16 Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape

Day 2 – Relaxation and Local Village Walk (Arusha)

This morning offers a chance to sleep in and recover from the long journey. A generous breakfast is served at the lodge, with time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and abundant birdlife.

At around 10:00, a local guide arrives to lead a gentle walk in the nearby area, providing an opportunity to stretch the legs and explore a local Tanzanian village. Along the way, it’s easy to interact with friendly residents, buy a bottle of water from a small stall, or share a moment with schoolchildren eager to practice their English.

Return to the lodge around lunchtime. The afternoon has no scheduled program, leaving ample time to relax by the pool, enjoy the gardens, or watch the monkeys swinging through the trees.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Arusha Safari Lodge

Day 3 – Arusha National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring Arusha National Park, a small but remarkably diverse reserve located close to Arusha Safari Lodge. The park offers an excellent introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife, with sightings that often include giraffes, zebras, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and—on lucky days—elephants. On rare occasions, even an albino baboon has been spotted here, making each visit a unique experience.

A highlight of the day is a guided walking safari with a park ranger (included). This is one of the few places in northern Tanzania where walking among wildlife is permitted, allowing incredibly close encounters with giraffes and buffalo in a safe, supervised setting.

A picnic basket is provided for lunch, enjoyed at a scenic spot overlooking the lake—often painted pink by thousands of flamingos feeding in the shallow waters. The combination of wildlife, scenery, and tranquility makes Arusha National Park a perfect warm-up for the larger parks ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Arusha Safari Lodge

Day 4 – Arusha to Tarangire National Park

The safari begins today. Pick-up is arranged for around 09:00, followed by a drive toward the scenic surroundings of Tarangire National Park. The journey passes through Maasai country and rolling landscapes before reaching the camp located just outside the park.

The afternoon is spent at leisure at the camp, with time to settle in and enjoy the natural setting. Later, a guided walk leads to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the entire Tarangire ecosystem. From this vantage point, the sweeping plains, ancient baobab trees, and distant river valleys create a memorable first impression of the region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
Travel Time: Arusha to Tarangire region: Approx. 2.5–3 hours

Day 5 – Tarangire National Park to Ngorongoro Karatu

Enjoy a full day of game viewing in Tarangire National Park, a stunning reserve known for its ancient baobab trees, some estimated to be over 1,000 years old. The park is also famous for hosting the largest elephant population in Northern Tanzania, and sightings of large herds are common throughout the year.

In addition to elephants, Tarangire supports an abundance of wildlife including zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, buffalo, impala, and many bird species. Lions are regularly seen here as well, taking advantage of the rich prey availability that defines the Tarangire ecosystem.

The entire day is spent exploring the park’s river valleys, grassy plains, and baobab-dotted landscapes before travelling onward to Karatu, located near the entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge (Full Board)
Travel Time: Tarangire to Karatu: Approx. 2.5–3 hours

Day 6 – Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti National Park

Today includes a visit to one of the true natural wonders of the world: the Ngorongoro Crater. After descending 600 metres onto the crater floor, the day is spent exploring this extraordinary wildlife haven. The crater’s rich soils and permanent water sources support an exceptional concentration of animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, zebras, buffalo, and the rare Black Rhinoceros. The variety and density of wildlife make this one of the most remarkable safari areas in Africa.

In the late afternoon, the journey continues toward the Serengeti National Park, travelling across the highlands before descending onto the endless plains. Accommodation is provided in a new and beautifully positioned tented camp within the Serengeti ecosystem.

Nights here are an experience of their own—hyenas may be heard calling in the distance, and it is not unusual to find elephant tracks close to the tent at dawn. Each tent is comfortably furnished with a private bathroom, a flushing toilet, and a proper bed, offering a blend of authentic bush atmosphere and essential comfort. The camp has no permanent buildings and no swimming pool, allowing a fully immersive safari setting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hippo Trails Camp (Full Board)
Travel Time: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater: Approx. 30 minutes; Crater to Serengeti: Approx. 3–4 hours depending on wildlife and photo stops

Day 7 – Serengeti National Park

An early start begins a full day dedicated to exploring the vast landscapes and exceptional wildlife of the Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is widely regarded as the best National Park in Africa, known for its extraordinary wildlife density and dramatic predator-prey interactions. It also served as major inspiration for The Lion King, with landscapes reminiscent of “Simba Rock” and numerous lion prides that dominate the region.

The day’s program is flexible. Together with the guide, plans can be shaped to personal preference—whether opting for an early morning game drive before breakfast, spending the full day in the bush with a packed lunch, or returning to camp at midday for a relaxed meal before continuing with afternoon exploration. With a private vehicle, the pace and focus of the day can be customised to suit the moment.

The Serengeti’s varied habitats ensure every game drive offers something new: prides of lions resting on kopjes, cheetahs scanning the plains, elephants in family groups, and hippos gathered in rivers and pools.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hippo Trails Camp (Full Board)
Travel Time: Game drives within Serengeti National Park

Day 8 – Serengeti National Park (Moru Area – Black Rhino Viewing)

Another early start allows for continued exploration of the Serengeti National Park, heading today toward the Moru area, one of the few places within the Serengeti where Black Rhinos can be seen. This region is protected and access is controlled to ensure the safety of the rhinos.

