethnic groups, each with unique cultures, but all united by one common bond: the Swahili language.
Fancy waking up to the roar of lions and spending your afternoons in the shadows of elephants? Yes, please! How about coming face-to-face with the tribes of Mto Wa Mbu village, and sharing laughs over banana beer with the locals? Getting down Swahili-style in a tribal dance-off that’ll have you laughing until it hurts? And, sailing through the Serengeti checking out some of the coolest landscapes on the planet? It doesn’t get any better than this!
If you’re eager to join a crew of 11 other fearless travellers on the adventure of a lifetime then embrace the Swahili saying, “Hakuna Matata”, book your spot now, and get ready to fall head-over-heels for East Africa.
Highlights
Trip Details
Trip Breakdown
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
|---|---|
|
|
Length
20 days, 19 nights
Pricing Details
- $2,150 AUD deposit
- 2-week cooling-off period applies
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private room for each guest
Meeting Point
Tamarind Tree Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
Ending Point
Olerai Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania
Group Size
Maximum 12
Included
- Meals: 19 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 17 dinners
- 2 internal flights and & private vehicle transportation throughout. Safari 4WD vehicles
- 15 nights boutique accommodation
- 4 nights tented camps at Savo East National Park and The Serengeti
- All park entrance fees and taxes
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All listed activities and more!
Not Included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visas (See FAQs for more information)
- Optional hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Accommodation Preview
Tamarind Tree Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
Sentrim Castle Royal Hotel, Mombasa, Kenya
Olerai Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania
Day 1 – Karibu Nairobi!
Karibu Nairobi – and welcome to the heart of Africa! From the moment you land, our friendly driver will be there to take you straight to the comfort of your hotel, where you can shake off the journey and feel the warm welcome of African hospitality. You really can’t beat door-to-door service!
Tonight, you’ll meet your fellow adventurers for the first time at Tamarind, one of our favourite local restaurants. Over delicious Kenyan dishes, get to know your fellow Fencoxers, share your excitement and clink glasses to the journey ahead. This is only the beginning!
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel (or similar), Nairobi, Kenya
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Nairobi
Kick off your first full day in Kenya with Nairobi’s best-kept secret: the Nai Naim storytelling experience. Far from your average snooze-fest of a traditional sightseeing walk, this outing is a deep dive into the city’s lesser-known spots, led by those who know these areas best – former street kids! They’ve navigated the toughest parts of the city and now, they’re ready to guide you through Nairobi’s nooks and crannies, sharing stories of the real Nairobi. The best part? By joining them, you’re not just getting behind the scenes in Nairobi; you’re also giving these resilient guides a shot at stable work opportunities.
After a morning spent peeling back Nairobi’s layers, your stomach’s in for a treat. Get ready to dive fork-first into Nairobi’s food scene, sampling Swahili classics like nyama choma, ugali, and kachumbari. Never heard of them? You’re in for a treat. We bet you’ll be bragging about them like a local food critic in no time!
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel (or similar), Nairobi, Kenya
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Mombasa
Hop on the train today and kick your feet up – this ride’s about to serve up some serious eye candy, Kenyan style. As the land rolls by, you’ll be spoon-fed views so stunning you’ll want to snap photos of every passing tree and hill!
Six hours later, boom! You’re in Mombasa, where it’s time to learn about its streets, stories and the kind of history that has you on the edge of your seat. There’s only one way to get to the bottom of what makes Mombasa oh-so-intriguing and that’s on, you guessed it, a no-holds-barred guided walk around the city. After all, locals know best.
Zigzagging through Mombasa, you’ll uncover Fort Jesus, drift through the scent-soaked spice markets and, wait… are those giraffes? Yep! Haller Park is the city sanctuary of these gentle giants, and it’ll soon become one of your favourite spots in the city. Who could blame you?
