12-DAY SAFARI
SAFARI & ZANZIBAR
"Twelve days, Tanzania & Zanzibar: Paradise explored."
This 12-day itinerary takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Highlights include tree-climbing lions and African elephants in Lake Manyara National Park, early human fossils in the Olduvai Gorge, the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park, and the diverse wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The tour ends with a visit to Tarangire National Park and a relaxing stay in the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, with its pristine beaches and historic Stone Town. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1 : Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon exiting the Customs Control area you will be met by our driver who will take you to your hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast you are met by your safari guide at your hotel. After he delivers a short safari briefing you will be driven to Lake Manyara National Park. You will be welcomed by the Great Rift Valley Escarpment view and most likely before even entering the park you will encounter troups of baboons along the roadside. The park’s varied habitat attracts a wide variety of animals; including one of Africa’s most densely populated herds of African elephant and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. Most likely you will find large flocks of flamingos which are attracted by the algae in the lake. We will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park and exciting morning and afternoon game drives. Not to be overlooked is the wide variety of bird species that Manyara hosts along with a view of famous hot spring known as “Maji Moto”. Late afternoon you will be transferred to your lodge for hot shower, dinner, and overnight rest.
Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti via Olduvai Gorge
After an early breakfast we travel west, entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (but not into the famed crater this day). We will stop at Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, made famous by the discoveries of Drs. Mary and Louis Leakey. After visiting the museum we continue traveling west. Reaching the western border of Ngorongoro Conservation Area we enter into Serengeti National Park. We will have a game drive en route to the Seronera (central) portion of the Serengeti. In the late afternoon we will head to our evening’s accommodations for relaxation, dinner, and overnight rest.
Day 4: Serengeti National Park
The entire day is yours to enjoy the Serengeti. There are options of choosing an early morning balloon safari (additional $600/person), going on a full day game drive, or having a few shorter game drives and spending time enjoying your accommodation. The Seronera portion of the Serengeti is a great destination no matter what time of the year you visit. It has a large population of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. It also is probable that you will encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hyenas, warthogs, varieties of antelopes among other animals. There is a chance that you may see black rhino. Serengeti is home to over a million wildebeest which pass over the huge flat plains of the Seronera during the months of April – June, and November. Your guide will choose the best wildlife viewing locations for the time of year of your safari. Spend time at the hippo pool, watching these enormous animals laze about in the cool water alongside the crocodiles, watch a lion stalking its prey, or be staggered by the scale of the great wildebeest migration. The journey from wide, open plains to the kopjes, volcanic rocky outcrops that provide protection and shelter for a wide variety of animals. This diverse and interesting landscape will provide you with the ultimate in-game viewing. Overnight inside Serengeti National Park at the same accommodation as the previous night.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
n the morning we work our way east, exiting the Serengeti and entering into Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). We will drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site -Ngorongoro Crater. Along with the Serengeti, this is one of the most proclaimed safari destinations in the world. Besides the amazingly high density and variety of safari animals found inside the crater (including black rhino), the beuty of the 600m (2,000ft) deep crater itself is worth the visit. This destination is not very large though, just 20km in diameter so in a few hours, all will be seen. At this time we ascend our of the crater and out of the NCA. We will proceed to our evening’s accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight rest.
Day 6: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, we will drive to Tarangire National Park for game viewing. Tarangire is known for its vast herds of elephants. It is estimated that there are over 2,500 elephants in the park. We enjoy a picnic style lunch at a scenic location overlooking a bluff and viewing Tarangire’s plains. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wildlife and especially during the dry months (January – March, June – October) many animals congregate along the river bank. The landscape is dotted with huge baobab trees and giant termite mounds giving this park a distinctive look. The day will end as we settle in at the evening’s accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight rest.
Day 7: Tarangire National Park And Transfer to the Airport
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge and set off on a morning game drive. After lunch, we transfer to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro Airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. Touch down at Zanzibar Airport and receive a warm welcome from our local guide. Transfer to your hotel in the enchanting Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check-in and unwind, preparing for a journey through time. As the sun sets, step out to explore Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleyways, a living history book.
Day 8: Zanzibar Stone Town Exploration
Today you get a glimpse into Zanzibar’s past and end with beach bliss. Begin the day with a hearty breakfast, fueling your exploration. Embark on a guided tour of Stone Town, where tales of ancient trade routes and Swahili culture come to life. Discover iconic landmarks like the House of Wonders, Old Fort, and the vibrant local markets. Savor the flavors of Zanzibar with a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, set your course for Nungwi’s tranquil shores on the northern coast, one of the best beaches in East Africa. Check-in at your beachfront hotel and let the turquoise waters wash your worries away. As night falls, indulge in a beachfront dinner, serenaded by the soothing waves.
Day 9: Leisure Day In Nungwi
A day of blissful freedom. Wake up to the gentle sound of the ocean and savor breakfast by the beach. The day is yours to embrace leisure and relaxation. Sink your toes into the sun-kissed sands, take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the local village at your own pace. Adventurous souls can opt for water sports or guided excursions, creating memories that will last a lifetime. As the sun dips below the horizon, gather for a delectable dinner, watching the ocean’s shimmering reflection.
Day 10: Journey To The East Coast (Paje/Jambiani)
After a sumptuous breakfast, bid farewell to Nungwi and embark on a scenic drive to the tranquil east coast. Paje or Jambiani awaits you with its captivating beaches and laid-back charm. Check in at your chosen hotel, where the rhythmic waves beckon you to unwind. As twilight paints the sky, relish a delightful dinner at your beachfront haven.
Day 11: Relaxation Day In Paje/Jambiani
Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast, preparing for a day of pure relaxation. The options are endless: sunbathe, swim, or explore the enchanting local fishing villages. Adventure seekers can dive into water sports or embark on optional excursions. As the day gently fades away, return to your beachfront oasis for a dinner with a view.
Day 12: Spice Farm Discovery And International Flight To Return Home
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Bid farewell to the east coast and set off on a captivating Spice Farm Tour, where you’ll uncover the aromatic treasures of Zanzibar. Relish a traditional lunch at the farm, indulging in the flavors of the island. Return to Stone Town in the afternoon, allowing time for some final shopping. In the evening, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international flight back home.