Overview
Experience the ultimate Tanzanian adventure with Safari to Spice Island. This 7-day, 6-night journey seamlessly combines the thrill of a premier bush safari with the relaxed elegance of a tropical beach escape. Journey through Northern Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations—Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—before flying to the turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar. It is the perfect blend of wildlife action, scenic diversity, and coastal relaxation.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Your journey begins with a morning pick-up in Arusha. Board your private 4×4 safari vehicle and head to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its massive elephant population and ancient baobab trees.
Spend the afternoon on a game drive along the Tarangire River, searching for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and predators such as lions and leopards. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before making your way to your accommodation in the late afternoon for dinner and rest.
- Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
- Activities: Afternoon Game Drive
- Accommodation: Selected lodge or tented camp in the Tarangire or Karatu area
Day 2: Tarangire to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, leave Tarangire behind and travel through the lush Ngorongoro Highlands toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park.
As you cross into the park via the Naabi Hill Gate, enjoy wildlife viewing along the way toward your central Serengeti accommodation. Spend the late afternoon tracking lions, cheetahs, and vast herds across the golden grasslands before settling in for an evening under the stars.
- Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
- Activities: Scenic Transit Drive & Afternoon Serengeti Game Drive
- Accommodation: Selected tented camp or lodge in Central Serengeti
Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti National Park
Dedicate a full day to exploring the Serengeti’s endless plains. Your professional driver-guide will tailor the route to current wildlife movements, guiding you through diverse habitats home to resident predators and large herbivore herds.
Traverse granite kopjes favored by resting big cats, search river banks for hippos and crocodiles, and enjoy a wild picnic lunch beneath an acacia tree. Return to your camp in the late afternoon to unwind.
- Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
- Activities: Full-Day Safari Game Drive & Wilderness Picnic Lunch
- Accommodation: Selected tented camp or lodge in Central Serengeti
Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Serengeti to capture active wildlife as the sun rises.
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at the crater rim in the afternoon to take in panoramic views of the ancient caldera below before checking into your lodge for dinner and a quiet evening.
- Main Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Activities: Early Morning Game Drive & Scenic Rim Transit
- Accommodation: Selected lodge or tented camp on the Ngorongoro Rim or in Karatu
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara to Arusha (Fly to Zanzibar)
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater floor for an action-packed game drive, seeking out the Big Five—including the rare black rhino—along with hippos, flamingos, and hyenas.
After a scenic crater picnic lunch, ascend the rim and continue toward Lake Manyara National Park for a quick, final game drive showcasing lush groundwater forests and birdlife. Return to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport in the late afternoon to catch your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival on the island, transfer to your beach resort.
- Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara & Zanzibar
- Activities: Morning Crater Drive, Afternoon Lake Manyara Drive & Flight Transfer
- Accommodation: Selected beach resort or hotel in Zanzibar
Day 6: Zanzibar: Relax & Explore
Spend a full day relaxing on Zanzibar’s pristine, white-sand beaches alongside the warm Indian Ocean.
Choose to lounge by the ocean or arrange optional island excursions, such as exploring the historical cobblestone streets of Stone Town, taking an aromatic Spice Tour, or booking a dhow boat marine safari for snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
- Main Destination: Zanzibar Island
- Activities: Beach Relaxation or Optional Island Tours
- Accommodation: Selected beach resort or hotel in Zanzibar
Day 7: Zanzibar: Island Finale & Departure
Enjoy a final morning at leisure on the tropical shores of Zanzibar. Take a swim, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Depending on your onward flight schedule, transfer to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) for your flight home or onward connection, bringing an end to an unforgettable bush-and-beach journey.
- Main Destination: Zanzibar Island
- Activities: Morning at Leisure & Airport Transfer
- Drop-off: Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
What Makes This Journey Special
- The Ultimate Bush & Beach Combo: Seamlessly blends a high-intensity northern Tanzania wildlife safari with tropical ocean relaxation.
- 5 Iconic Destinations in 7 Days: Covers Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and the island of Zanzibar.
- Diverse Landscapes & Culture: Experience everything from baobab savannahs and crater floors to Swahili coastal heritage and coral sand beaches.
Safari Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game drives
- Professional, English-speaking driver-guide
- Flight from Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar (where confirmed in final booking)
- All national park entry fees, transit permits, and crater service fees
- Game drives as outlined in the itinerary
- Accommodation for 6 nights on the selected plan (Safari Lodges + Zanzibar Beach Resort)
- Meals as specified (Full board on safari; Breakfast/Half-Board on Zanzibar as selected)
- Unlimited bottled drinking water during game drives
- Airport and hotel transfers in Arusha and Zanzibar
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Domestic flight luggage overages (if applicable)
- Tanzania entry visa fees & Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax (where applicable)
- Travel, medical, and personal insurance
- Optional activities in Zanzibar (Stone Town tour, Spice tour, Marine excursions)
- Meals and drinks not explicitly mentioned (e.g., alcoholic beverages)
- Tips/gratuities for driver-guides, resort staff, and local guides
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
Tailor-Made by Adventure Trails Tanzania
Every journey can be customized around your travel dates, preferred accommodation level, interests, pace and budget. Ask our safari specialists to tailor this itinerary for you:
- Flexible Travel Dates: Easily aligned with your international flight arrivals and departures.
- Accommodation Standard: Select your preferred comfort level, from quality mid-range lodges to luxury safari camps and beachfront resorts.
- Personalized Pace: Add extra nights in the Serengeti or extend your beach stay in Zanzibar.