Accommodation: Sentrim – Castle Royal Hotel (or similar), Mombasa, Kenya
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Lamu Island
Wave a cheeky goodbye to Mombasa – next stop: Lamu Island, where the only thing quicker than your flight there is the pace at which you’ll fall for this place. Kenya isn’t exactly known for its island vibes, but a few minutes into your trip here you’ll be wondering why the word hasn’t gotten out yet.
Lamu Old Town is the island’s hotspot, so it’s time to dig into its mystical ancient vibe. Here, you’ll notice the blend of influences and styles, and that’s all thanks to the Omani Arabs, Turkish and Portuguese traders who passed through here back in the day.
Take a moment (or several!) to admire Lamu’s Swahili doorways as you pass them. Famous for their intricate carvings and unique styles, these doorways are an only-in-Lamu sight, so why not challenge your new Fencox pals to a find-the-most-intriguing-doorway contest. Losers buy the winners Swahili sweets. Game on!
Accommodation: Lamu Palace Hotel (or similar), Lamu, Kenya
Included: Breakfast
Day 5 – Lamu Island
Kick off your morning with a hefty dose of island chill. No alarms, no rush – just you, the sea breeze and maybe a lazy breakfast. Lamu’s laid-back feeling is contagious, so let it take over.
As the day heats up, it’s time to add some spice with a cooking class that’ll bring you face-to-face with the very best Swahili flavours. Pilaf rice, tangy curries, fluffy couscous and chutneys so zingy they’ll wake up your taste buds are all on the menu, so there’s a lot to get excited about!
Worried about your chef skills? Don’t be. We’d be very surprised if any of you have cooked Swahili food before, so you’re all in the same boat – or kitchen – here. No pressure, just a bunch of adventurous travellers fumbling through recipes together, laughing off the mishaps, and cheering on the successes.
Accommodation: Lamu Palace Hotel (or similar), Lamu, Kenya
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 – Mombasa
Time to swap that island breeze for safari dreams as you jet back to Mombasa. Today’s a travel day, but don’t worry – Mombasa’s so nice, you’re visiting it twice! Your last stop here felt like quite the whirlwind, so now, you’ve got the opportunity to dig a little deeper and really soak up this city-sized cocktail of sand, sea and sensory overload. Got a spot you wished you could linger at last time? Now’s your chance. Whether it’s an afternoon chilling with giraffes at Haller Park or hunting down more treasures in the spice markets, we know you’re going to love the extra time you’ll spend here.
If leaving Lamu Island was almost too hard to bear, why not head off to one of Mombasa’s many gorgeous beaches to keep those island vibes flowing as you feel the Indian Ocean breeze on your face? It’s a tough gig, but somebody’s gotta do it!
Accommodation: Sentrim Castle Royal Hotel (or similar), Mombasa, Kenya
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Tsavo East National Park
Buckle up, squad! Today’s agenda: Tsavo East National Park. You’ll arrive here by afternoon, just in time to catch the golden hour on a game drive before you tuck in for the night. With its lunar-like landscapes and a huge range of animals, it’s easy to see why Tsavo is called the wild heart of Kenya.
Tonight, you’ll spot dust-red elephants roaming free, cheetahs sprinting across the plains and lions lounging in the sun like the kings of the jungle they are. As your guide shares the story of the famous man-eating lions of Tsavo, you’ll feel a shiver down your spine… but we promise you’re in safe hands!
Four of the ‘Big Five’ live in the park, so keep your binoculars ready – can you spot them all?
Accommodation: Sentrim Tsavo East (or similar), Gutini, Kenya
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Tsavo East National Park
Sun’s up, and so are you – Tsavo East isn’t going to explore itself!
With an entire day stretching out ahead of you, every turn is another opportunity to spot more incredible animals roaming their natural habitat, and there’s no better way to do this than on another game drive. You’ll never get tired of spotting more elephants, lions and leopards, but let’s not forget the buffalo, zebra and Masai giraffes here too. Driving through the park feels like a live-action scene straight out of a nature documentary!
