Overview
This 10-day trip combines the best of Tanzania’s wildlife and beaches. You’ll start with an exciting safari in the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll see lions, elephants, and zebras in their natural home. Then you’ll fly to Zanzibar, a beautiful island with white sand beaches and clear blue water. You’ll explore ancient Stone Town, swim in the ocean, and relax under palm trees. It’s perfect for people who want to see amazing animals and then unwind on a tropical beach.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your adventure begins when you land at Kilimanjaro Airport. A friendly guide will meet you and drive you to your hotel in Arusha town. This small city sits at the foot of Mount Meru and serves as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari parks. You’ll have time to rest, enjoy dinner, and get excited about the wildlife adventure ahead. Your guide will explain what to expect and make sure you have everything you need for the safari.
Day 2: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you’ll drive toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley and past Maasai villages where you can see traditional round houses. You’ll stop for lunch and arrive at your camp in the afternoon. Your first game drive starts right away. The Serengeti is home to millions of animals including wildebeest, zebras, lions, and cheetahs. You’ll watch the sunset over the endless plains while spotting wildlife from your vehicle.
Day 3: Full Day Serengeti Safari
Today you’ll spend the whole day exploring different parts of the Serengeti. Your guide knows the best spots to find animals and will take you to see river crossings, rocky hills called kopjes where lions like to rest, and open grasslands where herds graze. You’ll pack a picnic lunch and eat it under an acacia tree while watching elephants walk by. The Serengeti means “endless plains” in the local language, and you’ll understand why as you drive through this vast wilderness.
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After morning game viewing, you’ll leave the Serengeti and head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the world’s largest unbroken volcanic crater. You’ll spend the night on the crater rim at a lodge with stunning views. The crater is like a natural zoo with almost every type of African animal living inside. You might see the rare black rhino, flamingos on the soda lake, and huge herds of buffalo and wildebeest.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Early morning brings your descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. The crater floor covers 260 square kilometers and contains lakes, forests, and grasslands. You’ll see the Big Five animals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino all in one place. Maasai people live peacefully alongside the wildlife here, grazing their cattle as their ancestors did centuries ago. After lunch by a hippo pool, you’ll continue exploring before returning to the crater rim.
Day 6: Flight to Zanzibar
Today you’ll fly from the mainland to the tropical island of Zanzibar. The short flight gives you beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and coral reefs below. When you arrive, you’ll notice the warm, humid air filled with the scent of spices. Your hotel is located in Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar. This old city has narrow streets, carved wooden doors, and buildings that tell stories of Arab, Persian, and British influence. You’ll have time to walk around and get your first taste of island life.
Day 7: Stone Town and Spice Tour
Your day starts with a walking tour of Stone Town’s winding alleys and historic buildings. You’ll visit the old slave market, see the house where Freddie Mercury was born, and browse colorful markets selling everything from fresh fish to handmade crafts. In the afternoon, you’ll take a spice tour to learn why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island. You’ll smell and taste cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and other spices while learning how they’re grown and used in local cooking.
Day 8: Beach Day in Nungwi
Today you’ll travel to Nungwi, a fishing village on Zanzibar’s northern coast known for its pristine beaches. The white sand stretches for miles and the turquoise water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can watch local fishermen build traditional dhow boats or simply relax under a palm tree with a cold drink. The beach faces west, so you’ll enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean. Your beach hotel provides comfortable accommodation just steps from the ocean.
Day 9: Dolphin Tour and Beach Relaxation
This morning brings an exciting boat trip to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat. The waters around Zanzibar are home to bottlenose and spinner dolphins that often swim and play near the boats. You’ll also have time for snorkeling to see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the beach however you like. You can swim, read a book, get a massage, or try water sports like kayaking or windsurfing.
Day 10: Departure
Your final day starts with breakfast overlooking the ocean. You’ll have free time for last-minute shopping in local markets or one final swim in the warm Indian Ocean. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of incredible wildlife encounters and peaceful beach moments that will last a lifetime.
Includes
- All accommodation in safari lodges and beach hotels.
- All meals during safari portion and breakfast in Zanzibar.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide and 4WD vehicle.
- All park entry fees for Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar.
- Airport transfers in Arusha and Zanzibar.
- Stone Town walking tour with local guide.
- Spice plantation tour with transportation.
- Dolphin watching boat trip with snorkeling equipment.
- Bottled water during safari activities.
Excludes
- International flights to and from Tanzania.
- Tanzania visa fees and travel insurance.
- Lunch and dinner in Zanzibar (except spice tour lunch).
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
- Personal shopping and souvenirs.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Optional activities like hot air balloon safari.
- Medical expenses and vaccinations.
- Items of personal nature like laundry.