14-Day Tanzania Mid Range Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape
Overview
This thoughtfully crafted 14-day mid-range itinerary offers a perfect balance of wildlife adventure, cultural encounters, and seaside relaxation. It combines the world-renowned safari parks of northern Tanzania with the idyllic island of Zanzibar, creating a journey that is both adventurous and rejuvenating. Designed with comfort and value in mind, you will stay in carefully selected mid-range lodges, tented camps, and boutique beach hotels that provide authentic experiences, warm hospitality, and cozy atmospheres without compromising quality.
Your journey begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), followed by a transfer to Arusha where you’ll rest before the safari begins. The first leg of the adventure takes you to the striking landscapes of Lake Natron, a unique and less-visited corner of Tanzania. Here, dramatic scenery meets Maasai culture. You’ll engage with local Maasai communities, learn about their traditions, enjoy a walking safari along the soda lake where flamingos gather, and take a refreshing hike to the beautiful Engaresero Waterfalls. This immersion in culture and nature sets the tone for a diverse and meaningful safari.
From Natron, the journey heads into the world-famous Serengeti, where you will spend multiple nights in mid-range tented camps set amidst the vast savannah. The Serengeti offers endless opportunities for thrilling game drives, where lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes roam freely. Depending on the time of year, you may also witness the breathtaking Great Migration, with wildebeest and zebra thundering across the plains. Days are spent on morning and afternoon safaris, while evenings bring campfire stories and starlit skies.
The adventure continues at the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder often described as one of the best places on Earth for wildlife viewing. The crater floor hosts an incredible variety of species in one compact area — from the elusive black rhino to prides of lions, flocks of flamingos, and countless other animals. After exploring this extraordinary ecosystem, you’ll continue to Karatu, a charming town surrounded by coffee farms where you’ll overnight in a comfortable mid-range lodge.
From there, your safari moves to Tarangire National Park, well known for its giant baobab trees and some of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. The park is also home to predators, antelope, and over 500 species of birds. A picnic lunch inside the park makes the experience even more memorable before you head back to Arusha to catch your flight to Zanzibar.
The second half of your trip is reserved for unwinding on the spice island of Zanzibar. You will be based in Nungwi, one of the island’s most beautiful beach locations, where turquoise waters meet soft white sands. The days are yours to spend as you wish — whether that means simply relaxing by the ocean, exploring Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys, taking a spice farm tour, or enjoying snorkeling and dhow cruises. Evenings offer fresh seafood dinners and the warm breeze of the Indian Ocean.
On the final day, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. This itinerary is designed to provide an enriching blend of mid-range comfort, cultural discovery, and natural wonders — the very best of Tanzania’s wilderness and Zanzibar’s coastline in one unforgettable holiday.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Tanzaniatrail representative holding a personalized name tag with our logo. After a short introduction, you will be transferred to your lodge in Arusha to relax and refresh. In the evening, you will meet your safari guide, who will provide a detailed briefing about your trip, covering routes, parks, wildlife highlights, and useful tips, before enjoying dinner at the lodge.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
After breakfast, you’ll leave Arusha behind and begin your scenic journey to Lake Natron, passing through remote villages and vast volcanic landscapes. On arrival, you’ll meet members of the Maasai community and take part in an authentic cultural experience — learning about their daily lives, traditions, and colorful dances. In the afternoon, a guided walking safari will take you along the shores of Lake Natron, where flocks of flamingos gather and the scenery is breathtakingly raw. Later, hike to the Engaresero Waterfalls, where cool waters tumble from dramatic cliffs. Tonight, you’ll stay in a mid-range tented camp close to the lake, enjoying simple but charming comfort under the stars.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: African Safari Lake Natron
Wake up to the unique beauty of Lake Natron and then set off toward the Serengeti. The journey itself is full of adventure, with striking scenery and wildlife sightings along the way. Enter the Serengeti through Klein’s Gate and step into a landscape that has become synonymous with safari. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive, watching lions resting on rocky kopjes or giraffes wandering through the grasslands. In the evening, check into your mid-range tented camp or lodge inside the park, where you’ll enjoy hearty meals, a comfortable bed, and the magical sounds of the African night
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti, allowing plenty of time to witness its endless wildlife and iconic landscapes. Early morning game drives give you the best chance of spotting predators like lions, leopards, or cheetahs, while afternoon drives reveal elephants, buffalo, zebras, and antelope grazing across the savannah. Depending on the season, you may also encounter the famous Great Migration — one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events. Between game drives, you’ll return to your mid-range camp, where you can relax in your tent, enjoy delicious meals, and share stories around the campfire. These days provide a true safari immersion in comfort and authenticity.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
