11-Day Northern Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday
Experience the perfect blend of wildlife adventure and tropical beach relaxation with our 11-day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Holiday. This itinerary captures the essence of East Africa—from the legendary plains of the Serengeti to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.
Tour Overview
This immersive 11-day journey begins in Arusha, taking you through some of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations: Lake Manyara National Park, the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Serengeti National Park—home of the Great Migration. After days of thrilling wildlife encounters, unwind on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, with optional excursions to spice farms, historical landmarks, and marine sanctuaries.
Trip Highlights at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania – Relax & Recover
Day 2: Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
Day 4: Scenic Drive & Safari to the Serengeti
Days 5 & 6: Explore the Serengeti – Big Five Safari & Migration Sighting
Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar – Start Beach Holiday
Days 8 to 10: Leisure Days in Zanzibar – Optional Tours
Day 11: Departure from Zanzibar International Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your private driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, relax by the swimming pool, explore the lodge’s beautiful gardens, or enjoy a peaceful evening.
Overnight: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, begin your guided Northern Tanzania safari. En route to Karatu, stop at Lake Manyara National Park, a gem nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
Highlights:
- Tree-climbing lions
- Over 400 bird species (including flamingos and pelicans)
- Forests teeming with baboons, vervet monkeys, and bush babies
- Hippo pools and open savannah
Overnight: Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at the crater rim for panoramic views before descending 600 meters to the caldera floor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wildlife to Spot:
- Black rhinos
- Lions & hyenas
- Elephants & buffalo
- Zebra, wildebeest & gazelles
Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the lake and continue your game drive before returning to the lodge.
Overnight: Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands to the Ndutu region of Serengeti National Park. The journey includes en-route game drives, giving you early glimpses of migrating herds and resident predators.
Spend your afternoon on a customizable game drive—choose between short drives or a full-day safari with a packed lunch.
Overnight: Kiota Camp (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend two full days exploring the vast plains of the Central Serengeti, one of Africa’s premier wildlife areas.
Key Experiences:
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (season-dependent)
- Spotting the Big Five
- Scenic drives through grasslands, acacia groves, and river systems
- Sunset photography and optional balloon safaris
Overnight: Kiota Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a scenic bush flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar Island. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your beachfront hotel located on the tranquil east coast.
Unwind with:
- A welcome cocktail
- Walks on powdery white beaches
- Indian Ocean views from your terrace
Overnight: Pongwe Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Use these days to relax or opt into cultural and marine activities.
Top Activities to Consider:
- Stone Town Tour – UNESCO site with Arab, Swahili, and European architecture
- Spice Plantation Tour – Smell and taste vanilla, cardamom, and cloves
- Jozani Forest – Home of the rare Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey
- Prison Island – Tortoise sanctuary and snorkeling
- Sunset Dhow Cruise – Traditional Swahili sailing experience
Overnight: Pongwe Beach Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your onward flight.
This marks the end of your unforgettable Northern Tanzania safari and beach holiday.
