A soulful escape into nature, joy, and bonding.
A few years ago, I stood on the shores of Zanzibar, the ocean whispering peace and the sun wrapping me in warmth. I hit record in that sacred moment—heart wide open, spirit full—and spoke a hope into the wind: that one day, you’d be right there beside me, soaking in the same grace that kissed my soul.
Well baby, that day has arrived.
My 55th birthday. Double grace. Double joy. Double the reason to pack your bags and your best intentions.
Come with me to the majestic lands of Tanzania and the soothing waters of Zanzibar. Every detail has been curated with love, legacy, and a sprinkle of “we go big or we stay home.” This isn’t just a trip. it’s a soul revival with the special people who’ve helped me shine.
You’re not just invited. You’re part of the blessing.
This is sacred joy in motion.
This is legacy, loud and proud.
This is double grace, dipped in reverence and served with a side of “we gon’ turn ALL the way up.”
Let’s go, y’all. Tanzania and Zanzibar are waiting, and they've already laid out the welcome mat.
👟 Activity Level
Moderately active • 4–7 hours of active engagement
🚶Terrain
Cobblestones, uneven paths, steps, narrow alleys, and flat paved walkways
🚌 Travel Time
2–4 hours or more between parks
💫 Best For
Travelers who enjoy adventure, culture, and scenic beauty
Full Package
Includes hotels, tours, safaris, transfers, internal flights, most meals, and International flights to Tanzania and from Zanzibar.
Land Only Package
Includes hotels, tours, safaris, transfers, internal flights and most meals. International flights to Tanzania and from Zanzibar are not included.
.Payment Schedule
Please note that the full amount of the trip cost is to be paid by the final payment date. Several payment options are available - you can pay in full or pay in installments. A late payment fee of $250 per person will be charged if payment in full is not received by the final payment date listed on your invoice. Late payment fees are automatically added to your reservation the day after the final payment date.
Flight Information
Please book your flights so that you arrive in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on June 19th. This will require you to leave the US on June 18th or earlier.
Below is the recommended flight from JFK for this trip. Overton Travel can assist you with booking this flight or flights from other departure cities.
Airline: Kenya Airways
New York to Dar es Salaam
Date: June 18, 2026
Flight #: KQ 3
Depart: New York (JFK) at 01:45 PM
Arrive: Nairobi (NBO) at 10:45 AM+1 June 19
Layover in Nairobi
Date: June 19, 2026
Flight #: KQ 484
Depart: Nairobi (NBO) at 12:50 PM
Arrive: Dar es Salaam (DAR) at 01:45 PM
Zanzibar to New York
Date: June 26, 2026
Flight #: KQ 495
Depart: Zanzibar (ZNZ) at 08:40 PM
Arrive: Nairobi (NBO) at 10:00 PM
Layover in Nairobi
Date: June 26, 2026
Flight #: KQ 2
Depart: Nairobi (NBO) at 11:35 PM
Arrive: New York (JFK) at 07:35 AM+1 June 27
All seats included in the Full Package group booking are in Economy Class
Please contact Overton Travel at the time of booking if you would like to upgrade your seat.
Upgrades to Business Class seats can be done, based on availability at the time of booking.
Specific seats on the flight cannot be guaranteed with group bookings
Seats are assigned by the airlines. If you would like a specific seat, contact the airline directly after you receive your travel document to request a specific seat.
Also note, that some airlines do not assign seats in advance for group bookings, and seats will be assigned at the airport upon check-in.
If you need a specific seat, you should not purchase your flights as part of the group booking. You should purchase your flights separately as an individual ticket.
Passport
Visa - Tanzania
Zanzibar Travel Insurance
Immunizations
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Malaria
Exploring East Africa, including safaris, tribe visits, and local experiences, requires specific mobility considerations for a comfortable trip.
1. Safari Vehicles: Safaris use specially equipped 4x4 vehicles. These have high steps, so a moderate level of physical mobility is necessary to get in and out of these vehicles. We offer a mobile step to assist you to get into the vehicle. Please note that you will be getting in and out of the vehicle several times a day (for rest stops, meals, shopping, etc.).
2. Walking on Uneven Terrain: Safari and local cultural experiences involve short walks on uneven ground to explore specific areas. Good mobility helps navigate these paths.
