Highlights
Discover Tanzania’s wildlife, culture and Zanzibar beaches through one journey
- Explore Tarangire’s elephant-rich landscapes and ancient baobabs
- Experience walking safari adventures before afternoon game viewing and sunset sundowners in Tarangire
- Discover Ngorongoro Crater wildlife amid spectacular highland scenery and landscapes
- Follow Central Serengeti wildlife en route before enjoying full-day game drives across endless plains
- Fly directly from Serengeti to Zanzibar for relaxing beach days
- Enjoy optional island experiences together
Combine Tanzania’s iconic wildlife, scenic landscapes and unforgettable Zanzibar beaches in one relaxed twelve-day safari and holiday.
12 Days Tanzania Safari And Beach Holiday
Enjoy twelve memorable days that combine northern Tanzania wildlife adventures with peaceful Zanzibar beach relaxation and island experiences.
From early morning game drives to slow afternoons beside the Indian Ocean, this twelve-day itinerary brings together Tanzania’s wildlife and Zanzibar’s coastal charm. Explore Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, experience local culture and scenic landscapes, then head to Zanzibar for beach time, island adventures and relaxed days before your journey comes to an end.
Day 1
Arrive In Tanzania – Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer To Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and greet by our professional safari driver guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
Distance: 55 km Estimated Driving Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour
We recommend an arrival flight in the morning or afternoon to allow ample time for rest and acclimatization before the safari begins.
Overnight: Arusha Meal Plan: Dinner & Breakfast
Tumbili Lodge / Similar
Day 2
Arusha – Tarangire NP
Depart Arusha in the morning and drive through the picturesque Maasai plains towards Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. Upon arrival and after entry formalities, enter the park for an immersive game drive through vast savannahs dotted with iconic ancient baobab trees.
Distance: Approximately 120 km Driving Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
Enjoy a leisurely safari pace, with ample time to appreciate the sweeping landscapes, memorable wildlife encounters, and exceptional photographic moments before continuing to your selected accommodation for relaxation.
Overnight: Tarangire National Park Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Conserve Tarangire Camp / Similar
Day 3
Tarangire National Park
After a morning coffee, set out for a nature walking safari in Tarangire, a wonderful way to experience the park’s natural environment from a different perspective and discover the smaller details of the landscape up close.
After the walk, return to camp for a relaxed and hearty breakfast, followed by some time to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy lunch at the camp and spend the afternoon at leisure. As the temperatures cool towards sunset, head out again for an afternoon game drive and sundowner experience, taking in the beautiful scenery and keeping an eye out for wildlife becoming more active in the cooler hours.
Return to camp in the evening for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Conserve Tarangire Camp / Similar
Day 4
Tarangire – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart from Tarangire and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, complete the entry formalities before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive.
The crater floor offers an exceptional wildlife experience, with its open grasslands, forests, and lakes providing a beautiful setting for spotting a variety of wildlife.
Later, ascend the crater and continue to your accommodation, beautifully situated on the crater rim with spectacular views overlooking the crater. Enjoy the evening at leisure, followed by dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Similar
Day 5
Ngorongoro – Serengeti National Park – Central
After breakfast, depart from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and journey towards the legendary Serengeti National Park, enjoying an en-route game drive as you make your way into the park.
Upon entering Serengeti, continue with a game drive through the vast plains, keeping an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this remarkable ecosystem home.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot along the way before continuing your afternoon game drive. Later, make your way to your camp and settle in for the evening.
Enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay surrounded by the natural atmosphere of the Serengeti.
Overnight: Central Serengeti Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enkirari wilderness camp / Similar
Day 6
Serengeti National Park - Full Day Exploration
Morning in Serengeti is an experience worth cherishing. Wake up surrounded by enchanting sounds and the smell of the wilderness, while taking in a magnificent, breathtaking sunrise over the endless plains of Serengeti.
Optional Activity: Usually at 5:00 AM, transfer to the balloon launch site for a hot air balloon experience, followed by a bush champagne breakfast.
