12 Days Tanzania Luxury Safari & Zanzibar Holiday

Arrival and Pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to the luxury hotel in Arusha town, where you will overnight at Mount Meru Hotel Arusha and meet your guide, who will brief you on your upcoming luxury safari.

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

You will depart from Arusha in the morning and drive to Tarangire National Park, where you will discover the true enormity of the deserted termite mounds and ancient baobab trees. The colossal herds of African elephants dominate the golden savannah, and screeching flocks of the striking yellow-collared lovebird can be heard from miles away.

The wildlife that roams the scenic landscape of Tarangire includes lions, giraffes, warthogs, ostriches, impalas, cheetah, mongoose, buffaloes, and baboons. You will spend your first night at the comprehensive luxury lodge. There will be a tantalizing dinner served in the evening.

Mto Wa Mbu to Serengeti National Park

We will depart for the Serengeti National Park once you have finished your appetizing breakfast. If you are lucky, you may encounter the odd animal on route because we pass via near the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Tanzania’s oldest and most frequented national park — also a World Heritage Site and recently branded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World — the Serengeti is renowned for the annual migration of the herds and ever-growing wildlife population.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the kopjes (rock outcroppings). Our game drive will venture further into the park. After the game drive, we will proceed to the Serengeti, where you will be provided with an appetizing meal.

Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

We will begin our day with an early morning game drive in the central Serengeti. The savannah is an active landscape, and the air is flooded with the melodies the birds create as the regenerated sunlight starts to illuminate the full landscape. Your guide will study the prints on the ground to pursue predators. We will drive to the comprehensive area located near the rim of the crater. You will be provided with dinner and satisfactory camping facilities.

Ngorongoro Crater to Lake Manyara

A scarce amount of safari destinations produce the same experience as the Ngorongoro Crater — the game viewing is simply effortless. Most animals remain within the crater due to its high walls. This is the perfect location to view every member of ‘The Big 5’ in one day. We will have a wonderful picnic lunch inside the crater.

The unfilled caldera is also home to hyenas, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, and an impressive variety of water birds. Your guide will enlighten you by sharing facts about the animals, vegetation, and locating hidden animals. After late afternoon, we will drive you to Lake Manyara, where you will overnight and get dinner.

Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

On our last day of the safari, we will experience the beauty of Lake Manyara National Park. We will enjoy an early breakfast in order to start our game drive early enough to spot the “Big Five” mammals. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park provides picturesque, yet varying scenery. Throughout the day, we will experience the shrubbery of the golden savannah, mighty rivers, and amazing wildlife.

We will eat our picnic lunch in the heart of the beautiful park. Soda Lake and the surrounding savannah support the highly diverse ecosystem, leading to the diverse array of wildlife to be viewed within the park. With over four hundred species of dazzling birds — some of which are migratory — Lake Manyara National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Lake Manyara is home to the legendary tree-climbing lions as well as powerful water buffalo, immense African elephant, soaring giraffe, graceful impala, and gigantic hippo. Then drive directly to Arusha.

Arusha to Zanzibar (Flight not included in price)

As the sun rose over Arusha, marking the end of an unforgettable safari adventure, the journey turned toward a new destination — Zanzibar. The flight, though not included in the package, promised a breathtaking aerial view of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, from rolling savannahs to the turquoise embrace of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, a warm breeze carried the scent of salt and spices, hinting at the island’s rich history.

A friendly driver greeted the travelers, ready to whisk them away to the charming Tembo House Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Stone Town, this historic hotel exuded an old-world charm with its Swahili architecture and oceanfront views. After check-in, the evening was free to explore the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town or simply relax by the beach, the waves whispering promises of adventure yet to come.

Prison Island & Nakupenda Island

You will get the opportunity to visit the tortoise sanctuary, which contains a large colony of giant tortoise imported from Seychelles in the late 19th century. The average weight of these creatures is 200 kg, and many of them are said to be over 150 years old. There will be a chance to touch the tortoise and take photos. The island is also home to a colony of beautiful peacocks.

After late afternoon, drive back to the hotel Tembo House Hotel BB for overnight.

City Tour at Stone Town + Spice Plantation Tour

After breakfast, an exciting three-hour tour begins in Stone Town. As you walk through the narrow streets, your guide shares stories of historic buildings, the old slave markets, and Zanzibar’s famous carved doors. Next, you head to a spice farm, where you explore the rich scents of cinnamon, pepper, and vanilla while learning their secrets. After shopping for handmade products and enjoying a weaving lesson, your driver takes you to Nungwi Beach for a relaxing overnight stay by the ocean.

Relaxing at the Beach

You will wake up to the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore and enjoy a delicious breakfast with a stunning ocean view. You will spend the day relaxing on the soft sands of Nungwi Beach, swimming in the clear blue waters, or sipping fresh coconut juice under swaying palm trees.

In the evening, you will take a sunset walk along the beach before enjoying a tasty seafood dinner at Smiles Beach Hotel, with a cool breeze and a starry sky creating the perfect atmosphere.

Another Day of Relaxation at the Beach

You will enjoy another peaceful day in Zanzibar’s tropical paradise. You will relax on the beach, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet as you watch traditional dhows sailing across the horizon. You can treat yourself to a refreshing spa session or explore local craft markets.

In the evening, you will savor a luxury dinner at Smiles Beach Hotel, enjoying grilled lobster and Swahili flavors while listening to the gentle sound of ocean waves.

Departure Day

You will wake up for the last time in Zanzibar, taking in the breathtaking sunrise over the Indian Ocean. You will enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the beach, reflecting on your unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s wildlife and the beauty of Zanzibar. After packing up, you will transfer to the Airport, carrying memories of an incredible adventure and the exceptional service of Africa Natural Tours. Safe travels!