This 12-day trip pairs a classic northern circuit safari with a beach finish on Zanzibar. The route opens in Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, before climbing into the highlands above the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day on the crater floor. From there the route continues into the Serengeti for two full days of game drives, before a short flight to Zanzibar for four nights on the beach.
Travellers who want the same northern parks without the beach extension should look at our 9-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti Luxury Safari, while those wanting more time in Zanzibar can choose from our standalone Zanzibar holiday packages.
Get a free custom itinerary within 24 hours.
$6554 per person when 1 person travels alone
$5323 per person when 2 people travel together
$4912 per person when 3 people travel together
$4707 per person when 4 people travel together
$4584 per person when 5 people travel together
$4502 per person when 6 people travel together
For a more accurate estimate, contact us with your specific requirements and budget. We'll send a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.
Get a free custom itinerary within 24 hours.
You are met at Kilimanjaro International Airport by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Use the afternoon to rest and prepare for the safari ahead.
Distance: Airport transfer to Arusha, approx. 1 hour
Activity: Arrival and orientation
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Depart for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated safari destinations, known for large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, strong predator sightings and over 500 recorded bird species. An arrival game drive offers quieter game viewing than the busier northern parks.
Distance: Approx. 2 hours from Arusha to Tarangire
Activity: Transfer and arrival game drive
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in the Tarangire area
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Enhance the safari with a guided walking safari inside Tarangire, accompanied by an armed ranger, exploring the bush on foot and learning to read tracks and smaller wildlife signs. Afterwards, transfer to Karatu in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Distance: Morning walking safari, then approx. 2.5 hours to Karatu
Activity: Walking safari and transfer
Accommodation: Lodge in the Karatu/Ngorongoro Highlands area
Meals: Full Board
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife areas, with strong chances of spotting the endangered black rhino alongside lion, elephant bulls, large buffalo herds, hippo and flamingo. After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, continue the journey toward the Serengeti.
Distance: Full-day crater floor game drive, then transfer toward the Serengeti
Activity: Full Ngorongoro Crater floor game drive
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti
Meals: Full Board
Spend a full day exploring the legendary Serengeti National Park, the highlight of most Tanzania safari packages, with the Great Wildebeest Migration possible depending on season, alongside reliable Big Five sightings, cheetah and leopard encounters across endless savannah plains.
Distance: Full-day game drive
Activity: Morning and afternoon game drives
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti (second night)
Meals: Full Board
A further full day of game drives maximises wildlife encounters in one of the world’s best safari destinations, with morning and afternoon drives covering different parts of the park.
Distance: Full-day game drive
Activity: Morning and afternoon game drives
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in the Serengeti (third night)
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a scenic domestic flight to Zanzibar Island, making the move from safari to beach both comfortable and time-efficient. On arrival, transfer to your beachfront resort.
Distance: Domestic flight Serengeti to Zanzibar
Activity: Travel day
Accommodation: Beachfront resort in Zanzibar
Meals: Full Board
Settle into beach life with white sand, crystal-clear Indian Ocean water and the option of cultural and marine excursions such as a Stone Town historical tour, Prison Island, a Safari Blue excursion, dolphin tours, Jozani Forest, or a spice plantation tour.
Distance: Free day with optional excursions
Activity: Beach relaxation, optional excursions
Accommodation: Beachfront resort in Zanzibar (second night)
Meals: Full Board
A further free day on Zanzibar to continue relaxing on the beach or take up one of the island’s popular excursions.
Distance: Free day with optional excursions
Activity: Beach relaxation, optional excursions
Accommodation: Beachfront resort in Zanzibar (third night)
Meals: Full Board
Another day to enjoy the island at your own pace, whether that means more beach time or one of the cultural or marine excursions still on your list.
Distance: Free day with optional excursions
Activity: Beach relaxation, optional excursions
Accommodation: Beachfront resort in Zanzibar (fourth night)
Meals: Full Board
Make the most of your last full day on the island before tomorrow’s departure, with time for any final souvenir shopping in Stone Town or one more swim before packing up.
Distance: Free day with optional excursions
Activity: Beach relaxation, optional excursions
Accommodation: Beachfront resort in Zanzibar (fifth night)
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward or international flight, bringing the safari and beach holiday to a close.
Distance: Airport transfer, approx. 30 minutes
Activity: Departure
Accommodation: N/A, end of trip
Meals: Breakfast
Most game viewing is vehicle-based, with one guided walking safari in Tarangire that involves walking on uneven ground for an hour or two. The Zanzibar portion is entirely at leisure. This itinerary suits most fitness levels.
June to October is the dry season, with the easiest game viewing across all three parks and good odds of the Great Migration being in the Serengeti. December to March offers warm weather and the southern Serengeti calving season. Zanzibar is pleasant most of the year, though the long rains fall from March to May.
No safari operator can guarantee migration sightings on a specific date, since herd movements vary year to year based on rainfall. The two full days built into this itinerary improve your odds of encountering the migration if it is in the area during your travel dates, alongside the Serengeti's reliable resident wildlife.
Yes. The 4-night Zanzibar extension in this itinerary can be lengthened or shortened to suit your schedule, and the safari portion can also be adjusted. Let us know your preferred balance of safari and beach time.
The price covers park fees for non-residents, all activities unless labelled as optional, all accommodation unless listed as an upgrade, a professional driver-guide, all transportation and flights during the tour, all taxes and VAT, roundtrip airport transfers, and the meals and drinks specified in the day-by-day itinerary. International flights, additional accommodation before or after the tour, tips and personal items such as souvenirs, travel insurance and visa fees are not included.
Popular excursions include a Stone Town historical tour, a visit to Prison Island, the Safari Blue boat excursion, dolphin tours off the southern coast, a walk through Jozani Forest to see red colobus monkeys, and a spice plantation tour. These can be arranged as optional add-ons during your free days.
Yes, this itinerary works well for families, though younger children may find the early starts and long game-drive days tiring. Let us know the ages of any children travelling so we can advise on pacing and any park-specific age restrictions.
Most nationalities can obtain a Tanzania tourist visa online via the eTA system before travel or on arrival at major airports. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended for any safari trip.
Get a free custom itinerary within 24 hours.
