11-Day Northern Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday

Safari Overview

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. This immersive 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.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania – Relax and recover
Day 2: Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
Day 3: Full-day safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
Day 4: Scenic drive and safari to the Serengeti
Day 5–6: Explore the Serengeti – Big Five safari and migration sightings
Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar – Start beach holiday
Day 8–10: Leisure days in Zanzibar – Optional tours
Day 11: Departure from Zanzibar International Airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Airport Transfer and Leisure

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, 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. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and brief about the adventure ahead.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Safari Adventure in Lake Manyara National Park

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. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a behaviour rarely seen elsewhere in Africa. It also hosts over 400 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, along with forests teeming with baboons, vervet monkeys, and bush babies. Explore the hippo pools and open savannah before heading to your lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Explore the Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder

Depart early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stop at the crater rim for panoramic views before descending 600 metres to the caldera floor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater is home to the densest population of wildlife in Africa, including black rhinos, lions, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the lake and continue your game drive before returning to the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Drive to the Legendary Serengeti National Park

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. Arrive at your camp in the evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5–6: Game Drives in the Serengeti – Search for the Big Five

Spend two full days exploring the vast plains of the Central Serengeti, one of Africa’s premier wildlife areas. The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras move in search of fresh grazing. Depending on the season, you may witness the migration in the Ndutu area (calving season), the Western Corridor (river crossings), or the Northern Serengeti (Mara River drama). Experience scenic drives through grasslands, acacia groves, and river systems, with opportunities for sunset photography and optional balloon safaris.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar – Beach Arrival

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, and Indian Ocean views from your terrace.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8–10: Zanzibar Leisure Days – Optional Excursions

Use these days to relax on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches or opt into cultural and marine activities. Zanzibar is one of Africa’s most beautiful beach destinations, offering white sands, turquoise waters, and a rich cultural heritage.

Top Activities to Consider:

• Stone Town Tour – A UNESCO World Heritage 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

• Snorkeling and scuba diving to explore vibrant coral reefs

Enjoy fresh seafood, Swahili hospitality, and the gentle rhythm of the ocean.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Departure – Transfer to Zanzibar Airport

Check out after breakfast and transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable Northern Tanzania safari and beach holiday.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Safari Inclusions

• Airport transfers and ground transportation

• Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary

• All meals as specified in the itinerary

• Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary

• Park entry fees and conservation levies

• Flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar

• Professional English-speaking driver-guide

• Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and visas

• Travel insurance (mandatory)

• Optional hot air balloon ride

• Optional excursions in Zanzibar

• Tips and gratuities for guides and staff

• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs