arrow_back

12 Day itinerary in Tanzania, Africa

Safari in Tanzania & Zanzibar

Karatu Because of its location near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and on the way to the Serengeti, Karatu is a popular stopping-off point for visitors. The relatively high altitude of the town means that it has a pleasantly mild climate. Visiting the local market and some of the unique local tri... Read More

1 / 8
All Photos
Lucky

By Lucky

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, French, German

GUIDANCE

Driver as a Guide

starting point

Arusha

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Explore Lake Natron

2

Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater

3

Visit Stone Town

4

Relax by the beach

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Arrival Day

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, our representative will meet you and drive you to your hotel for a first evening in Tanzania. Arusha is a major international diplomatic hub. The city hosts and is regarded as the de facto capital of the East African Community. Arusha is surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a mild climate. The road transfer from the Kilimanjaro International Airport to your lodge will take about 1 hour, so sit back and enjoy the ride through the city's sub-urban arriving at your lodge for a well deserved overnight.

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Day 2

place Tarangire National Park

Early morning you will be picked up from your hotel and be driven to Tarangire National Park for a full day of game viewing and photographing. The drive will take about 3 hours. Named after the river that flows through the park, Tarangire National Park is one of the lesser known Tanzanian National Parks, giving it a real air of undiscovered Africa. Famous for its tree climbing pythons, massive baobabs and large herds of elephant, Tarangire National Park is small but still home to a significant wildlife population, with a density of wildlife matched only by Ngorongoro. Birding is particularly good here; the swamps, tinged green year round, are the focus for 550 bird varieties; the most breeding species in one habitat Today is committed to a full day game drive safari in Tarangire National Park. Imagine hundreds of zebra stripes reflecting in still waters. Imagine the looming silhouette of elephants burnt into the crimson sunset. Imagine the sight of ghostly baobab trees scattered across shimmering grasslands. These features are not figments of imagination – these features are just a taste of what Tarangire is all about! The most spectacular feature of Tarangire is that it serves as a place of refuge for the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania. Elephant viewing in Tarangire is outstanding and it is likely that you will see hundreds of elephants in a single day. Set against stunning scenery, elephant viewing will undoubtedly prove to be one of the biggest highlights for a safari in Tarangire. Tarangire is an incredible park that will reserve a special place in your heart and memories.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Marera Village Resort
Day 3

place Lake Natron

After breakfast, your driver guide will pick you up from the camp and you will drive out to Lake Natron. You drive via Engaruka Town towards Lake Natron on a partly bumpy and dusty road. En route you see many Masai villages, termite mounds, gazelle, giraffe, zebra, baboons, bee boxes, and birds such as vultures, ostrich, starlings, Cory Bustards, and kites. The transfer will take about 4 hours. Please note that it is hot and dry at Lake Natron. We strongly advise you to bring sunscreen.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Day 4

place Lake Natron

After breakfast you will visit Lake Natron: one of the most alkaline lakes in the world. Home to millions of tiny crustaceans, the lake is a haven for thousands of lesser flamingos and is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds on earth. The area around the lake is dry and desolate. The strangely beautiful landscape is the attraction in this area. In the afternoon, you can take a long walk to the Ngare Sero river. After a strenuous walk up the stream, you will reach the source of the river, in cascading waterfalls the river gushes out of the mountains. You will enjoy a refreshing swim in the river and under the waterfalls for a nice cool-down from the hot sun. There may be baboons or other wildlife in the gorge. You will return to camp where your cook would have prepared you dinner. Enjoy your meal under the stars before retiring for the night. Please note that Lake Natron is very hot. It is therefore strongly recommended to bring protective clothing, hat and sunscreen. We also recommend bringing water shoes, or shoes you don't mind immersing in water for the hike through the river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
Day 5

place Serengeti National Park

Enjoy a half-day drive across Tanzania’s heartland, passing red-robed Maasai herding their cattle. Arrive at the famous Serengeti National Park in time for an afternoon game drive, enjoying the mystical, blazing orange sunset as you head to camp. The park covers 14,763 km² (5,700 square miles) of grassland plains and savanna as well as riverine forest and woodlands. The park lies in the north of the country, bordered to the north by the national Tanzania and Kenyan border, where it is continuous with the Maasai Mara National Reserve. To the south-east of the park is Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to the south-west lies Maswa Game Reserve, and to the western borders are Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves, to the north-east lies Loliondo Game Control Area. As well as the migration of ungulates, the Serengeti National Park is well known for its healthy stock of other resident wildlife, particularly the "Big Five", named for the five most prized trophies taken by hunters (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhinoceros and buffalo), the park also supports many further species, including cheetah, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, topi, eland, waterbuck, hyena, baboon, impala, African wild dog and giraffe. The park also boasts about 500 bird species, including ostrich, secretary bird, Kori bustard, crowned crane, marabou stork, martial eagle, lovebirds and many species of vultures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Angaata Seronera Camp
Day 6

