Safari overview
Experience Tanzania’s spectacular wildlife parks before unwinding on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar on this 12-day private safari combining thrilling game drives, cultural experiences and Indian Ocean relaxation.
Begin in Arusha before travelling to Tarangire National Park, famous for its enormous elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Continue to the legendary Serengeti National Park, exploring Central Serengeti’s big-cat territories and seasonal wildebeest migration routes. Visit Olduvai Gorge before discovering the remarkable wildlife of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descending into its famous crater.
Your northern Tanzania wildlife adventure continues through Lake Manyara National Park before returning to Arusha. Fly to Zanzibar for five nights on the island’s beautiful northern coast, with time for a spice farm experience, a guided Stone Town tour, optional dhow cruises, snorkelling and relaxing beach days.
Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide on the mainland, followed by comfortable mid-range or luxury accommodation throughout the journey.
Tour highlights
Discover Tanzania’s finest wildlife destinations and finish your adventure with five nights of tropical beach relaxation in Zanzibar.
- Tarangire’s enormous elephant herds and iconic baobab trees
- Central Serengeti’s lions, leopards and other big cats
- Seasonal wildebeest migration and calving opportunities in the Serengeti
- Olduvai Gorge and the archaeological history of human evolution
- Ngorongoro Crater’s remarkable Big Five wildlife viewing
- Lake Manyara’s flamingos, baboons and tree-climbing lions
- Scenic domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
- Zanzibar spice farm, Stone Town and cultural experiences
- Five nights of relaxation on Nungwi’s beautiful northern beaches
- Private safari with mid-range or luxury accommodation
Detailed itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your driver-guide will be waiting to meet you with a sign displaying your name. After introductions, transfer to your hotel in Arusha, approximately 45 minutes away.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, recovering from your international flight and settling into your accommodation. Your safari guide will meet you for a short briefing covering the itinerary, what to pack, tomorrow’s departure time and what to expect during your wildlife adventure in Tarangire National Park.
- Approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
- Mid-Range: Comfortable Arusha hotel | Luxury: Premium Arusha lodge or hotel
- No meals included
Day 2
Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephant Day
After breakfast, drive approximately two hours to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. The park is especially famous for its large elephant herds and enormous baobab trees that dominate the landscape.
Spend the day on game drives along the Tarangire River, an important wildlife water source, particularly during the dry season. Hundreds of elephants, zebras, wildebeest and buffalo may gather around the river and its surrounding plains. Watch the trees for leopards resting on branches and keep an eye out for lions moving through the grasslands.
- Approximately 2 hours’ drive from Arusha, followed by a full-day game drive
- Mid-Range: Tarangire Simba Lodge | Luxury: Tarangire Treetops
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
Start with an early morning game drive in Tarangire, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is often more active. After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, travelling through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Enjoy a stop at a Maasai village viewpoint along the way before continuing towards the Serengeti. Enter the park in the afternoon and begin exploring its vast plains, which cover approximately 14,750 square kilometres. Enjoy your first Serengeti game drive as the sun sets over the savannah before heading to your accommodation.
- Full transfer day with an early Tarangire game drive and afternoon Serengeti wildlife viewing
- Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge | Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Full Day in Central Serengeti – Big Cats and Migration
Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti, one of Tanzania’s most productive wildlife-viewing regions. Set out at sunrise when lions are often active and other predators are returning from their night-time hunts. Your guide will search the plains and rocky kopjes for lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants and large herbivore herds.
Return to your lodge or camp for lunch before heading out again towards the Seronera River, where hippos and crocodiles inhabit the waterways and leopards are sometimes spotted in the surrounding trees.
Your route can be adjusted according to the seasonal wildebeest migration. From June to October, the safari may focus on Northern Serengeti and the Mara River region, where herds sometimes attempt dramatic crossings. Between January and March, the southern plains are a major focus during the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest calves are born and predators follow the herds. Migration movements depend on rainfall and grazing conditions.
- Full-day game drives with sunrise and afternoon wildlife viewing
- Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge | Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a morning game drive in the Serengeti, with another opportunity to spot the wildlife you may have missed during your previous drives. After breakfast, begin travelling towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying the changing scenery along the way.
Stop at Olduvai Gorge Museum, an important archaeological site associated with discoveries that have contributed significantly to the study of human evolution. Learn about the fossil discoveries and research carried out in this remarkable part of the Rift Valley.