3.. Long Drives and Bumpy Roads: A reasonable level of physical stamina is beneficial for safari drives, which can last several hours. It's essential that you are comfortable with sitting for extended periods and are able to handle the rugged, bumpy roads.
4. Footwear: Wearing sturdy, comfortable footwear is important for managing the terrain. A good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes is a must-have on this trip.
If you have specific mobility needs, it's crucial to communicate these to Overton Travel at the time of booking. We may be able to make special accommodations, such as providing steps for the vehicles, arranging for certain room types, or offering assistance with activities.
By planning ahead and working together, we may be able to create a comfortable and enjoyable cultural experience in East Africa for you.
We encourage all travelers to purchase a travel protection plan at the time of initial trip deposit.
Overton Travel uses Travel Safe. Click here to review and purchase a travel protection plan from them: Travel Protection.
You can purchase travel protection through the supplier used by Overton Travel or any other supplier you choose.
Packing for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach getaway requires a balance of comfort, protection, and versatility. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral tones for safari days, along with layers for cooler mornings and evenings. For Zanzibar, include swimwear and relaxed beach attire. Essentials like sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable footwear, and practical travel gear will keep you prepared throughout your journey.
To make packing easy, we’ve included curated Amazon links below so you can quickly browse and choose what you need. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. We truly appreciate your support!
For domestic flights and land transfers within East Africa, the baggage allowance consists of one (1) checked bag weighing up to 50 lbs and one (1) carry-on bag weighing up to 10 lbs.
Pack light! Soft-sided luggage is recommended for safari trips as it can be more easily accommodated in the limited space of safari vehicles. The recommended luggage size would typically be a medium-sized duffel bag that can fit comfortably in the back of a safari vehicle without taking up too much space.
The mode of transportation during the safari will be a safari Jeep and the luggage will be carried in the Jeep.
For details regarding your luggage allowance on international flights, kindly consult your airline confirmation.
The official currency of Tanzania and Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). You cannot get TZS in the US.
The current exchange rate (as of 04/01/26):
$1 USD = 2,599.93 TZS
U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout Tanzania, and it is not necessary to exchange currency in advance. Travelers are advised to bring a mix of small and large denominations. Please ensure that all bills are in good condition, free from rips, tears, excessive folds, or markings, as damaged currency may not be accepted.
Credit & Debit Cards: MasterCard and Visa credit cards are widely accepted in East Africa, but some merchants may not accept American Express. Check with your card company for merchant acceptability and available services. Inform your bank or credit card company about your travel plans to Tanzania and ensure you know your PIN. Do not bring AMEX as your only credit card.
Please check with your bank for foreign transaction fees, if any, that may be charged for using your card abroad.
Group Tip
To ensure fair distribution, we will collect a group tip of $25 per person per day (totaling $225 per person for the 9-day trip). This will be shared among:
Expedition Leaders
Safari Guides
Jeep Drivers
Bus Drivers
Transfer Assistants
Hosts
Support Team
An envelope will be provided for you to collect these tips, and your Group Leader will distribute them on behalf of the group to the service providers.
Individual Tips:
While the group tip covers a significant portion of the team's efforts, we also encourage you to consider individual tips for exceptional service. You may want to tip:
Housekeeping staff at your hotels and lodges
Restaurant servers for outstanding service
At the hotels and lodges you may find a "Tip Box" at the reception. You can use this to provide a tip to other staff members that may not be customer facing but who work hard to ensure you are comfortable.
Tips can be given in US Dollars or TZS. Please make sure US Dollars are newer bills without tears or writing on them.
Here's a guide to what to wear on your safari adventure:
Clothing:
Neutral colors: Khaki, beige, olive green, and brown are ideal choices. These colors blend well with the safari environment and help minimize attracting insects.
Natural fabrics: Opt for breathable, quick-drying fabrics like cotton or linen. These will keep you cool and comfortable in the warm weather.
Layers: Early mornings and evenings can be cooler, so pack a light fleece or sweater.
Here's a breakdown of specific clothing items:
Tops: Pack several long-sleeved shirts made from breathable material. A few t-shirts are also a good idea for warmer days. For women - a sports bar for added support on the bumpy safari roads.
