9 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Your Tanzania safari begins with a morning departure from Arusha towards Tarangire National Park, one of Northern Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. As you enter the park, enjoy your first game drive through landscapes characterized by giant baobab trees, acacia woodland, open grasslands and the Tarangire River. The park is especially famous for its large elephant herds, but you may also encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impalas and numerous bird species. Your experienced safari guide will help you discover the wildlife and understand the unique ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic or lodge lunch before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, leave the park and continue towards Karatu for a relaxing evening and dinner at your lodge.

Route: Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu
Distance: Approx. 150 km
Drive Time: 3.5–4 hours excluding game viewing
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, begin an exciting day of your Northern Tanzania safari with a journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive across its wildlife-rich floor. The crater offers excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and other wildlife, while lucky visitors may spot the endangered black rhinoceros. After your crater game drive and picnic lunch, ascend and continue towards Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most famous safari destination. As you approach the Serengeti, the landscape opens into vast plains where wildlife can often be seen in every direction. Continue with game viewing en route to your camp before enjoying dinner and your first night in the Serengeti wilderness.

Route: Karatu → Ngorongoro Crater → Serengeti
Distance: Approx. 180 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours including game drive
Accommodation: Serengeti Little Camps or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is dedicated to a full-day Serengeti safari, allowing you to explore one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems at a relaxed pace. After breakfast, set out with your private safari guide across the vast Serengeti plains. The park is renowned for the Great Migration, but its resident wildlife makes it an excellent year-round Tanzania safari destination. Depending on the season and location, you may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebra, elephants, giraffes, buffalo and various antelope species. Keep watch for the Serengeti’s famous predators, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon game drive. Your guide will monitor wildlife movements and recent sightings to help you make the most of your Serengeti wildlife experience before returning to camp for dinner.

Route: Full-day Serengeti National Park
Distance: Approx. 50–100 km depending on wildlife movements
Drive Time: Approximately 7–9 hours including game viewing
Accommodation: Serengeti Little Camps or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning Serengeti game drive before beginning your journey back towards Arusha. This final safari opportunity gives you time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and search for wildlife along the route. Depending on the location of your camp and wildlife activity, your guide will choose a suitable route towards the Serengeti exit. Continue through the changing landscapes of Northern Tanzania, from open plains to agricultural areas and highland scenery. Enjoy lunch during the journey before arriving in Arusha later in the afternoon or evening. Check into your lodge and relax after several exciting days exploring Tanzania’s national parks. This evening provides a comfortable transition between your Tanzania wildlife safari and the next part of your journey — a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday.

Route: Serengeti → Arusha
Distance: Approx. 330–350 km
Drive Time: About 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Planet Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar, beginning the beach portion of your Tanzania holiday. Upon arrival on the island, you will be met and transferred to your beach resort on the northern coast. Zanzibar is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean waters, tropical atmosphere and rich Swahili culture. After checking in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Relax beside the swimming pool, walk along the beach or simply unwind after your exciting Tanzania safari. The island offers the perfect contrast to the wildlife and adventure of the mainland. Enjoy the beautiful coastal surroundings and a peaceful evening at your resort as you begin several days of relaxation in one of Tanzania’s most popular tropical destinations.

Route: Arusha → Zanzibar
Distance: Approx. 500 km by air route
Flight Time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
Accommodation: Royal Zanzibar or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Wake up to the tropical atmosphere of Zanzibar and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before spending the day at your own pace. Your Zanzibar beach holiday is designed to provide time for relaxation after your Tanzania safari. Enjoy the beautiful white sands and warm waters of the Indian Ocean, relax beside the resort pool or take a peaceful walk along the coastline. Zanzibar is also known for its fascinating Swahili heritage, spice traditions and island culture. Optional excursions can be arranged depending on your interests, including snorkeling, diving, boat trips, dolphin experiences or visits to historic Stone Town. Whether you prefer an active day or simply want to enjoy the beach, Zanzibar offers a beautiful tropical escape. Return to your resort in the evening for dinner and another peaceful night on the island.

Route: Zanzibar North Coast
Distance: Local resort activities
Drive Time: Depending on optional activity
Accommodation: Royal Zanzibar or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy another relaxed day in Zanzibar and take the opportunity to experience more of the island. After breakfast, you may choose to spend the day enjoying your resort and beach or participate in an optional Zanzibar excursion. Explore the island’s turquoise waters on a boat trip, discover vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving, or visit local communities and learn more about Zanzibar’s Swahili culture. For travelers interested in history, a visit to Stone Town can provide insight into the island’s fascinating trading heritage, architecture and cultural traditions. Your day can be tailored around relaxation, adventure or a combination of both. Return to your beach resort in the afternoon and enjoy your final evening beside the Indian Ocean.

Route: Zanzibar Beach Resort / Optional Island Excursion
Distance: Depends on selected activity
Drive Time: Depends on selected activity
Accommodation: Royal Zanzibar or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Today is your final full day of your Zanzibar beach holiday, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the island at your own pace. Start with breakfast before relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean or enjoying the facilities at your resort. After the adventure of your Tanzania safari, this slower-paced day allows you to completely unwind and appreciate Zanzibar’s tropical beauty. You may also choose an optional activity such as a sunset dhow cruise, snorkeling excursion, diving experience or cultural tour. As evening approaches, enjoy the beautiful coastal atmosphere and your final sunset over the Indian Ocean. Spend your last night at Royal Zanzibar or a similar beachfront property, reflecting on the wildlife, landscapes and island experiences that have made this Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday unforgettable.

Route: Zanzibar Beach Resort
Distance: Local activities
Drive Time: Depending on optional activities
Accommodation: Royal Zanzibar or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy your final breakfast at the resort before preparing for your departure from Zanzibar. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax at the resort before your transfer to Zanzibar International Airport. Your local representative will coordinate your transfer and ensure you reach the airport comfortably and on time. As your Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday comes to an end, take home memories of Tarangire’s elephants, the extraordinary wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. This combination of Tanzania wildlife safari, Big Five game viewing and Zanzibar beach relaxation provides a diverse African holiday experience, bringing together adventure, nature, culture and tropical relaxation in one carefully planned journey.

Route: Zanzibar → Zanzibar International Airport
Distance: Approx. 55 km depending on resort location
Drive Time: 1–1.5 hours
Accommodation: Not included
Meal Plan: Breakfast