Journey to Africa – July 2025

This 18-day African journey offers the unique opportunity to combine hands-on activities with breathtaking safaris. Native Passionists will be our hosts and guides, making it possible to experience the cultures of Tanzania from within.

We will visit the dramatic vast land of central Tanzania, meet members of the famous Maasai tribe, visit the Wagogo tribe in their village, experience village and family life in Itololo, and safari in a world class game park. We get a taste of Dar es Salaam, the economic hub of Tanzania, before sailing to the tropical island of Zanzibar, with its beautiful white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and spice plantations.  We will build relationships with community leaders committed to just economy and sustainable environment. We will foster a network of friendships and learn how to become responsible global citizens. The Journey to Africa is a remarkable opportunity to make your world bigger!

To register for the Journey to Africa, please contact Donna Manuel at the Earth & Spirit Center office by calling 502.452.2749 or emailing donna@earthandspiritcenter.org

Africa Journey – July 2025 Itinerary*

Arrival Option 1 – Fly into Arusha – Depart on Wednesday, July 23

We meet you at the airport and transport you to the Passionist guesthouse in Arusha. No added cost.

○  July 23 – Depart your hometown for Arusha’s Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)

○  July 24 – Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, located 31 miles from Arusha; overnight at Passionist guesthouse, Arusha

Arrival Option 2 – Fly into Nairobi – Depart on Tuesday, July 22

We meet you at the airport, host you at the Passionist Retreat Center for one night, and provide transportation to Arusha. Added cost: $150.

○  July 22 – Depart your hometown for Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

○  July 23 – Evening arrival in Nairobi; overnight at Passionist Retreat Center, Nairobi

○  July 24 – Drive from Nairobi to Arusha, 5.5 hours

Arrival Option 3 – Fly into Nairobi and 3 Day Safari in Maasai Mara, Depart on Friday, July 18

We meet you at the airport, host you at the Passionist Retreat Center for three nights, and provide transportation to Arusha. We also assist you in booking reservations with Bonfire Adventures for a 3 day/2 night safari to Maasai Mara game park with its rolling hills, sprawling savannahs, dramatic river crossings brimming with wildlife and host to the world famous epic Great Migration. Added cost: $225. Plus cost of Maasai Mara safari paid to Bonfire Adventures Tour Company. We will help you arrange this tour.

○  July 18 – Depart your hometown for Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

○  July 19 – Evening arrival in Nairobi; overnight at Passionist Retreat Center, Nairobi

○  July 20 – Rest day; overnight at Passionist Retreat Center, Nairobi

○  July 21 – Morning departure for safari in Maasai Mara with Bonfire Adventures Tour Co.

○  July 22 – Morning and evening safari drives in Maasai Mara

○  July 23 – Morning safari drive in Maasai Mara; return to Nairobi in mid-afternoon; overnight at Passionist Retreat Center, Nairobi

○  July 24 – Drive from Nairobi to Arusha, 5.5 hours

Day 1 – Friday, July 25 – Welcome to Tanzania

With a warm welcome and rousing reception our group meet at the Passionist guesthouse in Arusha to begin our journey together. Situated below majestic Mount Meru, Arusha enjoys a mild climate year round. Morning orientation and rest; afternoon visit to the Natural History Museum and Tanzanite experience. Overnight at the Passionist guesthouse, Arusha.

Day 2 – Tanzania Cultural Heritage and Maasai Culture

Morning visit to the Tanzania Cultural Heritage Centre with its vast collection of art and  antiquities from all over Africa. Also a visit to the Jane Goodall Museum, an interactive spectacle designed by former Walt Disney Imagineers to highlight her work as a primatologist and environmental activist (scheduled to open July 14). Afternoon offers an immersion into the fascinating culture of the Maasai tribe, an ancient culture still practicing their ancestral way of life. Overnight at the Passionist guesthouse, Arusha.

Day 3 – Arusha to Karatu

We begin our excursion to Karatu, driving the through the vast dry expanse of the Rift Valley and up into the lush green fields on the southeast slope of the Ngorngoro Crater, about 7500 feet above sea level. Overnight at a guesthouse surrounded by a coffee plantation in the majestic hills outside of Karatu.

Day 4 – Safari at Ngorngoro Conservation Area

Today is a safari adventure in the world class Ngorongoro Crater, home to abundant wildlife and a photographic paradise. Making our way up the winding road to the crater rim, we’ll stop at the panoramic overlook for a breathtaking view of the largest volcanic caldera in the world. Then we descend into the crater for a full day of game viewing and a picnic lunch. Within the massive crater zebra and wildebeest often graze in large herds while lions lurk in the shadows. As the sun slips below the horizon, we return to the guesthouse in Karatu.

