11 Days Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach

This is an unforgettable 11 days safari and Zanzibar beach escapade through Tanzania’s magnificent landscapes and wildlife. Begin in Arusha and visit Tarangire National Park, known for its iconic baobab trees and elephant families. Continue to the Serengeti National Park, where you’ll witness incredible wildlife migrations and encounter resident predators. Explore the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse animals. Visit Lake Manyara National Park, home to flamingos and stunning landscapes. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing beach getaway in Nungwi, Zanzibar. Enjoy the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.

On our 11-day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach getaway, take in Tanzania’s captivating splendour! Make the most of the time you spend in Tanzania. From exploring the wildlife on an African safari to soaking up the sun on Zanzibar’s gorgeous beaches.

With this exclusive luxury safari, you can explore Tanzania at your own speed. With your knowledgeable English-speaking guide, visit the well-known parks of Northern Tanzania while in the luxury and security of your own private safari vehicle. End a wonderful Tanzanian trip by basking in the sun on Zanzibar’s beautiful sand beaches. Let the majestic elephants and tropical birds of Tarangire National Park inspire you.

Depart with cherished memories of Tanzania’s natural wonders and wildlife encounters.

Safari and Zanzibar Beach Itinerary:

Below is the itinerary at a glance combining a safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday which offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to experience the best of East Africa’s wildlife and coastal beauty. Imagine an adventure that takes you from the heart of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife reserves to the serene, sun-soaked beaches of Zanzibar. Plan your trip during the optimal seasons to make the most of this incredible journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7: Lake Manyara to Zanzibar
Day 8-10: Nungwi, Zanzibar
Day 11: Departure

Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safaris and Zanzibar

Choosing the best time to visit East Africa for a combined safari and Zanzibar beach holiday is crucial for maximizing your experience. Different seasons offer unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, beach activities, and cultural experiences. Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide when to plan your trip.

Safari Season

June to October (Dry Season):

Best Wildlife Viewing: During the dry season, animals congregate around waterholes and rivers, making them easier to spot. This is an ideal time for game drives and photography.
Great Migration: The period from July to September is prime time to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grazing grounds.
Pleasant Weather: The dry season brings clear skies, sunny days, and cooler temperatures, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

November to March (Short and Long Rains):

Calving Season: Late January to February marks the calving season for wildebeest, attracting predators and providing dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Lush Landscapes: The parks are green and vibrant during this time, offering beautiful scenery and fewer tourists, enhancing the sense of solitude and tranquility.
Birdwatching: Migratory birds arrive, making this period excellent for bird enthusiasts who can spot a wide variety of species.

Zanzibar Beach Holiday Season

June to October (Dry Season):

Ideal Beach Weather: This season features warm temperatures, low humidity, and plenty of sunshine, perfect for beachgoers.
Calm Waters: The calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, allowing you to explore Zanzibar’s vibrant marine life.
Festivals: Experience the cultural richness of Zanzibar with local festivals, such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July, which showcases films, music, and art from Africa and beyond.

December to February (Hot and Dry Season):

Beach Activities: Enjoy the warmest sea temperatures, perfect for a variety of water sports and beach relaxation.
Cultural Events: Participate in vibrant cultural events like the Sauti za Busara music festival in February, which features performances by artists from across Africa.

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Arrival in Arusha Upon your arrival at the airport, a Tranquil Kilimanjaro representative will greet you and escort you to your accommodation in Arusha. Take this day to relax, unwind, and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead. You will spend the night in Arusha, immersing yourself in the calm and aesthetic pleasure of the Arusha Planet Lodge.

Dinner and Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, your personal safari guide will pick you up from your lodging in Arusha. Embark on a scenic journey to Tarangire National Park, driving along picturesque Maasai plains adorned with acacia trees. Marvel at the vibrant Maasai people and the diverse wildlife as you venture through the park. Tarangire is renowned for its majestic elephant herds, but you can also expect to encounter zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, and more. Keep an eye out for lions and leopards too. In the evening, you will retire to a carefully selected luxury lodge, where a delightful dinner awaits alongside a soothing pool.

Dinner and Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn

Dinner and

Day 3

Karatu to Serengeti

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before continuing your journey towards the fertile highlands, passing through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, you might be lucky enough to spot baboons, leopards, or elephants amidst the dense undergrowth. As you travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, feast your eyes on the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater before reaching the Serengeti National Park by midday. The Serengeti, Tanzania’s largest park, showcases diverse landscapes, from grassy plains to swamps, lakes, savannah, and mountains. Following an extensive game drive, you will head to the Seronera Valley for a sumptuous evening meal and an overnight stay at your accommodation.

Dinner and Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 4

Serengeti National Park

Dedicate this entire day to thrilling game drives within the Serengeti. The park teems with abundant wildlife, including impalas, buffalos, crocodiles, hippos, and the iconic herds of zebras, antelopes, and wildebeest that migrate across the vast plains. Witness the fascinating spectacle of the animals’ migration, guided by the rainfall patterns throughout the year. The Serengeti is also home to resident predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and lions, completing the circle of life. After an unforgettable game drive, return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening, enjoying a delicious dinner under the starry African night sky.

Dinner and Accommodation: Serengeti Heritage Camp

Day 5

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After a hearty breakfast, depart from the Serengeti towards the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. As you journey, keep an eye out for the “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, and leopards. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents a stunning landscape that was formed millions of years ago. With its remarkable density of approximately 25,000 ungulates, the crater offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities. Descend into the crater and be captivated by the sight of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and a plethora of bird species. With luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino. After a full afternoon exploring the crater, retire to your lodging for a delightful dinner and a restful night surrounded by the vast plains and abundant wildlife.

Dinner and Accommodation: Eileen’s Tree Inn

Day 6

Lake Manyara to Zanzibar

Following breakfast, depart for your final destination on this extraordinary safari – Lake Manyara National Park. This diverse park is home to the famous salt lake, attracting thousands of flamingos and over 500 bird species. As you explore the park, encounter monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalos, and, if luck is on your side, lions lounging in the trees. Lake Manyara’s landscapes range from open grassy plains to woodland filled with primates and cliffs adorned with baobab trees. After a satisfying lunch, return to Arusha in the late afternoon for your flight to Zanzibar’s Stone Town.

Dinner and Accommodation: Maru Maru Hotel

Day 7-10

Stone Town to North Coast (Nungwi)

Transfer to Nungwi, a captivating village situated at the northernmost tip of Zanzibar Island. Nungwi’s stunning beach and breathtaking sunsets make it a popular tourist destination. Engage in water sports like diving, snorkeling, and fishing, or simply enjoy leisurely swims in the turquoise waters. Take advantage of the local geography, allowing swimming at any time. Additional activities include yoga, cycling, guided tours of the village, and exploring nearby dive sites and reefs. Spend four unforgettable nights in Nungwi, indulging in the luxury and comfort of Z-Hotel.

Dinner and Accommodation: Z-Hotel

Day 11

Departure from Zanzibar

Conclude your adventures with a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport or seaport, bidding farewell to the African wild and cherishing the enduring memories you’ve created.

The cost for the whole 11 Days Tanzania safari + Zanzibar Beach includes and excludes the following items