12 Days Tanzania Wildlife & Zanzibar Escape

Overview

The 12 Days Tanzania Wildlife & Zanzibar Escape is a perfectly balanced safari and beach journey that combines Tanzania’s legendary Northern Circuit wildlife destinations with the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. This itinerary is designed for travellers seeking both thrilling Big Five encounters and a relaxing Indian Ocean coastal retreat.

The adventure begins in the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, continues through the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, and the scenic Lake Manyara National Park, before concluding on the spice-scented shores of Zanzibar Island. Each destination offers a unique contrast, from dramatic savannah ecosystems to tranquil tropical beaches.

Tour Highlights

Big Five safari across Tanzania’s premier national parks.
Serengeti National Park wildlife and optional Great Migration sightings.
Ngorongoro Crater UNESCO World Heritage safari experience.
Elephant herds in Tarangire National Park.
Tree-climbing lions and birdlife in Lake Manyara.
Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti.
Scenic domestic flight from Serengeti/Arusha to Zanzibar.
Relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
Stone Town cultural and historical exploration.
Snorkeling, diving, and spice tour experiences in Zanzibar.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are met by your safari guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest after your international journey.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Gran Meliá Arusha / Arusha Coffee Lodge

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch before proceeding to your lodge.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Lemala Mpingo Ridge / Tarangire Treetops
Midrange: Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

Enjoy a morning game drive in Tarangire before heading to Lake Manyara National Park. The park offers lush forests, flamingos, hippos, and famous tree-climbing lions. Continue to your lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge
Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This natural wonder supports one of Africa’s densest wildlife populations, including rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and flamingos.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy game viewing en route before arriving for an afternoon safari across the endless plains.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Melia Serengeti Lodge
Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 6: Full Day Serengeti Safari

Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration or enjoy exceptional resident wildlife viewing including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and hyenas.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Singita Sabora Camp
Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 7: Serengeti Wildlife Exploration

Continue exploring different regions of Serengeti in search of predators and migration herds. Optional hot air balloon safari may be arranged early morning for a spectacular aerial view of the plains.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Singita Sabora Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge
Midrange: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 8: Serengeti to Arusha & Flight to Zanzibar

After a final morning game drive, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar (via Arusha or direct depending on routing). Upon arrival, you are transferred to your beachfront resort for relaxation.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar / Baraza Resort & Spa
Midrange: Zanzibar Serena Hotel / Ocean Paradise Resort

Day 9: Zanzibar Beach Leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches. Swim in the Indian Ocean, relax by the pool, or enjoy optional water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or dhow sailing.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar / Baraza Resort & Spa
Midrange: Ocean Paradise Resort

Day 10: Zanzibar Cultural Experience

Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the old slave market, spice markets, and historic architecture. In the afternoon, enjoy a spice farm tour to learn about Zanzibar’s famous spice trade.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Park Hyatt Zanzibar / Zuri Zanzibar
Midrange: Zanzibar Serena Hotel

Day 11: Zanzibar Leisure Day

Spend your final full day relaxing on the beach or enjoying optional excursions such as scuba diving, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, or a sunset dhow cruise along the coast.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar / Baraza Resort & Spa
Midrange: Ocean Paradise Resort

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Tanzania Wildlife & Zanzibar Escape.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport arrival and departure transfers
Accommodation in luxury or midrange lodges and beach resorts
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional guide (safari section)
All park entrance fees and conservation charges
Full-board meals during safari
Half-board or all-inclusive meals in Zanzibar (depending on lodge)
Domestic flights (Serengeti/Arusha to Zanzibar)
Bottled drinking water during safari game drives
Ngorongoro Crater descent fees
Scheduled game drives as per itinerary
Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional hot air balloon safari
Premium alcoholic beverages
Zanzibar marine park fees (if applicable for certain activities)
Laundry services
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities for guides and hotel staff
Optional excursions not listed in itinerary
Any services not explicitly mentioned in inclusions