Day 5 – Karatu to Itololo, Village and Family Life

From the highlands of Karatu, we travel south to the village of Itololo where we visit the Passionist medical clinic located on the hillside of the Rift Valley. Then we have the unique opportunity to visit local families in their homes and learn about village life. The evening includes dinner, drumming and entertainment with the Passionist novices. Overnight at Passionist community in Itololo.

Day 6 – Itololo to Dodoma, Kondoa Rock-Art Sites

We make a morning visit to the Kondoa Rock-Art Site, one of the most impressive collections of prehistoric rock art on the African continent, some dating back around 7000 years. Then we continue south through the arid planes of central Tanzania to the Passionist monastery in Dodoma. Over 60 years ago, Passionists from Italy came as missionaries and began a commercial wine industry, planting vines around the monastery. In the evening we get to soak up the tranquility of the vineyards, as well as sample the wines. Overnight at Ivrea Sisters’ retreat center, adjacent to the Passionist grounds.  

Day 7 – Dodoma, Capital City of Tanzania

Located in the heartland of Tanzania, Dodoma is the nation’s official political capital. We tour the Passionist vocational school in the morning before heading out in the afternoon on a tour of the city, visiting highlight of the capital including Nyerere Square, Gaddofi Mosque, and Parliament buildings. Overnight at the Ivera Sisters’ retreat center.

Day 8 – Mlowa and Wagogo Tribal Culture

We spend our day exploring the incredibly stark and stunning dry bush country in this area of Africa untouched by western influence. Our destination is Mlowa, where we get an authentic taste of rural life in a remote farming village rarely experienced by other visitors. In the evening, back in Dodoma, we have a lecture on Tanzanian culture while enjoying vintage from the surrounding vineyards. Overnight at the Ivera Sisters’ retreat center.

Day 9 – Dodoma to Dar es Salaam

The recently inaugurated high speed train whisks us from Dodoma to Dar es Salaam as we pass through the futile farmlands of central Tanzania – mangoes, pineapple, papaya, oranges, and bananas. We arrive in time for lunch at the Passionist guesthouse in Dar es Salaam, which is within walking distance of the Indian Ocean. An afternoon experience at the MakumbushoVillage Museum gives us a taste of tribal living and cultural dances, followed by shopping at the Mwenge Craft Market. Overnight at Passionist guesthouse, Dar es Salaam.

Day 10 – Dar es Salaam, Economic Hub of Tanzania

Dar is the largest city and the primary economic center in Tanzania. We’ll tour old town, which is set around a large harbor, and wander through the lively fish market. The afternoon offers an opportunity to take a 20 minute boat ride to the idyllic tiny tropical island of Mbudya and chill out on the white sand beaches. Overnight at Passionist guesthouse, Dar es Salaam.

Day 11 – Boat to Zanzibar, Stone Town

Crossing the sparkling azure waters of the Indian Ocean, we take the early morning ferry to the iconic island of Zanzibar. We’ll stroll through the maze of narrow streets in historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Acknowledging the sinister history of slave trafficking, we pay our respects at the old slave chambers and Slave Memorial. We savor the sights and smells of Darajani Market and visit the old Arab Fort. In the evening, we have reservations at the beautiful Serena Hotel to enjoy cocktails and sunset overlooking the Zanzibar harbor, followed by dinner. Overnight at the Welezo Center, a diocesan center just outside the city.

Day 12 – Zanzibar, Island Tour

A guide leads us on a forest walk through the magical Jozani National Park. Best known residents are the red colobus monkeys, endemic to Zanzibar, but also over 40 species of birds and around 50 species of brightly colored butterflies. We also visit a spice plantation. Zanzibar was a major trading hub for spices and thus a fusion of Arabic, Indian, European and African influences. We don’t want to miss a guided tour to experience how many of our favorite spices – cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and more – are grown. Then we head north of Uroa Beach where we have overnight reservations at the Manolo Beach Resort.

Day 13 – Zanzibar, Uroa Beach

Enjoy a full day at the resort pool or strolling the snow-white sand beach along the surreally bright turquoise waters. With luck, we might spot the humpback whales spouting and breaching as they migrate. Meals and overnight at Manolo Beach Resort.

Day 14 – Zanzibar, Uroa Beach

We have another day to enjoy tranquility at the beach. In the evening we gather for a festive meal to celebrate our African journey. Meals and overnight at Manolo Beach Resort.

Day 15 – Depart Zanzibar, return to Dar es Salaam, evening departure from Dar es Salaam – August 8, 2025

We take the noon ferry back to Dar es Salaam, have lunch at the Passionist guesthouse and time to pack up before being transported to the airport for your homebound flight.

Day 16 – Arrive home on Monday, August 9, 2025

With a heart full of memories and connection to new friends, the Africa Journey may end, but it’s the beginning of your personal journey to carry your experience forward.

* Unanticipated itinerary changes may be necessary due to local circumstances.