Sit back, relax and enjoy nature’s greatest show on earth. This is a day you won’t forget in a hurry.
Accommodation: Sentrim Tsavo East (or similar), Gutini, Kenya
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Amboseli National Park
Tearing yourself away from Tsavo might be a challenge, but Amboseli is about to blow your safari socks off. Getting there involves a five-and-a-half-hour road trip, the perfect opportunity to bond with your travel squad over your best travel stories and share your mind-boggling photos from the last few days.
What’s that in the background? Pinch yourself, because yes – that’s Mount Kilimanjaro! Lunch today comes with a five-star view of the tallest mountain in Africa, and that’s a spectacle money just can’t buy.
Amboseli, which translates to ‘salty dust’ from Maasai, is one of the top places in Africa to view large herds of elephants. Here, they’ll wander so close to you that you’ll be able to hear the flap of their ears. We told you this place was worth the drive!
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge (or similar), Ol Tukai, Kenya
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Hello Tanzania!
You’re up at the crack of dawn today, and for good reason. Amboseli’s early birds catch the elephant herds! Today kicks off with a game drive at the break of light, where it feels like the elephants are parading just for you. It’s that wild scene from your travel dreams, except here, the gentle giants are real, roaming free in the cool morning air, and you’re part of their world.
And with that fabulous finale, your time in Kenya has come to an end. Next stop: Tanzania! Your home for the next few nights is the eye-popping Africa Amini Lodge, where you’ll find traditional earth houses built and owned by the local Maasai people. Way cooler than a boring old hotel, right?
Accommodation: Africa Amini Life Original Maasai Lodge (or similar), Ngare Nanyuki, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – Moshi
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and a bush breakfast with views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru really is the perfect wake-up call. Breakfast devoured, you have a full day at Africa Amini to enjoy, trying out a bunch of traditional Maasai activities that are guaranteed to toss you into the deep end of Maasai culture. You’ll swap tales by the campfire, test your aim with spear throwing (it’s harder than it looks!), and shake a leg with traditional dances that’ll have you working up a sweat.
There’s only one logical way to recover after a jam-packed roster of activities and that’s with a free afternoon to unwind by the pool, work up a sweat in the sauna with views of Kili, or get a muscle-melting massage. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge your adventure batteries, so go on, take advantage of it!
Accommodation: Africa Amini Life Original Maasai Lodge (or similar), Ngare Nanyuki, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Kilimanjaro National Park
Start the day with an early breakfast, because today, Kilimanjaro National Park is calling your name – it’s hiking o’clock! And before you start picturing a mammoth hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, relax. We’ve picked out the gentlest 90-minute trail there is, tweaking it to make sure everyone’s comfortably gasping at the views – not gasping for breath!
As you climb steadily through the tropical mountain forests, keep your eyes on the trees. If you’re lucky, you may spot colobus monkeys swinging their way through the treetops, or catch a glimpse of crested turacos flying between the branches. There are plenty of other weird and wonderful creatures out there, and your guide’s got a sixth sense for spotting all things wild, guaranteeing that your walk is packed with “did you see that?!” moments. Next up: Arusha!
Accommodation: Olerai Lodge (or similar), Arusha, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 – Free Day
After days of non-stop adventure and mind-blowing sights, this is the perfect opportunity to dial it back and do your thing, your way. Feeling the wear and tear of travel? That’s the perfect excuse to hit pause and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation at the hotel. Or, if you fancy getting to know Arusha a little better, the call of the local markets is almost too tempting to resist. This intoxicating mish-mash of colours, smells, and sounds feels overwhelming in the best way possible, with every stall offering another opportunity to chat with locals and snag some unique souvenirs. After all, you can’t go home empty-handed!
Whichever way you swing, today’s all about you, so whether you’re looking to recharge or explore, let the day unfold at your own pace.
