What to Expect on Your Tanzanian Adventure
Prepare for an unforgettable journey that combines the best of Tanzania's northern safari circuit with the ultimate beach escape.
Your experience begins in Arusha, East Africa's vibrant tourism capital, set beneath the famous Mt. Meru. Explore the nearby Arusha National Park and discover the brilliance of the rare gemstone, Tanzanite.
You'll then plunge into the wilderness of the legendary national parks:
- Tarangire: Witness an endless pageant of wildlife, including the richest elephant population in Africa, often seen in surprisingly large, spectacular herds.
- The Great Serengeti: Track the magnificent Big Cats and be awestruck by the sheer scale of the Wildebeest Migration across the vast plains.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder famous for guaranteed sightings of the Big 5.
Finally, trade the dust of the savanna for the serene turquoise waters of the coast. Your adventure concludes by relaxing on the Spice Island of Zanzibar, sinking your toes into clear blue water and powdery white-sand beaches where palm trees sway lazily in the sea breeze.
This is more than a safari—it's a journey from the wildest heart of Africa to its most tranquil shores.
Day 1
Details of the Day: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your guide/driver who will provide a brief orientation before transferring you to your accommodation in Arusha (approx. one hour drive). Settle in and prepare for your exciting 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: Following breakfast, embark on a three-hour journey to Tarangire National Park, known for its high concentration of elephants. You will enjoy an incredible game drive and a picnic lunch within the park before proceeding to Karatu.
Activities:
- Tarangire Game Drive.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Gibbs Farm (Cottages, Karatu)
Day 3
Details of the Day: After breakfast, depart for the Ndutu Area, which is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Southern Serengeti ecosystem. In the afternoon, you will embark on a game drive in the Ndutu area, which is an excellent location for spotting the Wildebeest Migration (especially from December to April) and other resident game like elephants and birds.
Activities:
- Serengeti Ndutu Game Drive.
- Ngorongoro Ndutu Wildebeest Migration Game Drive (Calving Season).
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Mwiba Lodge (Tented Suites, Ndutu - Southern Serengeti)
Day 4 - 5
Details of the Day: Set out early (around 6:00 am) for morning game drives around Ndutu Lake and Lake Masek, searching for big cats, wildebeest, zebras, and other prey animals. Return for breakfast, head out again for an afternoon game drive, and later enjoy an evening game drive on the Ndutu Plains for a sundowner experience. (Two full days of activities).
Activities:
- Ngorongoro Ndutu Wildebeest Migration Game Drive (Calving Season).
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Mwiba Lodge (Tented Suites, Ndutu - Southern Serengeti)
Day 6
Details of the Day: Following breakfast, embark on a two-hour drive to the renowned Great Serengeti National Park (Serengeti Central). Enjoy a game drive en route, including a picnic lunch.
Activities:
- Serengeti Central Game Drive.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge (Savannah Water Hole View, Seronera - Serengeti Central)
Day 7
Details of the Day: Explore the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park on a Full Day Game Drive. This allows ample time to spot elusive wildcats (lions, leopards, cheetahs) and potentially witness the awe-inspiring Wildebeest Migration. Keep your camera ready to capture the park's abundant wildlife.
Activities:
- Full Day Game Drive In Serengeti Central.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge (Savannah Water Hole View, Seronera - Serengeti Central)
Day 8
Details of the Day: After breakfast, embark on a three-hour scenic drive towards the Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival at the Conservation Area, you will descend into the crater for an unforgettable game drive to spot Africa's Big 5. Stop for a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool before continuing your exploration and heading to your accommodation in Karatu.
Activities:
- Enter Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Game Drive In Ngorongoro Crater.
- Serengeti Central Game Drive (Morning/En route).
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Gibbs Farm (Cottages, Karatu)
Day 9
Details of the Day: After breakfast, you will drive to Arusha Airport to catch your domestic flight to the Spice Island of Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your Zanzibar accommodation to prepare for your beach stay.
Activities:
- Transfer To Arusha Airport.
- Day Flight: Arusha Airport (ARK) to Zanzibar Airport.
- Transfer From Zanzibar Airport.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat (Umande, Zanzibar)
Day 10 - 11
Details of the Day: Free Day to enjoy Zanzibar. You can choose to relax at your beautiful accommodation, take in the beaches and clear blue water, or select an Optional Activity (available to book on the spot). (Two full days of relaxation/exploration).
Activities:
- Free Day Enjoying Zanzibar.
Meal Plan:
- FB (Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch)
Accommodation:
- Xanadu Luxury Villas & Retreat (Umande, Zanzibar)
Day 12
Details of the Day: Based on your flight schedule, you will be picked up from your Zanzibar accommodation and transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight back home, cherishing the unforgettable memories of your adventure.
Activities:
- Transfer From Zanzibar Airport.
Meal Plan:
- N/A (Departure)
Accommodation:
- N/A (Departure)
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Tour Activities Summary
This 12-day journey focuses on an intensive wildlife safari through Tanzania's Northern Circuit, culminating in a relaxing beach escape on Zanzibar.
Wildlife Safari & Game Drives (Days 2-8)
Tarangire National Park (Day 2): Full day game drive focusing on the park's dense elephant population, followed by a picnic lunch.
- Ndutu Area (Southern Serengeti) (Days 3-5): Multiple game drives over three days. The primary focus is on the Ngorongoro Ndutu Wildebeest Migration Game Drive, offering spectacular viewing of the herd, especially during the calving season (seasonal focus: Dec-April). Activities include early morning and sundowner game drives around Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek, searching for big cats and resident game.
- Serengeti Central (Days 6-7): Two full days of game drives in the heart of the Serengeti, dedicated to tracking Big Cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs) and witnessing the vast Wildebeest Migration.
- Ngorongoro Crater (Day 8): Descent into the famous crater for a full-day game drive to spot the Big 5. Includes a picnic lunch at the hippo pool.
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Beach Relaxation (Days 10-11)
Zanzibar Free Days: Two full days to relax at your luxury retreat, enjoy the white-sand beaches and clear waters, or select optional excursions (booked locally) such as cultural tours, water activities, or spice farm visits.