Game Drive Distance: Variable, approximately 100 – 120 km Estimated Game Drive Time: 6 – 10 hours total
Break for lunch at your accommodation and later have further Explorations into the Serengeti, Immersing Yourself in the Heart of the wilderness.
Enkirari Wilderness Camp / Similar
Day 7
Serengeti – Fly – Zanzibar Island
Enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti National Park before continuing towards Seronera Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar Island.
Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your selected beach resort.
Zanzibar Airport – Beach Resort
Distance: Approximately 45 – 65 km Driving Time: Approximately 1 – 1.5 hours
Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful white sandy beaches and the tranquil atmosphere of Zanzibar.
Meal Plan: All Inclusive
TUI Blue Bahari Beach Zanzibar / Similar - AI
Day 8 - 11
Zanzibar Island – Beach Relaxation
Spend three more days at leisure on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. These days are reserved for relaxation and enjoyment of the island’s tropical setting.
Optional excursions such as Stone Town tours, spice farm visits, snorkelling, dhow cruises, or other cultural and marine activities can be arranged on the ground.
Overnight: Zanzibar Beach Meal Plan: All Inclusive
TUI TUI Blue Bahari Beach Zanzibar in Junior Suite Sea view / Similar - AI
Day 12
Zanzibar Beach – Zanzibar Airport - Departure
Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred from your beach resort to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight back home or onward destination.
Distance: Approximately 45 – 65 km Estimated Driving Time: 1 – 1.5 hours Meal Plan: Breakfast
Zanzibar Airport
Includes
- Airport Transfers
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing.
- Services of a professional safari driver-guide.
- Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Unlimited mineral water, coffee, and selected soft drinks during safari game drives.
- Tarangire National Park entrance
- Serengeti National Park entrance and conservation fees.
- Ngorongoro Crater tour and crater service fees.
- Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the safari vehicle.
- All applicable government taxes and VAT.
- One-way flight from Arusha to Zanzibar Island
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers
- Honeymooners Treats
Excludes
- International flights.
- Tanzania entry visa (US$50 per person, where applicable).
- Optional activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel, medical, and baggage insurance.
- Tips and gratuities for the safari guide, hotel staff, and porters.
- Laundry services.
- Telephone calls and other personal communication charges.
- Beverages not included in the meal plan (unless otherwise specified).
- Any items of a personal nature or expenses.
Continue from Tanzania’s northern safari circuit to Zanzibar, combining wildlife-filled days with peaceful beaches and memorable island experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Your 12 Days Tanzania Safari And Beach Holiday
Find practical answers about wildlife, destinations, flights, Zanzibar activities, accommodation and planning your twelve-day Tanzania safari and beach holiday.
The itinerary includes Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Central Serengeti and Zanzibar, combining wildlife adventures with several days of beach relaxation.
The mainland safari runs from Day 1 through Day 6, with the flight to Zanzibar taking place on Day 7.
Yes, the itinerary can be adjusted around your preferred accommodation, travel dates, safari activities, Zanzibar experiences and overall travel pace.
Yes, optional experiences can include Stone Town tours, spice farm visits, snorkelling, dhow cruises and other cultural or marine activities.
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Hear From Our Travellers
Hear from travellers who discovered Tanzania with Lifetime Safaris
and shared their experiences
Good guide is very important
High recommend Danford and Lifetime Safaris! Danford is a skilled attentive driver with deep Safari knowledge and great instincts.
Paulo P
Love Lifetime Safaris
Great safari with our guide Humphrey! Safari roads are crazy and we felt safe, comfortable and well supported the whole time.
Kerri P
An unforgettable safari experience
An unforgettable experience indeed! We travelled with our friends and it’s a total six of us. Our guide Danford was excellent.
Stephen M
Trip of a lifetime with guide James
We have just recently returned from Tanzania, an absolute trip of a lifetime made even more special because of our guide James.
Cindy
Wonderful adventure in Tanzania
Wonderful adventure in Tanzania visiting local villages and markets, Materuni waterfalls, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro parks.
Oscar
Unforgettable Safari Experience
We had an incredible experience on our safari, and a huge part of that was thanks to our amazing guide James "Bond".
stephen k
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