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12 Day itinerary in Tanzania, Africa

Family Bush and Beach Safari Adventure in Tanzania

Experience the wonders of Tanzania as you journey from vibrant wildlife safaris to the serene beaches of Zanzibar. This family-focused Tanzania adventure is designed for all ages, blending unforgettable moments in national parks with relaxation on a tropical island paradise.

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SimboLaura

By Simbo and Laura

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

Tour Guide, Driver as a Guide

starting point

Arusha

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Meet local people

Nature & Wildlife

Culture & Heritage

Water & Coastline

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Spot elephants and lions during guided safaris in Tarangire and Ngorongoro

2

Marvel at the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park

3

Relax on Zanzibar’s palm-fringed beaches for four full days

4

Visit Olduvai Gorge, a world-renowned archaeological site

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Arrival in Arusha and Mount Meru Views

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted and transferred to Arusha. This transfer gives you a chance to recover from your journey and, if the weather is clear, you may catch a glimpse of the spectacular Mount Meru rising above the town’s clouds. 


Arusha is often called the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit due to its proximity to major national parks.


Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

place Safari Begins in Tarangire National Park

This morning you will travel from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, a journey that takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Tarangire is renowned for its unusually large elephant population and majestic baobab trees, which dot the landscape. Wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River, the only permanent water source in the area. Here you will find a great diversity of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and up to six thousand elephants. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a game drive with a guide and have time to explore the remarkable scenery before spending the night camping within the park.


Tarangire National Park is named after the Tarangire River, which is a lifeline for wildlife during the dry season.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

place Full Day in Tarangire’s Wilderness

You have a full day to immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Tarangire National Park. The park’s surprising size and range of habitats offer countless opportunities to discover peaceful hiding spots where animals reside. Your guide will lead you to lesser-known areas, allowing you to observe a variety of wildlife and appreciate the park’s beauty. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided as you spend another night camping in the heart of Tarangire.


Tarangire is especially famous for its ancient baobab trees, some estimated to be over 1,000 years old.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

place Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater Rim

After breakfast, you will travel for about one hour to Lake Manyara National Park. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Manyara, which is considered one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large herds of elephants that sometimes approach vehicles closely. When your exploration concludes, you will travel a short distance, approximately two hours, to reach the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for your overnight stay.


Lake Manyara National Park is also known for its alkaline lake, which attracts countless flamingos during certain seasons.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

place Wildlife Encounters in Ngorongoro Crater

Today you will journey into the heart of the Ngorongoro Crater and spend the full day exploring its floor. Almost all of the area’s wildlife lives within the crater walls, making it easy to spot a variety of animals. Rhino are seen regularly, alongside prides of lion and other predators such as cheetah. You will stay overnight at a campsite near the crater.


The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and was formed nearly two million years ago.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

place From Ngorongoro to Serengeti and Olduvai Gorge

Begin your journey from Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park, which takes approximately four hours. Along the way, you have the opportunity to stop at Olduvai Gorge, considered one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. Once you enter the Serengeti, you will encounter the vast flat plains that are home to millions of wildebeest during migration as well as lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, and many smaller predators. Enjoy a game drive as you make your way to your camp, where you will spend the night in the middle of the Serengeti.


Olduvai Gorge has provided fossils and artifacts that have helped scientists understand early human evolution.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

place Full Day Exploring Serengeti National Park

Today you will have a full day to explore the Serengeti. You can choose to divide your time between morning and afternoon game drives or take a picnic lunch for a full day out. Your guide will select wildlife viewing spots that are ideal for the season. Visit the hippo pool to watch these massive animals alongside crocodiles, see lions stalking prey, and witness the spectacle of the great wildebeest migration. Traverse the wide, open plains and the kopjes, the volcanic rock outcrops that provide shelter and vantage points for a range of wildlife.


The Serengeti’s annual migration is among the largest animal movements on Earth, involving over a million wildebeest.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

place From Serengeti to Zanzibar Island

This morning you will be transferred to the Seronera airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar, with a connection through Arusha. Upon your arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the sea air as you settle into island life.


Zanzibar has been a major center for the spice trade for centuries, earning it the nickname "Spice Island."


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

place Leisure and Discovery in Zanzibar

You now have a full day to enjoy the beautiful island paradise of Zanzibar. Whether you choose to relax by the beach, tour local markets, or sample Swahili-inspired cuisine, this time is devoted to unwinding and exploring at your own pace.


Zanzibar’s coastline features some of the world’s most pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

place Activities and Relaxation on Zanzibar

You can take part in a range of activities today, such as snorkeling or scuba diving, exploring the historic and architectural wonders of Stone Town, kite-surfing, swimming with dolphins (only consider joining ethical and responsible operators that respect wildlife), going on a spice tour, trying dhow sailing, or simply relaxing on the beach. All activities are optional and not included.


Stone Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences.


Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

place Your Way in Zanzibar

This day in Zanzibar is yours to enjoy, whether you prefer leisure or adventure. You can arrange a variety of activities through your hotel, tailoring your experience to your interests. Spend your final full day exploring the island or unwinding by the sea.


Zanzibar’s coral reefs are home to diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.


Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

place Departure from Zanzibar

Today you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport in time for your flight. This marks the conclusion of your Tanzanian adventure.


Zanzibar International Airport, also known as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, serves as the main gateway to the island.


Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (11)
  • Dinner (11)
  • Breakfast (11)

Transport expand_less

  • All game drives in a dedicated vehicle
  • All airport transfers in Tanzania
  • One-way flight from Tanzania Mainland to Zanzibar

Activities expand_less

  • Guided safari tours in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti
  • Game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
  • Option to visit Olduvai Gorge en route to Serengeti
  • Four days of leisure and exploration in Zanzibar

Extras expand_less

  • 18% VAT tax
  • 1 pair of binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Park entry fees for all included national parks

Not Included expand_less

  • Vaccinations required for entry or recommended for your travels
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Tipping for your driver/guide and cook
  • Visa costs and fees for Tanzania
  • All drinks unless otherwise specified
  • Activities in Zanzibar: snorkeling, scuba diving, or kite-surfing
  • Ethical dolphin tours in Zanzibar
  • Dhow sailing or spice tours in Zanzibar
  • Hotel-arranged excursions in Zanzibar
  • Any services, meals, or activities not listed as included

About Simbo

TEAM LEAD

+1 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Cycling

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Wellness retreat

Kayak & Canoe

Purposeful Travel

Nature & Wildlife

Water & Coastline

Simbo Natai was born and raised on the foothills of Kilimanjaro. He attended Tourism College, where he discovered his love for African wildlife. He started in the industry as a guide, climbing Kilimanjaro before specialising as a safari guide.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$3,782.00 USD