13 Days Northern Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Adventure Awaits
From wild savannahs to Zanzibar’s turquoise waters
Where Adventure Meets Paradise
Embark on a journey where every day unfolds with discovery, wonder, and connection. Begin with a walking safari in Arusha National Park, moving gently through rolling hills, crater lakes, and quiet forests, encountering giraffes, zebras, and birds along the way. From there, traverse the elephant-studded plains of Tarangire and the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Manyara, each park revealing its own unique rhythms and surprises.
Continue into the legendary Serengeti, where golden savanna stretches to the horizon and wildlife thrives in timeless harmony. Track lions lounging under acacia trees, marvel at graceful herds of wildebeest and zebra, and watch giraffes browsing in the morning light. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater where elephants, rhinos, zebras, and predators gather in a breathtaking display of life.
Finally, let the journey transform into island serenity in Zanzibar, wandering the winding streets of historic Stone Town, tasting fragrant spices, and feeling the gentle rhythm of the Indian Ocean along pristine beaches. From vibrant wildlife to rich cultural experiences, every moment of this adventure immerses you in the beauty, diversity, and spirit of Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Journey Highlights
1
Endless Plains of the Serengeti
Iconic wildlife, golden savannas, and the drama of the Great Migration.
2
World-Famous Ngorongoro Crater
A natural wonder teeming with diverse wildlife, including the rare black rhino.
3
Spice Island Zanzibar
White-sand beaches, exotic spices, and the charm of historic Stone Town.
Your 12-Day Adventure
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania – The Beginning of Your Adventure
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival, transfer to African View Lodge or Mount Meru Game Lodge, where comfort and sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes set the stage for your adventure. Relax, settle in, and soak up the serene atmosphere.
Day 2
Arusha National Park – Walking Safari & Game Drive
Step into the wilderness on a walking safari in Arusha National Park, discovering rolling hills, crater lakes, and wildlife variety. Observe giraffes, zebras, and a variety of birdlife up close, guided by an expert ranger who shares stories of the local flora, fauna, and conservation. After a picnic lunch by the Momella Lakes, continue with a game drive through the park, encountering wildlife and capturing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Head back to your lodge and let the memories of your first safari sink in.
Day 3
Into the Wild Heart of Tarangire National Park
Journey to Tarangire National Park, a wilderness famed for its towering baobabs, sweeping savannas, and some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. As you set out on a game drive, watch lions laze beneath acacia trees, giraffes stride gracefully across the plains, and great herds of zebra and elephant move through the golden grasslands. Keep an eye out for lesser-seen treasures too – like elegant oryx, playful baboons, and colorful birdlife that fills the air with song – making every turn of the track a new discovery. By late afternoon, arrive at your accommodation and unwind as the calls of the wild drift through the air.
Day 4
The Enchanting Landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park
Venture into Lake Manyara National Park, a jewel cradled beneath the towering cliffs of the Great Rift Valley. Here, emerald forests open to wide grasslands and the glimmering lake itself, creating a sanctuary for a remarkable variety of wildlife. Watch for elephants moving silently through the trees, troops of baboons chattering along the roadside, and, if luck is on your side, lions lounging high in the branches. Every corner reveals a new layer of beauty, from lush woodland to sunlit vistas.
Optional: Take the Treetop Walkway for a unique perspective above the forest canopy. Stroll along the elevated trail and enjoy sweeping views of the woodland below, spotting birds, monkeys, and other wildlife from a vantage point few experience.
Day 5
Serengeti National Park: Endless Plains of Wildlife
Set out for the legendary Serengeti National Park, traveling through scenic landscapes with a game drive en route. Witness vast plains alive with wildlife at every turn – herds of wildebeest and zebra moving gracefully, giraffes browsing acacia trees, and lions lounging in the shade. Capture these unforgettable moments as your guide shares insights into animal behavior and the unique ecosystem of the Serengeti. End your day at your Serengeti lodge, where the sun dips behind the horizon, turning the plains to gold and rose, and the evening hum of the savanna invites you to relax under endless skies.
