Tanzania
Wanderful Group Trip
9-16 NOV 2028
Witness Africa's iconic wildlife — from the largest elephant herds on the continent in Tarangire to the sweeping golden plains of the Serengeti — on an exclusive, all-women safari.
Stand at the Cradle of Mankind at Olduvai Gorge, connect with Maasai women, and hike to the breathtaking 80-metre Materuni Waterfall at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Experience Tanzania through the eyes of local guides and women-led community visits — from a traditional Chagga coffee ceremony to a philanthropy visit right in Arusha.
Ready for a safari of a lifetime?
"From Giants to Origins" isn't your typical wildlife trip. Yes, there will be elephants and golden sunsets and more beauty than you can take in. But what makes this journey extraordinary is the women you'll meet along the way — and the ones you'll travel with.
We've partnered with Still Waters Safaris, a women-owned company founded by two Tanzanian sisters, to bring you experiences that go far beyond the game drive. Every stop on this itinerary was chosen to connect you with the remarkable women who make Tanzania what it is.
What This Looks Like
• Sharing a plant-based lunch at Themi Gardens with a cooperative of widowed women who've built independence and community through food.
• Walking Arusha's food markets alongside the "Mamas" who power the local economy every single day.
• Sitting with Maasai women and hearing firsthand how they fund their children's education through beadwork and quiet entrepreneurship.
• Visiting Shanga at Arusha Coffee Lodge, where artisans with disabilities turn creativity into self-sufficiency.
We’ll travel with a local woman guide every step of the way.
This is sisterhood in action. We can't wait to experience it with you.
Leading the Way: A Safari Partnership Built on Female Entrepreneurship
Your journey is hosted by Still Waters Safaris, founded by sisters Amanda and Asnath Kessy — the new face of Tanzanian tourism: female-led, deeply rooted in local culture, and uncompromising on quality. Born and raised in the shadow of Mount Meru, their connection to this land isn't just professional, it's ancestral.
They operate with a philosophy of "Quiet Luxury" — the belief that true exclusivity lies in silence, space, and a deep connection with nature. They know the guides by name, the chefs at the lodges, and the specific hill in Tarangire where the sun hits the baobabs just right.
Female Empowerment
As a company founded by sisters, Still Waters prioritizes hiring female guides, operations staff, and partners — creating a cycle of opportunity for Tanzanian women.
Orphan & Widow Support
Your journey funds education. They sponsor orphans and widows in their own Arusha community — not anonymously, but with personal accountability and care.
Unscripted Culture
From coffee roasting with Chagga mamas to beadwork with Maasai artisans, they facilitate meaningful, dignified interactions that go far beyond the vehicle.
Why Travel with Wanderful?
Community-centered and woman-led
You'll travel in a small, intimate group of Wanderful women who will feel like lifelong friends by the time the trip is over. Our trips center the stories of women and meaningful connections with locals.
Connection before and after the trip
All Wanderful travelers are added to an exclusive chat group and invited to two virtual pre-trip meetings to build community and get answers before you depart.
Wanderful guides along the way
A Wanderful team member will always join to help center your experience and provide logistical and emotional support throughout every step of the journey.
Special perks for Wanderful members
Get an exclusive new charm for your Wanderful bracelet, just for being a member. Learn more about joining our community here.
The Itinerary
Day 1 | Arusha
Thursday, November 9
Welcome to Tanzania
The moment you step off the plane, the adventure begins. Our friendly driver will be waiting to greet you with a warm smile and a personalized welcome — this is the start of the journey you've been dreaming of.
We'll introduce you to our dedicated team, walk you through your itinerary, and make sure you feel right at home. But first, let's take a moment to soak in the spirit of Arusha. Nestled beneath the majestic Mt. Meru and framed by lush coffee plantations, Arusha isn't just the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit — it's a vibrant city full of character and charm. Bustling markets brim with colour, the aroma of sizzling street food dances through the air, and lively locals go about their day with warmth and energy.
You might choose to explore a local museum, browse artisan stalls, or simply enjoy the rhythm of this dynamic city before heading into the wild. This evening, settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner as we get to know one another.
Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel, Arusha
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 | Arusha
Friday, November 10
The Heartbeat of Arusha: A Day of Sisterhood and Resilience
Our day begins in the sensory swirl of Arusha's vibrant local food markets — the stage where the city's daily life unfolds. You'll be introduced to the women entrepreneurs, the "Mamas" of the market, whose savvy and spirit drive the local economy.
Following the market, your journey takes a deeply personal turn at Themi Gardens, where a courageous cooperative of widowed women have reclaimed their independence through traditional Tanzanian cuisine.
The Experience: Share a vibrant, plant-based feast prepared with ingredients from the morning's market.
The Impact: Your presence here is an act of solidarity, directly supporting a sustainable initiative that provides dignity, education, and a future.
In the afternoon, visit Arusha Coffee Lodge and the artisans of Shanga — a world-class workshop employing people living with disabilities, where creativity becomes a pathway to self-sufficiency.
Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel, Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 | Materuni Village
Saturday, November 11
Materuni Waterfalls & Kilimanjaro Coffee
Today we explore the beauty and culture of Materuni Village at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, with a scenic hike through lush plantations and mountain trails leading to the stunning 80-metre Materuni Waterfalls.
Join the local Chagga community at a traditional coffee farm — experiencing the age-old process of hand-roasting and grinding beans, accompanied by rhythmic songs, before enjoying a fresh cup of Tanzanian coffee.
Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel, Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 | Tarangire to Karatu
Sunday, November 12
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, your expert safari guide whisks you away to Tarangire National Park — a firm favourite among seasoned travellers and one of Africa's best-kept secrets. Tarangire is famed for its massive elephant herds, some of the largest on the continent, and its lions often seen lounging under ancient acacia trees.
As you explore the park on a full guided game drive, keep your eyes peeled for giraffes grazing gracefully, zebras on the march, buffalo, wildebeest, and the occasional elusive leopard or cheetah. Every turn offers the thrill of the unexpected.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House, Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 | Serengeti National Park
Monday, November 13
Olduvai Gorge, Maasai Women & Into the Serengeti
Today your journey moves through time, culture, and the enduring power of women — beginning at the Cradle of Mankind at Olduvai Gorge, then into the heart of a Maasai village to meet the true architects of this ancient culture: the women.
These matriarchs literally build their manyatta homes by hand, manage the rhythms of pastoral life, and have transformed ancient crafts — intricate beadwork, forest honey — into modern lifelines to fund their children's education. An experience as enduring as the savannah itself.
As the sun dips low, a golden-hour game drive carries you into the Serengeti — the perfect backdrop for spotting big cats on the move.
Accommodation:Pori Pori Camps & Lodges or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Serengeti National Park
Tuesday, November 14
Full Day in the Serengeti
Today is pure Serengeti immersion. Morning and afternoon game drives take you through the iconic golden savannah in search of lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the vast herds that define this landscape. As the sun sinks below the horizon and the sky transforms into a canvas of stars, the vastness of the Serengeti settles around you — sounds of the wild deepening, the air cooling, a profound sense of connection taking hold.
This is more than a safari. It's a love affair with one of Earth's last great wildernesses.
Accommodation: Pori Pori Camps & Lodges
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7| Serengeti National Park
Wednesday, November 15
One Last Day in the Wild
Your final full day in the Serengeti. Morning and afternoon guided game drives give you one last opportunity to see the animals you came so far to witness — perhaps a lion pride lazing in the shade, a cheetah scanning the horizon, or a herd of elephants moving through the dust at golden hour. Savour every moment.
Accommodation:Pori Pori Camps & Lodges or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Departure
Thursday, November 16
Farewell — Until Tanzania Calls You Back
After a leisurely breakfast surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the Serengeti, we transfer to Seronera Airstrip for the scenic flight back to Arusha. As your aircraft lifts off, enjoy one last aerial glimpse of the vast plains below — a final reminder of the remarkable landscapes and wildlife encounters that have defined this journey.
Upon arrival in Arusha, enjoy a relaxed lunch and time to unwind and reflect on your adventure before a final transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey home. We hope you depart with extraordinary memories, lasting impressions, and a deep connection to the wild beauty of Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: NOV 16-18, 2028 | Zanzibar Island
We're So Close to Zanzibar — Let's Go!
