Overview

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Destinations: Arusha, Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar
Tour Type: Safari & Beach Holiday
Language: English

Experience the ultimate Northern Tanzania adventure combined with the tropical beauty of Zanzibar. This carefully designed journey takes you through the most famous wildlife parks of the Northern Circuit, where dramatic landscapes and extraordinary animal encounters await, before ending with relaxing days on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.

This itinerary is perfect for travellers who want a deeper safari experience with more time in nature, followed by peaceful coastal relaxation.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at the airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Relax after your journey and enjoy the cool climate of this safari town set beneath Mount Meru. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy the lodge gardens or prepare for the adventure ahead.

Your guide will provide a full safari briefing and explain the exciting days to come.

Things to Expect:

• Airport pickup and private transfer
• Comfortable hotel stay
• Views of Mount Meru
• Fresh air and peaceful surroundings
• Safari briefing

Day 2: Arusha National Park

Today explore Arusha National Park, a beautiful and diverse park known for forests, lakes, open grasslands, and views of Mount Meru. It is one of the few parks where you may enjoy both game drives and walking opportunities with a ranger.

Look for giraffes, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, monkeys, and many bird species. If weather is clear, you may enjoy incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Things to Expect:

• Scenic landscapes and forest drives
• Giraffes and zebras
• Buffalo and antelope
• Flamingos on Momella Lakes
• Views of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro
• Calm introduction to safari life

Day 3: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, travel to Tarangire National Park, famous for giant baobab trees and large elephant herds. The Tarangire River attracts wildlife throughout the year, especially during the dry season.

Game drives here often reveal elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, and many bird species. The landscapes are wild, open, and perfect for photography.

Things to Expect:

• Large elephant herds
• Ancient baobab trees
• Lions and other predators
• Excellent birdlife
• Beautiful river scenery
• Great wildlife photography

Day 4: Lake Manyara National Park

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day of wildlife viewing. This scenic park offers groundwater forest, open plains, and the shimmering soda lake.

Watch for baboons in the forest, elephants moving through the trees, hippos, flamingos, and if lucky, the famous tree-climbing lions.

Things to Expect:

• Tree-climbing lions (if lucky)
• Elephants and baboons
• Flamingos and water birds
• Hippo sightings
• Lake views and forest scenery
• Picnic lunch in nature

Day 5: Serengeti National Park

Travel toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park. As you enter the endless plains, begin your first exciting game drive in one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations.

Serengeti is known for predators, vast landscapes, and seasonal migration movements. Every drive offers new surprises.

Things to Expect:

• Endless savannah plains
• Lions and cheetahs
• Zebra and wildebeest herds
• Stunning landscapes
• First Serengeti sunset
• Incredible photo opportunities

Day 6: Full Day in Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring deeper areas of Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. This extra day increases your chances of seeing elusive wildlife and witnessing dramatic predator action.

Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration crossing the plains.

Things to Expect:

• Full safari day in Serengeti
• Leopards, hyenas, cheetahs
• Great Migration (seasonal)
• Picnic in the bush
• Sunrise and sunset game drives
• Rich wildlife encounters

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater

Today travel to Ngorongoro and descend into the crater for one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa. The crater floor supports a high concentration of animals in a stunning natural setting.

Search for lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra, hippos, hyenas, and possibly the rare black rhino.

Things to Expect:

• Dense wildlife population
• Big Five opportunities
• Black rhino chance
• Spectacular crater scenery
• Excellent game viewing
• Memorable safari finale

Day 8: Flight to Zanzibar

After breakfast, transfer for your flight to Zanzibar. Leave the safari landscapes behind and arrive on an island of turquoise waters and white beaches.

Upon arrival, transfer to your beach resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Things to Expect:

• Scenic domestic flight
• Warm tropical weather
• Beach resort check-in
• Ocean breeze and relaxation
• White sandy beaches

Day 9: Zanzibar Relaxation & Activities

Enjoy a free day in Zanzibar. Relax by the beach or join optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, spice tours, or Stone Town exploration.

Things to Expect:

• Swimming and sunbathing
• Snorkeling coral reefs
• Optional island tours
• Fresh seafood meals
• Tropical atmosphere

Day 10: Zanzibar Relaxation & Activities

Another day to enjoy paradise at your own pace. You may choose a dhow cruise, spa treatment, or simply unwind beside the ocean.

Things to Expect:

• Leisure and rest
• Dhow sunset cruise
• Spa experiences
• Palm-lined beaches
• Calm island life

Day 11: Zanzibar Relaxation & Activities

Spend your final full day soaking in the beauty of Zanzibar. Walk the beach, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy your last sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Things to Expect:

• Final beach day
• Souvenir shopping
• Relaxed atmosphere
• Sunset views
• Time to recharge

Day 12: Departure

Enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s wildlife and island beauty.

Things to Expect:

• Resort breakfast
• Airport transfer
• Smooth departure assistance
• Last ocean views
• Incredible memories

Why Choose This Tour?

• Complete Northern Circuit safari experience
• More time in top wildlife parks
• Excellent chance to see the Big Five
• Ideal mix of adventure and relaxation
• Perfect for couples, families, and explorers
• Restorative Zanzibar beach extension