12-Day Trip Northern Tanzania & Zanzibar
- Tanzania Wildlife Safari
The 12-Day Trip Northern Tanzania & Zanzibar offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. You’ll explore Northern Tanzania’s famous national parks, such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, where you can see incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. After the safari, you’ll head to Zanzibar to enjoy its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and rich culture. This trip combines thrilling wildlife experiences with a peaceful beach getaway.
- ✅ This is a mid-range luxury tour and it includes overnight stay at the lodge and tented campsite.
- ✅ You can make small changes to the tour's accommodations and destinations upon request.
- ✅ This tour can begin any day, based on availability.
- ✅ Ideal for solo travelers, this private tour can be booked individually.
- Any additional lodging can be booked before or after the tour at an extra cost.
Day
Accommodation
Meals Included
12: End of tour, and there is no accommodation on this day!
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon landing at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic flights, a representative from SPE will greet you and take you to your accommodation in Arusha. You will spend the night at the Mount Meru Hotel, nestled at the base of Mount Meru in Arusha.
Main destination: Arusha City | Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge
Meals & drinks: Breakfast and dinner are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 2 : Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After early breakfast, we will depart for Tarangire National Park. The park is named after the Tarangire River which runs through it. This ‘river of warthogs’ is the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. In some places, the vegetation is quite dense with elephant grass and acacia woodlands. The park is well known for its elephant families, which can often be seen congregating by the river. Tarangire is the best place to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat, from the adorable calves all the way up to the intimidating bulls. You may also see giraffe, bushbuck, and hartebeest. These animals are closely followed by a range of predators, including lions and leopards. There are more breeding species of birds found in Tarangire National Park than anywhere else on the planet. After lunch and an extensive game drive, we will head to our accommodation. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at Maramboi Tented Lodge.
Main destination: Tarangire National Park | Accommodation: Omega View Hotel
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 3: Lake Natron
After breakfast at around 8:00 AM, depart with packed lunch boxes for Lake Natron, a 3.5-hour drive from Mto Wa Mbu. Check into your lodge and take a short break. Then, a Maasai tribesman will guide you on a walk around Lake Natron, where you can spot birds, especially the lesser flamingos. After the hike, return to your camp/lodge for dinner and rest.
Main destination: Lake Manyara National Park | Accommodation: Africa Safari Lake Natron Lodge
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 4: Central Serengeti National Park
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast and depart at 7:30 AM for a full day of game drives in Serengeti National Park. With a packed lunch, you’ll explore the central Serengeti, known for its incredible populations of lions and leopards. The Seronera area, rich in wildlife, features the Seronera River, attracting various species representative of the Serengeti.Enjoy a picnic lunch during the game drive and return to your lodge in the late afternoon around 6:00 PM. The day concludes with a hearty dinner and a restful night at your accommodation.
Main destination: Serengeti National Park| Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 5: Western corridor Serengeti
After breakfast, we set out towards the western region of Serengeti National Park, famously known as the Western Corridor. Along the way, enjoy an en-route game drive from the Seronera area, keeping an eye out for diverse wildlife roaming the vast plains. During the months of April, May, and June—depending on rainfall patterns—the great wildebeest migration often passes through this corridor, creating a spectacular sight. Beyond the incredible wildlife, the Western Serengeti offers breathtaking landscapes, where endless golden plains stretch beneath an infinite sky, creating a truly mesmerizing safari experience. . The day concludes with a hearty dinner and a restful night at your accommodation.
Main destination: Western Serengeti NP | Accommodation: Mila Tented Camp
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 6 : Serengeti Western Corridor – Ngorongoro Area
After breakfast, embark on a half-day game drive through the stunning Western Corridor. The highlight of this area is the Grumeti and Mbalageti Rivers, which run parallel to each other, each surrounded by lush, evergreen forests. These rivers provide a vital water source for a wide variety of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeest, predators, and an abundance of bird species. As you explore, keep an eye out for large pods of hippos lounging in the river, as well as enormous crocodiles basking in the sun. During mid-morning, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring sight of wildebeest gathering in dense herds around the waterholes, creating a spectacle that resembles ants swarming over a nest. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely drive back to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, reflecting on the wonders of the Western Corridor.
Main Destination: Serengeti NP | accommodation: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 7 : Ngorongoro Crater
In the early morning, we begin our drive towards one of the most iconic spots on this epic safari – the Ngorongoro Crater. We’ll drive around the crater rim, taking in sweeping views of the landscape before descending the 600-meter-high walls that lead to the floor of the Crater. Once at the bottom, we’ll enjoy a full day of game drives in this wildlife-rich sanctuary. The crater walls offer natural protection for the animals, which means you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and, with a bit of luck, leopards. The only animal absent from this area is the giraffe, whose long legs are not suited for the steep slopes. After an amazing day exploring Ngorongoro, we will continue on our journey, heading back to karatu.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater| accommodation: Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 8 : Karatu transfer to lake Eyasi
Embark on a day trip from Karatu to Lake Eyasi to encounter two fascinating indigenous tribes: the Hadzabe and the Datoga. Enjoy a scenic drive and begin with a visit to a Hadzabe village. Experience their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, join a hunting expedition, and learn about traditional foraging. Next, visit a Datoga village, renowned for their pastoral lifestyle and metalworking skills. Witness blacksmithing demonstrations, traditional dances, and tour their homesteads. Enjoy activities like birdwatching, guided nature walks, and canoeing on Lake Eyasi. After a day of cultural immersion and exploration, return to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and relaxation
Main Destination: Lake Eyasi | accommodation: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 9 : Stone Town & Prison Island
On this day, embark on a half-day tour of Stone Town, the heart of Zanzibar’s history and culture. Wander through its vibrant, narrow streets, where centuries-old architecture tells the story of African, Arabic, and European influences. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Old Fort and the House of Wonders, gaining insight into the island’s rich heritage. After exploring Stone Town, set off on a scenic boat ride to Prison Island. Here, you’ll encounter the legendary giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 100 years old. Stroll along the island’s picturesque shores, learn about its intriguing past, and enjoy the serene coastal views before returning to the mainland.
Main Destination: Zanzibar Island | accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 10 &11 : Stone town to Nungwi
Located at the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi is a paradise of pristine white beaches and clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal destination for a romantic honeymoon. Whether you prefer relaxing in luxurious hotel accommodations or exploring the vibrant ocean, Nungwi offers something for everyone. Dive into thrilling adventures like snorkelling, dolphin tours, and Safari Blue excursions, all arranged through us or your hotel with professional guidance. Experience the unique serenity of Nungwi, with its ever-changing tides, and enjoy a tranquil and unforgettable two-night stay at Maisha Nungwi Boutique Hotel, which is about a two-hour drive from Stone Town.
Main Destination: Zanzibar Island | accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 12: End of tour and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel, taking in the last moments of your stay in Zanzibar. Depending on your departure time, you may have a chance for a short walk along the beach or a final glimpse of the island’s stunning scenery. When it’s time to leave, you will be transferred from your hotel to Zanzibar Airport in a comfortable vehicle. Sit back and relax as you journey through the island, passing by local villages and lush tropical landscapes. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will assist you with check-in procedures, ensuring a smooth transition for your onward journey.
Meals & drinks: Breakfast
Cost Includes
- Park fees (for non-residents)
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water(On all days)
Cost excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline: US$50.00 per person per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
