FI Friends Travel is teaming up with Kindred Spirits Travel Co to offer the FI Community an unforgettable seven-day safari through Tanzania’s breathtaking wilderness.
Over the course of this epic adventure, we’ll explore world-famous national parks, track the Big Five on immersive game drives, and relax in carefully selected camps beneath star-filled African skies.
From the majestic elephants of Tarangire to the rich wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater and the endless golden plains of the Serengeti, every day is designed to deepen your connection—with nature and with fellow FI friends.
Optional experiences, like a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti or a pre-safari island escape to Zanzibar, make this journey truly unforgettable.
Safari Pricing:
$5,295 per person (shared room) | $1,000 deposit
$6,350 per person (private room*) | $1,200 deposit
*Only 2 of these rooms available
Zanzibar Pricing (optional add-on):
$1,495 per person (shared room) | $600 deposit
$TBD per person (private room) | $TBD deposit
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where a friendly face will greet you for your private transfer to Arusha (about a 1-hour drive).
Experience the charm of Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, located near the Clocktower Roundabout. Enjoy a range of amenities like a swimming pool and fitness center, complemented by on-site dining. With its rich history and stunning views of Mount Meru, it's an exceptional base for exploring nearby wildlife parks.
✦ Travel Note: Please plan your flight to arrive by 3:00 pm to join our Welcome Dinner at 6:00 pm. Arriving a day early is recommended so you have time to rest and adjust to the time change—but it’s entirely up to you. If you choose to come in early, we can assist with booking an extra night at the hotel. Guests who come in beforehand can also enjoy optional excursions (at an additional cost), such as a local cooking class, a visit to a waterfall, or a guided tour of Arusha.
Included meals: Dinner
One of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets.
This park is known for its iconic baobab trees and massive elephant herds. Enjoy a thrilling game drive with lunch in a scenic picnic area, and a meaningful visit to a local Maasai village to learn about their rich culture and traditions.
Tonight, we’ll stay at Tarangire Simba Lodge—a beautifully appointed tented lodge just outside the park gate, known for its eco-conscious design, dreamy sunset views, and the occasional wildlife wandering nearby.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We head out in the morning toward the world-renowned Ngorongoro Conservation Area (2 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prepare to be awestruck as we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to over 25,000 animals, including rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos. This is one of the best places in Africa to see the “Big Five” in a single day.
Dinner and overnight at Lion’s Paw Camp
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoying sweeping views of the plains along the way (~3hr drive).
This is the Africa you’ve dreamed of—endless golden grasslands dotted with acacia trees, roaming herds, and dramatic skies.
We’ll settle in at Olkarien Eco Safari Camp, a low-impact camp that blends rustic charm with comfort. The tents feature real beds, flushing toilets, and hot showers, providing all the creature comforts you need while still immersing you in the sounds of the wild just beyond your canvas walls.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day of immersive game drives across the vast Serengeti plains, searching for iconic wildlife and soaking in the breathtaking landscape that defines this legendary park.
For those interested, an optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (additional $600) offers a spectacular sunrise flight over the Serengeti, providing a unique perspective on the wildlife below, followed by a celebratory champagne breakfast in the bush.
If you prefer to stay on the ground, an early morning game drive is included, giving you the chance to catch some of the Serengeti’s most active wildlife moments from the comfort of your safari vehicle.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day immersed in the Serengeti’s breathtaking landscape with a full-day game drive. Watch for cheetahs sprinting across the plains, herds of elephants gathering at watering holes, and countless other incredible wildlife moments.
Followed by more time to explore and soak in the beauty of this extraordinary environment.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This flight is included in your safari package.
This marks the official end of the trip, but the friendships and unforgettable memories will stay with you. Fly home from from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).
Your flight home can be booked out of Kilimanjaro (JRO) anytime after 7pm on October 20th. If you plan to extend your stay in Tanzania, we can help you book accommodation or additional activities (at cost).
Included meals: Breakfast
6 nights lodging
All meals as noted
Airport transfers
Private game drives
in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing
All park entry fees
Unlimited bottled water
Visit to a Maasai village
Ground transportation
Domestic flight
From Serengeti to Arusha
International airfare
Airfare not listed on itinerary is not included
Visa fees for Tanzania
currently $100USD for US Travelers, subject to change
Optional activities
Any activities marked as optional on the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Tips/gratuities
For guides & lodge staff (estimated at $25 per person per day)
Personal expenses
Such as laundry, souvenirs, spa treatments, etc.
Zanzibar trip
This is an optional add-on
*A note on accommodations: Each lodge and camp has been hand-picked to create the best possible safari experience. Due to the small and intimate nature of some camps, we may need to switch to a comparable property in order to accommodate our entire group.
Trip Policy & Insurance:
All bookings are non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, and strongly suggest considering “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (this specific coverage must be purchased within two weeks of submitting your deposit).
