12 Days Best of Tanzania Safari Excursions and Zanzibar Holidays

This 12-days Best of Tanzania Safari Excursions and Zanzibar Holidays, explores the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar. This journey also includes a thrilling extension to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Experience the best of Tanzania, from iconic national parks to pristine beaches, in a trip that promises unforgettable memories and unique experiences.

Driving Hours from Arusha/Kilimanjaro

The driving distances and times for the key legs of the journey are as follows:

Arusha to Tarangire National Park: Approximately 2-3 hours
Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park: Approximately 1-2 hours
Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park: Approximately 4-5 hours
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater: Approximately 3-4 hours
Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha: Approximately 4-5 hours

Trip Summary and Highlights

Trip Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Day 2: Pick up from Arusha/Kilimanjaro and transfer to Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Game drives through Tarangire National Park
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park
Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Day 6: Whole day Serengeti excursion and Olduvai Gorge
Day 7: Morning game drive and transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Day 8: Ngorongoro wildlife viewing excursion
Day 9: Morning game drive and return to Arusha for connecting flight to Zanzibar
Day 10: Zanzibar city tour – Prison Island, Stone Town, and Spice Tour
Day 11: Zanzibar beach excursion
Day 12: Return to Arusha/Kilimanjaro and departure flight home

Highlights

Diverse wildlife encounters in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
Exploration of the ancient site of Olduvai Gorge
Scenic drives through Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes
Immersive cultural experiences in Zanzibar’s Stone Town and Spice Tour
Relaxing beach excursion in Zanzibar
Expert-guided game drives for an authentic safari experience

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

You will begin your 12 Days Best

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Spend the day relaxing and preparing for your adventure. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 2: Pick Up from Arusha/Kilimanjaro and Transfer to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you’ll begin your journey to Tarangire National Park. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, offering scenic views of the Tanzanian countryside. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive in Tarangire, known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Game Drives through Tarangire National Park

Spend the entire day exploring Tarangire National Park. After breakfast, embark on morning and afternoon game drives to maximize your wildlife sightings. The park is home to a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, zebras, and numerous bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue your adventure. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a short 1-2 hour drive from Tarangire. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Lake Manyara, known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse birdlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Transfer to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey to the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. The drive takes about 4-5 hours, with a stop at Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site. Upon arrival in Serengeti, check into your lodge or camp and have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the vast plains of Serengeti, home to the Great Migration and a plethora of wildlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Whole Day Serengeti Excursion and Olduvai Gorge

Spend the entire day exploring the Serengeti. After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive to witness the incredible wildlife. Depending on the season, you may see the Great Migration, with millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles moving across the plains. Visit Olduvai Gorge to learn about its historical significance. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue your adventure in the afternoon. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

After an early morning game drive in Serengeti, return to your lodge for breakfast. Then, depart for Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive takes about 3-4 hours, offering more chances to spot wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, check into your lodge on the crater rim and enjoy the breathtaking views. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Ngorongoro Wildlife Viewing Excursion

Wake up early for a full day of wildlife viewing in Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—in a single day. The unique ecosystem supports a diverse array of wildlife, including hippos, flamingos, and hyenas. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot within the crater. In the late afternoon, ascend the crater and return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Morning Game Drive and Return to Arusha for Connecting Flight to Zanzibar

After a final morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, return to your lodge for breakfast. Then, prepare for the journey back to Arusha. Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon, where you’ll catch a connecting flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Zanzibar City Tour – Prison Island, Stone Town, and Spice Tour

After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour of Zanzibar. Start with a visit to Prison Island, known for its history and giant tortoises. Then, explore the historical and cultural sites of Stone Town, including the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and the bustling markets. In the afternoon, enjoy a Spice Tour to learn about Zanzibar’s famous spices and their uses. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11: Zanzibar Beach Excursion

Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and dhow sailing. Take in the tranquil atmosphere and unwind in this tropical paradise. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12: Return to Arusha/Kilimanjaro and Departure Flight Home

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll connect with your departure flight home, marking the end of your incredible 12-days best of Tanzania safari excursions and Zanzibar Holidays.

Experience the best of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes on this 12-Days Best of Tanzania Safari Excursions and Zanzibar Holidays , exploring Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Zanzibar. From the iconic Great Migration to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, this adventure promises unforgettable encounters and memories to last a lifetime.

12 Days Best of Tanzania Safari Excursions and Zanzibar Holidays