11 Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
Tarangire National Park • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Mto wa Mbu Cultural Experience • Zanzibar
Overview
Experience the best of Tanzania on this unforgettable 11 Days Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar, a journey that combines world-class wildlife viewing with the tropical beauty of Zanzibar. For those looking for the ultimate African holiday, this meticulously planned itinerary offers the ideal mix of exciting safari ventures, genuine cultural experiences, spectacular scenery and relaxing days on the white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean. From the elephant-strewn plains of Tarangire and the vast savannahs of the Serengeti to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the vibrant culture of Mto wa Mbu and the crystal-clear waters of Nungwi Beach, every destination has been chosen to display Tanzania’s incredible diversity.
Your adventure starts in Arusha before heading to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem famous for its giant baobab trees, impressive elephant population and tranquil wilderness. Head on to the famous Serengeti National Park, one of the best wildlife parks in Africa, where you will enjoy 3 unforgettable days of game drives in an endless plain of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalos and the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration (seasonal).
The safari continues with a visit to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest intact volcanic calderas on earth. The descent into the crater unveils a remarkable ecosystem where the legendary Big Five are found alongside thousands of grazing animals, colourful birdlife and stunning scenery. Before flying to Zanzibar you’ll enjoy the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, where local culture, banana plantations, colourful markets and traditional crafts give a fascinating glimpse into everyday Tanzanian life.
A short domestic flight from the safari brings you to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar where the pace slows down and relaxation is the order of the day. Enjoy three memorable days in Nungwi, one of the most breathtaking beach destinations of Zanzibar. Here powder white beaches meet turquoise waters, spectacular sunsets colour the horizon and warm Swahili hospitality creates the perfect atmosphere to relax. Zanzibar is the perfect final touch to an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure. Relax on the beach, partake in optional water activities or simply enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the island.
This itinerary has all the ingredients that make Tanzania one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Africa, from travelling with an experienced professional guide and comfortable safari vehicle to carefully selected accommodations and seamless travel logistics throughout. Whether it’s dramatic wildlife encounters, authentic cultural experiences or tropical island relaxation, this journey offers memories of a lifetime.
Safari Itinerary
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. After checking in, take time to relax following your international flight while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may unwind by the pool, explore the property, or simply prepare for the exciting safari ahead. Later, your professional guide will provide a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming adventure before you enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast depart Arusha and drive towards the magnificent Tarangire National Park which is one of Tanzania's most rewarding wildlife destinations. Spend a day in the land of the ancient baobab trees, rolling savannahs and the life-giving Tarangire River where wildlife congregates all year around. Look out for the impressive herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas and over 550 recorded bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the midst of nature and continue your afternoon game drive in this spectacular wilderness. Later, exit the park and drive to the beautiful town of Karatu, where you will check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast leave Karatu and drive through the breath taking Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering the world famous Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival you will set out on an exciting first game drive across the endless plains that have made the Serengeti famous the world over. Look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, wildebeests and scores of other wildlife, all the while enjoying spectacular scenery at every turn. Have a picnic lunch and then continue your afternoon safari. As daylight begins to fade, return to your lodge or luxury tented camp for dinner and an unforgettable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness and spend the whole day exploring the magnificent Serengeti National Park. Your expert guide will tailor the game drives for the day to the movements of the wildlife, offering you excellent chances to see predators, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and immense herds of wildebeests and zebras. Depending on the season, you may see the spectacular Great Migration or predators stalking prey across the endless plains. Enjoy your picnic lunch in the heart of the park before heading back out in the afternoon on your wildlife adventure. Come back to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and another memorable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Another marvellous day is ahead of you as you continue to explore different sections of Serengeti National Park. Every game drive is a new opportunity as your guide keeps tabs on recent animal activity and seasonal changes in the movement of species across the ecosystem. Look out for leopards lounging in acacia trees, cheetahs scanning the grasslands, elephant herds moving across the plains, lion prides chilling out under rocky kopjes and lots of plains game grazing over the huge savannah. After a scenic picnic lunch continue your afternoon exploration before returning to your lodge or tented camp to relax, enjoy dinner and savour your final evening in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Get up early, enjoy breakfast then leave the endless plains of the Serengeti for one last scenic drive through this extraordinary wilderness. You continue your journey to the breath-taking Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you will descend over 600 metres into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's greatest natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day exploring the crater floor, home to an incredible density of wildlife and one of the best places in Africa to see the fabled Big Five. Keep your camera ready to capture lions, elephants, buffaloes, endangered black rhinos, hippos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and the colourful flamingos around the soda lake. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in spectacular scenery and then climb the crater, continuing to Karatu for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, drive to the lively village of Mto wa Mbu, one of Tanzania's most culturally diverse communities, with more than 120 different tribes. Immerse yourself in the culture of banana plantations, local farms, colourful markets, artisan workshops and traditional homes with a knowledgeable local guide and learn about the customs and daily lives of the local people. Taste delicious tropical fruits, meet friendly community members and experience true Tanzanian hospitality before a delicious local lunch. Later, transfer to Arusha Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your beachfront resort in Nungwi where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean await you. Sit back, relax and enjoy your dinner and get comfortable in your tropical paradise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Wake up to the gentle sound of the Indian Ocean and spend a day at leisure on the stunning white sand beaches of Nungwi, one of Zanzibar’s most famous beach resorts. Leisurely breakfast and then you choose what you want to do with your day. It’s a chance to chill under the waving palm trees, to swim in crystal clear turquoise waters or just to relax in the peaceful surroundings of your beach resort. For the more adventurous, optional activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, sunset dhow cruises, kayaking or visiting nearby marine conservation areas can easily be arranged. As the day draws to a close, enjoy one of Zanzibar’s famous sunsets before dinner and another relaxing overnight stay.
