What to Expect on Your 9-Day Safari & Zanzibar Escape
Prepare for an action-packed 9-day journey that perfectly combines the best of Tanzania's legendary wildlife with a relaxing tropical finale on the coast.
Your adventure begins in Arusha, East Africa's central tourism hub, offering views of Mt. Meru and a chance to see the unique gemstone, Tanzanite.
You will then dive straight into the famous Northern Circuit parks:
- Tarangire: Witness an incredible pageant of wildlife, including Africa's largest and most easily viewed elephant population, often seen roaming in surprisingly large herds.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Descend into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder where you are virtually guaranteed to spot the Big 5 amid breathtaking scenery.
- The Great Serengeti: Explore the boundless plains, home to the Big Cats and the spectacle of the Wildebeest Migration.
Finally, trade the dust of the safari trail for the white sands of the coast. Your journey concludes by relaxing on the Spice Island of Zanzibar, enjoying the clear blue water, powdery white-sand beaches, and palm trees swaying gently in the sea breeze.
This is the ultimate, condensed experience, taking you from the wildest heart of the savanna to tranquil island shores.
Day 1
Details of the Day: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), your guide/driver will meet you for a brief orientation and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha (approx. one hour). Settle in and prepare for your safari adventure.
Activities:
- Transfer from JRO Airport.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Arusha Coffee Lodge (Plantation Room, Arusha City)
Day 2
Details of the Day: After breakfast, embark on a three-hour journey to Tarangire National Park, known for having the highest concentration of elephants. You will enjoy an incredible game drive and a picnic lunch within the park before proceeding to your accommodation in Karatu.
Activities:
- Tarangire Game Drive.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Gibbs Farm (Cottages, Karatu)
Day 3
Details of the Day: Following breakfast, set out on a scenic four-hour drive to the awe-inspiring Great Serengeti National Park, which includes entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, you will experience a thrilling game drive in Serengeti Central, known for its Big Cats and the Wildebeest Migration.
Activities:
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Serengeti Central Game Drive.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge (Savannah Water Hole View, Seronera - Serengeti Central)
Day 4
Details of the Day: Enjoy an early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park to catch the wildlife when it’s most active. In the afternoon, continue your three-hour journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying another game drive en route before settling into your overnight accommodation on the rim of the crater.
Activities:
- Serengeti Central Game Drive (Morning).
- Game Drive en route to Ngorongoro.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Andbeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Suites, Ngorongoro Crater)
Day 5
Details of the Day: After breakfast, embark on a thrilling adventure by descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive, renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including the famous Big 5. You will enjoy a picnic lunch at the hippo pool before continuing your journey to Arusha, where you will spend the night.
Activities:
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater.
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Arusha Coffee Lodge (Plantation Room, Arusha City)
Day 6
Details of the Day: After breakfast, you will transfer to Arusha Airport (ARK) for your flight to the Spice Island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival, your personal guide will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation to begin your beach relaxation.
Activities:
- Transfer to Arusha Airport.
- Day Flight: Arusha to Zanzibar Airport.
- Transfer from Zanzibar Airport.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat (Umande, Zanzibar)
Day 7
Details of the Day: Following breakfast, explore the culture and history of the island with visits to Prison Island and the famous Zanzibar Spice Tour to explore exotic spices, fruits, and herbs. You will retire to a different accommodation for the night.
Activities:
- Zanzibar Prison Island Tour.
- Zanzibar Spice Tour.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar (Superior Ocean Suite, Zanzibar)
Day 8
Details of the Day: A Free Day to enjoy Zanzibar. Choose to relax fully at your accommodation, soaking up the clear blue water and white-sand beaches, or select an optional activity that can be booked on the spot.
Activities:
- Free Day Enjoying Zanzibar.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat (Umande, Zanzibar)
Day 9
Details of the Day: Based on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight back home, marking the end of your astonishing adventure in Tanzania.
Activities:
- Transfer from Zanzibar Airport.
Meal Plan:
- N/A (Departure)
Accommodation:
- N/A (Departure)
- Chase the Big Five across three of Tanzania's most beautiful parks.
- See the endangered black rhinoceros in Ngorongoro.
- Look for tree-climbing lions and flamingos in Lake Manyara National Park.
- See Tanzania's largest elephant herds in Tarangire National Park.