6 Days – Amani & Magoroto Forest and Pangani Beach
6 Days / 5 Nights Days
Arusha, Tanzania → Arusha, Tanzania (or onward travel)
Wildlife
Moderate
Why Choose This Safari?
This six-day safari is for nature lovers who want to explore the cool, green forests of eastern Tanzania rather than the savannah. Starting from Arusha, you head to the Amani Nature Forest Reserve in the Usambara Mountains, a reserve of about 84 square kilometres with forest that has endemic invertebrates and a long history of scientific research. You walk the Mbomole Trail through the botanical garden, visit the Delema waterfalls and take a night walk through dense forest. From there you move to Magoroto Forest, where a hike leads to a viewpoint and a waterfall, and you stay at Mathias Cabins. Next comes a spice farm, where you can see organic black pepper, cocoa, vanilla and cardamom growing, followed by the cave formations of the Amboni Caves near Tanga. The journey ends on the historic Pangani Coast, with a boat trip to Maziwe Island for snorkelling on white sand. Each stage moves from forest to coast, so you see a wide range of habitats in one trip.
Safari Highlights
- US$ 1,910 per person sharing
- Minimum 2 Pax
Destinations to Travel
Arusha · Amani Nature Forest Reserve · Magoroto Forest · Tanga · Amboni Caves · Pangani Coast · Maziwe Island
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arusha to Amani Nature Reserve
You are collected from your Arusha hotel at 6:00 am and drive to the Amani Nature Forest Reserve in the Usambara Mountains. You arrive around midday and visit the Delema waterfalls. After a packed lunch and some time to relax, you return to the forest before dinner for a night walk through the dense forest, where you can see part of the region’s rich biodiversity. Dinner and overnight accommodation are included.
Day 2 — Amani Nature Reserve to Magoroto Forest
After breakfast you explore the botanical garden on the Mbomole Trail at Amani. Later you take a packed lunch and head to the Chemka waterfalls trail, where you can see endemic plant species and spices. In the afternoon you drive to Magoroto Forest and hike to a viewpoint at about 650 m above sea level, then continue to a waterfall. You stay at Mathias Cabins, which sits at about 895 m above sea level, for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 — Magoroto Forest
After breakfast at Mathias Cabins you hike to a spice farm, where you can see organic spices such as black pepper, cocoa, vanilla and cardamom growing. Afterwards you walk to a lakeside spot for swimming and other activities. Lunch and dinner are served at the lakeside, and you return to Mathias Cabins for the night.
Day 4 — Magoroto Forest to Pangani Coast via Amboni Caves and Tanga
After breakfast in Magoroto you drive to the Amboni Caves via Tanga Town. The caves are a limestone complex about 8 km north of Tanga, and a knowledgeable guide leads you through them to explain the stalactite and stalagmite formations. After about an hour in the caves you drive back to Tanga for lunch. In the afternoon you continue to the historic Pangani Coast, where you spend the night.
Day 5 — Pangani Coast and Maziwe Island
After breakfast you take a boat excursion to Maziwe Island for beach relaxation, snorkelling and swimming in turquoise water over white sand. Lunch is served on the island. You return to the coast for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6 — Pangani Coast to Arusha
After breakfast you drive back to Arusha, or continue to your next destination if you are travelling on.
What's Included
Rate Includes
- Flying Doctors Emergence
- All entrance fees.
- Guiding fees
- Full board accommodation on tour
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on an excellent Vehicle/ car
- Driver's Salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Game drives as per the Itinerary
- Complementary bottle of water the first and second day
- 18% VAT
Rate Excludes
- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry, Internet etc.
- International flight
- Departure tax
- Tips to drivers (highly recommended)
- Visa, Travel Insurance (we can help arrange of them)
- Arrival and departure Airport Transfers
Best Time to Go
No travel period was given for this safari, so the guidance below is based on general seasonality. The eastern forests of Tanzania are green and lush through much of the year, and the dry months from June to October are generally the easiest for walking, hiking and boat trips. Coastal waters around Pangani are usually calmest and clearest in the dry season, which is good for snorkelling. The long rains from roughly March to May can make forest trails muddy and slippery, so plan for that if you travel then. Our team can advise on the best dates for the waterfalls and the sea. You can find more on the Tanzania National Parks Authority site.
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this safari start and end, and how long does it last?
It starts in Arusha with a 6:00 am pickup and ends in Arusha on Day 6, or at your onward destination. It runs for 6 days and 5 nights, with the nights spent in the Amani area, at Mathias Cabins in Magoroto, and on the Pangani Coast.
Is there a night walk in the forest?
Yes. On Day 1 you take a night walk through the dense forest at the Amani Nature Forest Reserve, before dinner. Your guide will explain the biodiversity you may see on the walk.
What is the accommodation like?
You stay at Mathias Cabins in Magoroto Forest for two nights, which sits at about 895 m above sea level. The other nights are at accommodation in the Amani area and on the Pangani Coast, and the names are to be confirmed when you book.
Can we see the caves at Amboni?
Yes. On Day 4 you take a guided walk through the Amboni Caves, a limestone complex that formed around 150 million years ago, and hear about the stalactites and stalagmites along the way. The walk lasts about an hour.
Is snorkelling included on the coast?
The Maziwe Island boat trip on Day 5 includes snorkelling and swimming. Snorkelling depends on the sea and weather conditions, so please confirm your gear with our team.
What happens after the safari ends?
You return to Arusha on Day 6, or continue on to your next destination. Accommodation in Arusha is not included.