From the wild plains to the Spice Island. Instead of flying home, extend your journey with a transfer from Seronera Airstrip directly to Zanzibar. Swaying palm trees and Indian Ocean breezes greet you as you arrive at The Mora Zanzibar — a beachfront retreat on the island's pristine shores.
Spend two glorious days of leisure along powder-soft white sands and turquoise waters. Whether you lounge beneath palms with a tropical drink, splash in the warm surf, take a long barefoot walk along the shoreline, or float in the infinity pool watching the ocean stretch endlessly before you — the days are entirely yours. An effortless blend of relaxation, coastal cuisine, and Zanzibari warmth, before a final farewell at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Accommodation: The Mora Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Don’t forget your Wanderful member perks!
Wanderful members get special perks on every Wanderful trip, including:
First dibs on new Wanderful trips
The opportunity to stay with a Wanderful roommate to keep costs down.
2 virtual pre-trip meetings to chat face-to-face with other travelers before you depart.
Access to an exclusive WhatsApp Group so you can chat and plan with other Wanderful travelers, starting 2 weeks before your trip.
A special gift to remember your time in Tanzania (spoiler alert: it’s a custom charm for your Wanderful bracelet or keychain).
Curious about membership?
Join the coolest group of women traveling the world.
The comfort and support of a Wanderful group leader in addition to your tour guide for any additional support you require.
Friendships that will last a lifetime.
Pricing and Inclusions
Wanderful Member Pricing:
$5,989 for shared double room
$6,589 for single room
Non-Member Pricing:
$6,289 for shared double room
$6,789 for single room
Optional Zanzibar extension starts at $1,199
Reserve your spot with only a $500 deposit
Not a Wanderful member yet? Join here.
What’s included
7 nights of 4-star accommodations (private or twin-share)
Airport pickup in Arusha + all in-country transfers
Most meals, as outlined in the itinerary (note: Day 1 is dinner only)
All entrance fees to listed parks, monuments and activities
Accompanying English-speaking woman tour guide and Wanderful team support
Two pre-trip virtual meetups for tips, itinerary review, and visa guidance
Private WhatsApp group for trip coordination
Signature experiences:
Philanthropy visit and local market tour in Arusha
Lunch at Themi Gardens with the widows' cooperative
Visit to Shanga artisans at Arusha Coffee Lodge
Materuni Waterfalls hike & Chagga coffee ceremony
Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park
Visit to Olduvai Gorge & museum
Maasai village experience centered on women's stories
Multi-day guided game drives in the Serengeti
Trip price excludes:
International flights
Gratuities
Travel insurance- We strongly recommend travel insurance. Click here to get a quote with our preferred partner, Wanderwell.
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Nope! Everyone is welcome to join. However, Wanderful members get early access to booking, special discounts, and exclusive perks. Learn more about membership here.
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This trip requires moderate physical activity, including walking for extended periods, often over uneven terrain (e.g., historical sites, climbing stairs, and getting on and off various transport.
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We keep it intimate! You’ll be traveling with a small group of 17 women, plus your local guide and a Wanderful team member.
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All travelers are added to a private WhatsApp group and invited to two virtual pre-trip meetups. It’s a chance to connect, ask questions, and start building community before we go.
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To confirm your spot on the trip, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking.
If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, the following policy applies:
More than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund minus the $500 deposit.
90 days or fewer before departure: No refunds will be issued.
This is a strict refund policy that aligns with our need to confirm travel arrangements well in advance of departure. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellations for unexpected events. Click here to get a quote with our preferred partner, Wanderwell.
Transfer Policy:
If you are unable to attend the trip, you may transfer your spot to another eligible participant up to 30 days before departure, pending approval from the Wanderful team.
A $100 administrative fee will apply for all transfers.
The replacement traveler must meet all trip requirements and agree to the trip terms and conditions. If applicable, they will be required to secure their visa in time for departure and will not be refunded if they do not receive their visa in time.
Any payments already made will be applied to the replacement traveler’s balance.
Transfers are not permitted within 30 days of departure.