13 Days Tanzania Wildlife & Zanzibar Safari
This Tanzania wildlife safari is perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a mix of thrilling wildlife adventures and relaxing beach time. Explore Tanzania’s top parks, then unwind on Zanzibar’s stunning white-sand beaches.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our guide will warmly welcome you. You will be transferred to a comfortable lodge in Arusha (approximately a 1-hour drive). After checking in and settling down, you will receive a briefing about your safari. You will spend the evening relaxing and getting ready for the safari ahead. The night will be spent in Arusha.
Day 2: Samburu National Reserve Full Day
Today, you will enjoy a day trip to Arusha National Park, located close to Arusha town. This park offers a diverse landscape, including Mount Meru, the Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes. It is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife.
You can expect to see black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, giraffes, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, bushbuck, and various antelope species. The Momella Lakes are often dotted with flamingos and other waterbirds. While lions and leopards are present, they are less commonly sighted than in different parks. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers. You return to the lodge late afternoon and spend the night there.
Day 3: Relax in the Lodge in Arusha or Get Active
Today offers another opportunity to relax and rejuvenate at your lodge. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for activities like hiking in the nearby foothills of Mount Meru, visiting a coffee plantation, or engaging in cultural experiences around Arusha. Alternatively, you can sleep in, enjoy a book by the pool, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. This flexible day allows you to recharge quickly before entering deeper into the wild.
Day 4: Transfer to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2-3 hours). After settling into your lodge, inside or near the park, you embark on an afternoon game drive.
Wildlife to Spot: Tarangire is famous for its large herds of elephants, often seen congregating around the Tarangire River. You’ll also have excellent chances of spotting giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, hartebeest, and various gazelles. Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are present, though sightings can be more elusive. Birdlife is abundant, with over 550 species recorded. The night will be spent in Tarangire.
Day 5: Tarangire Area to Central Serengeti
After an early breakfast, you will have a final short game drive in Tarangire, offering last-chance sightings of the elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife Tarangire is known for before being transferred to the central Serengeti (Seronera area). You will check in to your lodge upon arrival, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Wildlife to Spot (Serengeti Afternoon): The central Serengeti (Seronera) is renowned for its high concentration of resident wildlife, particularly lions, leopards (often seen in acacia trees), cheetahs, hyenas, and a variety of plains game like wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles. The Seronera River attracts a diverse array of birdlife. As the sun sets, you will settle into your tented camp in Serengeti for the night.
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Central Serengeti
Today is dedicated to exploring the heart of Serengeti National Park. You will embark on morning and afternoon game drives, venturing through the vast plains and along the riverine areas, and then have a picnic lunch in a scenic location.
Wildlife to Spot: Continue your exploration of the central Serengeti, focusing on finding the “Big Five” and other iconic Serengeti animals. The Seronera area offers excellent opportunities for predator sightings, large herds of herbivores, and diverse birdlife. You might witness thrilling hunting scenes or observe fascinating animal behavior.
Day 7: Explore Different Areas of the Central/Eastern Serengeti
Today is another day of exploring more of what Serengeti has to offer. Depending on wildlife movements and your interests, we will head to different sections, including eastern Serengeti. A picnic lunch allows you to experience the varying landscapes and potentially encounter different animal populations.
Today could also include a visit to the Retina Hippo Pool or a hike on a kopje, the rocky outcrops that serve as lion lookout posts. In the evening, enjoy your final bush dinner before heading to the lodge for the night.
Wildlife to Spot: The specific wildlife you encounter will depend on the area you visit. The eastern plains are known for cheetahs, while the central river valleys attract a high density of predators and herbivores. If your travel dates align, you might also witness the early stages of the Great Migration. Birdwatching remains excellent throughout the Serengeti.
Day 8: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Descend into the Crater
After an early breakfast, you will drive from the Serengeti towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approximately 2-3 hours’ drive). Upon arrival, you will descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing within this natural wonder with a picnic lunch on the crater floor. In the late afternoon, you will ascend the crater rim and check into your lodge situated on the rim or nearby.
Wildlife to Spot: The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife. It offers excellent chances of seeing the “Big Five,” including critically endangered black rhinos. You’ll also encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebra, elephants, gazelles, large lion pride, hyenas, jackals, and many birdlife around the soda lake and the grasslands.
Day 9: Flight to Zanzibar
After breakfast and possibly a final scenic view of the Ngorongoro Crater, you will be transferred to a nearby airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar (included in the price) where our Tanzania wildlife safari continous. Upon arrival at Zanzibar’s airport (ZNZ), you will be transferred to your chosen beach resort. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or walk along the beach
Day 10, 11 & 12: Zanzibar - Beach Relaxation and Exploration
These three days are dedicated to enjoying Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches and culture. You can relax by the turquoise waters, swim, snorkel, dive, or explore the historical Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Optional activities include spice farm tours, visiting Jozani Forest (home to the rare red colobus monkeys), or taking a boat trip to nearby islands. You can also visit historic landmarks like the old slave market and Sultan’s Palace. For the adventurous, kayaking or paddle boarding is available.
Day 13: Flight Home from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Enjoy your final moments in Zanzibar. Depending on your flight schedule, you can shop for souvenirs or take one last walk on the beach. Later, you will be transferred from your hotel to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) for your international departure, which will mark the end of our Tanzania Wildlife Safari.
