Walking, Wilderness & the Indian Ocean
8 Nights | Wilderness to Ocean
Venture beyond the well-trodden safari route to discover remote landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, unforgettable walking experiences and the peaceful shores of the Indian Ocean.
Tanzania Beyond the Ordinary
Some of Tanzania's greatest experiences lie far beyond the places most visitors ever see.
This carefully designed journey combines remote wilderness, exceptional wildlife, guided walking safaris and time to unwind on the Indian Ocean coast. It's an itinerary for travellers who want to slow down, explore on foot as well as by vehicle, and experience the incredible diversity that makes Tanzania so special.
Travelling with African Environments means staying in our own carefully chosen camps, guided by people who have spent decades exploring these landscapes. Rather than rushing between destinations, you'll experience each place properly, with time to appreciate the wildlife, the scenery and the people who call these remarkable places home.
Your Journey
Day 1 — Welcome to Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation near Arusha.
Relax after your journey, enjoy your first taste of Tanzania and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 — Into the Forest | Itikoni Camp
Leave Arusha behind and head into Arusha National Park, where Mount Meru rises above the surrounding forest.
Settle into our peaceful Itikoni Camp, tucked away amongst the trees, and spend the afternoon slowing down and enjoying the wilderness around you. Depending on your arrival time, there may be time for a short walk, a forest activity or simply relaxing at camp and taking in the mountain air.
That evening, enjoy dinner beneath the forest canopy and your first night in the bush.
Overnight: Itikoni Camp
Day 3 — Walking in Arusha National Park
Today is all about experiencing the landscape on foot.
Accompanied by an experienced walking guide and armed ranger, explore the forests, open plains and waterways of Arusha National Park. Walking gives you a completely different perspective on safari, with time to follow animal tracks, discover plants and smaller wildlife, and learn about the intricate details of the ecosystem that can easily be missed from a vehicle.
There is also time to relax back at Itikoni, with the option to enjoy other activities such as canoeing or e-biking depending on your interests.
Overnight: Itikoni Camp
Day 4 — Into the Wild | Mkomazi National Park
Leave Itikoni and travel east towards Mkomazi National Park, one of Tanzania's quieter and more remote wilderness areas.
Arrive at camp and settle into your new surroundings before heading out for your first taste of Mkomazi. This is a very different landscape from Arusha National Park, with open plains, dry country and dramatic mountain scenery.
As evening falls, there may be the opportunity for a night drive, offering a completely different perspective on the park and its nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Mkomazi National Park
Day 5 — Mkomazi: Wildlife & Rhinos
Spend a full day exploring Mkomazi through a combination of game drives and walking, with the itinerary shaped around the wildlife and conditions of the day.
Mkomazi is particularly significant for its rhino conservation work, and a visit to the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary offers the opportunity to learn more about the protection of one of Africa's most endangered animals.
With fewer visitors than many of Tanzania's better-known parks, Mkomazi offers a wonderfully wild and uncrowded safari experience.
Overnight: Mkomazi National Park
Day 6 — From Wilderness to the Indian Ocean
Leave the bush behind and begin the journey towards Tanzania's beautiful mainland coastline.
Watch the landscape change as the dry interior gives way to greener coastal country, before arriving beside the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
After several days of walking and wildlife, this is your chance to completely change pace. Settle into your accommodation, take a swim and enjoy a relaxed evening by the sea.
Day 7 - Under the Water
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
For those wanting to explore, head beneath the surface on a scuba diving excursion, discovering the colourful marine life and coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. Snorkelling and boat trips are also options.
Or simply do nothing at all. After the adventure of the past few days, there is no better place to slow down.
Day 8 - A day to Relax
A final full day on the coast to enjoy the Indian Ocean however you choose.
Swim, dive, explore the coastline, visit a local fishing village or settle into a hammock with a good book. The idea is to finish the journey with time and space rather than another packed day of activities.
Day 9 — Onward travel
Your Tanzanian adventure comes to an end, with two options for continuing your journey.
Continue to Zanzibar by boat or flight for a few more days of island life, beaches, diving and exploring.
Or return to Arusha by air for onward travel, making this a wonderful standalone adventure or an easy addition to a longer Tanzania itinerary.
Why Choose This Safari?
This itinerary has been created for travellers who want something different.
Rather than focusing solely on the famous Northern Circuit, it reveals another side of Tanzania—one of quieter landscapes, remote wilderness, meaningful walking experiences and peaceful coastline.
You'll experience:
Remote wildlife areas
Guided walking safaris
Flexible private guiding
Exclusive African Environments camps
Indian Ocean relaxation
Authentic cultural encounters
A slower, more immersive style of travel
Perfect for returning visitors or anyone looking to experience Tanzania beyond the obvious.
The Journey
Arusha National Park — Forest, walking & relaxation
Mkomazi National Park — Wildlife, walking, night drives & rhino conservation
Mainland Coast — Scuba diving, swimming & slowing down
Zanzibar or Arusha — Continue your adventure or head home
Looking For a More Extreme Adventure
Take a look at our Kilimanjaro Routes for the bold and brave adventurers looking to experience the world’s highest lone standing mountain.
