12-Day Tanzania & Zanzibar Itinerary
Organized by Tanzania Safari Planners
Overview
This 12-day journey offers the perfect balance between an exhilarating northern Tanzania safari and the laid-back beauty of Zanzibar’s tropical beaches. Traverse world-famous parks such as Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, complemented by immersive cultural experiences with the Hadzabe tribe and a visit to the unique Serval Wildlife Sanctuary. After your safari adventure, unwind with five nights of relaxation and exploration on Zanzibar Island, including Stone Town, a spice tour, and optional marine excursions to Mnemba Island or Safari Blue. Luxurious accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and seamless transitions make this an unforgettable East African experience.
Tour Highlight
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Melia Arusha Hotel
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Tanzania Safari Planners representative will welcome you warmly. After a short briefing, you will be transferred to Melia Arusha Hotel to relax and prepare for your adventure.
Accommodation: Melia Arusha Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Overnight at Motto Cottages
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive and picnic lunch. In the late afternoon, head to Motto Cottages in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Motto Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Karatu – Serengeti via Ngorongoro – Overnight at Kontiki Camp or Melia Serengeti
After breakfast, travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy a game drive and arrive at your camp or lodge by evening.
Accommodation: Kontiki Tented Camp / Melia Serengeti Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti – Overnight at Kontiki or Melia Serengeti
Spend the day exploring the vast Serengeti plains. Enjoy either two game drives or a full-day outing with picnic lunch.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Overnight at Farm of Dreams Lodge
Morning game drive in Serengeti, then continue to Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day exploration. Later, drive to Karatu for overnight at Farm of Dreams Lodge.
Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Karatu – Lake Eyasi Cultural Experience – Overnight at Motto Cottages
Early departure to Lake Eyasi for a cultural visit with the Hadzabe tribe. Experience their traditional hunting and lifestyle. Return to Motto Cottages in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Motto Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park – Overnight at Forest Hill Lodge
Visit Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive and picnic lunch. Continue to Forest Hill Lodge near Mto wa Mbu for overnight.
Accommodation: Forest Hill Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Serval Wildlife Sanctuary – Flight to Zanzibar – Overnight at Nungwi Dreams Hotel
Morning visit to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, then transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. On arrival, transfer to Nungwi Dreams Hotel for beach relaxation.
Accommodation: Nungwi Dreams Hotel – Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Relaxing Day in Zanzibar – Overnight at Nungwi Dreams Hotel
Enjoy a peaceful day at leisure. Relax by the beach or pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or explore the hotel’s beachfront.
Accommodation: Nungwi Dreams Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Another Day of Relaxation – Overnight at Nungwi Dreams Hotel
Another full day to unwind. You may take an optional walk through Nungwi village, go for a sunset dhow cruise, or just enjoy the calm ocean breeze.
Accommodation: Nungwi Dreams Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Activities Day – Explore Zanzibar (Stone Town & Spice Tour)
After breakfast, head out for a half-day Stone Town tour, walking through historic alleys, markets, and heritage sites. Then, enjoy a guided Spice Tour where you’ll learn about Zanzibar’s rich spice farming culture. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Accommodation: Nungwi Dreams Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Activities Day – Safari Blue or Mnemba Island Tour
Enjoy your final full day in Zanzibar with an optional Safari Blue dhow cruise (including snorkeling, seafood lunch, and sandbank relaxation) or take a Mnemba Island snorkeling excursion for incredible marine life viewing. Return to the hotel for your last night.
Accommodation: Nungwi Dreams Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (on tour)
Day 13: Departure from Zanzibar
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward journey. Thank you for choosing Tanzania Safari Planners – we hope to see you again!
- INCLUSIONS
- All airport transfers (Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar)
- All accommodations as outlined in the itinerary
- Domestic flight from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
- All meals as stated per day (B/L/D)
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking professional guide
- Game drives and national park entry fees
- Cultural visit to Hadzabe tribe at Lake Eyasi
- Visit to Serval Wildlife Sanctuary
- Guided Stone Town walking tour
- Guided Zanzibar Spice Tour
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Government taxes and conservation fees
- EXCLUSIONS
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa fees for Tanzania and Zanzibar
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Optional tours in Zanzibar (e.g., Safari Blue, Mnemba Island snorkeling)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges and hotels
- Tips for the driver guide
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