12 Day Tanzania Private Safari + Zanzibar
Overview
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this unforgettable 12 Days Tanzania Private Safari + Zanzibar with a perfect blend of exciting wildlife sightings and tropical island relaxation. This itinerary is carefully crafted for travellers who want the best of Tanzania, combining the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Northern Safari Circuit with the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar Island. This trip is the ultimate African safari and beach holiday, from the giant elephant herds of Tarangire National Park, to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, followed by several days of pure relaxation on the Indian Ocean.
Your journey begins in Arusha and then moves into the heart of Tanzania’s renowned safari locations. We travel to Tarangire National Park, a lesser known park, renowned for its large herds of elephants, legendary baobab trees and the life-giving Tarangire River. During the dry season the river attracts thousands of animals and you can expect exceptional game viewing. Tarangire is one of East Africa’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, warthogs and more than 550 species of birds can be found here.
The drive continues through the rich highlands of Karatu surrounded by coffee plantations and rolling hills before entering the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You’ll drive through one of the most beautiful landscapes of Tanzania with stunning views on the way to the world famous Serengeti National Park. The Ngorongoro Highlands provide stunning panoramic views and are an important conservation area where wildlife and the Maasai people still co-exist.
Your safari highlights are three amazing days in Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Serengeti covers 15,000 square kilometres of endless plains, acacia woodland, granite kopjes and winding rivers, and has one of the richest concentrations of wildlife anywhere on earth. The park is known for the Great Wildebeest Migration, in which over two million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, migrate through the ecosystem in search of new grass to graze. Depending on the season you might witness dramatic river crossings, the calving season or vast herds stretching across the horizon.
In addition to the migration, the Serengeti is great for year-round wildlife viewing. Large prides of lions patrol the plains, cheetahs hunt in open grasslands, elusive leopards rest in riverine forests, while elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and hundreds of bird species thrive across the ecosystem. The three nights in the Serengeti gives you ample opportunity to explore different areas and enjoy excellent game drives in the cooler morning and late afternoon times.
A scenic domestic flight whisks you to the exotic island of Zanzibar after your unforgettable safari, where the second part of your holiday begins. Zanzibar is surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, making it a perfect place to relax after your wildlife safari. It offers a totally different, but equally memorable experience, with powder-white beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, rich Swahili culture and historic Stone Town.
Whether you want to lay on the beach beneath swaying palm trees, snorkel among colourful coral reefs, experience world-class diving, take a traditional dhow cruise, visit spice plantations, explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town or just lounge in luxurious beachfront accommodation, Zanzibar has something for every traveller. This unique cultural atmosphere, unlike anywhere else in East Africa, is the result of African, Arab, Indian and European influences.
You will be driven throughout your safari in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a professional driver-guide dedicated to your trip. This private experience offers complete flexibility, personalised service, and the freedom to take in each destination at your own pace while maximising wildlife viewing opportunities.
This 12 Days Tanzania Private Safari + Zanzibar is ideal for honeymooners, couples, families, photographers and anyone looking for the ultimate African holiday. Enjoy an unforgettable mix of adventure, wildlife, culture, luxury and tropical relaxation, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Safari Itinerary
At the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be greeted by one of the Tanzaniatrail Experience representatives with a warm welcome and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. When you arrive, settle in for a moment after your international journey, and enjoy the serene surroundings of Tanzania’s safari capital. Depending what time you arrive you can relax at your lodge or explore the area before your adventure begins. Your private safari guide will give you a full safari briefing later so you are fully prepared for the exciting wildlife experiences to come. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Arusha.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park. This park is famous for its ancient Baobab trees, beautiful scenery and large herds of elephants. Spend the day in the park, looking for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, leopards, impalas, warthogs and an incredible variety of birdlife along the Tarangire River. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the African wilderness before continuing with your afternoon game drive. In the evening, transfer to your chosen safari lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before travelling through the scenic Great Rift Valley towards the beautiful town of Karatu. Karatu is the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is surrounded by coffee plantations and fertile farmland. Enjoy views of the countryside, local villages and rolling hills along the way, and learn from your guide about everyday life in rural Tanzania. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before dinner and an overnight stay in preparation for the next day’s journey into the Serengeti.