7 Days Safaris and Zanzibar Holiday
10-day combination safari and Zanzibar holiday itinerary that offers a perfect blend of Tanzania’s best wildlife experiences on safari and the relaxing, serene beaches of Zanzibar. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or an adventure-seeking traveler, this itinerary is carefully designed to provide an exciting mix of safari exploration and beach relaxation. You’ll experience Tanzania’s incredible wildlife on a northern circuit safari, followed by a rejuvenating beach holiday on the stunning island of Zanzibar. This itinerary provides a comprehensive 10-day safari and Zanzibar experience that combines thrilling wildlife encounters with the luxury of Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, making it the perfect choice for families, couples, or anyone looking for the ultimate Tanzanian adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
- Morning: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be warmly welcomed by your Trust Tours and Safaris guide. After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, a bustling town known as the gateway to the northern circuit.
- Afternoon: Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore Arusha at your leisure. You can visit local markets, or simply enjoy the view of Mount Meru, a stunning backdrop to the town.
- Evening: After a long flight, enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel’s restaurant. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a short walk around the town, or enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the surrounding hills.
- Overnight: Stay at a comfortable midrange lodge in Arusha for the night.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
- Morning: After breakfast at your lodge, you’ll set off on your first safari adventure to Tarangire National Park, located about 2 hours (120 km) from Arusha. Tarangire is famous for its elephant herds and giant baobab trees. It’s a great way to ease into the safari experience.
- Afternoon: Once you arrive in Tarangire, you’ll embark on a half-day game drive. Tarangire is a diverse park with a mix of savannah, riverine forests, and open grasslands, making it a prime spot to observe wildlife. Look out for large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and lions. During the dry season, animals gather around the Tarangire River, making for excellent wildlife viewing.
- Evening: Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest after your game drive. The evening is free for relaxation, and you can enjoy a tasty dinner with stunning views of the park and surrounding landscapes.
- Overnight: Stay at a midrange lodge or tented camp inside or near Tarangire National Park.
Day 3: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater
- Morning: After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey towards Ngorongoro Crater. This is a 4-5 hour drive, passing through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. The views of the lush highland landscapes are breathtaking, with coffee farms and rolling hills along the way.
- Afternoon: Upon arrival at the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll have time to settle into your lodge, which is perched on the crater rim, offering incredible panoramic views of the caldera below. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
- Evening: Enjoy the serene beauty of the Ngorongoro Highlands from your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about the culture of the indigenous Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries.
- Overnight: Stay at a comfortable lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Game Drive
- Morning: After breakfast, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater floor is a vast, biodiverse ecosystem, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, and the elusive black rhino. This is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor, surrounded by stunning wildlife and the unique landscape. After lunch, continue with your game drive, exploring the varied habitats of the crater, including soda lakes, grasslands, and forests. You’ll also have the chance to see many species of birds, including flamingos that flock to the lakes.
- Evening: After a full day of exploring, head back to your lodge on the crater rim to unwind and relax. Enjoy dinner with a view of the crater at sunset.
- Overnight: Stay at your lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim.
Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park
- Morning: After breakfast, you’ll embark on a long drive to Serengeti National Park. The drive takes about 4-5 hours and takes you through stunning landscapes, with views of the Ngorongoro Highlands and vast savannahs. Serengeti is the jewel of Tanzania’s national parks and one of the most famous safari destinations in the world.
- Afternoon: On arrival, enjoy a game drive in the central Serengeti area, known as Seronera. Serengeti’s vast plains are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration—an extraordinary natural spectacle.
- Evening: After your game drive, head to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy the tranquil setting of the Serengeti plains, where you can listen to the sounds of nature as you dine under the stars.
- Overnight: Stay at a midrange lodge or tented camp in Serengeti National Park.
Day 6: Serengeti – Full-Day Game Drive
- Morning: After an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a morning game drive in the Serengeti. The park is famous for its large predator population, and you may be lucky enough to see a lioness hunting or a cheetah chasing prey. Serengeti is also home to diverse wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and hippos, with plenty of opportunities for stunning photography.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before heading out for a second game drive in the afternoon. You may visit other areas of the park, including the western corridor or the northern Serengeti, both of which are home to abundant wildlife and spectacular landscapes.
- Evening: After a full day of game viewing, return to your lodge for a leisurely evening. If you’re interested, you can take an optional hot-air balloon safari at dawn to experience the Serengeti from the skies—an unforgettable experience.
- Overnight: Stay at your lodge in Serengeti National Park.
Day 7: Serengeti to Zanzibar
- Morning: After breakfast, you’ll drive to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. This flight typically takes about 1-1.5 hours, offering a smooth transition from the plains of Serengeti to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Zanzibar International Airport, where you will be transferred to your beachfront hotel in Zanzibar. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sandy beaches or by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
- Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening watching the sunset over the ocean. You may choose to dine at the beach restaurant and savor the flavors of Zanzibar’s spices, a blend of Arabian, Indian, and Swahili influences.
- Overnight: Stay at a beachfront resort in Zanzibar, where you’ll enjoy the next few days of relaxation.
Days 8-10: Zanzibar – Beach Time and Cultural Exploration
- Morning: After the excitement of the safari, spend your days relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar. Enjoy the sun, swim in the warm waters, or indulge in water sports like snorkeling, diving, or kite surfing.
- Optional Activities: For those interested in cultural experiences, visit the Stone Town to explore the historic streets, spice tours, and Prison Island to see giant tortoises. Or take a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll for world-class snorkeling.
- Evening: Spend your evenings at leisure—dine on fresh seafood and enjoy a sunset dhow cruise, offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
- Overnight: Stay at your Zanzibar beach resort.
Package Price USD $4,990 per person Midrange,
Package Price USD $7,855 per person Luxury Hotel,
Flight tickets fees two ways $545
What’s Included in the Package:
- Accommodations: Three nights in midrange lodges (two in Serengeti, one at Ngorongoro).
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) each day, including picnic lunches during full-day game drives.
- Game Drives: Daily guided game drives as per the itinerary.
- Transfers: Pickup and drop-off at designated airstrips.
- Park Fees: Entry fees for Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Professional Guide: An experienced, English-speaking safari guide with in-depth knowledge of Tanzania’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., tips 25-40 per day)
- Optional activities (e.g., Hot air Balloon $550 paid at Serengeti on the day before).