place Serengeti National Park

Spend a full day exploring the vast Serengeti plains. Serengeti National Park quite simply offers the finest game viewing in all of Africa. Unrivaled concentrations of wildlife, stunningly beautiful landscapes and vast pristine areas make this region our number one pick. You will rise early to enjoy an early morning game drive. At sunrise you may encounter animals grazing in the beautiful light of sunrise and predators may still be busy hunting before retiring to rest for the day. Sunrise on the Serengeti is not to be missed and extraordinary photographic opportunities will abound at this magical time of day. You have the option to return to your accommodation for a hot lunch or to opt for a packed lunch which can be enjoyed at one of the various picnic sites found in the Serengeti. After lunch you will continue on a game drive. Around the time of dusk be on the lookout for lion. Cheetah can also be spotted on the plains in the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are not too high. They rely on daylight and speed to catch their prey. Hippo pods can be seen in the bigger pools and rivers while crocodiles can be seen sunning themselves on the riverbanks. You will return to Camp in time to enjoy a sundowner before your evening meal.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Angaata Seronera Camp
Day 7

place Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast you will depart early in the morning heading to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Today, you will visit the Ngorongoro crater, the main feature is a large, unbroken, unfolded volcanic caldera. You will enjoy a last minute game drive through this expansive park as you drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater, which formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago, is 610m (2,000 ft.) deep and its floor covers 260 km² (100 sq. mi). The crater floor is mostly open grassland with two small wooded areas dominated by Acacia xanthophloea. Accompanied by an expert driver guide, a magnificent experience is sure to be had! The descent into the crater is one of scenic beauty, as you make your way through lush forests, home to numerous elephants and buffalo. As you reach the inside of the Ngorongoro Crater, marvelling at the incredible landscape around you, your guide will take you through the grassy crater floor, the unbelievable fever tree forest, the banks of Lake Magadi and the surrounding marshes. Lunch is served picnic style, surrounded by the natural wonders around you as well as the exceptional wildlife, roaming freely, with which you share this extraordinary paradise.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Marera Village Resort
Day 8

place Zanzibar

Today you will have a leisurely morning at the lodge. Sit back and enjoy your breakfast as you take in the breathtaking views of the Rift Valley escarpment and Lake Manyara. After breakfast you will checkout and head back to Arusha. Along the way you will stop for a last minute souvenir shopping. Your driver guide will drop you off at the Arusha Airport for your onwards flight to your next destination. You will be flown from Arusha to Zanzibar by one of the domestic flights. Enjoy a scenic flight with great views over the landscape. On clear days you might be able to see the both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Sit back and enjoy the flight as you head to your ultimate beach holiday! Upon your arrival, our representative will transfer you from the airport to your hotel in Stone Town.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Kholle House Boutique Hotel
Day 9

place East Cost South

Transport from Stone Town to the Beach. This day is at your disposal. Relax on the white sand beach while enjoying the beautiful landscape that offers the Indian Ocean. The crystal clear water of the sea is at a stable temperature throughout the year between 25 ° C and 27 ° C. Lined with powdery white sand beaches, an azure water and coral reefs, Zanzibar is one of the most idyllic tropical destinations.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Casa Beach Hotel "Casa Del Mar"
Day 10

place East Cost South

Swim amongst some of the most stunning sea life in the world with PADI-certified dive instructors! Zanzibar offers quintessential Indian Ocean diving, with colorful reefs, big bommies and enormous sea fans orbited by an amazing cast of reef fish. Courses available include: Discover Scuba Diving, Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. If diving interests you, please discuss this with your representative.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Casa Beach Hotel "Casa Del Mar"
Day 11

place East Cost South

There are some magnificent diving and snorkeling sites around the Nungwi peninsula, most notably the famed Mnemba Atoll. A full day trip on the traditional dhow, the “My Lady”, will take you there for extensive forages into the tropical underwater world, swimming and sun bathing on a remote and picturesque beach. You can choose from two favorite snorkeling spots – one in shallow and one in deeper water. Swim with the dolphins (although their presence can’t be guaranteed) or go for a spot of fishing and catch your own lunch. Don’t worry if you don’t get a bite – we’ll buy from the local fishermen and set up a beach barbecue just for you! If you are interested in doing a snorkeling excursion, please speak with your representative.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Casa Beach Hotel "Casa Del Mar"
Day 12

place Departure Day

You will be transfered from your hotel to Zanzibar Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Angaata Seronera Camp
  • Arusha Planet Lodge
  • Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge
  • Marera Village Resort
  • Casa Beach Hotel "Casa Del Mar"
  • Kholle House Boutique Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (11)
  • Lunch (6)
  • Dinner (6)

Transport expand_less

  • Airport Transfers
  • Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
  • All transfers during day tours

Activities expand_less

  • As per itinerary

Extras expand_less

  • All park fees
  • Backup logistical support
  • Filter water at all times in your vehicle
  • All government fees relevant to the itinerary

Not Included expand_less

  • Alcohol & other beverages at hotels and lodges
  • Airport Taxes
  • International airfare
  • International insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips & Gratuities
  • Excess baggage charges

About Lucky

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Visit markets

Cycling

Hiking

Snorkeling/Diving

Yoga

Meditation

Wellness retreat

Outdoors & Nature

Beach & Sea

I have been working in the tourism industry for years and travelled allover Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda I have gained tons of knowledge about Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and East Africa as a tourist destination.

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$4,936.00 USD