This Tanzania Zanzibar Safari takes you from the best wildlife spots to the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. Discover Tanzania’s natural wonders, like the world’s largest wildlife migration in the Serengeti and the densest population of predators in the Ngorongoro Crater. Relax in paradise, after the heat, dust and excitement of this safari adventure. Feel the salt sea breeze while you step barefoot in the white sand and take a dip in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Day 1: Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, your driver will meet you at the exit of the arrivals area, to transfer you to the luxurious Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. This hotel is located on the foothills of Mount Meru. Settle into your accommodation, relax and enjoy dinner, before your safari starts in the morning.
Days 2: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
Today we drive in 1.5 hours to Lake Manyara National Park. The blend of diverse habitats and wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park is unlike anything else you see in northern Tanzania. This park is not dominated by savannah, but by an enormous soda lake with huge flocks of flamingos. You can spot hundreds of olive baboons, elephants, giraffes, hippos and if you are lucky Manyara’s tree climbing lions. It is also a perfect place to see the spectacular 400 meter high Rift Valley Escarpment.
Day 3: Lake Manyara – Tarangire National Park
On your second safari day we head to the elephant and bird paradise: Tarangire National Park. It is home to the largest population of elephants in East Africa and also more than 550 bird species. After a game drive we drive to Tarangire Sopa Lodge which lies among the ancient baobab trees and grassland of the national park.
Day 4: Tarangire National Park
Start the day with a game drive in this beautiful park. Tarangire still has an authentic rawness and is as ‘wild’ as it gets in the northern circuit. The lively Silale swamp is one of the highlands of Tarangire. Here you can see the largest selections of breeding birds anywhere in the world, including orange-bellied parrots, lovebirds and the largest flying bird, the Kori Bustard. The swamps is also the place to see lots of leopards and lions. Late afternoon we return to Tarangire Sopa Lodge which has a beautiful pool and restaurant.
Day 5: Tarangire National Park – Ngorongoro Crater
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we drive in about 2 hours to the Ngorongoro Crater. This collapsed volcano is home to all of Africa’s famous wildlife and has its own unique ecosystem. Due to the year-round supply of fresh water, wildlife has no need to migrate. That’s why today the crater is home to the highest concentration wildlife in Africa. Dinner and overnight at the Ngorongoro Wildlife lodge, which is perched on the crater rim. Large binoculars are placed along the balcony edge, making it possible to view the animals on the crater floor.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater – Serengeti National Park
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater today on a full day game viewing. Early in the morning it can be cloudy at the rim, but when the clouds drift away with the wind, a blue sky opens and the majesty of nature lays out before you. The view from the rim into the crater floor is almost unreal with its pastel-coloured landscape and wildlife roaming the floor. Animals spotting is easy due to the largely flat and open crater floor. Leopards, lions, hyenas and jackals can be found on the savannah as well as elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, zebras, ostriches and rhinos. Lunch will be served at a lovely lakeshore in the crater. At the end of the afternoon we drive to Seronera Wildlife Lodge, in the heart of Africa’s most famous park, the Serengeti.
Days 7: Serengeti National Park
Enjoy a full day of game drives in Africa’s most famous national park, Serengeti. Flat-topped acacia trees and rivers dot the landscape. The Big Five and all three African big cats are abundant, but also several very rare species like the black rhino, pangolin, black-and-white colobus monkey, Oryx and wild dog. Expect to be impressed by the natural beauty of the world’s most famous park. In the afternoon we drive back to Seronera Wildlife Lodge. All rooms in this lodge are decorated in African style and offer magnificent views over the Serengeti plains. Enjoy the swimming pool, overlooking the park.
Day 8: Serengeti National Park
On this second day of your stay in Serengeti National Park, we will set out to another part of the Serengeti. This park is immense and spans roughly 30,000 km2 (12,000 sq. mi), so there is so much to explore on a game drive. Wildlife viewing in the Serengeti is good throughout the year, but if you want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, you need to be in the right area at the right time. Depending on what time (season) you choose to go on safari, your guide knows where to go in the Serengeti. Watching an endless stream of millions of wildebeest and zebra thundering the vast plains of the Serengeti in search of fresh water and grass, is absolutely mesmerising. Late afternoon we return to Seronera Wildlife Lodge.
Days 9 – 13: Serengeti – Arusha – Zanzibar Island
In the early morning we leave the lodge in the Serengeti and set off towards Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar (about 2 hours). Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport your driver will meet you at the exit of the arrivals area to transfer you to your lodge in Zanzibar. Spend the next few days on this tropical island at leisure. Enjoy the world’s most beautiful white sandy beaches or explore the rich coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. This island offers a wealth of activities, from snorkelling and sailing to spice tours and cultural tours in the fascinating old Stone Town. On day 13 your driver will bring you to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight. Accommodation?
Note. We can create a customized itinerary exactly the way you wish. You like to add other parks or extend your stay on Zanzibar? Contact us to design your ideal safari.
Check our Travel Tips:
What to wear on safari in Africa
Fun things to do in Zanzibar
Best things to see and do in Serengeti National Park
Best time to see the Serengeti Migration