13 Day Tanzania Private Safari
Overview
This 13-day Tanzania private safari + Zanzibar is your ultimate East African experience. This tailor-made itinerary offers a combination of spectacular wildlife, stunning scenery, authentic safari experiences and the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. This itinerary has the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation from walking with wildlife in Arusha National Park, experiencing the amazing wildlife of Tarangire National Park, visiting the world famous Ngorongoro Crater, three unforgettable nights in the legendary Serengeti National Park and relaxing on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.
Your safari starts at Arusha the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania then you will go to the beautiful Arusha National Park. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Meru, this beautiful park is one of Tanzania’s most diverse protected areas, boasting lush montane forest, sparkling Momella Lakes, volcanic craters, open grasslands and spectacular views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. A highlight is the guided walking safari, where you experience the African wilderness on foot with an armed ranger. The prospect of walking with giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs and other wildlife is an exciting one seldom found elsewhere in Tanzania.
We continue the journey to Tarangire National Park with its ancient baobab trees, huge herds of elephants and the life-giving Tarangire River. It is one of the best places in East Africa to see wildlife and thousands of animals make their way to the park during the dry season. It is home to lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, elands, ostriches and more than 550 bird species, and its different ecosystems offer great opportunities for wildlife photography and unforgettable game drives.
Then drive on to the beautiful highland town of Karatu, surrounded by coffee plantations and fertile farmland, before visiting the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. One of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. Descend some 600 metres to the crater floor and you enter an incredible ecosystem of the Big Five and the endangered black rhinoceros, as well as lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, hyenas, zebras, wildebeest and hundreds of other fascinating species.
The highlight of your safari is three unforgettable nights in Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s great wildlife destinations and home to the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. The Serengeti is a vast expanse of endless savannah, granite kopjes, acacia woodlands and meandering rivers that cover almost 15,000 square kilometres and offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round. Depending on the time of year you may witness dramatic river crossings, the calving season or vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle stretching to the horizon. Big lion prides, elusive leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, jackals and hundreds of bird species make every game drive unique and unforgettable.
After your safari you will fly domestically to the exotic island of Zanzibar, where the pace is laid-back and the atmosphere is pure tropical relaxation. Zanzibar is the perfect way to end your Tanzanian adventure with its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, spice plantations and historic Stone Town. Want to relax by the Indian Ocean, snorkel with colourful marine life, enjoy a sunset dhow cruise, explore local culture or indulge in luxury beachfront accommodation? Zanzibar complements your wildlife safari perfectly.
You will be transferred in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Rover with your own personal safari guide. This private experience offers flexibility, comfort and personalised service, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace and optimise wildlife viewing opportunities.
This 13-day Tanzania Private Safari + Zanzibar is the perfect blend of amazing wildlife, authentic safari experiences, stunning scenery and tropical island luxury, making it one unforgettable African vacation for honeymooners, couples, families, photographers & wildlife lovers alike.
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. Touch down from your international flight and unwind in the tranquil setting of Tanzania's safari capital. Depending on your time of arrival you can enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the nearby areas before meeting your private safari guide who will give you a detailed briefing on your upcoming adventure. After dinner you will retire to a comfortable overnight stay before the excitement of safari the following morning.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast, proceed to Arusha National Park for one of the most unique safari activities in Tanzania, a guided walking safari with an armed park ranger. Go for a walk across open grasslands in search of giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs and antelope in their natural habitat before continuing with a traditional game drive. Discover the beautiful Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater and montane forest, lush green and full of black and white colobus monkeys and many birds. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of nature and return to Arusha for dinner and another overnight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast drive to Tarangire National Park for an exciting full day of game viewing. The park is famous for its giant baobabs and large herd of elephants and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. Explore the varied landscapes around the Tarangire River and look for lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, leopards, impalas, ostriches and countless bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park after your morning safari. Later drive to your accommodation near Tarangire for dinner and overnight stay to relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Following breakfast, travel through the scenic Great Rift Valley with views of the impressive volcanoes on the way to the charming town of Karatu. As you go you'll pass coffee plantations and rural villages and enjoy the rolling highland scenery, and learn about local life from your guide. Arrive in Karatu with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of your lodge. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, preparing for the exciting wildlife adventure that awaits you at the Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight in your selected hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After an early breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive to remember. Encounter the Big Five, including the black rhinoceros, an endangered species, in one of Africa’s most prolific wildlife ecosystems. Come face to face with lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, hyenas and countless other species of wildlife in the most spectacular setting. Have lunch picnic at the famous Hippo Pool, then climb the crater walls and back to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the legendary Serengeti National Park. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views along the way before coming down onto the endless plains that have made the Serengeti famous throughout the world. 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. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing your afternoon safari and arriving at your luxury lodge or tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Spend the day exploring the phenomenal Serengeti ecosystem with your experienced private safari guide. Explore the various areas of the park to follow the movement of the wildlife and look for predators, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and countless bird species. Depending on the season, you may be able to witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the African wilderness before continuing with your afternoon game drive. 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 breakfast spend the day exploring the endless plains and extraordinary wildlife of Serengeti National Park. Your guide will customise the safari based on wildlife movements and your interests, so other parts of this remarkable ecosystem will likely be explored. Predators hunt, elephants cluster around waterholes and huge herds of herbivores migrate across the plains depending on the season. The Serengeti’s landscapes are incredible and offer amazing photo opportunities throughout the day. Return in the evening to your accommodation for dinner and your final overnight in the park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After breakfast take a final morning game drive before transferring to the Serengeti airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at the beautiful Spice Island you will be met and transferred to your beachfront resort. The rest of the day is yours to relax on the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoying the tropical vibe and gorgeous white-sand beaches. You will have dinner and overnight at the beach resort of your choice.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
The next three days can be spent in your own way enjoying Zanzibar. Relax on world renowned white sand beaches, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean or simply relax under swaying palm trees whilst enjoying the peaceful surroundings of your beachfront resort. Optional activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, traditional dhow sunset cruises, spice farm tours, dolphin excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding and visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town and its rich Swahili, Arab and colonial history. Whatever your goal — adventure or relaxation — Zanzibar is a perfect tropical finale to your safari in Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
A leisurely morning after breakfast depending on your flight schedule. Soak up the beauty of Zanzibar, relax at your beach resort or take one last walk along the beach before your scheduled airport transfer. At the appropriate time you will be transferred by your private driver to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your onwards flight. Complete your fabulous 13 Days Tanzania Private Safari + Zanzibar with unforgettable memories of exceptional wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, authentic safari experiences and the tropical paradise of Zanzibar.
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.