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, depart Karatu and drive through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the world famous Serengeti National Park. Along the way enjoy spectacular panoramic views before descending to the endless plains that define one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations. As you enter the park, start your first exciting game drive, looking for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards and many other remarkable wildlife species. Lunch in the bush then continue to your luxury lodge or tented camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Spend a full day exploring the endless plains of Serengeti National Park with your experienced private safari guide. Explore different sections of the park to follow animal trails and to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in season, predators, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and a range of bird species. Have a picnic lunch in the wilderness and then continue with your afternoon game drive, making the most of the fantastic wildlife photography opportunities throughout the day. In the evening you return to your lodge for dinner and another unforgettable Serengeti night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After an early breakfast you have another full day to discover the amazing wildlife and stunning scenery of Serengeti National Park. Explore different areas of the ecosystem with your guide adapting the game drives based on recent animal activity and your interests. See predators hunting the plains and elephants gathering around waterholes and admire the endless landscapes that have made the Serengeti famous throughout the world. After a picnic lunch, embark on your afternoon safari before returning to your accommodation for dinner and your final overnight stay in the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive while making your way to the Serengeti airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Zanzibar. As you leave the African savannah behind, enjoy spectacular aerial views before landing on the beautiful Spice Island. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your beachfront resort. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing beside the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoying the tropical atmosphere, soft white-sand beaches, and breathtaking ocean views before dinner and an overnight stay in Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Zanzibar at leisure for the next four days. You can relax on the island’s world-famous white-sand beaches, take a dip in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean or simply chill out beneath swaying palm trees and soak up that laid back coastal vibe. Optional excursions for adventure seekers include snorkelling, scuba diving, traditional dhow cruises, spice farm visits, dolphin excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding and exploring the historic streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich Swahili, Arab and colonial history. Zanzibar is the ideal tropical escape to cap off your Tanzania safari of a lifetime, whether you’re here to relax or to explore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning, depending on your international flight schedule. Enjoy your last views of the Indian Ocean or the amenities of your beachfront resort before you are transferred to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). At the right time, your private driver will take you to the airport for your onwards flight. Your 12 Days Tanzania Private Safari + Zanzibar ends, leaving you with unforgettable memories of spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, authentic African hospitality and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar, making this the ultimate East African safari and beach holiday.
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
A private safari is a tailor-made wildlife experience where you travel exclusively with your family, friends or travel companions in a dedicated 4x4 safari vehicle with your own professional guide. Unlike group safaris you are in complete control, meaning you can linger as long as you want at wildlife sightings and move at your own pace.
Any time of the year is safari time in Tanzania. The dry season (June to October) is a great time for wildlife viewing and coincides with the Great Migration river crossings in Northern Serengeti. Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) hosts the spectacular Wildebeest calving season from January to March which visitors can witness. The green season is from November to May, with lush landscapes, fewer crowds and fantastic birdwatching.
Most private safaris explore Tanzania's famous Northern Circuit, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, and cultural experiences around Mto wa Mbu, Lake Natron, or Materuni Waterfalls depending on your itinerary.
A 5-8 day safari is perfect for visiting Tanzania’s most famous parks. For visitors to Zanzibar or those interested in cultural activities, we suggest a 10 to 14 day itinerary for a more relaxed and comprehensive East African experience.
Tanzania is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals, hundreds of bird species, and many other fascinating animals depending on the season and location.
Yeah. Private safari packages normally include all park entrance fees, Ngorongoro Crater service fees, concession fees (if any), government taxes and conservation charges. Your quote will clearly lay out everything that is included.
Tanzania offers accommodation for every budget, including comfortable mid-range lodges, luxury safari lodges, exclusive tented camps, and ultra-luxury properties. Your accommodation can be customized according to your travel style and budget.
Sure. Private safaris are ideal for families as the itinerary can be adapted to suit the children’s interests, pace of travel and preferred activities. Many lodges also offer family rooms and child-friendly services.
We suggest lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, and a light jacket for cool mornings. Bring a camera, binoculars, personal medications, and a small daypack. Soft-sided luggage is recommended, particularly if you will be travelling domestically by air.
Yes. Combining a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar is one of our most popular holiday packages. After exciting wildlife adventures, you can relax on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches, explore Stone Town, enjoy snorkeling, diving, spice tours, or simply unwind by the Indian Ocean.
Most international visitors need a tourist visa, which you can get either online or when you arrive, depending on what country you come from. Vaccination for Yellow Fever is only required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with Yellow Fever transmission. We also recommend that you discuss malaria prevention with your health care provider before travelling.
At Tanzaniatrail Experience we specialise in creating private safaris that are tailor-made to suit your interests, travel style and budget. Our professional experienced guides, well maintained 4x4 safari vehicles, carefully selected accommodations and personalised service guarantees that every journey is safe, comfortable and unforgettable. From your arrival to your departure we take care of all the details so that you can focus on enjoying the beauty of Tanzania.
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.