SEPT. 12-22, 2023, extension available
This tour is at capacity.
During Sept. 12-22, 2023 (extension available) we invite you to Experience East Africa 2023. Join us on a tour to several countries, an island and a world class safari, curated by Traveling Black. We look forward to welcoming your private group co-managed by Monique Griffin and Traveling Black. We will highlight culture, history, fun and food during our journey. This is the best way to visit multiple countries in East Africa during a single trip.
All of our tours have a focus on diasporic Black experiences, support for Black businesses and local Black guides. Space is limited, are you ready? Check the itinerary below.
DAY 1. Welcome to east africa
For many of you this will be your first time on African soil but we guarantee it will not be your last. We’ll meet you at the airport then take you to check into our hotel. At our meet & greet you’ll receive a swag bag and meet everyone else who has joined the tour. We’ll talk about being responsible global citizens who have a thirst for knowledge & experiences while having a healthy respect for other cultures. During dinner we’ll experience our first sunset in Zanzibar; let’s experience East Africa.
DAY 2. zanzibar
The Archipelago of Zanzibar, Tanzania is known for white sandy beaches with crystal blue water. We’ll be staying on Unguja island (AKA Zanzibar island). Historically Zanzibar used to be a major slave trading port as it is a gateway between Africa and Asia. We will Stone Town and the old Slavery Market today. Next up we’ll head to the beach where you can experience the African version of island life. And later, have you ever taken a boat to a restaurant with its own private island? We’ll do that for dinner.
DAY 3. exploring zanzibar
Today it’s all about the boat tour. During the tour we’ll do some snorkeling and enjoy the sea life surrounding an even smaller island. You can choose between snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the boat if you are water-shy. Afterward you’ll have some free time to shop, explore other areas, nap, etc.
DAY 4. Hello uganda
Today we leave Tanzania and head to Uganda but there will be time to enjoy the pristine beaches and clear blue water one last time. We’ll gather our things and head to Uganda. If you choose to do the optional gorilla trekking you will leave with our guides to do that. If you are not doing gorilla trekking you will check into the hotel in Kampala and we’ll grab dinner. For those of you with energy left there will be a few options to enjoy Uganda’s amazing nightlife.
DAY 5. exploring kampala
After breakfast we will head out on a city tour of Kampala. Kampala is a bustling African city known for its busy streets, abundant motorbikes and numerous markets. We will take you through the market where you can practice your bargaining skills while shopping. Next you will get to see the National Mosque which was a gift from Libya’s Gaddafi. If you want some exercise you can climb the 272 stairs to the top of the tower to see a 360º view of the city. At night we will party Kampala style while we listen to AfroBeat and enjoy their vibrant lounges.
DAY 6. Wine & Whiskey
Today you will have some free time. You can choose to catch up on sleep, go to the local arts and crafts market, indulge on street food or even do a little work (if you have to). Afterward we’ll be doing a multi-stop Wine & Whiskey tasting around town. This private event will also feature local bites to savor (and soak up the alcohol) while we hop around the town and experience East Africa.
DAY 7. get ready for a kenyan safari
Today we will fly into the heart of Kenya to start our authentic African safari in the Maasai Mara region. After we land we will check into our safari tents in the game reserve. Don’t worry there will be a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat and facilities nearby. We will get to meet the Maasai tribespeople, share stories and customs with them and rest up for the big day tomorrow. The safari is here.
DAY 8. safari on the endless plains
The Maasai Mara is the best place in the world to go on safari. The whole ecosystem stretches over 1,500 square kilometers, endless plains as far as the eye can see. The safari guides will let us know what to expect, what to do and what not to do while in the game reserve. Then we’ll load up in our safari vehicles and head out into the great beyond in search of what mother nature has to offer.
DAY 9. search for the big 5 on safari
Today we will continue our safari and search for the big 5 and much more. The big 5 animals are know as: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo). If you are lucky you will see all of these on one safari. If you have a camera with a long lens this is the place to use it but we will also have a photographer on staff to capture it all.
DAY 10. Hello Nairobi
After we drive out of the game reserve, we will fly to Nairobi, Kenya’s most active city. You’ll have one more chance to pick up some amazing Kenyan gifts, clothing and Maasai blankets. For dinner we will be going to a place that specializes in their different meats, many of them are the same game you just saw on safari.
DAY 11. tour extension begins
For those that did not book the extension you will fly back home today from Nairobi. For those who booked the extension we will continue on to the exclusive archipelago of Seychelles. After we land we will check into our AirBnB, and just have enough time to catch another sunset over dinner.
DAY 12. say yes to seychelles
Seychelles is certainly one of the most beautiful tropical island destinations in the world. It’s more remote than the other groups of African islands and you will find that this archipelago is a once in a lifetime treat. Numerous beaches surrounded by scores of natural reserves and plant life. We will go on a day tour of Mahé island, stopping to eat, drink and relax in the water. This is the only item on the itinerary for the day.
