6 Days – Amani Nature and Amboni Cave and Pangani Beach
6 Days / 5 Nights Days
Arusha (ARS), Tanzania → Arusha (ARS), Tanzania (or onward transfer)
Beach Combo
Easy
Why Choose This Safari?
This six-day safari takes you to the northeastern corner of Tanzania, where the cool, green forests of the Usambara Mountains meet the Indian Ocean. Two nights at Amani Nature Forest Reserve give you time to explore a reserve of about 84 square kilometres, including a botanical garden, forest that is home to endemic invertebrates, and a scientific station founded in 1902. From there the route heads east to the Amboni Caves, a limestone cave complex about 8 km north of Tanga, where a guide explains the stalactite and stalagmite formations in caves that are hot, so light clothing is advised. The journey ends on the Pangani Coast, a historic town shaped by Arab, German and British influence in East Africa, where you spend three relaxed nights by the sea. Nature, history, culture and beach time all sit in one trip, and the route is planned so that each stage feels different from the last.
Safari Highlights
What to do in Pangani
- Maziwe island and river cruising – snorkeling, diving and beach activities
- Cultural heritage and historical sites activities
- Walking along Coconut plantations
Destinations to Travel
Arusha · Amani Nature Forest Reserve · Tanga Town · Amboni Caves · Pangani Coast
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arusha to Amani Nature Reserve
At 8:00 am you are collected from your hotel in Arusha and driven to the Amani Nature Forest Reserve in the Usambara Mountains, where you arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon you walk through dense forest to see some of the biodiversity of the eastern area, an experience that nature lovers in particular will enjoy. You return for dinner and an overnight stay in the reserve.
Day 2 — Amani Nature Reserve Botanical Garden and Forest
After breakfast you visit the Eastern Area Botanical Garden at Amani, where you can see some of the endemic plant species of the region. If time allows, you can also visit the tea farms and a virgin forest in Amani. You have all meals and spend a second night in the reserve.
Day 3 — Amani to Amboni Caves and the Pangani Coast
After breakfast you drive from Amani to the Amboni Caves via Tanga Town. A knowledgeable guide leads you through the hot caves and explains the stalactite and stalagmite formations. After about an hour in the caves you drive back to Tanga for lunch. In the afternoon you continue down to the historic Pangani Coast, where you arrive in the mid-afternoon to rest and relax at leisure at your beach resort.
Day 4 — Pangani Coast: History and Coastal Activities
After breakfast you set out on a tour of the historic Pangani Coast, which includes old colonial buildings, a former farm slave labour camp and the slave market site. You can also arrange a river cruise through the coconut plantations along the Pangani River, or go snorkelling, fishing with local fishermen or diving, though these are optional and not included. You have all meals at your beach resort.
Day 5 — Rest and Relax on the Beach
This day is yours to rest and relax at leisure at your coastal resort, on the white sand beach. All meals are served at the resort.
Day 6 — Pangani Beach to Arusha or Onward Transfer
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
- Government taxes
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 long dry season from June to October is generally the most comfortable for forest walks and cave visits, and the coastal waters around Pangani are usually calmer and clearer for snorkelling at this time. The long rains from roughly March to May can make forest trails muddy and slippery, so plan for that if you travel then. The short rains in November and December bring afternoon showers, which can still be pleasant on the coast. Our team can advise on the best dates for your trip.
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this safari start and end, and how long does it last?
It starts in Arusha (ARS) with an 8:00 am pickup and ends back in Arusha on Day 6, or at your onward destination. It runs for 6 days and 5 nights, with two nights in the Amani Nature Forest Reserve and three nights on the Pangani Coast.
Which destinations are on this safari?
The route visits the Amani Nature Reserve, the Amboni Caves near Tanga, and the historic Pangani Coast, with beach time on the sand at the end of the trip.
Why should we wear light clothing at the caves?
The caves are hot, so light clothing is advised for the walk through the Amboni Caves. The guided visit lasts about an hour. The cave is a limestone complex about 8 km north of Tanga, with formations that include stalactites and stalagmites.
Can we go snorkelling or diving on the coast?
Yes, snorkelling, fishing with local fishermen and diving can be arranged on Day 4, along with a river cruise through the coconut plantations on the Pangani River. These activities are optional and are not included in the rate, so please ask our team for prices.
Is there a night walk at Amani?
Yes, the walk through the dense forest on Day 1 takes place before dinner, and you can see some of the biodiversity of the eastern area. The Amani Nature Reserve covers about 84 square kilometres.
What happens after the safari ends in Arusha?
You are driven back to Arusha on Day 6, or transferred to your next destination. Accommodation in Arusha is not included, and the onward transfer should be confirmed when you book.