Accommodation: Olerai Lodge (or similar), Arusha, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 – Mto Wa Mbu Village
After a brief taste of city life, it’s time to reunite with the countryside, exploring Mto Wa Mbu Village where 18,000 folks from 120 different tribes call home.
One of the village’s specialities is mbege, a homemade brew of fermented banana that’s as intriguing as it sounds. Dare to take a swig? We thought so! After that, it’s time to roll up your sleeves with the Makonde woodworkers to carve your mark (literally!) in one of the village’s workshops, learning about the historical significance of carving in this region along the way.
As we wrap up and hit the road to Lake Eyasi, you’ll find yourself mulling over how, in just 15 days, people who were once strangers have turned into your tight-knit safari family. Who knew Tanzania could feel so much like home?
Accommodation: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge (or similar), Lake Eyasi, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 – The Hadzabe Tribe
We have another very special day in store for you as you step through a time portal with the Hadzabe tribe – Tanzania’s original wanderers. With only about two thousand members remaining in the southwest Karatu District, these hunter-gatherers are the real deal when it comes to living history. Today, you’ll get to sample a day in the life with the tribe, trying your hand at ancient hunting techniques and maybe even throwing a spear or two. It’s time to test the skills you honed at Africa Amini.
Soak it all in today as you enjoy village life. We know it’s tricky to contain your excitement for the next few days, but as night falls and you drift off to sleep, dreams of tomorrow’s adventures bubble up. When you wake up, you’re hitting the ultimate bucket-list destination. Endless skies, sprawling savannahs and wildlife galore… yep, the wait is over: it’s Serengeti time.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge (or similar), Karatu, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 – Southern Serengeti
You’ll practically leap out of bed this morning as you race to pack up and hit the road. The journey will take around three hours, but it’ll zoom by in the blink of an eye since you’ll spend the entire drive glued to the window. Slicing through the misty veils of rainforests in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, keep your eyes peeled for the locals – cape buffalo, cheeky baboons and if luck’s on your side, elephants and leopards. You’ll never get tired of seeing them!
After a morning spent gawping at your fabulous surroundings, you’ll break for a chilled-out picnic lunch in the savannah, the perfect moment to bask in the African sun and chat about the coolest sights. Then, it’s time to explore more of what the Serengeti has to offer, getting up close and personal with the local superstars – zebras, lions and giraffes, against that iconic golden backdrop. What a day!
Accommodation: Baobab Serengeti (or similar), Robanda, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 – Central Serengeti
How about kicking off your day in serious style with an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride? Floating above the Serengeti as the sun sets the savanna on fire (just visually, don’t worry!) is an experience you’ll be talking about for years – and hey, there’s champagne waiting for you when you land! This experience is an optional extra, but it’s worth every penny.
Prefer to keep things on the ground? No worries. Head out early for a game drive as the predators start their morning hunt, making the most of the cooler temps. Lions, leopards and cheetahs will all be out and about, and you’ll have front-row seats to the action.
Once you’ve had your fill of wildlife sightings, head back to the lodge for a well-deserved late breakfast and recharge. The afternoon’s all yours to venture out for another game drive or stay at the lodge, soaking up those endless views from the mess tent.
Accommodation: Baobab Serengeti (or similar), Robanda, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 – Karatu
Breathe in the Ndutu plains’ fresh air a little deeper, soaking up every second of your time here before the reflective three-hour journey back to Karatu – where the landscapes you’ve come to love get a chance to show off one last time.
Tucked up in bed in Karatu tonight, you’re perfectly placed for a smooth hop over to Arusha tomorrow. As you unwind for the evening, let your memories of the sights, the sounds and the silences that filled your days here lull you to sleep. Goodnight!
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge (or similar), Karatu, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19 – Tarangire
Your adventure is winding down, but there’s one last wild stop to make – Tarangire National Park! Here, you’ll join a game drive and, if you’re really lucky, you might spot some rare species like the fringe-eared oryx or the majestic greater kudu!