Continue to your accommodation on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, arriving in the late afternoon. Take in the spectacular views across the enormous volcanic caldera, approximately 20 kilometres wide and around 600 metres deep, with its grasslands, forests, lakes and wildlife habitats below.
- Morning game drive, Olduvai Gorge visit and transfer to the Ngorongoro highlands
- Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Farm House | Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five Wildlife Safari
After an early breakfast, descend into Ngorongoro Crater at approximately 6:30 am for an exciting game drive across one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife habitats. The crater supports a rich concentration of animals within its grasslands, woodland, swamps and lakes.
Search for the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and the endangered black rhino. Ngorongoro offers one of Tanzania’s best opportunities to encounter these five iconic species during a single safari day, although sightings are never guaranteed. You may also see flamingos around Lake Magadi, together with hyenas, jackals, zebras, wildebeest and hippos.
Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending from the crater in the afternoon. Drive to Karatu and settle into your lodge for a relaxed evening.
- Early crater descent, full-day wildlife viewing and afternoon transfer to Karatu
- Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Farm House | Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
- Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 7
Karatu to Lake Manyara National Park and Arusha
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for your final mainland safari experience. This scenic park is known for its diverse habitats, including groundwater forests, open grasslands and the alkaline lake that attracts seasonal flocks of flamingos.
Enjoy a morning game drive looking for elephants, large troops of baboons, giraffes, buffaloes and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. Although wildlife sightings vary, Lake Manyara offers a beautiful contrast to the open plains of the Serengeti.
After lunch, drive back to Arusha and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for your flight to Zanzibar the following day. Keep your beach essentials ready for the next stage of your holiday.
- Morning Lake Manyara game drive and afternoon transfer to Arusha
- Mid-Range: Comfortable Arusha hotel | Luxury: Premium Arusha lodge or hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8
Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar – Nungwi Beach
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a convenient transition from Tanzania’s wildlife-rich mainland to the Indian Ocean islands.
Upon arrival, your Zanzibar driver will meet you and transfer you to Nungwi on the island’s northern coast, approximately one hour from the airport. Nungwi is particularly popular for its beautiful white-sand beaches and swimming conditions that are less affected by tidal changes than many other parts of the island.
Check in at your beach accommodation and spend the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the ocean views, take a walk along the shoreline or simply relax after your mainland safari.
- Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes’ flight to Zanzibar, followed by a 1-hour road transfer to Nungwi
- Mid-Range: Comfortable Nungwi beach hotel | Luxury: Premium Nungwi beachfront resort
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 9
Zanzibar Spice Tour and Stone Town Experience
After breakfast, set out for a guided spice farm tour and discover why Zanzibar is often associated with the spice trade. Walk through the plantations as your local guide introduces cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and other tropical spices. Learn how they grow, how they are harvested and how they have influenced the island’s food and history. Enjoy tasting fresh tropical fruits along the way.
Continue to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a guided walk through its historic streets. Discover the old slave market area, traditional architecture, lively markets and landmarks associated with Zanzibar’s trading past. You can also see the house associated with Freddie Mercury and learn about the island’s diverse cultural influences.
In the evening, you may choose an optional sunset dhow cruise along Zanzibar’s coastline at approximately USD 45 per person, subject to availability and confirmation.
- Morning spice farm tour, Stone Town guided walk and optional sunset dhow cruise
- Mid-Range: Comfortable Nungwi beach hotel | Luxury: Premium Nungwi beachfront resort
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 10
Zanzibar – Free Beach and Ocean Activities
Enjoy a full day at leisure on Nungwi Beach. After several days of early starts and wildlife drives on the mainland, this is your opportunity to slow down and enjoy Zanzibar at your own pace.
Choose optional activities such as snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll, with indicative prices from USD 60 per person, subject to the selected excursion and availability. Other options include scuba diving, boat trips, swimming, beach walks or simply relaxing at your resort.
Your local Zanzibar representative will be available to help arrange activities if you wish to explore beyond the beach. Alternatively, spend the entire day enjoying the facilities and peaceful atmosphere of your accommodation.
- Full free day for beach relaxation and optional water activities
- Mid-Range: Comfortable Nungwi beach hotel | Luxury: Premium Nungwi beachfront resort
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 11
Zanzibar – Free Beach Day or Prison Island Excursion
Enjoy another relaxed day on the island, with the freedom to spend time at the beach or arrange an optional excursion. One popular choice is Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, where you can see the famous giant Aldabra tortoises and enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery.
