Tanzania & Mafia Island
ADVENTURE
From world-famous safaris and authentic Maasai culture to swimming with whale sharks in the Indian Ocean.
12 NIGHTS
Adventure
MAX 12
Travellers
TWIN SHARE
Basis
START
Arusha
END
Dar es Salaam
Tour Overview & Highlights
THE SERENGETI
Africa’s ultimate safari experience
NGORONGORO CRATER
Safari in the world’s largest intact crater
TARANGIRE NP
Elephants, baobabs and incredible wildlife
LAKE EYASI
Meet the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers
MAASAI IMMERSION
Authentic Maasai culture and community
BAGAMOYO
History, culture and the Swahili coast
MAFIA ISLAND
Paradise without the crowds
WHALE SHARKS
Swim alongside the world’s largest fish
Why Tanzania?
Tanzania is one of those rare countries that has it all.
World-class safaris. Extraordinary wildlife. Rich cultures. Snow-capped mountains. Ancient Swahili history. White-sand beaches. And the unforgettable chance to swim with whale sharks in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
This itinerary has been carefully designed to take you beyond the classic safari route. We’ll spend longer exploring the Serengeti, experience everyday life with the Maasai at Amini Life, discover the fascinating history of Bagamoyo and end our adventure on the idyllic shores of Mafia Island.
If you’re looking for the perfect balance of wildlife, culture and relaxation, this might just be Tanzania at its very best.
You’ll love this trip if…
✓ You’re travelling solo or in a small group but love sharing incredible adventures with like-minded people.
✓ You’ve always dreamed of experiencing one of the world’s greatest safari destinations, spending days searching for the Big Five and witnessing the incredible wildlife of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
✓ You believe the best travel memories come from the people you meet, not just the places you visit.
✓ You want to experience Tanzania beyond the safari – spending time with our Maasai friends, meeting the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and discovering the rich history and culture of the Swahili coast.
✓ You love adventures that combine epic wildlife, meaningful cultural experiences and unforgettable moments – from swimming with whale sharks to relaxing on the idyllic shores of Mafia Island.
✓ You’re looking for more than just a holiday – unforgettable memories, lasting friendships and a travel family you’ll be excited to adventure with again.
Upcoming Tour Dates
- 23 October – 4 November 2027
From £4,595* (per person)
- Deposit: £800 (non-refundable)
- 2nd Payment: £3,195 (due 62 days before the departure date)
- 3rd Payment: $500 (local payment, paid on arrival)
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- Internal Flights: $300 (approx. – internal flights – booked and paid separately – but included in price above)
* subject to current USD to GBP exchange rates
* payment plans available
What’s Included
- 12 nights’ accommodation (twin share basis)
- 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 10 dinners
- Rock My Adventure group leader & local guides
- Comprehensive pre-departure information & support
- All activities & park fees as per the itinerary below
- All transport for included activities
- Tips for local guides
Why Travel With Rock My Adventure?
I’ve spent the last 17 years exploring Africa, building genuine friendships and creating the kind of adventures I always wished existed.
Every Rock My Adventure itinerary is personally researched and designed by me, inspired by the incredible people I’ve met, the places I’ve fallen in love with and the experiences that have kept drawing me back year after year.
Whether I’m travelling with the group or one of our trusted Rock My Adventure leaders is hosting the adventure, our goal is always the same: to help you experience Africa in a way that feels genuine, personal and unforgettable.
I’d love for you to experience it too.
Helen x
“I have had a fantastic time, thank you, you are the best. Thank you for the incredible journey and sharing your love of Africa with me. The laughs and memories will always be cherished… because of you I have fallen in love with Africa.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Arusha for the night.
Settle in, unwind, and meet your fellow adventurers over a delicious welcome dinner.
Your Rock My Tanzania & Mafia Island Adventure starts here. Karibu Tanzania!
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 2: Elephants & Baobabs of Tarangire
After breakfast, we’ll leave Arusha behind and head towards Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s hidden safari gems. Famous for its giant baobab trees and enormous elephant herds, Tarangire often offers incredible wildlife sightings without the crowds found in some of the country’s better-known parks.
We’ll spend the afternoon on our first game drive, keeping our eyes peeled for elephants, giraffe, zebra, lions and countless other species before continuing to our lodge near Karatu, where we’ll enjoy dinner together and settle in for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Tarangire Safari
Day 3: Into the Endless Plains of the Serengeti
Today we’ll journey into one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations – the Serengeti National Park. The drive itself is part of the adventure as the scenery transforms into vast open plains stretching as far as the eye can see.