A picnic lunch overlooking the river will be the perfect breather, but don’t let your guard down – the cheeky local monkeys will be on the lookout to steal your sandwich! After lunch, it’s back on the road for your last safari glimpses before you make your way to Arusha.
As the finish line for your journey looms closer, so does your final dinner with your Fencox crew. Try to hold back the tears as you dig into a Tanzanian feast filled with laughter, stories and maybe even a local performance to send you off in style. Raise your glasses in a toast – here’s to you, the unforgettable memories you’ve created together and the Land of Swahili!
Accommodation: Olerai Lodge (or similar), Arusha, Tanzania
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20 – Farewell Friends!
It’s been a whirlwind of adventures, but all good things must come to an end eventually. As you prepare for departure, be sure to exchange those last hugs and promises to stay in touch. Your transfer will ensure you’re at the Kilimanjaro airport with plenty of time to spare, and then, the only question is… where to next?
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is a significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.67 USD.
A deposit of $2,150 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
You’ll need an eTA visa to enter Kenya. Kenya issues a single-entry eTA to Australian citizens, valid for 90 days or three months from the time of issuance. More details will be provided closer to your departure date.
Additionally, you’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania. Australian citizens can apply online for their Tanzanian visa. We will share more information about visa requirements closer to the departure date.
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport, including boats. You may need to occasionally sit on the floor and from time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
Activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Swahili Adventure, we ask your contribution be: $100 USD on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way for included meals, hotel staff and other services.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guide and drivers. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
Guide: $100 USD per person
Drivers: $60 USD per person
Standard weight 23 kg; hand-carry bag 8kg
TBA
TBA
TBA
International airfares are not included.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
There are several code share flights departing Australia and New Zealand for Nairobi in Kenya and flying via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg. Similar routes are available for the return trip from Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania.
Airport transfers are included. You can plan to arrive at any time, but we recommend arriving in the morning to give yourself time to settle in. (NB: Hotel check-in time is 2pm)
Kenya – Kenyan Shilling (KES), Tanzania – Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
This trip visits two different countries, each with their unique histories and cultures. So that you’re experiencing the essence of each country, your trip will be led by two culturally different guides (the transition occurs on Day 15), and from time to time, other specialty guides will join the group too.
To enter Tanzania from Kenya, you will need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.
During your safaris and journey through the African savannah, the group will be divided into three vehicles for smoother and more comfortable travel. During this part of the journey, you’ll embark in specially equipped 4WD vehicles, boasting roof hatches and sliding windows that offer a remarkable 360-degree view of the wildlife. Each vehicle comes prepared with spare tires, ensuring your comfort and safety even on the rugged African outback. Each car includes a charging station so you can charge your phone, camera battery, or laptop while on the road.
When on safari, remember to stay respectful of the wildlife and their habitat. Keep a safe distance, avoid making loud noises or sudden movements, and always follow the instructions of your guide. By respecting the animals and their environment, you’ll not only ensure your safety but also contribute to the preservation of these precious ecosystems for future generations to enjoy. First aid is included with every vehicle, and all of our guides are trained to provide basic first aid. Additionally, each vehicle is equipped with a pair of binoculars for your convenience. You’re welcome to bring your own pair as well.
During this trip, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Swahili-speaking countries. Swahili, a language with origins dating back to the interactions between Arabian traders and the inhabitants of the East African coast over centuries, has evolved significantly. Initially serving as a lingua franca influenced by Arab culture, Swahili emerged among closely related Bantu-speaking tribal groups.
Those who speak Swahili as their primary language are often referred to as Waswahili, though this term specifically denotes their language and not any specific ethnic or tribal group.
Occasional days do involve long stretches of driving, and over windy roads, so you need to be the kind of person who enjoys road trips. Any such necessary long drives are offset by photo stops, picnic lunches, roadside pit stops, tea/coffee breaks, and of course seeing points of interest, with leg-stretching walks. Our vehicles are comfortable, well-maintained and not prone to breaking down.