You may combine the visit with a snorkelling excursion, depending on sea conditions and the tour arrangement. Alternatively, remain at your hotel, enjoy the beach and make the most of your final full day in Zanzibar.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner by the beach, celebrating the wildlife encounters, cultural discoveries and coastal experiences of your Tanzania holiday.
- Free beach day with optional Prison Island and snorkelling excursion
- Mid-Range: Comfortable Nungwi beach hotel | Luxury: Premium Nungwi beachfront resort
- Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 12
Zanzibar – Departure and Fly Home
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Depending on your international flight schedule, your driver will transfer you from Nungwi to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward journey home.
If you would like additional time on the island, you can extend your stay by one or two nights to enjoy more beach relaxation, ocean excursions or other Zanzibar experiences. We can arrange the extra accommodation and transfers as part of your extended holiday.
- Approximately 1 hour’s drive from Nungwi to Zanzibar International Airport, depending on traffic
- No accommodation unless additional nights are requested
- Breakfast & Lunch
Request a quote
Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation choice. A safari specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for your 12-Day Tanzania Game and Zanzibar Safari, combining mainland wildlife experiences with a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- Park fees, domestic flight and transfers
- Mid-range or luxury lodge and beach accommodation
- Flexible Zanzibar excursions and beach extensions
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FAQs for 12-Day Tanzania Game and Zanzibar Safari
Planning a 12-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday? These are the questions travellers ask most often, answered honestly so you can plan your trip and book with confidence.
How much does the 12-Day Tanzania Game and Zanzibar Safari cost?
The 12-Day Tanzania Game and Zanzibar Safari starts from $4,850 per person sharing. The final cost depends on your travel dates, accommodation level, group size, and any optional activities you add. The price covers private 4×4 safari transport with an experienced driver-guide, game drives, park entrance fees, meals and accommodation as listed in the itinerary, bottled water, domestic safari arrangements where stated, and government taxes. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips, most drinks, and optional extras are not included. Solo travellers pay a single supplement, and peak-season dates may cost more, so your quotation confirms exactly what applies.
Can the 12-day safari and Zanzibar itinerary be customized?
Yes. This itinerary is a starting point and can be customized around your dates, interests, budget, and preferred pace. You can upgrade lodges or beach resorts, add extra nights in the Serengeti or Zanzibar, include Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, or a balloon safari, or choose flying transfers instead of road travel. We can also arrange private departures, honeymoon touches, family-friendly schedules, and special celebrations. Tell us what you would like to experience, and we will prepare a tailored quotation.
Is 12 days enough for Tanzania safari and Zanzibar?
Yes. Twelve days is an excellent length for combining the northern safari circuit with a proper beach holiday. It allows enough time for major parks such as Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti without rushing, while still leaving several nights to unwind on Zanzibar. Travellers who want a deeper migration experience, more cultural activities, or additional islands can extend the trip, but 12 days is a well-balanced duration for a first Tanzania safari and beach combination.
When is the best time for this Tanzania and Zanzibar safari?
The best all-round time is the long dry season from late June to October. Wildlife is easier to find because animals gather around water sources, roads are generally in better condition, and Zanzibar usually enjoys warm, dry beach weather. January to February is another excellent period, especially for wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti and for a quieter beach escape. The long rains from March to May bring greener landscapes and lower visitor numbers but can make some roads and travel schedules less predictable.
Will we see the Great Migration?
It depends on your travel dates. The wildebeest and zebra herds move through the Serengeti in a yearly cycle following the rains. Calving is usually in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area from January to March, while dramatic Mara River crossings are most often seen in the northern Serengeti between July and October. The exact timing changes every year and cannot be guaranteed, but we position your accommodation and game-drive plans as close to the herds as practical for your dates.
Which parks are included in the safari?
The itinerary can include Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park. Tarangire is known for large elephant herds and baobab trees, Lake Manyara for its varied habitats and tree-climbing lions, Ngorongoro Crater for dense wildlife viewing, and the Serengeti for vast plains, predators, and the Great Migration. Your final route depends on the season, your interests, and the number of nights you wish to spend in each park.
How do we travel from the safari to Zanzibar?
