About This Tour
The 12-Day Tarangire to Zanzibar Discovery is the ultimate “slow travel” expedition, designed for those who want to fully immerse themselves in East Africa’s most iconic landscapes without the rush. This journey evolves from the rugged, elephant-filled savannahs of the mainland to the spice-scented,
Trip Highlights
- The Full Northern Circuit: Comprehensive exploration of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- The Migration In-Depth: Spend four full days in the Serengeti, allowing ample time to track the Great Migration and witness rare predator-prey interactions.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage with local Maasai communities and explore the historic Swahili corridors of Stone Town.
- Extended Island Bliss: Unlike shorter trips, this discovery includes four full nights in Zanzibar, offering a deep dive into the island’s reefs, spice farms, and white-sand beaches.
Itinerary
This discovery starts in the "Land of Giants" (Tarangire) and winds through the most iconic wildlife sanctuaries on Earth. You will spend extended time in the Serengeti, increasing your chances of witnessing rare behaviors and the thundering Great Migration. The journey culminates with a transition from the golden savannah to the turquoise Indian Ocean, where four nights in Zanzibar allow you to balance historic exploration with pure tropical relaxation.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your driver and transferred to your lodge in Arusha.
- The Setting: Spend the afternoon relaxing in the lush gardens of your hotel.
- The View: Enjoy a sundowner with a direct view of Mount Meru. This is the perfect time to prepare your camera gear and meet your guide for a safari briefing.
With two full days here, you can venture deeper into the park than most visitors.
- Day 2: Focus on the northern circuit and the Tarangire River, where massive elephant herds congregate. Marvel at the ancient Baobab trees that dominate the horizon.
Head to the quieter southern swamps. This is a prime spot to find silhouetted lions on the branches of trees and rare dry-country antelope like the Fringe-eared Oryx.
Wake up early to descend 600 meters into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
- The Big Five: Spend a full day on the crater floor. This self-contained ecosystem offers your best chance to see the endangered Black Rhino.
- Picnic: Enjoy lunch by the "Hippo Pool" before ascending in the late afternoon for a sunset over the crater rim.
Tracking the Migration: Your guide will track the thundering herds of wildebeest and zebras. In December, the herds are typically moving into the Southern Serengeti for the calving season.
Predator Central: Spend time in the Seronera Valley searching for leopards in the sausage trees and cheetahs scanning the plains from the top of granite kopjes.
Serenity: With three days, you have the flexibility for a Hot Air Balloon Safari (optional) or simply sitting quietly to observe animal behavior.
After a final sunrise game drive, board a light aircraft for a scenic flight over the mainland and the turquoise Indian Ocean.
- Arrival: Transfer to your beachfront resort.
- Evening: Embark on a traditional wooden dhow for a sunset cruise, enjoying local music and appetizers as the sky turns orange and purple.
A day of cultural immersion in the "Spice Island."
- Stone Town: Walk through the UNESCO-listed labyrinth of narrow alleys. Visit the former slave market, the Old Fort, and see the famous carved Zanzibar doors.
- Spice Tour: Head into the countryside to a spice farm. Taste, smell, and touch cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla fresh from the trees.
A day for total relaxation or final adventures.
- Activity: Choose to take a boat to Mnemba Atoll for world-class snorkeling in crystal-clear reefs.
- Relaxation: Simply lounge on the white sands of Nungwi or Kendwa, watching the local fishermen bring in the daily catch.
Enjoy one last morning in paradise.
- The Final Dip: Take a last swim in the warm Indian Ocean.
- Farewell: Depending on your flight, browse the local boutiques for souvenirs before a transfer to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your flight back home.
Included/Exclude
The Cost Includes
- All Accommodation and Meals as Specified on the Itinerary
- 4x4 Specialized Pop Up Roof Land Cruiser
- Water, Coffee and Tea on Safari
- Professional English Speaking Guide
- Airport Transfer
- All Park Fees and Activities as per Itinerary
- Game Drive Inside The Ngorongoro Crater
- Itinerary is quoted in USD per person Sharing
The Cost Excludes
- Flight from Kogatende Airstrip to Arusha Airport (ARK)
- All Entry Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and Gratitudes
- Any Sight seeing not on the itinerary
- Laundry
- Optional Activities
- Any Item of Personal Nature
- Anything not specified in the itinerary
- International Flights
Tour Plan
To see the Mara River crossings (as described in your Day 8), you should travel between July and October. If you want to see the calving season in the south, January to March is best.
Yes, but it is best for children aged 6 and up. The drives can be long, but the high density of animals in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro usually keeps younger travelers engaged and excited.
It saves you roughly 8 to 10 hours of driving over bumpy roads. The flight takes only about 90 minutes and offers incredible aerial views of the Great Rift Valley and the Serengeti plains.
Yes. This itinerary covers the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the best place in East Africa to see the rare Black Rhino, completing the set alongside Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo.
You will typically travel in a 4×4 Safari Jeep (Land Cruiser) with a pop-up roof for 360-degree wildlife viewing, equipped with a fridge for cold drinks and charging sockets for your cameras.
Most nationalities require a visa. You can obtain an e-Visa online in advance or purchase one “on arrival” at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for approximately $50 (USD), though $100 for US citizens.
Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country. We recommend consulting your doctor about profilactic medication. Using repellent and wearing long sleeves during the evenings in Karatu and Serengeti is advised.
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, green). Avoid dark blue or black as they attract tsetse flies. Bring a warm jacket for early morning game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, where temperatures can be chilly.
Yes, most 10-day safaris are full-board, including breakfast, picnic lunches during game drives, and multi-course dinners at your lodges or tented camps.
Tipping is a standard practice in the Tanzanian safari industry. A general guideline is $20 to $30 USD per vehicle, per day, usually presented at the end of the safari.