A Serengeti ranger accompanies the visit and guides the vehicle to the discreet, protected area where the rhinos are monitored. This special experience offers a rare opportunity to observe the critically endangered Black Rhino in its natural habitat—one of the most meaningful sightings in East Africa.

The remainder of the day is spent game viewing across the Serengeti’s diverse landscapes, with abundant chances to encounter lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and large herds of plains game.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hippo Trails Camp (Full Board)
Travel Time: Game drives within Serengeti National Park

Day 9 – Serengeti National Park (Flexible Day)

This day offers complete flexibility. It can begin with a relaxed morning at camp or an early start for another game drive across the Serengeti plains. For those seeking a unique experience, an optional Hot Air Balloon Safari can be arranged (supplement applies), providing extraordinary views of the sunrise over the Serengeti ecosystem. Another option is a visit to the Serengeti Visitor Centre, which offers informative exhibits about the park’s wildlife, history, and conservation efforts.

Alternatively, the day can be spent unwinding at the camp, enjoying the tranquility of the bush and the sounds of the surrounding wilderness. Whether exploring or relaxing, the pace of the day is entirely flexible.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hippo Trails Camp (Full Board)
Travel Time: Game drives within Serengeti National Park (if chosen)

Day 10 – Serengeti to Zanzibar (Stone Town)

After breakfast, the safari guide transfers the group to the airstrip for the scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival on the island, a driver from Tembo House Hotel is waiting to provide a warm welcome and transfer to the hotel, located in the heart of historic Stone Town.

Arrival is typically in time for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or explore Stone Town independently. Narrow alleys, bustling markets, carved wooden doors, and centuries-old Swahili architecture make this UNESCO-listed town a fascinating place to wander.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Travel Time: Serengeti airstrip to Zanzibar by flight (duration varies); Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town approx. 15 minutes

Day 11 – Stone Town Walking Tour

After breakfast, a local guide meets the group at Tembo House to begin a walking tour of Stone Town. This immersive stroll leads through the maze of narrow alleys, bustling bazaars, and historic sites that define Zanzibar’s UNESCO-listed old city. Key landmarks may include the Old Fort, House of Wonders, the former slave market, and several of Stone Town’s distinctive carved doorways and mosques.

Lunch is arranged at the Swahili House rooftop, offering excellent views over the town and a chance to enjoy traditional island cuisine. Afterwards, the guide can assist with visits to local shops for those interested in purchasing authentic Zanzibar souvenirs such as spices, fabrics, hand-crafted jewellery, and artwork.

The afternoon is left free to relax back at Tembo House, take a swim, or enjoy the waterfront views and atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel

Day 12 – Stone Town to Jambiani (East Coast Zanzibar)

After breakfast, a driver from Fun Beach Jambiani collects the group for the transfer to the east coast of Zanzibar. Check-in is arranged for a four-night stay at this relaxed beachfront hotel, set directly along a long stretch of soft white sand and turquoise water.

The east coast is known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent range of activities. The lagoon offers ideal conditions for snorkelling, diving, kite surfing, and swimming, while the surrounding village and beach area feature a variety of cafés and restaurants serving fresh seafood and local dishes.

The remainder of the day is free to settle in, enjoy the beach, or take in the tranquil island surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fun Beach Jambiani (4-night stay)

Day 13 – Day of Leisure (Jambiani)

This day is left completely free to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Zanzibar’s east coast. Spend time unwinding on the beach, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, or relaxing by the pool. The surrounding area offers numerous optional activities, including snorkelling, diving, kite surfing, stand-up paddling, or exploring the nearby village at a gentle pace.

Whether choosing adventure or relaxation, the day offers ample opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of Jambiani.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fun Beach Jambiani

Day 14 – Day of Leisure (Jambiani)

Another full day at leisure on Zanzibar’s scenic east coast. Relax on the sandy beach, enjoy the hotel’s facilities, or take part in optional activities such as snorkelling, diving, or kite surfing. The calm lagoon and laid-back island atmosphere make this an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the final days of the trip.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fun Beach Jambiani

Day 15 – Day of Leisure (Jambiani)

Enjoy another peaceful day along Zanzibar’s beautiful east coast. Spend time relaxing by the pool, strolling along the beach, or swimming in the warm Indian Ocean. Optional activities such as snorkelling, diving, dhow excursions, or village visits are available for those interested in exploring more of the island’s charm.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fun Beach Jambiani

Day 16 – Departure from Zanzibar

At the end of the day, transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Stone Town for the short domestic flight to Dar es Salaam. The flight takes approximately 20 minutes and connects conveniently with onward international travel. Arrival in Dar es Salaam is arranged with ample time to check in and prepare for the journey home.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: End of itinerary
Travel Time: Jambiani to Zanzibar Airport: Approx. 1.5 hours; Flight to Dar es Salaam: Approx. 20 minutes