12 Day Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar Relaxation
Arusha National Park • Tarangire National Park • Lake Eyasi • Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater • Stone Town • Nungwi Beach
Overview
Enjoy the best of wildlife, culture, history and tropical relaxation on this unforgettable 12 Days Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar. This itinerary has been carefully crafted for those looking for the ultimate East African holiday. It combines the best of Tanzania’s renowned safari destinations with the rich culture of Zanzibar and the splendid white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean. From walking with wildlife in Arusha National Park, encountering ancient hunter-gatherer communities near Lake Eyasi, to experiencing the endless plains of the Serengeti, descending into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, wandering the historic streets of Stone Town and relaxing on the pristine beaches of Nungwi, each day offers a new adventure and an unforgettable experience.
Your journey begins in Arusha, the Safari Capital of Tanzania. The adventure begins with an exciting visit to Arusha National Park. Arusha National Park is one of the few parks in Northern Tanzania where you can experience a guided walking safari, unlike many other parks. You will get a chance to interact with nature while safely viewing giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs and other wildlife at ground level. It’s a great way to get a taste of Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity, topped up with a traditional game drive through lush forests, volcanic landscapes, sparkling Momella Lakes and the foothills of Mount Meru.
Leave Arusha for Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees, spectacular scenery and one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. Your game drives will take you across rolling savannahs, through seasonal swamps and along the Tarangire River, a magnet for wildlife throughout the year. Lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, impalas, ostriches and more than 550 bird species make for an unforgettable safari in one of Tanzania’s most tranquil national parks.
At Lake Eyasi, the cultural heart of your safari, you will come across the extraordinary Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. The Hadzabe are among the last true hunter-gatherers in Africa, living a life that has existed for thousands of years. Walking alongside them gives an intriguing insight into their survival skills, hunting techniques, language and deep respect for nature. Close by the Datoga people show off their ancient blacksmithing skills, their livestock culture and centuries old way of life. Such real-life encounters offer a meaningful cultural experience seldom included on the standard safari itinerary.
Your wildlife adventure continues in the legendary Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations, home to the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. The vast golden plains stretch to the horizon and form one of the world’s most iconic wildlife landscapes. Your experienced guide will take you through different regions of the park, in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and countless other species that thrive within this remarkable ecosystem over two unforgettable days. Every game drive is different, as wildlife movements change with the seasons.
You’ll leave the Serengeti behind and descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called Africa’s Garden of Eden. The crater is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent and provides excellent opportunities to spot the legendary Big Five in the spectacular volcanic scenery.
Your safari now ends and your journey continues by domestic flight to the enchanting island of Zanzibar. Explore the rich history of Stone Town, with its narrow alleyways, carved wooden doors, bustling markets, and centuries-old architecture that showcase the island’s Swahili, Arab, Indian and European heritage. You will have the opportunity to visit one of the famous spice plantations of Zanzibar, a place, that has earned the name of the “Spice Island” thanks to the fragrant cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg that have influenced the history of this island for generations.
In your last days in the tropical paradise of Nungwi, on the northern coast of Zanzibar, you relax. Known for its powder-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, spectacular sunsets and relaxed atmosphere, Nungwi is the perfect end to your Tanzanian adventure. Whether you choose to swim, snorkel or dive or take a traditional dhow cruise or simply relax under the palms, every moment spent here is a moment of pure tranquillity.
This itinerary is the perfect mix of wildlife, culture, adventure and relaxation, travelling in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional guide, staying in carefully selected accommodations, and enjoying seamless logistics throughout. From the base of Mount Meru to the infinite plains of the Serengeti and the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, this twelve-day trip covers the very best of Tanzania.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a representative from Tanzaniatrail Experience Limited who will transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. After your international flight, relax, settle in to your accommodation and enjoy the quiet surroundings before your adventure begins. Later your professional safari guide will give you a detailed briefing of your upcoming journey and answer any questions you may have. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a relaxing overnight stay as you get ready to discover the incredible beauty of Tanzania.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast your adventure begins with a short drive to the beautiful Arusha National Park, one of Northern Tanzania’s most scenic and diverse protected areas. The park is a mixture of lush montane forest, open grasslands, volcanic landscapes and the beautiful Momella Lakes, all set below the slopes of Mount Meru. The highlight of the day is a guided walking safari with an armed ranger. Experience the wilderness on foot and see giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes and an amazing variety of birdlife from a unique perspective. Proceed on a game drive in the park and look for black and white colobus monkeys as they move through the forest canopy. Enjoy a picnic lunch in nature and continue your explorations. Late afternoon return to Arusha for dinner and another comfortable overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast drive from Arusha to visit the spectacular Tarangire National Park, a hidden jewel with giant baobab trees and an impressive elephant population. Upon entering the park you will begin an exciting game drive through rolling savannahs, seasonal wetlands and the life-giving Tarangire River, which acts as a gathering point for wildlife throughout the year. Observe large herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, wildebeest, impala, ostrich and over 550 recorded species of birds. