9-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach
Overview
This 9-day safari combines Northern Tanzania wildlife with the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. Guests will explore Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park before flying directly from Serengeti to Zanzibar for three days of relaxation on white sand beaches. The itinerary balances adventure, wildlife, and tropical island leisure, perfect for travelers seeking both safari and beach experiences.
Highlights
Game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
Spot the Big Five and abundant wildlife.
Relax on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches and swim in turquoise waters.
Explore historic Stone Town and spice farms.
Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti plains.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoy a welcome dinner in preparation for your safari adventure.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Arusha Backpackers
Mid-range: Mount Meru Hotel
Luxury: Arusha Serena Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. Enjoy a full day of game drives observing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and diverse bird species. Late afternoon, drive to Karatu for overnight in a comfortable lodge surrounded by scenic highlands.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Mid-range: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Karatu – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
After breakfast, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive, spotting rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and flamingos. After a picnic lunch in the crater, visit a Maasai village to learn about local traditions and crafts. Return to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Fig Tree Lodge
Mid-range: Mount Meru Game Lodge
Luxury: Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Karatu – Serengeti National Park
Depart Karatu after breakfast and drive to Serengeti National Park. En route, stop at Olduvai Gorge to explore its archaeological significance. Arrive in Serengeti for an afternoon game drive, spotting predators and herds of wildebeest and zebra. Overnight at your lodge or tented camp.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti National Park
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Photograph lions, leopards, elephants, and the vast migration herds. Picnic lunch in the bush ensures uninterrupted wildlife viewing. Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari provides breathtaking aerial views of the plains. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Nyani Campsite
Mid-range: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp
Luxury: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti – Zanzibar via Flight
After breakfast, transfer to Serengeti airstrip for a scenic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you will be transferred to your beach resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or by the pool, enjoying the tropical island atmosphere.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Zanzibar Beach Bungalows
Mid-range: Bluebay Beach Resort
Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar or Baraza Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Zanzibar – Beach and Water Activities
Enjoy a full day at leisure on Zanzibar’s white sand beaches. Swim, snorkel, dive, or take a traditional dhow sailing trip. Evening at leisure at your resort.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Zanzibar Beach Bungalows
Mid-range: Bluebay Beach Resort
Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar or Baraza Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Zanzibar – Stone Town and Spice Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day tour of historic Stone Town, exploring its narrow streets, markets, and historic sites. Continue to a spice farm to learn about Zanzibar’s spice heritage. Afternoon at leisure for beach relaxation or optional activities.
Optional Accommodation:
Budget: Zanzibar Beach Bungalows
Mid-range: Bluebay Beach Resort
Luxury: Zuri Zanzibar or Baraza Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Zanzibar Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight, concluding your 9-day safari and beach adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Add-ons (Optional)
Hot air balloon safari over Serengeti plains
Walking safari in Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park
Snorkeling, diving, or dhow sailing in Zanzibar
Extra nights in Zanzibar, Serengeti, or Arusha
Included
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Domestic flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
Park entry fees and Ngorongoro Crater service fee
Drinking water during safari
Excluded
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Drinks at lodges/camps/resorts (unless stated)
Optional activities (balloon safari, diving, dhow sailing, etc.)