You’re welcome to purchase with any travel insurance provider you like, but we recommend TravelGuard for reliability and ease of use. If you choose to purchase through our link, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—which helps support this small business.
Zanzibar Pre-Safari Escape with FI Friends: October 10-14, 2026
Come a few days early to enjoy sun, sand, and island vibes with fellow FI friends before your safari kicks off.
*This add-on is optional and priced separately.
All visitors to Zanzibar must have inbound travel insurance ($44 USD per person). We’ll provide further details closer to the trip.
The Zanzibar add-on is open to both Week 1 and Week 2 safari guests, which means it’s going to be one big reunion of incredible people from across both trips. Week 1 guests will head to Zanzibar after the safari, while Week 2 guests will start in Zanzibar before going on safari.
Guests choosing this add-on will fly directly into Zanzibar on October 10th.
The Hotel Riu Palace Swahili (Adults Only All-Inclusive) is a brand new luxurious beachfront escape on Zanzibar’s famous Nungwi Beach. Guests can enjoy world-class amenities such as three infinity pools, seven restaurants, eight bars, a wellness center, gym, and daily entertainment. From gourmet dining and Mediterranean specialties to Italian favorites and exclusive Elite Club experiences, the culinary options are endless. Whether you’re unwinding at Renova Spa, joining fitness classes, or exploring Zanzibar’s spice-scented culture and stunning landscapes, this resort is the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and island paradise.
NOTE: The included photos are renderings as the hotel is still under construction and is expected to open in January 2026.
✔ A variety of restaurants and bars
✔ Multiple pools
✔ Beach loungers + towel service
✔ Daily entertainment and activities
✔ Gym, spa, and optional water sports
There will be optional excursions available to book at an additional cost, which we can arrange for you closer to the trip. Options include a catamaran cruise, a guided visit to historic Stone Town, a spice farm tour, and many other exciting experiences to choose from.
October 14th: Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha (flight cost included in add-on).
Bid farewell to the sun-soaked beaches as you transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your flight to Arusha. Though we’re leaving the beach behind, unforgettable wildlife experiences lie ahead!
Who is This Trip For?
If you’re into the FIRE movement / FI Community – or even just starting to explore it – you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who value freedom over flash, depth over drama, and adventure over routine.
You don’t need to be retired or even close – but if phrases like “geoarbitrage,” “index funds,” or “early retirement math” make your ears perk up, you’re probably in the right place.
To help you get a sense of whether this trip is a good fit for you, here’s what tends to work best for the group dynamic:
FIRE-curious or committed. You should already be familiar with – or genuinely interested in – the principles of Financial Independence. If you’re not into discussing big ideas about lifestyle design, financial freedom, or values-based living, you’ll probably be really bored at dinner.
Adults only (18+). This is a grown-up adventure designed for meaningful conversations and deeper connections. While adult children (18+) are welcome, we ask that everyone who joins is genuinely interested in FI principles and excited to engage in the types of conversations this community values. If you're considering bringing a young adult family member, please ensure they're aligned with the spirit of the trip and eager to participate. Every spot on this trip matters, and we want to create an environment where everyone contributes to the shared experience.
Physically adaptable. You don’t need to be super fit, but you’ll need to be comfortable with long car rides on bumpy roads, limited access to bathrooms while en route (yep, that means squatting in the bush), and the unpredictability that comes with travel in remote areas.
Comfortably rugged. Accommodations are glamping-style - real beds, hot showers, and flushing toilets. The camps are beautiful, safe, and well-run. While you won’t find air conditioning or luxury resort service, the temperatures in the Serengeti and surrounding areas are generally mild and can be even quite chilly in the evenings and early mornings, making the experience comfortable. WiFi is generally good for basic needs but not ideal for uploading large files or working remotely.
Open-minded and group-oriented. Group travel requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to go with the flow. We prioritize the group experience – sometimes that means adjusting plans, compromising on timing, or leaning into the unexpected.
Solo travelers welcome. This trip is designed to foster connection and community. We anticipate many of our guests will be traveling solo. Every attempt will be made to match solo travelers with a roommate. If no one is available, you will be required to pay the single supplement. If you prefer your own room, a limited number of single rooms will be available for an additional fee.
Tagalongs are fine! If you’re joining because your partner or friend is into FIRE, that’s totally fine – as long as you’re open-minded. We’ll definitely be talking about FIRE-y topics, but we also dive into fun, big-picture ideas like building a meaningful life, exploring the world intentionally, and designing your future with purpose. If you’re cool being around that energy – even if it’s not your thing – you’ll probably still have a great time. If not, this might not be the right group for you.
We hope you are as excited about this trip as we are and look forward to seeing you in Tanzania!
Your hosts,
Kristen Knapp (FI Friends Travel) - [email protected]
Lauri Schmidt (Kindred Spirits Travel Co) - [email protected]