Most guests fly from an airstrip near the Serengeti or from Arusha to Zanzibar. The flight is a convenient way to move from the bush to the beach and usually takes about one to two hours, depending on the routing and any stop in Arusha. We can arrange the flight schedule, airport transfers, and your Zanzibar resort transfer as part of the itinerary. Road travel from northern Tanzania to Zanzibar is possible but much longer and less practical for this itinerary.
What can we do in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar offers white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, snorkelling, diving, dhow cruises, sunset sailing, spice-farm tours, and exploring Stone Town’s historic streets and markets. Popular day trips include Mnemba Atoll for marine life, Prison Island for giant tortoises, and Jozani Forest for red colobus monkeys. You can also simply relax at your resort, enjoy Swahili cuisine, and watch the sunset from the beach.
Can children join the safari and Zanzibar trip?
Yes, children can join, and this combination works especially well for families. Tanzania’s national parks welcome children on game drives, but lodges, camps, and beach resorts set their own minimum-age policies, and some unfenced safari camps do not accept very young children for safety reasons. We recommend a private vehicle, family-friendly accommodation, and a flexible schedule. Please share the ages of all children so we can recommend suitable parks, camps, resorts, and activities.
What should we pack for safari and Zanzibar?
Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for safari, such as beige, khaki, or olive, plus a warm layer for cool mornings and evenings. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a camera, spare batteries, and swimwear for Zanzibar. Use a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase because vehicle and light-aircraft space can be limited. Avoid dark blue and black clothing on safari, as it can attract tsetse flies. Tanzania bans plastic carrier bags, so do not pack them.
Can we add a Serengeti balloon safari?
Yes. A sunrise hot-air balloon safari is an optional extra and is not included in the starting price. You float over the Serengeti at dawn, often seeing wildlife from a unique perspective, and the experience commonly ends with a bush breakfast. Balloon flights are weather-dependent, spaces are limited, and operators usually have a minimum age requirement, often seven years. Let us know early if you would like to add this experience so we can check availability and include it in your quotation.
Am I guaranteed to see the Big Five?
No operator can guarantee sightings of all the Big Five because the animals are wild and move freely. This itinerary gives you excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Rhinos are the most difficult to find, although Ngorongoro Crater offers one of Tanzania’s better chances. Our experienced driver-guides use local knowledge and share sighting information to maximize your wildlife-viewing opportunities.
What is the minimum and maximum group size?
You can travel solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group, as the safari operates as a private tour in your own vehicle. Each 4×4 safari vehicle seats up to five guests, with a guaranteed window seat and a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography. Larger groups travel in additional vehicles, each with its own professional driver-guide. Please share your group size when enquiring so we can confirm suitable vehicles, rooms, and beach accommodation.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania and Zanzibar?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality, so check the latest rules before travelling. Most visitors need a Tanzanian visa, which can often be obtained online through the official eVisa system before departure; some travellers may also be able to obtain a single-entry visa on arrival. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the same Tanzanian entry arrangements apply. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has blank pages. Travellers arriving from, or transiting for more than 12 hours in, a yellow-fever risk country may need a yellow-fever vaccination certificate.
Do I need special insurance for Zanzibar?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for the entire trip, including medical care, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, interruption, and light-aircraft transfers. Visitors to Zanzibar may also be required to purchase inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, so we advise checking the current requirement before departure and arranging it in advance where applicable. Your policy should cover both the safari and beach portions of your holiday.
What should I know about money, cards, and cash?
Carry some US dollars in recent, clean, undamaged notes, as older bills are often refused. Bring a credit or debit card for lodge and resort extras where accepted, and some Tanzanian shillings for small purchases, local markets, tips, and souvenirs. Remote safari areas and some beach locations have limited ATM access, so withdraw enough cash before leaving major towns. Mobile money is widely used locally, but it may not be practical for international visitors.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Zanzibar is generally welcoming and popular with international visitors, especially in established tourist areas and resorts. As with any destination, use common sense: keep valuables secure, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, dress respectfully when away from the beach, and follow your guide’s advice. For swimming, snorkelling, and boat trips, use reputable operators, check sea and weather conditions, and follow local safety guidance.
How do I book or get a customized quotation?
Simply share your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation preference, budget, and any special interests such as the Great Migration, honeymoons, family travel, diving, or a balloon safari. We will prepare a tailored 12-day itinerary and quotation based on your requirements. Because lodge availability, park fees, flights, and seasonal rates can change, early booking is recommended, especially for travel during the June to October peak season.