I spent three full weeks exploring the highlights of Tanzania — climbing Kilimanjaro, embarking on a safari through the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater, diving in the jewel-toned waters of Zanzibar — and it took me 22 posts to tell the story of my time here. If you missed one, or if you’re looking to plan your own trip to this part of the world, I’ve linked to everything I’ve written about Tanzania in this single handy post. Click through to read more about any particular location!
Good Hope School in Moshi, Tanzania
We arrive in Moshi, Tanzania and spend an unforgettable afternoon visiting kids at the Good Hope school.
Kilimanjaro Day 1: Jungle Walk
It’s Day 1 of our Kilimanjaro hike and we have 10km through jungle terrain ahead of us. To quote Dr. Seuss, “Today is the day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!”
Kilimanjaro Day 2: Above the Clouds
Today we face a steep ascent on Kilimanjaro, climbing above dense forrest and into the clouds. Views from our campsite are breathtaking, literally and figuratively at 12,500 feet.
After a steady climb on Day 3 of Kilimanjaro, we reach Lava Tower in time for lunch. The afternoon descent to camp takes us through terrain that looks decidedly like the desert landscape of Southern California.
Kilimanjaro Day 4: Barranco Wall
Today we face the challenging Barranco Wall — a near vertical climb over boulders and narrow cliffs. We’re rewarded with spectacular views in all directions.
Kilimanjaro Day 5: Within Reach
We are so close…! An easy morning hike followed by an afternoon of sleeping, and we’ll be ready to begin our overnight trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
We begin trekking at midnight, in the freezing dark, and arrive at the summit of Kilimanjaro seven hours later just after sunrise. Here is the story of our summit bid.
Kilimanjaro Video Diary! Curious what it was like to climb Africa’s highest mountain? My sister and I turned the camera on ourselves to show exactly what we went through.
We visit a snake farm in Tanzania and my sister is not having it. Check out the variety of colors and sizes… as photographed from the other side of the glass.
The day is here — we’re heading into Serengeti National Park, the crown jewel of Africa’s safari parks. Luck is on our side as we catch lions snoozing in front of a stellar sunset.
This Elephant is Ready for His Close-up
Day 2 in the Serengeti brings a leopard sighting and a giant male pachyderm who is ready for his close-up.
Lions on the Prowl in the Serengeti
Today’s highlights from the Serengeti include lots of lions — some snoozing, some on the prowl. Is today the day we’ll witness a kill?
I take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti in Tanzania — we hover over hippo pools, float eye-to-eye with vultures, and chase herds of buffalo. Check out the highlights.
The highlight of our first day in Ngorongoro Crater is lion cubs pouncing on each other in front of our safari jeep. It’s like a scene from The Lion King.
It’s our last day in the Ngorongoro Crater — the light is spectacular and we encounter hundreds of zebras, as well as hippos and baboons.
Crossing Tanzania: Arusha to Dar Es Salaam
It takes two full days to drive across Tanzania en route to Zanzibar. But this is the reason to travel overland style — the views are incredible.
This is the horrifying recount of the night I discovered a snake in our hotel room in Zanzibar. And my sister, asleep in the other bed, is absolutely terrified of snakes. Here’s how I handled it.
Exploring Zanzibar’s Stone Town
Stone Town is the heart of Zanzibar — come explore its maze of alleyways leading to homes, mosques, and shops.
They don’t call it the Spice Island for nothing — we find all sorts of aromatic plants like cinnamon, coffee, ginger, soursop, jackfruit, and even cocoa beans and vanilla. Come along on a Spice Tour of Zanzibar!
Paradise Found? Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar
The best beach in Zanzibar is called Nungwi Beach, and it’s more like something you’d expect to see in Thailand or Bali than Africa. But is paradise all it’s cracked up to be?
Guess what I encounter while scuba diving in Zanzibar? An octopus! These creatures are mesmerizing — I watch it change color and even texture as it moves. Check out the footage.
During our final two days in Tanzania, we pass through a valley of baobab trees and then spend the night in a converted farm stable — one of my favorite Africa accommodations to date.
I stumbled upon your site while researching my own climb of Kilimanjaro and your blogs have been so helpful! We’re using Zara Tours as well, so I’m glad to hear you had a good experience with them. Your photos are beautiful and I’ve loved reading all your travel stories. Thanks so much for all the tips and I hope our trip is as fun as yours looked!
Thanks for the comment, Kelsey! I was really happy with Zara. I hope you have an incredible time in Tanzania, and good luck with Kilimanjaro!