Day 6
Serengeti Adventure & Optional Balloon Safari
Start the day with a sunrise hot-air balloon safari (optional), drifting silently over the endless Serengeti plains as the morning light illuminates the landscape and wildlife stirs below. From above, spot herds of wildebeest and zebra moving in graceful patterns, giraffes browsing the treetops, and predators on the prowl. After landing, enjoy a celebratory bush breakfast amidst the quiet beauty of the plains, followed by a game drive in central Serengeti.
If you choose not to take the balloon safari, you will begin the day with an early game drive in central Serengeti, experiencing the same incredible wildlife and landscapes. In both cases, the afternoon offers a further game drive, seeking lions, cheetahs, elephants, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Day 7
Ngorongoro: Cradle of Wildlife
Set out from the Serengeti on a scenic drive toward the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, passing through rolling savannas and small villages along the way. Descend into this natural wonder, a vast volcanic caldera that shelters one of Africa’s richest concentrations of wildlife. Watch for lions basking in the sun, elephants moving gracefully through the grass, zebras grazing in harmony, and, with luck, the elusive black rhino. The dramatic crater walls rise around you, creating a breathtaking amphitheater of nature where every turn of the track reveals a new scene of life on the African plains. After a day of wildlife encounters, travel to Karatu for the night.
Day 8
From bush to beach
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, journey into Stone Town, the cultural heart of the island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lively labyrinth of cobbled streets, spice-filled bazaars, and grand carved doors tells the story of Zanzibar’s rich history as a crossroads of Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe. After a short orientation walk, settle into your boutique accommodation and take in the enchanting views of the old town and seafront. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps strolling along the seafront or sampling local street food at Forodhani Gardens.
Day 9
Stone Town Tour & Rooftop Dinner
Step into the heart of Zanzibar’s history as you explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site where winding streets, ornate doors, and vibrant markets tell centuries of stories. Visit the Slave Market site, a poignant reminder of Zanzibar’s past, and learn about the island’s complex history through guided stories that bring these historic places to life. Discover bustling spice markets, hidden courtyards, and charming alleyways where artisans and storytellers continue long-standing traditions.
In the evening, enjoy a sundowner and a memorable dinner at Emerson on Hurumzi, set on a rooftop terrace overlooking the town and the sparkling Indian Ocean – the perfect way to savor Swahili delicacies while watching the sunset paint the sky in soft golden hues.
Day 10
Transfer to the Beach
Leave the winding alleys and history-filled atmosphere of Stone Town behind as you journey to Zanzibar’s pristine east coast, where the pace of life gently follows the rhythm of the tides. Here, turquoise waters kiss endless stretches of soft white sand, and palm trees sway in the ocean breeze. Arrive at your intimate retreat and step into the serenity of your beachside bungalow. Spend the afternoon exactly as you wish: take a refreshing dip in the pool, wander barefoot along the shoreline as the waves brush your feet, or enjoy your first swim in the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean.
Day 11-12
Days of Leisure by the Ocean
Wake to the sound of gentle waves and the scent of salt carried on the breeze. These days on the coast are yours to embrace at your own pace. Begin with a slow breakfast under the palms, then choose between basking in the sun, exploring the lagoon’s turquoise shallows, or simply resting with a book in hand. For the more adventurous, optional activities await – from snorkeling over vibrant reefs to sailing in a traditional dhow as the wind fills the sail.
Day 13
Farewell to Tanzania
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward journey, carrying with you the sun-kissed memories, gentle ocean breezes, and the warmth of island life that will linger long in your heart.
Journey Gallery
What's Included
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All Accommodations
12 nights in carefully selected lodges, camps, and beach resorts -
Expert Local Guides
Professional guides for safari experiences and Zanzibar tours -
All Transportation
Airport transfers, safari vehicles, domestic flights and local transport -
Meals & Activities
Full board meals on safari; breakfast and dinner on Zanzibar, all park fees
Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from Tanzania (we can help arrange these) -
Personal Expenses
Additional beverages, tips, and personal items -
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance (strongly recommended) -
Visa Fees
Tanzania visa fees (available on arrival or online) - Optional activities as mentioned
Ready for Safari & Island Paradise?
Join us for an unforgettable 13-day journey from the wild savannahs of Northern Tanzania to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.