9-Day Best of Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beaches
Introduction to the Destination
A seamless blend of thrilling safari and beach retreat, this itinerary combines Tanzania’s best parks with the laid-back luxury of Zanzibar’s beaches. It’s popular among families and couples seeking both adventure and relaxation19.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
Perfect “bush & beach” combo.
Wildlife highlights: Big Five, migration, caldera views.
Two days on Zanzibar’s powdery beaches.
Major Attractions and Accessibility
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Day-to-Day Activities
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the Northern Circuit
Arrival: Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, where a Nile Abenteuer Safaris representative greets you with a warm welcome and assists with immigration and luggage.
Transfer: Private vehicle transfer to your lodge in Arusha, set in tranquil gardens or a coffee estate.
Check-in & Refresh: Enjoy a welcome drink, freshen up, and settle into your room.
Orientation Briefing: Late afternoon briefing with your safari guide to review the itinerary, safety protocols, and wildlife expectations.
Dinner: Served at the lodge’s restaurant, featuring local ingredients and continental options.
Overnight: Premium lodge in Arusha (Arumeru River Lodge, Rivertrees Country Inn, or similar).
Day 2: Tarangire National Park – Elephants, Baobabs & Big Game
Early Breakfast & Departure: Depart by 7:30 AM for Tarangire National Park (approx. 2-hour drive), passing through Maasai country and open farmland.
Game Drive: Explore the Tarangire River ecosystem, known for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal migration. Spot giraffes, impalas, buffalo, and predators like lions and leopards.
Picnic Lunch: Served at a shaded site overlooking the river.
Afternoon Safari: Continue through Silale Swamp and open savannah, tracking wildlife and enjoying the changing terrain.
Sunset Exit: Leave the park around 6:00 PM and transfer to your lodge near Lake Manyara or Karatu.
Dinner & Overnight: Safari lodge with Rift Valley views (Maramboi Tented Camp or Lake Burunge Lodge).
Day 3: Scenic Transfer to Serengeti – Through the Ngorongoro Highlands
Breakfast & Departure: Leave the lodge by 7:00 AM and ascend into the Ngorongoro Highlands, passing through lush forests and crater rim views.
Optional Stop: Visit Olduvai Gorge en route, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, for a brief tour and museum visit.
Lunch: Packed lunch served at Naabi Hill Gate, the entrance to Serengeti.
Afternoon Game Drive: Begin your Serengeti experience with a drive through the Seronera Valley, known for year-round wildlife and predator density. Expect to see lions lounging on kopjes, elephants grazing, and possibly cheetahs on the hunt.
Check-in & Sunset: Arrive at your tented camp before dusk. Enjoy sundowners and a hot shower before dinner.
Dinner & Overnight: Luxury tented camp in Central Serengeti (Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or Serengeti Tortilis Camp).
Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Safari – Migration Trails & Predator Territory
Sunrise Game Drive: Depart camp at 6:00 AM with coffee and snacks for early predator activity, lions returning from a hunt, hyenas scavenging, and leopards descending from trees.
Return for Breakfast: Back to camp by 9:30 AM for a full breakfast.
Midday Leisure: Relax in your tent, enjoy the pool, or join an optional nature walk with a Maasai guide (subject to availability).
Lunch: Served at camp or packed for full-day exploration.
Afternoon Game Drive: Explore new terrain, perhaps the Moru Kopjes or Retima Hippo Pool, focusing on elephants, buffalo, and migratory herds (seasonal).
Dinner & Campfire: Share stories with your guide and fellow travelers around the fire.
Overnight: Same luxury camp in Serengeti.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – World’s Largest Caldera
Early Departure: After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes 4–5 hours with wildlife viewing en route.
Crater Descent: Arrive at the crater rim and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 25,000 animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos.
Picnic Lunch: Served near the hippo pool inside the crater.
Afternoon Exit: Ascend back to the rim and transfer to your lodge in Karatu.
Dinner & Overnight: Highland lodge with crater views or lush gardens (Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or Gibbs Farm).
Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park – Forest, Rift Valley & Flamingos
Early Breakfast & Departure: Drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 45 minutes), known for its groundwater forest, tree-climbing lions, and flamingo-lined lake.
Game Drive: Explore the forest canopy for baboons, blue monkeys, and elephants. Continue to the lake shore for birdwatching and views of the escarpment.
Lunch: Served at a lodge outside the park or packed for the road.
Afternoon Leisure: Return to Arusha for a relaxed evening before your Zanzibar flight.
Dinner & Overnight: Boutique hotel in Arusha (Gran Melia Arusha or similar).
Day 7: Flight to Zanzibar – Stone Town Discovery
Morning Transfer: After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar (approx. 1.5 hours).
Arrival in Zanzibar: Land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and transfer to your heritage hotel in Stone Town.
Guided Walking Tour: Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, its winding alleys, spice markets, carved doors, and historical sites like the Old Fort and House of Wonders.
Sunset Rooftop Dinner: Enjoy Swahili cuisine with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Stone Town (Emerson on Hurumzi or Zanzibar Serena Hotel).
Day 8: Zanzibar Beach Leisure – Indian Ocean Bliss
Transfer to Coast: After breakfast, drive to the northeast coast (Nungwi or Matemwe), known for white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Beach Activities: Optional snorkeling, dhow sailing, spa treatments, or simply relaxing under palm trees.
Lunch & Dinner: Fresh seafood and tropical fruits served at your beach resort.
Overnight: Luxury beachfront resort (Zuri Zanzibar, Matemwe Retreat, or similar).
Day 9: Departure – Farewell to Tanzania
Morning Leisure: Enjoy a final swim or walk along the beach.
Transfer to Airport: Depending on flight time, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international departure or onward travel.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions: Park and entry fees, regional flights, all accommodations, transfers, meals during safari, breakfast in Zanzibar.
Exclusions: International flights, additional beach activities, visas, drinks outside meal times.
Accommodation Facilities & Amenities
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What to Carry & Requirements
Blend of bush and beachwear: Light safari gear, beachwear, sandals, sunblock.
Mosquito repellent, snorkeling gear (optional for Zanzibar).
Indulge in Tanzania’s ‘best of both worlds’-adventure and paradise await!