About This Tour
This 9-day journey is the definitive Tanzanian experience, combining a high-action “Big Five” safari with the exotic, spice-scented relaxation of Zanzibar. You will traverse the most iconic landscapes of the Northern Circuit before flying to the Indian Ocean for a tropical finale.
Trip Highlights
- The Serengeti Migration: Spend two nights in the world’s most famous national park, tracking the Great Migration and its legendary predator populations.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Descend into a prehistoric caldera, a "Garden of Eden" where you have the highest chance of spotting the rare Black Rhino.
- Tarangire’s Giants: Explore the land of baobabs and massive elephant herds that congregate along the life-giving Tarangire River.
- Zanzibar Bliss: Trade the golden savannah for turquoise waters. Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town and unwind on the pristine white sands of Nungwi or Kendwa.
Itinerary
9-Day Tanzania & Zanzibar Adventure: The Ultimate Bush-to-Beach Experience
This 9-day itinerary is the quintessential East African journey, expertly designed to showcase the raw drama of the Great Migration and the serene, turquoise beauty of Zanzibar. From the prehistoric walls of the Ngorongoro Crater to the white-sand shores of the Indian Ocean, this adventure offers a masterclass in biodiversity and relaxation.
The Experience
Your journey begins in the "Land of Giants"—Tarangire—before moving into the Serengeti, where the horizon never ends and predators roam freely. After completing your "Big Five" checklist in the Ngorongoro Crater, you will trade your safari boots for sandals. A short flight whisking you across the coast brings you to Zanzibar, an island steeped in Swahili history, fragrant spice markets, and world-class coral reefs.
The Experience
Your journey begins in the Serengeti, the land of the "Great Migration" and the highest concentration of large predators on earth. After two days of tracking lions, leopards, and vast herds of wildebeest, you will trade the golden dust of the plains for the turquoise waters of Zanzibar. Whether you are exploring the historic winding alleys of Stone Town or snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons, this trip offers the perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. As you settle in, enjoy the lush surroundings of this "safari capital."
- The View: Relax on the terrace with a refreshing drink and take in the majestic views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, which dominates the city’s skyline.
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing from your safari guide to prepare for the adventure ahead.
After an early breakfast, depart for Tarangire, a park defined by its prehistoric landscape.
- The Experience: Spend the day navigating through ancient Baobab trees—some over 1,000 years old.
- Wildlife: Witness Tarangire’s famous "red elephants" (so-called because of the dust they bathe in) and massive herds that gather along the Tarangire River. Keep an eye out for tree-climbing pythons and lions lounging in the shade.
- Evening: Transit to the highlands of Karatu for dinner and an overnight stay.
Today, you head toward the crown jewel of Africa’s national parks. The drive takes you up the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering a spectacular viewpoint of the crater before descending into the Serengeti.
- The Serengeti Transition: As the trees disappear, the "endless plains" (Siringet) emerge.
- First Sightings: Begin game viewing immediately upon entry. Focus on the Seronera Valley, the "Big Cat Capital," where leopards often drape themselves over sausage tree branches and lions patrol the kopjes.
A full day dedicated to the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle.
- The Migration: Depending on the exact month of your travel, your guide will position the vehicle to witness the thundering herds of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras.
- Predator Action: Follow the "Great Migration" as it draws out the continent's top predators. Witness cheetahs on the hunt in the open grasslands and hyenas trailing the herds.
- Highlights: A picnic lunch in the middle of the savannah offers an unforgettable sense of isolation and wonder.
Depart the Serengeti at sunrise for a final game drive as you head to the Ngorongoro Crater.
- The Descent: Descend 600 meters into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
- The Big Five: This is your best chance to see the rare Black Rhino. In this enclosed sanctuary, you will likely check off the remaining "Big Five" (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, and Buffalo) in a single afternoon.
- Evening: Return to the crater rim or Karatu for a celebratory final dinner in the bush.
After a final breakfast in the highlands, transfer to Arusha or a bush airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar.
- The Transition: Within two hours, swap the golden savannah for the turquoise Indian Ocean.
- Arrival: You will be met at the airport and transferred to your beachfront resort. Spend the evening enjoying the sea breeze with a sunset cocktail as the dhow boats sail past.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the island.
- Stone Town: Explore the winding, cobblestone alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Sultan’s Palace, admiring the intricately carved wooden doors.
- Spice Tour: Journey to a rural spice farm to touch, smell, and taste the cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon that gave the island its name. Enjoy a traditional Swahili-style lunch seasoned with these fresh ingredients.
A completely free day to tailor your island experience.
Optional: Visit the Jozani Forest to see the rare Red Colobus Monkeys, found nowhere else on Earth.
Adventure: Book a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll for world-class snorkeling or diving among colorful coral reefs and dolphins.
Relaxation: Simply lounge by the infinity pool or enjoy a spa treatment using local coconut oils and spices.
Enjoy one last morning in paradise.
- Morning: Take a final sunrise swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean or walk along the white sands of Nungwi/Kendwa beach.
- Farewell: After a leisurely lunch, your driver will transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your flight back home, carrying a heart full of memories from the bush to the beach.
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.
