12-Day Safari Adventure with Zanzibar Bliss
Arusha • Tarangire • Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Zanzibar
Trip Summary
- •Arusha City
- •Tarangire National Park
- •Central Serengeti National Park
- •Ngorongoro Crater
- •Zanzibar Islands
- •Big Five Safari
Day-by-Day Overview
Pricing
On Request
Contact us for a customized quote
Safari Overview
Experience the ultimate Tanzania adventure combining world-class wildlife safaris with pristine tropical beaches. This carefully crafted 12-day journey takes you through Tarangire National Park's elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, into the heart of the legendary Serengeti National Park with its abundant big cats and endless plains, and down into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife.
After six thrilling days of safari adventure, escape to the exotic spice island of Zanzibar where turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and rich Swahili culture await. Spend five blissful days relaxing at a beachfront resort, with optional activities including snorkeling, spice tours, dolphin watching, and exploring the historic Stone Town. This itinerary perfectly balances wildlife adventure with beach relaxation, creating an unforgettable Tanzanian experience.
Safari Highlights
Tarangire Giants
Witness vast elephant herds roaming beneath ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
Serengeti Big Cats
Experience the Serengeti's legendary predators including lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action.
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera with spectacular wildlife concentrations.
Big Five Safari
Excellent chances to see all Big Five including the endangered black rhino in Ngorongoro.
Zanzibar Beaches
Five days relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Stone Town Culture
Optional excursions to explore Zanzibar's UNESCO-listed Stone Town and spice plantations.
Accommodations
The African Tulip
Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
Kirimu Camps
Marera Valley Lodge
Zanzibar Queen Hotel
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to The African Tulip hotel in Arusha. This boutique hotel in the heart of Arusha offers a perfect retreat after your international journey. Settle into your comfortable room, enjoy dinner at the hotel's excellent restaurant, and rest in preparation for the exciting safari adventure ahead.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha and journey to Tarangire National Park, famous for its vast elephant herds and distinctive baobab trees. Your transfer doubles as a game drive, offering wildlife viewing opportunities along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided game drive through this wildlife-rich landscape searching for elephants, lions, cheetahs, and more. After a picnic lunch at the scenic cliff overlooking Tarangire River, continue your afternoon game drive before arriving at Lake Burunge Tented Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Central Serengeti National Park
Travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands toward the legendary Serengeti, enjoying wildlife viewing along the way. Arrive at Kirimu Camps in the heart of Central Serengeti, perfectly positioned for exceptional game viewing. Spend the day exploring the Serengeti's remarkable wildlife with morning and afternoon game drives across open savannahs and river systems. This region hosts large predators including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with abundant plains game.
Day 4: Full Day in Central Serengeti
A full day of game drives in Central Serengeti, perfectly positioned for exceptional wildlife viewing. This region hosts large predators including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with abundant plains game. If you're lucky, you may witness the spectacular wildebeest migration. All meals and overnight stay at Kirimu Camps.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, enjoy a transfer game drive from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most beautiful natural wonders. The steep crater walls create a natural enclosure sheltering lions, hyenas, elephants, black rhinos, flamingos, and more. Spend the day exploring this wildlife paradise with a picnic lunch on the crater floor. In the afternoon, ascend to the crater rim and continue to Marera Valley Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Flight to Zanzibar
This morning, transfer from Ngorongoro via Arusha to the airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival on this exotic spice island, you're transferred to Zanzibar Queen Hotel where turquoise waters and white-sand beaches await. The rest of the day is free to relax by the ocean, explore the resort, or simply unwind after your safari adventure. Dinner and overnight at the beachfront resort.
Day 7: Beach Day in Zanzibar
Enjoy a full day at leisure on Zanzibar's stunning beaches. Spend your day swimming in crystal-clear waters, relaxing on pristine white sand, or exploring the resort's amenities. Optional excursions are available including snorkeling trips to vibrant coral reefs, spice plantation tours, dolphin watching, or cultural visits to Stone Town.
Day 8: Beach Day in Zanzibar
Another day at leisure on Zanzibar's beaches. Optional activities include spice plantation tours to discover Zanzibar's aromatic heritage, dolphin watching adventures, cultural visits to UNESCO-listed Stone Town with its winding alleys and historic architecture, or simply indulge in the pleasure of doing nothing.
Day 9: Beach Day in Zanzibar
Continue enjoying Zanzibar's pristine beaches at your own pace. Swim, snorkel, explore, or simply relax. Optional activities remain available.
Day 10: Beach Day in Zanzibar
Your final full day on Zanzibar's beaches. Make the most of the turquoise waters, white sand, and tropical atmosphere. Optional excursions available.
Day 11: Departure from Zanzibar
After breakfast and a final morning at the beach, we'll transfer you to Zanzibar Airport in the afternoon for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable 12-day journey through Tanzania's most spectacular wildlife areas and island paradise. Safe travels and karibu tena (welcome back) anytime!
What to Expect
Expect early morning game drives when wildlife is most active, close encounters with elephants and big cats in open vehicles, dramatic landscapes from baobab forests to endless Serengeti plains, a descent into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera at Ngorongoro, comfortable tented camps and lodges with hot showers and quality meals, and five blissful days on Zanzibar's white sand beaches with turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit
This itinerary works year-round with different highlights each season. June to October offers peak dry season with excellent wildlife viewing and comfortable temperatures. January to February brings the dramatic wildebeest calving season in southern Serengeti with predator action. November and March to May see fewer tourists, lush green landscapes, and great birdwatching. Zanzibar enjoys warm weather year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday?
The best time depends on your priorities. For optimal wildlife viewing, visit during the dry season (June to October) when animals congregate around water sources. For the spectacular wildebeest calving season, choose January to February. The shoulder seasons (March to May and November) offer fewer crowds, lower prices, and dramatic green landscapes. Zanzibar is wonderful year-round with warm temperatures and excellent beach weather in all seasons.
How much does this 12-day Tanzania safari with Zanzibar cost?
Pricing varies based on accommodation level, group size, travel season, and specific choices. The package includes all park fees, professional guide, 4x4 safari vehicle, specified accommodations, most meals, and the domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. Contact us for a detailed custom quote based on your preferences and travel dates.
Is it worth combining safari and beach in Tanzania?
Absolutely! Tanzania is one of the few destinations where you can seamlessly combine world-class wildlife safaris with pristine tropical beaches without changing countries. After early mornings and dusty game drives, Zanzibar's relaxing beaches provide the perfect balance. This combination is especially popular with honeymooners, families, and first-time Africa visitors.
What wildlife will I see on this safari?
This itinerary visits Tanzania's premier wildlife areas, virtually guaranteeing sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, and diverse antelope species. In Ngorongoro Crater, you have excellent chances of seeing the endangered black rhino. Cheetahs are commonly spotted in Serengeti. Birdlife is exceptional with over 500 species across these parks.
Trip Summary
- •Arusha City
- •Tarangire National Park
- •Central Serengeti National Park
- •Ngorongoro Crater
- •Zanzibar Islands
- •Big Five Safari
Day-by-Day Overview
Pricing
On Request
Contact us for a customized quote
Essential Travel Info
- •Visa: $50 ($100 US citizens)
- •Currency: USD preferred (post-2006 notes)
- •Temperatures: 27-29°C day, 15°C nights
- •Clothing: Neutral colors, warm layers
- •Camera: Telephoto lens recommended