11 Days Safari & Zanzibar Itinerary

After breakfast, you set off for Tarangire National Park, a drive of about two and a half hours from Arusha. The park is renowned for its enormous herds of elephants, towering baobab trees, and sweeping savannah landscapes. A full-day game drive gives you the chance to witness lions basking in the sun, graceful giraffes feeding on acacia branches, and countless wildebeest and zebras grazing near the Tarangire River. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park’s rich diversity, with over 400 species recorded here. As the day winds down, you’ll return to your lodge located near the park for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the wild.

This morning, you travel towards the legendary Serengeti National Park, passing through the lush highlands of Ngorongoro. The Serengeti’s vast plains open before you as you arrive in the Central Serengeti, also known as the Seronera region. An afternoon game drive introduces you to the park’s thriving wildlife, which includes resident prides of lions, swift cheetahs, leopards resting in acacia trees, and herds of antelope roaming freely. Your evening will be spent at a tented camp or lodge within the park, where the sounds of the African wilderness create a truly unique atmosphere.

A full day is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti. You may choose to rise before dawn for an optional hot-air balloon safari, offering breathtaking aerial views of the plains bathed in golden morning light. Throughout the day, your private guide will take you across different areas of the park in search of the Great Migration herds (depending on the season), as well as elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and crocodiles along the rivers. Lunch will be enjoyed in the wild, and the day ends with an optional bush dinner beneath the stars, where you can soak in the magic of the Serengeti night sky.

After breakfast, you leave the Serengeti behind and journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, you descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The crater floor is home to a dense concentration of wildlife, making it one of the best places to see the “Big Five” in a single day. Highlights include large prides of lions, hippos wallowing in freshwater pools, flamingos shimmering on Lake Magadi, and, with luck, the elusive black rhino. In the late afternoon, you’ll ascend to the crater rim or continue to nearby Karatu for an overnight stay.

This morning, you drive back to Arusha where you will board your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by warm ocean breezes and transferred to your beachside resort. The afternoon is free for relaxation—swim in the turquoise waters, stroll along the soft white sand, or simply rest by the pool. After days on safari, Zanzibar offers a perfect transition into a more leisurely pace of travel.

Today you explore the cultural heart of Zanzibar with a guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering its narrow alleys, you’ll encounter bustling bazaars, intricately carved wooden doors, and historical sites such as the Old Slave Market and the House of Wonders. After lunch, the adventure continues with a Spice Plantation Tour, where you’ll discover why Zanzibar is nicknamed the “Spice Island.” You’ll walk through lush gardens, see how spices like cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg are grown, and taste fresh tropical fruits. Return to your resort in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Today brings an unforgettable full-day excursion on the Safari Blue dhow trip. A traditional wooden sailing boat takes you to explore Zanzibar’s pristine marine environment. The day includes snorkeling among colorful coral reefs, swimming in crystal-clear lagoons, and relaxing on untouched sandbanks. A highlight is a delicious seafood barbecue served on a secluded island, with freshly grilled fish, lobster, calamari, and tropical fruits. Dolphins are often spotted during this adventure, adding to the magic of the day. You’ll sail back as the sun begins to set, returning to your resort for a restful evening.

In the morning, you set out for Jozani Forest, the last remaining indigenous forest in Zanzibar and home to the rare red colobus monkey. Walking along forest trails and mangrove boardwalks, you’ll spot monkeys, butterflies, and a variety of birds. In the afternoon, you’ll take a short boat ride to Prison Island (Changuu Island), where you can meet giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over a century old. The island also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities in its surrounding coral-rich waters. After your excursion, return to your resort to relax.

This day is reserved entirely for relaxation. You may choose to soak up the sun on the beach, swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, or enjoy optional activities such as scuba diving, paddleboarding, or a sunset dhow cruise. For those seeking cultural interaction, a village visit can be arranged. Whatever you choose, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, savoring the last moments of your island getaway.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for one final swim or a leisurely breakfast overlooking the ocean. Later, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of thrilling safaris, breathtaking landscapes, and the serene beauty of Zanzibar’s beaches.