12 Days Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
Included in This Tour
Have Additional Questions?
Pianissimos of dulcimers qui always holds in these matters
Follow Us
Safari Overview
Experience the perfect combination of Tanzania’s incredible wildlife and Zanzibar’s tropical beaches on this carefully designed 12 Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday. This journey takes you from the wildlife rich landscapes of northern Tanzania to the turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and fascinating culture of Zanzibar.
Begin your adventure in Arusha before exploring Tarangire National Park, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, and the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. Enjoy extended game drives with opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and abundant birdlife.
After your safari adventure, fly to Zanzibar, where the pace changes from thrilling game drives to relaxing beach days. Explore historic Stone Town, discover the tropical Jozani Forest, enjoy a traditional spice experience, and spend time swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on Zanzibar’s beautiful coastline.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha.
After check in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the city, visit a local craft market, or simply relax and enjoy views of Mount Meru.
In the evening, your safari guide will provide a detailed briefing about the adventure ahead before dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Arusha Highlights
- Gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit
- Beautiful Mount Meru scenery
- Local culture and markets
- Comfortable accommodation
- Safari briefing
Arrival Experience
Your journey begins in the peaceful surroundings of Arusha, giving you time to relax and prepare for the exciting wildlife adventure ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu
After an early breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees, impressive elephant herds, and beautiful savannah landscapes.
Upon entering the park, your first game drive begins immediately. Search for elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, and colorful birdlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Tarangire Highlights
- Giant elephant herds
- Ancient baobab trees
- Excellent predator sightings
- Diverse birdlife
- Scenic Tarangire River
Game Drive Experience
Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing, particularly during the dry season when animals gather around the Tarangire River and other permanent water sources.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
Enjoy a game drive across the crater floor while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, zebras, wildebeests, and the endangered black rhinoceros.
After a picnic lunch, ascend from the crater and continue toward Serengeti National Park. Enter the Serengeti in the afternoon and enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge or camp.
Ngorongoro & Serengeti Highlights
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Big Five wildlife
- Black rhinoceros
- Hippos and flamingos
- Endless Serengeti plains
Game Drive Experience
Today’s journey combines two of Tanzania’s most remarkable wildlife destinations, taking you from the enclosed ecosystem of the crater to the vast open plains of the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.
Your guide will select the best wildlife areas based on current sightings and seasonal movements. Search for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, and numerous bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive and returning to your lodge for dinner.
Serengeti Highlights
- Big Five wildlife
- Great Wildebeest Migration
- Large predator populations
- Endless savannah plains
- Spectacular African sunsets
Game Drive Experience
The Serengeti provides exceptional opportunities to witness wildlife in its natural environment, from large herbivore herds to dramatic predator encounters.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti National Park – Wildlife Adventure
Enjoy another full day in the Serengeti, giving you more time to explore different areas of this vast ecosystem.
Depending on the season, you may follow the Great Wildebeest Migration or explore areas known for resident wildlife and predators. Watch for lions resting beneath acacia trees, cheetahs scanning the plains, leopards hidden in trees, and large herds of wildebeests and zebras.
Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon game drive.
Serengeti Highlights
- Great Migration opportunities
- Predator encounters
- Wildebeest and zebra herds
- Cheetahs and leopards
- Exceptional photography
Wildlife Experience
Having additional time in the Serengeti allows you to explore beyond the main routes and enjoy a more relaxed safari experience with greater opportunities for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands – Arusha
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before departing toward the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Travel through beautiful landscapes while enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Continue to Arusha and check into your lodge for a relaxing final evening on the mainland.
Arusha Highlights
- Final Serengeti game drive
- Ngorongoro Highlands scenery
- Local countryside
- Relaxing evening
- Preparation for Zanzibar
Scenic Journey Experience
Today’s journey provides a gentle transition from Tanzania’s wilderness to the next chapter of your adventure the tropical island of Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Arusha – Zanzibar – Stone Town
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in historic Stone Town. After check in, enjoy a guided walking tour through the atmospheric streets of the UNESCO listed old town.
Explore ancient buildings, narrow alleys, colorful markets, historic landmarks, and the famous waterfront.
Stone Town Highlights
- Historic Stone Town
- Zanzibar’s rich Swahili culture
- Local markets
- Historic architecture
- Indian Ocean waterfront
Cultural Experience
Stone Town provides an exciting introduction to Zanzibar’s unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Stone Town – Spice Farm Experience – Beach Resort
After breakfast, discover why Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” with a guided spice farm experience.
Learn about cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg, and other tropical spices while experiencing traditional farming practices. Enjoy a local-style lunch before continuing to your beach resort.
Spend the afternoon relaxing beside the ocean, swimming, or enjoying the resort facilities.
Spice Experience Highlights
- Cloves and cinnamon
- Vanilla and cardamom
- Tropical fruits
- Traditional farming
- Local Swahili cuisine
Spice Farm Experience
The spice tour provides a fascinating opportunity to experience Zanzibar beyond its beaches while learning about the island’s agricultural traditions and history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Zanzibar – Jozani Forest – Beach Relaxation
After breakfast, travel to Jozani Forest, Zanzibar’s most famous protected forest and home to the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
Enjoy a guided nature walk through the forest while learning about the island’s unique plants, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
After the forest visit, return to your beach resort and spend the afternoon relaxing.
Jozani Forest Highlights
- Zanzibar red colobus monkeys
- Tropical forest
- Nature walks
- Unique island wildlife
- Conservation experience
Nature Experience
Jozani offers a completely different wildlife experience from mainland Tanzania, allowing you to discover Zanzibar’s endemic species and tropical forest ecosystem.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Zanzibar – Full Day Beach & Ocean Adventure
After breakfast, enjoy a free day at the beach. Swim in the warm Indian Ocean, relax on the white sands, or choose an optional water-based excursion.
Depending on your interests, you may enjoy snorkeling, a traditional dhow cruise, kayaking, diving, or a private boat excursion.
Zanzibar Beach Highlights
- White sand beaches
- Turquoise Indian Ocean
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Traditional dhow cruises
- Tropical island scenery
Beach Experience
After several days of safari, today provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy Zanzibar’s peaceful tropical atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Zanzibar – Mnemba Island / Nungwi Beach Experience
After breakfast, enjoy a free day at the beach. Swim in the warm Indian Ocean, relax on the white sands, or choose an optional water-based excursion.
Depending on your interests, you may enjoy snorkeling, a traditional dhow cruise, kayaking, diving, or a private boat excursion.
Zanzibar Beach Highlights
- White sand beaches
- Turquoise Indian Ocean
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Traditional dhow cruises
- Tropical island scenery
Beach Experience
After several days of safari, today provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy Zanzibar’s peaceful tropical atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Zanzibar – Abeid Amani Karume International Airport – Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your beach resort and take in your final views of the Indian Ocean.
Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final swim, relax at the resort, or purchase Zanzibar souvenirs before checking out.
At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your onward flight.
Departure Highlights
- Relaxing final breakfast
- Final beach moments
- Optional souvenir shopping
- Airport transfer
- Farewell to Tanzania and Zanzibar
Your 12 day adventure comes to an end with memories of Tanzania’s magnificent wildlife, endless Serengeti plains, fascinating cultures, historic Stone Town, tropical forests, and Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
Package Includes
- Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Mineral drinking water during safari
- Activities and transfers as per itinerary
- All national park fees
- Emergency first aid kit in the safari vehicle
Package Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