After arriving, we’ll enjoy our first game drive through this remarkable ecosystem before arriving at our glamping camp deep within the park. As darkness falls, we’ll gather around the campfire beneath an incredible canopy of stars, listening to the sounds of the African bush all around us.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Glamping Tent (Ensuite)
- Activities: Serengeti Safari
Day 4: A Full Day in the Serengeti
Today is all about experiencing the Serengeti at its very best. We’ll spend the day exploring different areas of the park, following wildlife sightings and taking our time to appreciate one of the greatest safari destinations on Earth.
With a picnic lunch out in the bush, there’ll be plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere while searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hyenas and, depending on the season, thousands of migrating wildebeest and zebra.
As the sun begins to set, we’ll return to camp for another evening around the fire, sharing stories from another unforgettable day on safari.
Hot Air Balloon: Those who wish can enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara (approx. $600), followed by a champagne breakfast, before rejoining the group for the rest of the day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Glamping Tent (Ensuite)
- Activities: Serengeti Safari
Day 5: One Last Serengeti Safari & the Ngorongoro Crater
There’s something magical about the Serengeti in the early morning, so we’ll head out for one final game drive while the wildlife is at its most active.
We’ll then leave the endless plains behind and journey to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. Descending into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, we’ll spend the afternoon on safari in one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations, home to an incredible concentration of animals and one of the best places to spot the Big Five.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll continue to nearby Lake Eyasi, where we’ll settle into our lodge ready for tomorrow’s unforgettable cultural experiences.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Serengeti Safari
Day 6: Hunting with the Hadzabe & A Maasai Welcome
We’ll rise early to watch the sun come up over the peaceful shores of Lake Eyasi before heading out to spend time with the Hadzabe, one of Africa’s last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes. Joining them on their morning hunt offers a fascinating insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.
Later, we’ll visit the neighbouring Datoga community, renowned for their traditional blacksmithing skills, before continuing to African Amini Life. Nestled beneath the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, we’ll receive a warm Maasai welcome before settling into our beautiful lodge for the next two nights.
This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together and spend our first night immersed in Maasai culture.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Hadzabe Tribe, Datoga Community Visit, Maasai Immersion
Day 7: Maasai Life & Hot Springs
Wake up to spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro before spending the morning taking part in a range of authentic Maasai activities with our hosts at African Amini Life. Rather than simply visiting a village, you’ll gain a genuine insight into Maasai culture, traditions and daily life, making this one of the most meaningful cultural experiences of the trip.
Later, we’ll head to the crystal-clear Kikuletwa Hot Springs, where you can swim beneath shady fig trees, relax in the turquoise waters or simply soak up the peaceful surroundings before returning to the lodge for our final evening with the Maasai.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Lodge (Ensuite)
- Activities: Maasai Immersion, Hot Springs
Day 8: From the Savannah to the Swahili Coast
After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to our Maasai hosts and journey towards the historic coastal town of Bagamoyo. Once one of East Africa’s most important trading ports, Bagamoyo is rich in Swahili culture, fascinating history and beautiful colonial architecture.
Once we arrive, there’s time to relax by the pool or explore this historic coastal town before enjoying dinner together at a lovely local restaurant.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Guesthouse (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 9: A Taste of Swahili Life
Today is all about slowing down and soaking up the laid-back Swahili atmosphere of Bagamoyo. Wander the historic streets, browse local markets, relax by the pool or simply enjoy watching everyday life unfold in one of Tanzania’s oldest coastal towns.
We’ll also spend time visiting a local school (where Helen was a volunteer many years ago) – one of those simple but meaningful experiences that often becomes a trip highlight.
This evening, we’ll enjoy a truly special cultural performance from an incredibly talented local music and dance group – the perfect way to experience the rhythm, energy and traditions of the Swahili coast.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Guesthouse (Ensuite)
- Activities: School Visit, Local Music & Dancing
Day 10: Welcome to Mafia Island
If you’re an early riser, you may wish to enjoy the sunrise over the Indian Ocean before we transfer to Dar es Salaam and board our short (30-minute) flight to Mafia Island, where we’ll spend the next three nights.
Far quieter and far less developed than neighbouring Zanzibar, Mafia Island offers a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere, pristine beaches and authentic Swahili culture. Whether you’re wandering the sleepy streets of Kilindoni, watching traditional dhows drift across the turquoise waters or simply relaxing beneath the palm trees, it’s the perfect place to slow down after an incredible safari adventure.