Bottoms: Durable, convertible safari pants that zip into shorts are a versatile option. Opt for neutral colors and avoid ripped jeans or overly revealing clothing.
Underwear: Choose comfortable, breathable underwear made from natural fabrics.
Additional Considerations:
Hat: A wide-brimmed hat is essential for sun protection. Opt for a hat with a chin strap to secure it during windy game drives.
Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses are ideal for reducing glare and protecting your eyes from the sun's rays.
Scarf: A multifunctional scarf can be useful for keeping dust and dirt away from your face, protecting your neck from the sun, or even providing warmth on cooler mornings.
Footwear:
Closed-toe shoes: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good ankle support are essential. Opt for shoes with good grip for uneven terrain. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as they offer no protection.
Optional items:
Swimsuit: If your lodge or camp has a pool, you might want to pack a swimsuit.
Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars will enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Things to avoid:
Bright colors and patterns: These can attract insects and stand out in the natural environment.
Open-toed shoes: Offer no protection from insects, thorns, or uneven terrain.
White clothing: Gets dirty easily and is too bright for the safari environment.
Strong Perfume/Cologne
Avoid Black and Blue colors: These attract Tsetse Flies
Luggage requirement:
Soft-sided luggage is recommended for safari trips as it can be more easily accommodated in the limited space of safari vehicles. The recommended luggage size would typically be a medium-sized duffel bag that can fit comfortably in the back of a safari vehicle without taking up too much space.
All of the accommodations have been selected with your comfort and safety in mind. Click the links to view the beautiful properties.
Dar es Salaam: Sea Cliff Hotel or similar
Discover Sea Cliff Hotel Dar es Salaam – a 5‑star oasis perched dramatically atop a cliff, offering breathtaking Indian Ocean views. From moment you arrive, you’ll feel “warm Karibu” hospitality in spacious, elegantly designed rooms and suites—each blending modern luxury with African-inspired decor.
Serengeti: Melia Serengeti or similar
In harmony with the fabulous natural surroundings of the Serengeti National Park, this hotel offers an intense wildlife experience accompanied by all the comforts of the most exclusive accommodation. Elegant rooms inspired by Maasai traditions with spectacular views of the hotel gardens or Serengeti plains. A dining experience that reinterprets local dishes with ingredients inspired by international cuisine. And superb, sustainable facilities that include an incredible infinity pool, gym and spa.
Tanzania: The Retreat at Ngorongoro or similar
The Retreat at Ngorongoro is a nature-inspired paradise set on over 60 acres of land overlooking the Ngorongoro Forest. The lodge was developed with a great deal of passion for nature. Over 40,000 indigenous trees were planted to rejuvenate the land to its original green and lush history. We hope each and every guest staying at The Retreat at Ngorongoro will find peace, tranquility and a connection to nature.
Zanzibar: Mora Zanzibar or similar
Nestled on the shores of paradise – Zanzibar’s Muyuni Beach – The Mora Zanzibar welcomes you with laid-back luxury, where unscripted service, culinary freedom, and elevated experiences converge to create a haven of effortless relaxation.
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We’ll rise with the sun and ride through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater—two of the most majestic places on Earth. Lions, elephants, flamingos, and ancient rhythms will greet us as we move through landscapes that feel like living prayers. This is nature’s cathedral, and we’re showing up dressed in awe.
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We’ll be staying in spacious, full-service properties that know how to host a celebration. From sweeping views to curated amenities, these hotels offer comfort, convenience, and room to breathe. I’ve chosen places that can hold our laughter, our stillness, and our sparkle—with just the right touch of elegance to make it feel special.
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One evening, we’ll gather for a sunset dinner beneath the open sky—candles flickering, trees swaying, and joy flowing without restraint. Expect curated flavors, affirming toasts, and a few surprises I’ve tucked in just for you. This is sacred joy in motion—a moment to savor, celebrate, and shine.
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This is the heart of it all. My 55th birthday. Double grace. We’ll celebrate with elegance, symbolism, and soul. Come ready to toast, turn up, and honor the journey that brought us here.
Rise before dawn for one of the Serengeti’s most magical moments. As the sun begins to glow over the plains, drift quietly above the savannah in a hot air balloon, watching wildlife move across the golden landscape below—an unforgettable start to your day in the Serengeti. 🎈✨
Tanzania 