DAY 13. soak up seychelles
This is our last full day to experience East Africa. We will spend half of it at one of the best beaches in the world, with crystal blue water and boulders that look to be tossed on the beach by ancient giants. The other half of the day will be yours to enjoy yourself, tomorrow we make the trip home.
DAY 14. experience east africa Goodbye
This is the sad day we have to say goodbye to East Africa but the memories will last you a lifetime. We will take everyone to the airport with ample time to check in, relax, then board your flights. Thank you for coming with us on this journey… so, are you ready to put the NEXT Traveling Black trip on your calendar??
AFTER YOU BOOK the tour:
- After you submit your deposit/payment we will schedule a time to call you within 48hrs to answer any remaining questions and to assist you in finding a good flight
- If you are doing the trip extension
- Book your flight to land in Zanzibar (ZNZ airport) by 2pm on Sept. 12th, 2023
- Book your flight to leave to go home from Seychelles (SEZ airport) at any time on Sept. 25th, 2023
- Here is an example flight search from SFO
- If you are not doing the trip extension
- Book your flight to land in Zanzibar (ZNZ airport) by 2pm on Sept. 12th, 2023
- Book your flight to leave to go home from Nairobi (NBO airport) after 2pm on Sept. 21st, 2023 or anytime on Sept. 22nd if you’d like to spend an extra night (not incl.)
- Here is an example flight search from SFO
- You will also need to book your flights to Uganda and Kenya (and to Seychelles if you are doing the extension). We will provide you the flight numbers, dates and links to do this. The estimated flight costs are:
accommodations:
- We will stay in comfortable and clean 3-4 star accommodations for the duration of the trip other than while on safari inside the game reserve when we stay in tents.
INCLUDED:
- Accommodations Mentioned Above
- Air-Conditioned Ground Transportation (including airport transfers)
- Excursions Listed Above
- Open-Air African Safari
- Volunteer Activities
- Wine & Whiskey Event
- Guided Shopping Tour
- Professional Photographer
- VIP Nightlife Outing
- Breakfasts
- Fly Swag Bag
- Experienced African Guides
NOT INCLUDED:
- Any flights (International Flight From/To the U.S. or flights within Africa)
- Gorilla Trekking (optional in Uganda)
- Visas
- Gratuities
- Inoculations
- Lunch/dinner unless included with excursion
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
OTHER INFO:
- This tour will create a safe space for Black people to enjoy themselves, learn about and experience East Africa
- You must have a valid passport with 2+ blank pages
- The stated itinerary may change at any time due to weather, or any other unforeseen issues.
PRICING:
Early Bird pricing is still available
The following prices are for days 1-11 above:
$3099: SHARED OCCUPANCY
You will be paired with 1 other person in the room
If you have a friend taking the trip you can choose each other as roommates
**Price per person
$3699: SINGLE OCCUPANCY
A single occupancy room
$4299: VIP OCCUPANCY
Upgraded room whenever possible
You can choose from several bottles of wine
Safari or beach photo shoot starring you
Extra swag such as an TB tanktop, sunglasses, etc
+$600: TRIP EXTENSION
This extension adds days 11-14 in the above itinerary in Seychelles
Sign Up Form
Yes. To enter Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Seychelles you are required to have an up to date yellow fever shot. Other than that please consult your physician for licensed medical advice.
You need a valid passport with 2+ consecutive blank pages & 6 months validity left. US citizens need visas to enter Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
Consequently, we do allow some youth on our trips but we will first need to meet (video call) with the parent/guardian and the proposed youngster to determine if this trip is a good fit.
For shared occupancy we will place you with someone of the same sex in the room with separate beds. If you have a friend going on the trip you can request to share with them.
Well, yes. If you are a party animal there will be daily options for you to get down. Fun, music and nighttime libations are at the forefront of the entertainment scene.
Yes, we make sure to have different dietary options at every place we go for meals, excursions, etc.
Yes we also accept venmo, cash app, or zelle. If you would like to pay for your trip in one transaction this way please contact us.
Yes. We now require that everyone has travel insurance. After you book the trip an automated email will be sent to you with options or you may opt to find your own.
We plan to take no more than 20 people on this tour. Keeping the numbers low ensures that the quality of the trip is high, everyone can get to know each other and the overall experience is more intimate. We will likely hit capacity, book now if interested.
East Africa is doing much better than the U.S. Mask wearing is no longer required in most spaces, but we encourage you to be safe in all spaces and use your discretion.
Uganda: You either need a valid vax card or a negative PCR test taken within 72hrs to enter/exit
Tanzania: You either need a valid vax card or a negative PCR test taken within 72hrs (with QR code for either) to enter
Kenya: All travelers above the age of 12 years arriving into the country will be required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure.
Yes you are required to have a valid yellow fever vaccination card