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in spectacular scenery before heading out for your afternoon safari. After leaving the park in the late afternoon, travel through the affluent highlands to the lovely town of Karatu. After checking in to your lodge and dinner, relax in preparation for tomorrow’s special cultural experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After an early breakfast you will proceed to Lake Eyasi. This is the home of the fascinating Hadzabe Tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa. Spend the morning with a local guide and learn about their traditional lifestyle, hunting techniques, survival skills and their unique click language which has been maintained for thousands of years. Your cultural journey proceeds with a visit to the neighbouring Datoga Tribe, known for their excellent blacksmithing skills and pastoral traditions. Watch them make tools and jewellery using ancient techniques, and learn about their daily life and traditions. Return to Karatu for lunch at your lodge. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before dinner and another comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Today you will continue your journey to the world famous Serengeti National Park, passing through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area with breathtaking views over the crater highlands and the endless plains beyond. As you enter the Serengeti your first game drive begins and you explore one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations. Expect to see lions resting in the shade of acacias, graceful giraffes feeding on treetops, elephants crossing plains, buffalo, cheetahs, leopards, zebras and massive herds of wildebeest roaming the savannah. Have a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your afternoon safari through this amazing ecosystem. Arrive at your lodge or luxury tented camp for dinner and an unforgettable overnight stay when the sun drops below the endless plains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Awake to the unforgettable sounds of the African wilderness and get ready for a full day exploring the magnificent Serengeti National Park. Your experienced safari guide will take you to different parts of the park, where you’ll track animal movements and seasonal activity. Depending on the time of year you can either witness the spectacular Great Migration or watch predators like lions, cheetahs and leopards hunting across the open plains. You’ll also see elephant families, giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and countless species of antelope during the day. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch in the heart of the Serengeti before continuing with your afternoon game drive. You will return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and another memorable night in one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Early breakfast then enjoy your last wildlife sightings as you leave the Serengeti and head to the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend over 600 metres into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's greatest natural wonders and home to one of the continent's largest concentrations of wildlife. Spend the day looking for the legendary Big Five, and encounter hippos, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, flamingos, gazelles and countless other species that thrive in this extraordinary ecosystem. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch on the crater floor, then climb up the crater walls and continue to Karatu where you will check in to your lodge and enjoy dinner and relax after another unforgettable day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, depart Karatu and enjoy a comfortable drive to Arusha Airport, where you'll board your scheduled domestic flight to the enchanting island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in culture and history. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely stroll through its narrow winding streets, admire beautifully carved wooden doors, explore colourful local markets, and discover the unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences that have shaped the island for centuries. Spend the evening soaking up the vibrant atmosphere before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of Stone Town.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Tembo Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Serena Zanzibar
After breakfast, start the day with an exciting Spice Tour, where you will learn why Zanzibar is famously known as the Spice Island. Walk through scented plantations and find cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper and so many more tropical spices that have been so important in the island’s history. Take time to sample fresh tropical fruits and the rich aromas of the famous spices of Zanzibar. Then, travel north to the picturesque seaside village of Nungwi, where the island's best white-sand beaches and clear turquoise water await. Check into your beachfront resort and spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Awake to the gentle sound of the waves and spend the day enjoying all that makes Nungwi one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Zanzibar. Relax under swaying palm trees, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean or just relax and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. For the adventurous, there are plenty of optional activities available including snorkelling, scuba diving, sunset dhow cruises, kayaking, deep-sea fishing or visiting the nearby Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve. Nungwi has the perfect mix of relaxation and tropical adventure, whatever you decide to do with your day. Return to your resort for dinner and another peaceful night’s stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Enjoy another unforgettable day in paradise at your own pace. After a leisurely breakfast, spend your final full day embracing the relaxed island lifestyle. Stroll along the powder-white beaches, indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy refreshing cocktails by the ocean, or simply soak up the sunshine while admiring Zanzibar's spectacular coastal views. Optional excursions are also available for those wishing to discover more of the island's natural beauty and marine life. As the day draws to a close, witness one last breathtaking sunset over the Indian Ocean before enjoying a farewell dinner and your final overnight stay in this tropical paradise.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Have a leisurely morning at your resort after breakfast before checking out. Depending on your international flight schedule, take a final walk along the beach or just sit and relax and reflect on your Tanzanian adventure which will be unforgettable. When the time comes your driver will take you to Zanzibar International Airport for your onwards flight home. Take away memories to last a lifetime of wildlife encounters, authentic cultural experiences, spectacular scenery and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar. We hope to see you again in Tanzania for another amazing adventure 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.