Wake up to the gentle sound of the Indian Ocean and spend your day relaxing on the spectacular white-sand beaches of Nungwi, one of Zanzibar's most famous coastal destinations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before choosing how to spend your day. Relax beneath swaying palm trees, swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, or simply unwind while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of your beachfront resort. For those seeking adventure, optional activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, sunset dhow cruises, kayaking, or visiting nearby marine conservation areas can easily be arranged. As the day comes to an end, admire one of Zanzibar's famous sunsets before enjoying dinner and another relaxing overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Now you get the chance to enjoy Zanzibar at your own pace and experience all that makes it one of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands. Relax on the beach or choose from a variety of optional excursions including historic Stone Town, the famous Spice Farms, Prison Island, Mnemba Atoll (for snorkelling), dolphin tours or traditional dhow sailing experiences. After your safari of a lifetime, Zanzibar is the perfect place to relax, whether you want to chill out completely or look for adventure. Return to your resort in Nungwi in the evening for dinner and a second peaceful night by the Indian Ocean.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri
Relax and make the most of your stay in Nungwi with absolute freedom and enjoy your last full day of paradise. Take a rejuvenating swim in the warm Indian Ocean, walk along powder-soft white sands, have a spa treatment or just relax with a cold drink and take in the beautiful coastal scenery. If you like, optional water sports or cultural excursions throughout the island can also be arranged. This slow day is a perfect time to reflect on your incredible Tanzanian journey, from thrilling wildlife encounters to unforgettable beach relaxation. Enjoy your farewell dinner and last evening in Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri
Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning at your resort after breakfast. Before you check out, go for one last walk on the beach, or kick back and relax in the peaceful surroundings. At the appropriate time, your driver will take you to Zanzibar International Airport for your onwards flight home. As your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure comes to an end, take with you incredible memories of breathtaking wildlife, spectacular landscapes, authentic cultural encounters and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar. We look forward to having you back in Tanzania for another memorable journey in the future.
Meals: Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Domestic Flight
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
- Domestic Flight
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
Any time of the year is safari time in Tanzania. The dry season from June to October is perfect for wildlife viewing, and the wildebeest calving in Ndutu is best from January to March. The Great Migration is a different place at a different time of year.
Tanzania is home to the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, antelopes, and over 1,100 bird species. Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season and destination.
Yeah. Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. You will be travelling with a licenced tour operator (Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited) and your guide will ensure your safety on the trip and will adhere to all the National Park rules.
We recommend lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a light jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and any personal medications. Soft-sided luggage is preferred for safari vehicles and domestic flights.
Safaris can be 2 to 14 days or longer. Most travellers opt for between 5 and 8 days to comfortably cover several national parks, but longer safaris offer more time to track the Great Migration or combine wildlife with cultural experiences and Zanzibar.
Sure. Many of our clients opt to end their safari with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. Domestic flights run daily and it is easy to combine the incredible wildlife of Tanzania with the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
Most international visitors require a Tanzanian tourist visa, usually available either online or on arrival, depending on nationality. We also recommend that you discuss recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention with your healthcare provider prior to travel.
Yeah. All our safaris are done in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English speaking driver-guide unless you specifically ask for a shared safari, so you can travel at your own pace and have a personalised safari experience.
We have selected a variety of accommodation options ranging from comfortable mid-range lodges to luxury lodges, boutique tented camps and ultra-luxury safari camps. Each option has been chosen for great location, hospitality, comfort and dining experience.
At Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited we specialise in designing custom safaris to suit your interests, budget and travel style. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, our knowledgeable local guides, reliable safari vehicles, transparent pricing, tailor selected accommodations and personalised service guarantee an authentic, seamless and memorable safari experience.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.