Experience the best of Tanzania on a 12-day adventure combining spectacular wildlife and tropical island relaxation.
The essential details of this trip at a glance.
This 12-day Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary combines a classic Northern Tanzania safari with a relaxing Zanzibar holiday. Enjoy exciting game drives, breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife before continuing to Zanzibar for beach relaxation, cultural discovery and optional island activities.
A quick look at each day of your journey.
Explore Tarangire National Park on a game drive.
Travel to Serengeti with an afternoon game drive.
Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari across the Serengeti.
Continue exploring the Serengeti on a full-day game drive.
Enjoy a morning safari before traveling to Ngorongoro.
Explore the crater before returning to Arusha.
Fly to Zanzibar and relax at your hotel.
Enjoy a free day of beach relaxation.
Discover Zanzibar's historic Stone Town.
Experience Zanzibar's famous spice culture and local traditions.
Enjoy another relaxing island day or optional activities.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
The unforgettable moments that define this experience.
A full day-by-day breakdown of your 12-Day Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari.
Depart Arusha in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park. Enjoy an exciting game drive through landscapes famous for elephants, baobab trees and diverse wildlife. Search for lions, giraffes, zebras and buffalo before heading to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, leave Tarangire and travel toward Serengeti National Park. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the journey before entering the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive. Search for elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife as you explore the famous savannah plains.
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti on morning and afternoon game drives. Your guide will search for active wildlife areas and seasonal concentrations. Look for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest while enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Continue your Serengeti adventure with another full day of wildlife exploration. Visit different areas of the park and observe predators and large herbivore herds. The day's route will be planned around wildlife movements and current conditions to maximize your safari experience.
Enjoy a morning game drive before leaving the Serengeti and traveling toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Continue through scenic landscapes with opportunities for additional wildlife sightings before arriving near Karatu. Relax at your accommodation and prepare for the following day's crater experience.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Explore the crater floor in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and other wildlife. After the game drive, ascend from the crater and continue to Arusha for your overnight stay.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, enjoying the ocean views or exploring the surrounding area at your own pace.
Enjoy a relaxing day in Zanzibar. Spend time on the beach, swim in the turquoise Indian Ocean or simply unwind at your hotel. Optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking or a sunset boat excursion can be arranged.
Discover the historic heart of Zanzibar with a guided Stone Town tour. Explore its narrow streets, historic buildings, local markets and cultural landmarks while learning about the island's rich history and diverse influences. Enjoy the atmosphere before returning to your hotel.
Visit a traditional spice farm and discover why Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island." Learn about cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom and other tropical spices. Enjoy a local cultural experience before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Enjoy your final full day in Zanzibar. Relax on the beach or choose an optional island experience such as snorkeling, a dhow cruise, diving or a visit to another coastal area. Spend the evening enjoying Zanzibar's tropical atmosphere.
Enjoy your final breakfast before your scheduled transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Your 12-day Tanzania and Zanzibar safari and beach holiday ends with your onward flight.
Where you'll rest each night along the way.
Tarangire – Tarangire Sopa Lodge / Similar
Serengeti – Tukaone Serengeti Camp / Similar
Serengeti – Tukaone Serengeti Camp / Similar
Serengeti – Tukaone Serengeti Camp / Similar
Ngorongoro – Eileen's Trees Inn / Similar
Arusha – Arusha Planet Lodge / Similar
Zanzibar – Mizingani Seafront Hotel / Similar
Zanzibar – Mizingani Seafront Hotel / Similar
Zanzibar – Mizingani Seafront Hotel / Similar
Zanzibar – Mizingani Seafront Hotel / Similar
Zanzibar – Mizingani Seafront Hotel / Similar
Accommodation may be replaced with a similar property depending on availability.
A clear breakdown so there are no surprises.
This 12-day Tanzania and Zanzibar safari can be customized according to your travel dates, interests, accommodation preferences and budget. You can extend your Serengeti stay, add cultural experiences, upgrade accommodation or include additional Zanzibar activities.
Common questions from travelers planning this trip.
A short domestic flight (about 1 to 1.5 hours) connects Arusha to Zanzibar, included in this package.
Yes, you can add or reduce days on either the safari or Zanzibar side depending on your preferences and available time.
Beach relaxation, Stone Town tours and spice farm visits are included. Optional activities such as snorkeling, diving and sunset cruises can be arranged locally.
Yes, this combination of safari adventure and beach relaxation is a popular choice for honeymooners and couples.
This itinerary can be enjoyed year-round. The dry season (June to October) offers excellent wildlife viewing, while Zanzibar is pleasant most of the year.
No, Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so a single Tanzania visa covers both the mainland safari and Zanzibar.
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