10 Days Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and Transfer to Tarangire National Park

Your 10-day Tanzania adventure begins with your arrival in Arusha, where you will be welcomed by your Verdant Safaris guide and introduced to your safari programme. After a short briefing, you will depart for Tarangire National Park, one of northern Tanzania’s most scenic wildlife destinations. The park is famous for its enormous baobab trees, seasonal wetlands and the large herds of elephants that gather around the Tarangire River. During your first game drive, you may encounter zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs and a variety of bird species. You will have opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints and observe wildlife in its natural surroundings while your guide explains the behaviour and ecology of the animals. After your game drive, you will proceed to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening in the Tanzanian wilderness.

Accommodation Options: Tarangire Simba Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Full-Day Tarangire National Park Safari

After breakfast, you will set out for a full day of wildlife exploration in Tarangire National Park. The morning is an excellent time for game viewing, as many animals are active before the heat of the afternoon. You will drive through different sections of the park in search of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes and numerous antelope species. Tarangire is also renowned for its remarkable birdlife, with colourful species frequently seen around the river, woodland and grassland habitats. You will enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location before continuing your afternoon game drive through the park. As the day comes to an end, you will return to your lodge for dinner and an opportunity to relax while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding wilderness.

Accommodation Options: Tarangire Simba Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara and Karatu

You will enjoy breakfast before departing Tarangire and travelling towards Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful destination situated beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is known for its varied ecosystems, including groundwater forests, open grasslands, woodland and the alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. During your game drive, you may see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons and numerous bird species. Lake Manyara is also associated with tree-climbing lions, and your guide will carefully search the woodland areas for these impressive predators. After exploring the park, you will continue towards the Karatu area, where you can relax at your lodge and enjoy the beautiful highland surroundings. Your evening will be peaceful, giving you time to prepare for the exciting Ngorongoro and Serengeti experiences ahead.

Accommodation Options: Ngorongoro Farm House, Karatu Tented Lodge, Marera Valley Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration and Transfer to Serengeti

After an early breakfast, you will travel towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable game drive. The crater is a vast natural amphitheatre containing grasslands, wetlands, woodland and a permanent water supply, creating an exceptional habitat for wildlife. You may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas and various antelope species during your exploration. The crater is also one of the places where you have a good chance of spotting the endangered black rhinoceros. After enjoying a picnic lunch in the crater, you will ascend and continue towards the Serengeti National Park. The journey itself provides beautiful views of the Tanzanian landscape, and you may begin spotting wildlife as you approach the Serengeti plains. You will arrive at your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the atmosphere of one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations.

Accommodation Options: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp, Serengeti Simba Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti National Park Safari

Today is dedicated to discovering the extraordinary wildlife of Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, you will head out with your guide for a full-day game drive across the vast plains, woodland and riverine areas of the park. Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, during which huge numbers of wildebeest, zebras and other grazing animals move across the ecosystem in search of fresh pasture and water. Depending on the season and location of the herds, you may witness large concentrations of animals as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. You will enjoy a picnic lunch during the safari before continuing your exploration into the afternoon. Your guide will select routes based on recent wildlife sightings and seasonal conditions, maximising your opportunities for memorable encounters and photography. You will return to camp or lodge in the evening for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Accommodation Options: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp, Serengeti Simba Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Serengeti Morning Game Drive and Return to Karatu

You will begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, when cooler temperatures often encourage wildlife activity. This is a particularly rewarding time to search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, elephants and large herds of grazing animals. The early morning light also creates excellent conditions for photography as the sun rises across the expansive Serengeti plains. After the game drive, you will return to your accommodation for breakfast before beginning your journey out of the Serengeti. You will travel towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoying scenic views and possible wildlife sightings along the way. Depending on the route and timing, your guide may make selected stops at interesting viewpoints or cultural locations. You will arrive in the Karatu area in the evening, where you can relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for your onward journey towards Zanzibar.

Accommodation Options: Ngorongoro Farm House, Karatu Tented Lodge, Marera Valley Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Karatu to Arusha and Flight to Zanzibar

After breakfast, you will leave the Karatu area and travel towards Arusha, enjoying views of the changing landscapes along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to enjoy lunch in Arusha and briefly explore the city or visit a local market. You will then transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar, marking the transition from your wildlife safari to a relaxing Indian Ocean island experience. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be welcomed and transferred to your chosen accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool, walking along the beach or simply enjoying the tropical surroundings. The evening provides an opportunity to enjoy Zanzibar’s warm coastal atmosphere and fresh cuisine. You will have dinner and settle into your accommodation for your first night on the island.

Accommodation Options: Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Meliá Zanzibar, Nungwi Dreams by Mantis

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Stone Town Cultural Tour and Zanzibar Spice Experience

Today you will discover the cultural and historical character of Zanzibar with a guided excursion through Stone Town. You will explore the narrow streets and historic buildings while learning about the island’s Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences. Highlights may include the old marketplace, historic waterfront areas, traditional architecture and important cultural landmarks. You will also have the opportunity to visit a spice farm, where you can learn about cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom and other tropical spices that have played an important role in Zanzibar’s history. The experience allows you to see, smell and learn about the plants that have made the island famous as the Spice Island. After the excursion, you will return to your beach accommodation for relaxation, swimming or a peaceful walk along the shoreline. Your evening is free to enjoy the coastal atmosphere before dinner.

Accommodation Options: Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Meliá Zanzibar, Nungwi Dreams by Mantis

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Zanzibar Beach Leisure and Optional Ocean Activities

Your penultimate day is reserved for enjoying the beautiful beaches and warm waters of Zanzibar. After breakfast, you can relax on the white sandy beach, swim in the Indian Ocean or spend time at your resort enjoying its facilities. You may also choose an optional marine excursion, such as a boat trip, snorkelling experience or a visit to a nearby reef, depending on weather and sea conditions. If you prefer a quieter day, you can simply enjoy the tropical surroundings and take time to unwind after your safari adventure. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch and perhaps sample some of Zanzibar’s fresh seafood and Swahili-inspired cuisine. The afternoon can be spent watching the waves, taking photographs or enjoying the sunset along the coast. In the evening, you will have your final dinner in Zanzibar and prepare for departure the following day.

Accommodation Options: Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Meliá Zanzibar, Nungwi Dreams by Mantis

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, you will have some final time to enjoy your accommodation and the beautiful surroundings of Zanzibar, depending on your flight departure time. You may take a final walk along the beach, enjoy a relaxed morning at the resort or purchase a few souvenirs to remember your Tanzania holiday. Your guide will arrange your transfer to Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in good time for your scheduled flight. As you leave the island, you will have completed an exciting journey combining northern Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife with Zanzibar’s beaches, history and culture. Your safari memories will include the elephants of Tarangire, the landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater, the wildlife of the Serengeti and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar. Verdant Safaris will ensure that your airport transfer is organised smoothly and according to your flight schedule. Your 10-day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar holiday ends at the airport, with onward travel arrangements made according to your booking.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 10 Days Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar