Our Tanzania Itinerary with Still Waters Safaris
Every detail of our Tanzania adventure was thoughtfully crafted by Still Waters Safaris. A seamless balance of wildlife, culture, and relaxation. It was the perfect mix for traveling as a family, and an itinerary that captured the essence of Tanzania: wild, welcoming, and wonderfully alive.
Out Making Memories x Still Waters Safaris
Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha
We landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where the warm Tanzanian air and our smiling Still Waters guide greeted us like old friends. After a short drive, we arrived at Ndani House, our home for the first few nights. A peaceful boutique stay surrounded by gardens and views of Mount Meru. It was the perfect place to rest, regroup, and ease into the rhythm of safari life.
Day 2 — Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour
We set out early for Materuni Village, a lush corner of the Kilimanjaro foothills. The hike to Materuni Waterfalls was pure magic. We picked up a local guide at the town’s entrance who helped me navigate with the kids to the waterfall. It was muddy but that made it even more magical. Following our hike we did a coffee tour with the locals during a traditional Chagga coffee ceremony, learning to roast, grind, and brew beans the old-fashioned way.
Day 3 — Serval Wildlife Sanctuary
A short drive from Arusha brought us to Serval Wildlife, a conservation sanctuary where rescued animals roam freely in a protected environment. It was an incredible hands-on experience where you can feed animals. You only have one hour allotted for your visit, and boy did it go quickly.
Day 4 — Arusha National Park
The next morning, we ventured into Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems. With its rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and towering Mount Meru, it’s a landscape that feels almost dreamlike. We saw giraffes gliding between acacias, zebras grazing in the grasslands, and even a few flamingos painting the water pink. The highlight was a guided walking safari, tracking footprints and learning how every plant and sound tells a story. We had our first WILD encounter, when my daughter’s legs were attacked by Safari Ants. A moment she is sure to never forget, those little suckers sure do hang on!
Day 5 — Maasai Market in Arusha
Before heading to the coast, we spent the morning exploring the Maasai Market in downtown Arusha. A vibrant maze of color, craftsmanship, and culture. Stalls overflowed with beaded jewelry, woven baskets, hand-carved wooden animals, and bold textiles in every imaginable pattern. The kids loved bartering with the vendors, and we left with a few treasures. The market wasn’t just about shopping, it was a lively, joyful exchange that brought us closer to the heart of Arusha and its people.
That afternoon, we caught our short flight to Zanzibar, watching the green of the mainland fade into the deep blue of the Indian Ocean below. We landed in the late evening, and it was night before we arrived at our hotel. But my oldest and I couldn’t help but jump in the pool, she thinks I’m crazy, and it’s the truth.
Day 6 — Kwanza Resort, Zanzibar
Our next home was Kwanza Resort, a luxury hideaway on Zanzibar’s tranquil southwest coast. Palm trees swayed, the ocean shimmered, and time seemed to slow down. We spent the day swimming, in the many pools and watching the sunset from our villa. After days of safari dust, it was exactly what we needed, barefoot luxury at its best.
Day 7 — Spice Tour & Stone Town
No trip to Zanzibar is complete without a spice tour. We wandered through farms filled with cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg each scent more intoxicating than the last. I wasn’t sure if the kids would be interested in the spice tour, but they sure surprised me. It really helped that the tour was interactive! Afterward, we continued into Stone Town, where we checked into the historic Tembo House Hotel. With its carved wooden doors, ocean views, and old-world charm, it felt like stepping into another era. The beach in front of the hotel came alive as the sun dipped into the ocean.
Day 8 — Exploring Stone Town & Farewell
Our final morning was spent exploring Stone Town’s narrow alleys and markets, we had a lovely walking tour, if visiting Stone Town I highly recommend a local guide. It was the perfect ending to our time with Stillwaters Safari, but didn’t conclude our time in Zanzibar.
Final Thoughts
Our journey with Still Waters Safaris was more than just a vacation! It was an experience that reconnected us with nature, culture, and one another. From the wild trails of Arusha to the gentle tides of Zanzibar, Tanzania unfolded like a story we’ll never stop telling.
Why Choose Still Waters Safari?
In the heart of Arusha, where Mount Meru rises above the savannah and safari stories begin, you’ll find Still Waters Safaris. A Tanzanian, sister-owned company redefining what it means to explore Africa. Founded by two passionate sisters with deep roots in Tanzania’s tourism world, Still Waters Safaris was born from a shared dream: to craft journeys that connect travelers not just to the land, but to its people, its rhythm, and its soul.
From the very beginning, their vision has been clear. To combine local heritage and world-class hospitality in a way that feels deeply personal. Every safari is tailor-made, every detail intentional. Whether it’s tracing the Great Migration across the Serengeti, walking quietly among giraffes in Arusha National Park, or ending your journey with toes in the sand on Zanzibar’s shores, the Still Waters team ensures every traveler experiences Tanzania through authentic eyes, theirs.
But what truly sets Still Waters apart is their commitment to empowerment and conservation. Their work extends far beyond the game drive. They are supporting local communities, uplifting women in tourism, and championing responsible travel that preserves the country’s natural and cultural treasures.
The result? Safaris that go beyond luxury, they have heart. With expert local guides, handpicked lodges, and a personalized touch that only comes from a family-run business, Still Waters Safaris offers something rare in today’s travel world: genuine connection.
For us, partnering with Still Waters felt effortless. Their ethos care, connection, and community, mirrors everything we believe in at Out Making Memories. Together, we created an itinerary that blended adventure and authenticity, family comfort and wild beauty. Tanzania came alive through their eyes, and we left with not just memories, but friendships.
Safari Planning and Logistics Guide
Safari planning comes with a lot of questions. From what to expect and how to prepare, to the finer details that make travel smoother. While I haven’t included everything in this post, my next blog post dives into all the details to help you plan with confidence.
It’s your go-to guide for a stress-free safari adventure. I’ll be sharing everything from visas and logistics to immunizations and preventative medicine, so you can feel completely ready before you go.
Safari Packing Guide
Packing for a safari is part of the excitement. It’s when the adventure starts to feel real. The goal is to find that perfect balance of comfort, function, and style, so you’re ready for early morning game drives, cool evenings, and everything in between.
While I’ll go into full detail in my next post, I’ve rounded up all of my favorite safari-tested items. These are the exact pieces I use and love. From breathable neutrals and hats to my go-to travel bags, camera gear, and kids’ essentials, everything you’ll need is linked there.
Shop My Kids Safari Essentials on Amazon
Shop My Adult Safari Essentials on Amazon
Meet The Still Waters Safari Founders
At the heart of Still Waters Safaris are two remarkable sisters, Amanda and Angel Kessy, whose shared passion for travel, storytelling, and their homeland inspired them to create something truly special.
Raised in Tanzania and surrounded by the wild beauty of its parks and people, the sisters grew up watching their family work in tourism. Over the years, they learned that a safari isn’t just about wildlife. It’s about connection: to nature, to culture, and to one another.
When they founded Still Waters Safaris, their goal was simple yet powerful, to share the Tanzania they know and love in a way that’s authentic, ethical, and deeply personal. What began as a dream between two sisters has grown into one of Arusha’s most respected locally owned safari companies, celebrated for its attention to detail, community impact, and heart-led approach to travel.
Together, Amanda and Angel have built more than a brand, they’ve built a bridge between travelers and Tanzania, reminding all who visit that true adventure flows, just like still waters, from calm, connection, and care.