18 Days Wildlife Experience and Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Duration

18 Days

Physical Rating

Medium

Minimum Age

5 Years +

Starting From

$6,990.00

*Starting prices are listed per person in USD.

Destination Highlights

Arusha
Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park
Zanzibar

Trip Overview

This 18-day comfort mid-range safari offers a smooth and immersive journey through Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and culture. It begins with 2 nights in Arusha, including an optional visit to Arusha National Park. You’ll then explore Tarangire National Park for 2 days, experience cultural activities in Mto wa Mbu for another 2 days, and spend 3 unforgettable days in Serengeti National Park. This is followed by 2 nights in the West Kilimanjaro Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and off-the-beaten-path wildlife encounters. The adventure concludes with 6 relaxing nights on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar’s east coast—offering the perfect finish to your Tanzanian journey.

Highlights

  • Stay in comfortable, well-selected lodge accommodations throughout the trip.
  • Visit Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations, including world-renowned national parks.
  • Enjoy sightings of the Big Five and many other iconic African animals.
  • Engage in authentic cultural experiences with visits to local villages.
  • Savor traditional Tanzanian lunches in genuine local settings.
  • Relax on Zanzibar’s pristine white-sand beaches and enjoy the island’s warm, tropical climate.

Full Itinerary

Best time to visit:

  • June to October – Dry season, best wildlife viewing
  • January to March – Lush Landscape and Serengeti wildebeest calving season (Excellent for predators’ actions)-Hot and humid weather with possibility of little rain in January.
Day 1: Arrival Day in Arusha

Welcome to Arusha! Your adventure begins now. Set down your bags, take a deep breath, and refresh yourself with a cold drink. This evening, you’ll meet your safari guide for a brief overview of the exciting experiences ahead. Enjoy every moment and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

Accommodation: River tree Lodge or similar

Meals included: None

Day 2: Arusha National Park

After breakfast, a driver will pick you up for a morning nature walk (approx. 2 hours) in Arusha National Park, accompanied by an armed ranger. Explore diverse wildlife including Colobus monkeys, baboons, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and, if lucky, a leopard resting in the treetops. Enjoy your packed picnic lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: River tree Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3: Tarangire National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. The scenic 2-hour drive from Arusha offers beautiful landscapes and glimpses of local life, perfect for capturing memorable moments. Begin with an afternoon game drive, known for large elephant herds, baobab trees, tree-climbing pythons, and beautiful views. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot. Continue your game drive until late afternoon before heading to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4: Tarangire – Full-Day Safari Experience

Start your day with a morning game drive when animals are most active. Your guide will help you track elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch within the park, followed by an evening game drive and sunset views. Optional: A night game drive can be arranged, please inform your guide early in the day if interested.

Optional Activity: Night Game Drive

Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5: Mto wa Mbu Village Experience & Optional Night Game Drive

After breakfast, depart for Mto wa Mbu village, a vibrant village near Lake Manyara. Savor a traditional Tanzanian lunch, typically made with locally grown ingredients. Afterward, 2 hours guided cultural tour will introduce you to daily life, art, and agriculture in the village.

Optional Activity: Night game drive in Lake Manyara N. P, inform your guide in advance for arrangements.

Accommodation: Jungle Pearl Resort or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6: Biking Tour & Maasai Village Visit

Begin your day with a guided bike tour from Mto wa Mbu toward Lake Manyara, offering chances to observe wildlife and birdlife. After lunch, continue to a nearby Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions. Return to your lodge for relaxation.

Optional Activity: Ziplining, inform you guide in advance for arrangement

Accommodation: Jungle Pearl Resort or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater – Transfer to Ndutu

After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife experience. This unique caldera supports a rich ecosystem, including the Big Five. Have a picnic lunch inside the crater. Later, drive to the Ndutu region of southern Serengeti. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

 

Day 8: Ndutu – Great Migration & Optional Balloon Safari

Start early with an optional hot air balloon safari, offering panoramic views of the savannah at sunrise. After landing, enjoy a bush champagne breakfast. Spend the day exploring Ndutu, especially during the Great Migration season (Dec–Mar), when large herds of wildebeest and zebra attract predators. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camps or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 9: Ndutu to Central Serengeti – Wildlife Viewing

After breakfast, drive from Ndutu to the Central Serengeti. Enjoy game viewing en route as the terrain changes to open savannah. Seronera Valley is known for its high concentration of big cats. Arrive at your camp, relax after a full day, and enjoy dinner in the heart of the Serengeti.

Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Tented Camps or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10: Central Serengeti Safari – Full Day

Spend the day exploring Seronera Valley, with high concentration of animals of different species are commonly sighted. Wildlife congregates around the Seronera River, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Choose to enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush or return to camp. Evening sunset game drive before returning for dinner and rest.

Accommodation: Into Wild Africa Tented Camps or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11: Flight to Zanzibar – Arrival in Stone Town

After breakfast and a short game drive en route, you’ll catch your flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, travel to your beach resort in Zanzibar. Settle in and relax by the turquoise sea, enjoying the contrast between safari and coastal life.

Accommodation: Sahari Zanzibar Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 12: Beach Relaxation

Enjoy a full day at leisure on the beach. Sip fresh coconut water and unwind by the ocean. You may arrange a traditional sailing boat trip with the hotel reception.

Accommodation: Sahari Zanzibar Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13: Spice Tour & Stone Town Visit – A Taste of Culture and History

Immerse yourself in the rich aromas and vibrant history of Zanzibar with a guided Spice Tour and a visit to Stone Town. Begin your day by exploring one of Zanzibar’s famous spice farms, where you’ll discover the island’s aromatic treasures—cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and more. You’ll see, touch, and taste fresh spices and exotic fruits while learning about their traditional uses in local cuisine and medicine.

After the sensory experience at the farm, continue to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Wander through narrow, winding alleys lined with carved wooden doors, lively markets, and historic buildings that reflect centuries of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influence. Visit landmarks such as the former Slave Market, the House of Wonders, and the Old Fort, all while your guide shares the fascinating stories behind this historic coastal city.

Accommodation: Sahari Zanzibar Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14: Blue Safari Tour – Dhow, Snorkelling & Seafood

Set out on the popular Safari Blue Tour, sailing aboard a traditional dhow. Snorkel in vibrant coral waters, visit sandbanks, and enjoy a delicious seafood barbecue lunch on an island. The day ends with a breezy sail back and a relaxing evening at your resort.

Accommodation: Sahari Zanzibar Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Soft Drinks

Day 15: Leisure Day

Relax and soak in the coastal atmosphere with a free day at the beach. Enjoy the sun, swim, or take optional hotel-based activities.

Accommodation: Sahari Zanzibar Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 16: Dolphin Tour – Menai Bay (Weather Dependent)

Take a half-day dolphin-watching tour in Menai Bay, home to bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Note: This tour is subject to weather conditions.

Accommodation: Sahari Zanzibar Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 17: Zanzibar Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a magical evening on a traditional dhow as you sail into the golden sunset. With light snacks, drinks, and stunning views, it’s the perfect way to end your island stay.

Accommodation: Sahari Zanzibar Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 18: Final Day – Departure

If you have a late flight, enjoy a peaceful morning walk along the beach or a light brunch. Spend your last hours soaking in the island atmosphere before your airport transfer.

Accommodation: Sahari Zanzibar Hotel or similar – Check-out at 10:00am

Meals included: Breakfast

 

 

Planning

To make your trip planning easier, we’ve prepared a simple list of what’s included in your tour package and what’s not. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect, and you can make any additional arrangements ahead of time for a smooth and enjoyable journey!

Includes

  • English peaking Safari Guides.
  • 4×4 Safari Land cruiser 
  • Three meals (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • One-way domestic flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar.
  • All parks’ fees and Taxes
  • All activities mentioned under the program.
  • All accommodation under the program.
  • One way transfer from JRO-Arusha

 

Excludes

  • Tanzania Visa fee US $50 p/p & US $100 p/p for U.S.A passport holder
  • Zanzibar Insurance and infrastructure fees
  • Laundry services
  • Optional Activities
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for Guides
  • International Flight 
  • Bank charges for online transfer
  • An increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • All things of personal nature