After settling into our beachfront lodge, we’ll gather for sundowners and dinner on the beach as we watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean – the perfect introduction to island life.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: None
Day 11: Swimming with Whale Sharks
Today is a major highlight as we’re going to looking for whale sharks – the largest fish in the world, that can grow up to 20m long.
Mafia Island is known for being one of the best places in the world to swim with these beautiful and harmless creatures.
Setting off early in the morning, we venture to the western shores of the island, tracing the channel that separates Mafia from the mainland.
Upon encountering the majestic whale sharks, our knowledgeable guides will ensure a safe and respectful interaction, providing snorkeling gear and expert guidance for an unforgettable and ethically sound experience.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Whale Shark Excursion
Day 12: Discover Mafia Island
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, making the most of everything this beautiful island has to offer.
You might choose to snorkel amongst vibrant coral reefs, visit the historic island of Chole, explore the Kua Ruins and lagoon, or set sail on a traditional dhow to the stunning Manje Sandbank. For certified divers, Mafia Island is also home to some of the best scuba diving in East Africa. And if you simply can’t get enough of these gentle giants, you’ll have the option to head out in search of the whale sharks once again.
If relaxation is more your style, spend the day lounging by the pool or on the beach, treat yourself to a massage at the spa or join a yoga class overlooking the Indian Ocean.
This afternoon, we’ll come together for a truly magical sunset dhow cruise. As we sail across the calm waters aboard a traditional wooden dhow, we’ll enjoy drinks and snacks while watching the sun sink below the horizon – the perfect way to celebrate our final evening in Tanzania.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel (Ensuite)
- Activities: Traditional Dhow Cruise
Day 13: Farewell Tanzania
Enjoy a relaxed morning making the most of your final few hours on beautiful Mafia Island before we catch our short flight back to Dar es Salaam.
From here, you can either connect with an evening international flight home, spend an extra night in Dar es Salaam for a more leisurely departure, or head over to nearby Zanzibar for a few more days exploring Tanzania’s idyllic coastline.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow adventurers, but you’ll leave with incredible memories, unforgettable experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime.
We’ll be happy to arrange your airport transfer or assist with any onward travel plans. Whether you’d like to spend a little longer exploring Tanzania or continue your African adventure elsewhere, we’re always here to help – it’s all part of the Rock My Adventure service.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: None
- Activities: None
Essential Info
What’s Not Included
- International & local flights
- Airport transfers before and after the tour (we’re happy to arrange these for you)
- Visas (where applicable)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Vaccinations, antimalarials and personal medications
- Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities and associated transport
- Tips for hotel staff, porters and optional activity guides (at your discretion)
Trip Notes
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This is one of our most immersive Tanzania adventures, combining world-class safaris, authentic cultural experiences and the idyllic beaches of Mafia Island. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to swimming alongside whale sharks in the Indian Ocean, it’s the perfect balance of wildlife, culture and relaxation.
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Our October and November departures coincide with whale shark season around Mafia Island, giving you an excellent chance of swimming with these magnificent gentle giants.
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Twin-share accommodation is included throughout the trip. If you’d prefer your own room, single rooms are available on most nights for an additional supplement (subject to availability).
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Solo travellers are always welcome. In fact, most of our guests join us on their own. If you book on a twin-share basis, we’ll pair you with another same-sex traveller.
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If you have extra time before or after the tour, we highly recommend extending your stay with a few extra nights in Zanzibar or exploring more of Tanzania. We’re always happy to help arrange any additional travel – it’s all part of the Rock My Adventure service.
FAQ’s
Are there any visa or entry requirements?
Most people need a visa to visit Tanzania – this can be obtained prior to travel or at the border. A visa costs $50 for most nationalities and $100 for US citizens.
We will provide all the information you need to apply for this in the pre-departure information we send you upon booking.
Your passport needs to have at least 2 pages free for your stamps/visas and it needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival.
How difficult is this trip/what is the physical activity level?
Overall, this is one of our more relaxed adventures, combining incredible safaris, meaningful cultural experiences and time to unwind on Mafia Island. That said, you’ll still need to be prepared for some long, bumpy safari drives, a few early starts and warm, dusty days. If you enjoy adventure with a good level of comfort, this trip strikes a great balance.
Is there an age limit for this trip?
The minimum age for the trip is 18.
There’s no upper age limit, however, we generally wouldn’t recommend this trip for anyone over the age of 70, given the physically demanding nature of the safaris – think long, bumpy car rides, heat, and early mornings.
But you know your own stamina, so if you are in good health, and are comfortable wth long/bumpy drives and with the flashpacker style of travel, plus able to enjoy the company of a diverse age range, then you’re more than welcome to join us!
I get car sick, can I have a front seat in the cars?
As this is a group trip, you will be expected to rotate positions around the car/bus (this is non-negotiable), so we cannot guarantee a seat near the front of the car every day, so please ensure you have adequate travel sickness medication.
Where will we stay?
On this trip, we’ll stay in a mix of accommodations…
- Arusha: We will stay in a lovely hotel near to the city centre.
- Karatu: We stay in a lovely lodge with comfortable rooms and a pool.
- Serengeti: We stay at a lovely glamping camp in the heart of the Serengeti, with spacious tents, comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms.
- Lake Eyasi: We stay in a lovely lodge with comfortable rooms and a pool.
- Amini Life: We stay in a lovely Maasai-run lodge with a pool.
- Mafia Island: We stay in a delightful beach lodge.
If you are travelling solo you will be paired with a same-sex roommate in a twin room. If you are travelling with a friend or partner, you will share a twin room (or double if requested and available).
Can I have a private room?
All of our rooms are booked in advance as twins and the trip price is based on a twin-share basis.
If you would prefer a private room, please let us know. We may be able to accommodate this request, depending on availability and at an additional cost.
Please note that some of our accommodations have limited room availability, so we may not always be able to offer private rooms.
I want to extend my trip, is that possible?
If you arrive in Arusha early or want to stay in Tanzania longer, we can book additional accommodation at the hotels for you – subject to availability and extra cost.
If there is no availability or you want to stay somewhere else, we can suggest other places for you to book. You are also free to book your own accommodation elsewhere.
Which airport should I fly into/out of?
Arrival: You should fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (jro). We will have a welcome meeting in the bar of the hotel at 6pm, followed by dinner. So we would suggest that your flight lands before 3pm on arrival day.
Departure: You should fly out of Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. You can leave Dar es Salaam any time on departure day. You can also extend your trip and stay in Mafia Island for longer if you wish.
Are airport transfers included?
We don’t include airport transfers, however we can arrange these for you and, where possible, we will try to arrange it so that you can share with another group member who is arriving/departing on the same flight.
Transfers to/from the hotel usually cost around $50 per car. Uber is also an option in Dar es Salaam if neded.
How much spending money will I need?
Putting aside all your pre-trip costs and visas, people tend to spend between $400 – $1,000 (usually only at the higher end if they do the hot air balloon over the Masai Mara which costs $450).
How much you spend will depend greatly on how much you drink, how much you shop and what extra activities you choose to do.
What transport do we use?
On this trip, we’ll have a mix of transport.
For the safari portion of the trip, we’ll travel in 6-seater safari cars with pop-up roofs.
For the journey from Moshi to Bagamoyo, we’ll travel in a 24-seater coaster bus.
From Dar es Salaam, we usually fly is Cessna planes.
You may also take tuk tuks and taxis for short distances.
What do I need to bring/pack/wear?
Upon booking, we’ll send out comprehensive pre-departure information which lists everything you need to pack for your trip.
Generally, you don’t need any too ‘specialist’ for this trip! There may be some items that you don’t have that you may need/want to invest in – head torch, binoculars etc, but nothing too extreme.
Can I do laundry on the trip?
Most places we stay (except for the Masai Mara) will have a laundry service for a fee.
Sometimes it’s machine wash, other times hand wash. There usually aren’t any self-service washing machines, but you can wash small items in the hotel sink.
You are best to do laundry at locations where we spend 2 nights. This will give the laundry a chance to dry.
Will I need adapters for my electronics?
Tanzania uses British-style “Type G” plugs. If your devices use a different plug type, you’ll need an adapter.
Tanzania uses 230V. Most modern electronics, like phone chargers and laptops, are dual voltage and can handle this range, so you’ll likely only need a plug adapter.
However, if your appliances aren’t compatible with these voltages, you’ll need a voltage converter.
How can I stay online whilst travelling?
You’ll have WiFi at all of our accommodations, though it can be slow and unreliable at times.
If you don’t have an international SIM or eSIM, the best way to stay connected is by purchasing a local SIM card for your phone.
In Tanzania, Vodacom and Airtel are the most used networks.
Each provider offers various packages based on the length of your stay and your data needs, and topping up is straightforward if you need more data.
To obtain a local SIM card, you’ll need your passport, and your phone must be unlocked by your provider, so be sure to take care of this at least 10 days before your trip.
What meals & drinks are included on the trip?
Your trip includes 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 10 dinners. These may be a la carte or a set menu, depending on where we are.
