Overview

The 13-Day Tanzanian Safari and Zanzibar Island Retreat combines the thrill of a wildlife safari with the relaxation of Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches. Explore the majestic landscapes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, followed by a luxurious escape to the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar. This package is perfect for those seeking the ultimate balance of adventure and relaxation.

Best Time to Visit:

• June to October: Dry season for safaris and best Zanzibar beach weather.
• December to March: Calving season in Serengeti and ideal for Zanzibar beach relaxation.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

• Activities:
  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha.
  • Meet your guide for a safari briefing and itinerary overview.

Accommodation: Luxury: Gran Melia Arusha / Mid-Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel / Budget: Arusha Tourist Inn.
Meals: Dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

• Activities:
  • Depart after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, home to giant baobab trees and large elephant herds.
  • Enjoy a full-day game drive, spotting lions, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs.

Highlights:

• Wildlife gathering along the Tarangire River during the dry season.
• Scenic picnic lunch within the park.

Accommodation: Luxury: Tarangire Treetops / Mid-Range: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge / Budget: Tarangire Campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

• Activities:
  • Morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
  • Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including groundwater forests and soda lakes.

Highlights:

• Spot elephants, hippos, and birdlife such as pelicans and flamingos.
• Visit a viewpoint overlooking the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Accommodation: Luxury: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge / Mid-Range: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp / Budget: Panorama Campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4-5: Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti

• Day 4:
  • Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Central Serengeti.
  • Afternoon game drive en route to your lodge or camp.
• Day 5:
  • Full-day game drives in the Serengeti, focusing on predator action and the Great Migration (seasonal).

Highlights:

• Spot the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo).
• Optional early morning hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti (additional cost).

Accommodation: Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti / Mid-Range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp / Budget: Serengeti Public Campsites.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

• Activities:
  • Morning game drive in the Serengeti before heading to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • Stop at Olduvai Gorge for an optional archaeological tour.

Highlights:

• Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive, spotting rhinos, lions, and flamingos.
• Picnic lunch by the hippo pool.

Accommodation: Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / Mid-Range: Rhino Lodge / Budget: Simba Campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha and Flight to Zanzibar

• Activities:
  • Drive back to Arusha and enjoy a farewell lunch.
  • Take a short flight to Zanzibar Island.
  • Transfer to your beachfront resort.

Accommodation: Luxury: The Residence Zanzibar / Mid-Range: Zuri Zanzibar / Budget: Amaan Bungalows.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8-12: Zanzibar Island Retreat

• Activities:
  • Relax on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and explore the island’s rich culture.
  • Optional activities:
    • Spice farm tour to learn about Zanzibar’s role in the spice trade.
    • Snorkeling or diving in Mnemba Atoll.
    • Explore historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Visit Jozani Forest to spot the rare red colobus monkeys.

Accommodation: Same as Day 7.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner daily.

Day 13: Departure

• Activities:
  • Morning at leisure for a final swim or beach walk.
  • Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast.

Tour Highlights

1. Big Five Safaris: Witness incredible wildlife in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater.
2. Great Migration (Seasonal): Follow the wildebeest and zebras as they traverse the Serengeti.
3. Cultural Encounters: Optional visits to Maasai villages and Stone Town’s historic sites.
4. Beach Bliss: Relax on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches and explore its vibrant marine life.
5. Balanced Itinerary: Combines adventure and relaxation for a complete Tanzanian experience.

Accommodations

• Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Residence Zanzibar.
• Mid-Range: Serengeti Tortilis Camp, Rhino Lodge, Zuri Zanzibar.
• Budget: Serengeti Public Campsites, Simba Campsite, Amaan Bungalows.

Meals

• Safari: All meals provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
• Zanzibar: Breakfast and dinner included daily.

Who Is This Tour For?

• Couples or honeymooners seeking romance and adventure.
• Families looking for a mix of wildlife and beach relaxation.
• Travelers wanting a luxurious yet immersive Tanzanian experience.

Key Features

• Safari Distance: ~2,000 km over 7 days.
• Inclusions:
  • Professional safari guide and 4×4 safari vehicle.
  • Domestic flight to Zanzibar.
  • Park entry fees, accommodations, and meals as specified.
  • Round-trip airport transfers.
• Exclusions:
  • Optional activities (e.g., balloon safari, diving).
  • Tips for guides and staff.

Pricing Estimate

Cost: $5,000–$12,000 USD per person, depending on:

• Accommodation level (luxury, mid-range, or budget).
• Group size (discounts for larger groups).
• Optional activities and upgrades.