After breakfast, depart Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. Here you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five in a single day, along with hippos, flamingos, and an incredible variety of birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before ascending to the rim and continuing to Karatu, a welcoming town set among lush highlands and coffee farms. Tonight, you’ll stay at a cozy mid-range lodge, where you can relax with good food and a comfortable atmosphere after a rewarding day of safari.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Today you’ll journey to Tarangire National Park, often called Tanzania’s hidden gem. The park is famous for its majestic baobab trees and vast elephant herds, as well as predators, antelope, and over 500 species of birds. Your game drive will take you along the Tarangire River, a vital water source that attracts wildlife year-round. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot inside the park and continue exploring in the afternoon. As evening approaches, you’ll check into a mid-range lodge or tented camp near the park, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy a relaxed dinner in a natural setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
After breakfast and a final game drive in Tarangire, you’ll head back to Arusha. From here, catch your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you’ll be transferred to your mid-range beach hotel in Nungwi, a vibrant and beautiful part of the island. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, enjoy a swim in the Indian Ocean, or take a stroll along the sandy beaches. In the evening, savor fresh seafood and enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
The next five days are yours to enjoy at your own pace. Stay at a comfortable mid-range beachfront hotel in Nungwi, where you can relax on white sands and swim in turquoise waters. Optional activities include a guided tour of Stone Town’s historic streets, a spice plantation visit, snorkeling or diving at Mnemba Atoll, or a traditional dhow sunset cruise. You might also choose to take a day trip to Prison Island or simply relax by the pool with a good book. Evenings bring a chance to sample Zanzibar’s mix of Swahili and international cuisine. This is your time to recharge, soak in the island’s charm, and reflect on your safari adventures.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps one last stroll on the beach, you’ll be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward journey. Your luxury safari and beach holiday comes to an end, leaving you with memories of Tanzania’s breathtaking wildlife and the tranquil charm of Zanzibar’s shores.
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
FAQs
A mid-range safari is a travel experience that offers great comfort and value. You stay in good quality lodges or tented camps with private bathrooms, enjoy professional guided game drives, delicious meals, and comfortable 4x4 vehicles—without the high cost of luxury safaris.
The average cost ranges from $350 to $550 per person per day, depending on the season, number of people, and parks visited. This includes accommodation, meals, transport, park fees, and guides.
You’ll travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing. The vehicle is shared or private, depending on your booking, and has charging ports, cooler boxes, and large windows for perfect wildlife photos.
Yes, many Mid-Range lodges provide reliable Wi-Fi, especially in public areas or guest rooms. However, due to remote locations, speeds may vary, and this is often seen as an opportunity to digitally detox and immerse yourself in nature.
Tanzania is a wildlife paradise, home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and over 1,100 species of birds. The diversity is staggering and changes by season and region, with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro offering year-round sightings.
Mid-range offers comfort with a romantic touch—cozy lodges, ensuite tents, great service.
Luxury adds exclusivity—private plunge pools, butler service, high-end amenities, and often fly-in safaris for convenience and style.
Definitely. Many luxury safaris conclude with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. Direct flights from Serengeti or Arusha make this transition seamless and stress-free.
Of course! We can arrange visits to Maasai villages, coffee farms, or Spice Island tours in Zanzibar. These experiences offer beautiful insight into local life and traditions—perfect for meaningful memories together.
Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Also, bring insect repellent and consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
A Mid-Range safari can range from 5 to 12 days, depending on your travel goals. A typical itinerary includes 2–3 nights each in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, allowing time for slow travel, relaxation, and exploration.
While last-minute safaris are possible, we highly recommend booking at least 2–5 months in advance, especially during the high season. Luxury accommodations are limited and tend to fill up quickly due to their exclusivity.
Booking is easy! Contact us via info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz or WhatsApp +255 764 987 596. Our experienced team will help craft your personalized luxury safari itinerary based on your travel dates, preferences, and budget. We handle everything from start to finish.
Yes—if you book at the right time and location. The Great Migration moves across the Serengeti, and we can customize your trip to follow the herds during river crossings or calving season.
Absolutely. While there are standard routes, mid-range safaris can be tailored to fit your dates, number of days, interests (e.g., birdwatching, photography), and budget.
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.