All other meals are on your own account.
Drinks and alcohol are generally not included unless otherwise stated.
Water may be included at some hotels, restaurants and with some activities.
What kinds of food will we have?
We’ll have a variety of food on the trip, including local food and more Western style meals. We will eat in restaurants, our hotels, have street food and some packed lunches.
When we are in more remote areas, or after a long day of driving, we will usually eat at the hotels.
The food choices are not always within our control and may be quite limited in some places.
If you are the type of person who gets hangry, or if you like your home comfort food, or if you have specific dietary requirements (ie. vegan, dairy or gluten free etc) please bring snacks with you – just in case.
There is usually the opportunity to pick up snacks during the trip, but if you want something specific, please bring it with you.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! If you have an allergy or a strong aversion to a certain food, please let us know beforehand so we can advise the chef.
Please note that we cannot accommodate specific diets like keto, paleo, low carb/high protein etc.
Please be aware that what you say on your booking form is what is communicated to the hotels/activity providers.
So if you decided to be a vegetarian/vegan on the week you filled in your booking form – that’s what we communicate and that’s what you will get.
If your food preferences/requirements change between the time you fill in your booking form and the trip – it is YOUR responsibility to let us know.
We always make sure that our suppliers are aware of any dietary requirements and allergies, however we cannot guarantee that there will not be cross-contamination or traces of allergens.
The understanding of food allergies is not as comprehensive in Africa as it is in some parts of the world – so please check before you eat.
If your allergy is severe, you must travel with an epi-pen. If you are worried about this, please feel free to discuss this with us.
Is this trip for me?
I guess that’s up to you!
We’re hoping you’ve read the above, carefully to get an understanding of what the trip involves and if it’s suitable.
Lots of people love Rock My Adventure tours (see the Testimonial page) and we get tons of repeaters, but they aren’t for everyone, so you need to ensure that you are comfortable with our style of travel and being in a group.
If you’re the type of person who is easily annoyed by other people, likes ultimate luxury, wants everything their way, or wants to be in control all the time, wants a very formal trip or likes to moan a lot/be negative, then this probably isn’t the trip for you! 🙂
If you’re laid-back, fun, a team player, and adventurous – then sign right up!!
You know yourself, so you decide!
I have more questions, who can I ask?
Hakuna matata. Check out our main FAQ’s here and if you still have questions, please contact us here.
Testimonials
“I knew it would be good but it exceeded my expectations.”
“This was my second Rock My Adventure tour. It was the trip of a lifetime with a great mix of culture and nature. I knew it would be good but it exceeded my expectations. The safaris were amazing, we saw so much. We saw so many animals up close, just like watching a wildlife programme in real life. I loved travelling in a group. It’s like travelling with friends. I am always apprehensive about meeting new people but everyone has a common interest and it’s not long before you’re enjoying sharing the holiday experience with them. The tour has a very personal touch and Helen really cares about everyone having their best experience. For me Helen’s knowledge, connections, care, attention and commitment to ensure everyone has a great time is exceptional.”
SUE | UK
“Every day after was as impressive as the last.”
“After our first incredible safari day in the Masai Mara, I wondered how the rest of the trip could compare but every day after was as impressive as the last. I’ve wanted to visit Africa for as long as I can remember and all of my expectations were exceeded. We got to experience, city, safari, jungle and beach, spent some time off the beaten track with locals and some time on the beach with other tourists – the perfect balance. The trip was so well organised and Helen made sure everything ran smoothly, while spending time with us and sharing everything she knows of Kenya and Tanzania. It was lovely to experience all of these moments with a group of people that were equally as excited as me, Helen included. Coming home was very difficult, but it’s even harder trying to decide which trip I’ll go on next……””
SINEAD | IRELAND
“Definitely the best holiday I have ever been on.”
“Without a doubt the best tour I’ve ever been on. I loved every, single, bloody minute of this trip. From the minute it started in Nairobi I KNEW I was on the right tour. On meeting Helen and that instant connection of a kindred spirit. I even loved how we turned a long day of travel into a raving karaoke bus and had the best bloody day ever…just by having fun. I loved all the included activities and the optional ones too. I felt the itinerary we had was a good mix of everything, ensuring to see the best of the locations. Met my expectations, smashed passed them and blew right into the stratosphere. I wanted a slightly elevated tour, but without missing that connection to the people and the places, and this tour gave me all of that and more. YOU ROCKED MY ADVENTURE!!!”
MICHELLE | AUSTRALIA
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Address: 353 - 355 Station Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6EE
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