Safari in national parks and Zanzibar Beach : Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti Np and Zanzibar Beach
Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with this 11-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary. Start in Arusha and explore the famous Northern Circuit parks: Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the endless plains of the Serengeti. After thrilling game drives and Big Five encounters, fly to the exotic island of Zanzibar. Wander through the historical streets of Stone Town, visit Prison Island, and relax on white-sand beaches. Enjoy snorkeling around Mnemba Atoll and take in the island’s culture and coastal charm. This itinerary offers the ultimate East African escape—safari excitement followed by tropical serenity—ideal for couples, families, or honeymooners seeking the best of both worlds.
Trip Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Take time to rest and acclimatize after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore the town or visit a local coffee plantation. In the evening, receive a pre-safari briefing and enjoy dinner at your lodge. Overnight stay in Arusha, preparing for the adventure ahead.
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Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Overnight in Karatu
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park—known for its ancient baobab trees, seasonal swamps, and large elephant herds. Spend the day on a game drive, spotting giraffes, lions, zebras, and various antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your wildlife adventure in the afternoon. Later, drive to the lush highlands of Karatu for dinner and overnight at a charming lodge nestled near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
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Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Drive to Serengeti
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater—home to one of Africa’s densest wildlife populations. Spot the Big Five, including the elusive black rhino, in this unique, enclosed ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, then ascend the crater rim and drive to the Serengeti. Along the way, take in panoramic views and enjoy game viewing en route. Arrive at your Serengeti camp in time for dinner and an overnight stay under the stars
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Day 4: Serengeti National Park (Central Region)
Spend the day exploring the iconic Serengeti plains, renowned for the Great Migration and large predator populations. Depending on the season, you may witness herds of wildebeest and zebra or track lions and cheetahs in action. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through the Seronera Valley and along the river circuits. Break for lunch at the camp or enjoy a picnic in the bush. End the day with a spectacular African sunset. Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.
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Day 5: Full Day in Serengeti
Today you’ll have another full day to enjoy game drives in the Serengeti. Choose between a full-day exploration with picnic lunch or split your safari into morning and afternoon sessions. Optional activities include a sunrise hot air balloon safari (extra cost) for aerial views of wildlife. Encounter elephants, hyenas, hippos, and possibly leopards, with landscapes ranging from riverine forest to golden savannah. Return to your camp for a final dinner in the wild.
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Day 6: Serengeti to Zanzibar (Flight)
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you’ll be met by your island guide and transferred to your hotel in Stone Town. Settle in and enjoy a leisurely evening in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in a charming hotel in the historic heart of Zanzibar.
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Day 7: Stone Town Tour & Prison Island
Start the day with a guided walking tour of Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys, bustling markets, and colonial-era buildings. Visit key landmarks including the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to Prison Island—famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises and historical slave prison. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Return to Stone Town for dinner and overnight.
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Day 8: Beach Transfer & Relaxation
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar’s north or east coast for a tranquil beach escape. Arrive at your beachfront resort and spend the day unwinding under palm trees, swimming in the Indian Ocean, or enjoying spa treatments. The pristine beaches and turquoise waters offer a peaceful retreat from the safari’s excitement. Dinner and overnight at your beach resort.
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Day 9: Mnemba Snorkeling Excursion
Take a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll, one of Zanzibar’s best snorkeling destinations. Swim in the vibrant coral reefs among colorful fish, dolphins, and possibly sea turtles. Snorkeling around Mnemba is safe and ideal for all experience levels. Afterward, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on a secluded beach. Return to your resort in the afternoon for relaxation. Dinner and overnight at the beach resort.
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Day 10: Relaxation & Village Walking Tour
Spend your last full day at leisure—sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying water sports. In the afternoon, opt for a guided cultural walk through a local fishing village to learn about Swahili traditions and Zanzibar’s coastal lifestyle. Meet the locals, see traditional homes, and perhaps participate in coconut harvesting or cooking demonstrations. Return for a farewell dinner by the sea and overnight at your beach resort.
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Day 11: Departure from Zanzibar
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your flight back home or onward journey. Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy a few last hours on the beach. This marks the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday.
Suggested Lodges & Camps
Safari Cost Include
Transfers
All transfers as outlined in the program.
Accommodation & Meals
- Accommodation in hotels and lodges as described in the program.
- Meals as specified in the program.
- Bottled water, soft drinks, hot coffee, and tea provided while on safari in the jeep.
Guiding & Game-Driving
- Services of a certified and experienced English-speaking safari guide.
- Comfortable 4×4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, equipped with fridges, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
- All national park fees, including park entry and concession fees.
- Free Wi-Fi availability in 60-75% of the traveled areas, depending on cell coverage in the wilderness.
- 24/7 phone support service for any assistance during the safari.
- Emergency air ambulance services provided by AMREF Flying Doctors.
- Binoculars (1 per vehicle) for enhanced wildlife viewing.
- Onboard medical kit for added safety and convenience.
Safari Cost Excludes
- Air tickets;
- Visa fee;
- Travel insurance;
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
Please Note
- By default, our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplements are available upon request. Please refer to the program for specific accommodation arrangements.
- Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha typically include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Refer to the program for detailed meal plans for each night.
- Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages, allowing you to order and pay for only what you need directly at the hotel restaurants.
- Tented lodges, the most common type of accommodation in the savannah, often operate on solar energy. This may result in features such as bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and the absence of hair dryers, as part of their efforts to minimize environmental impact. We encourage you to research the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari aligns with your travel preferences.
