12-Day Tanzania Safari & Beach Packages - Compare Tours

The Northern Tanzania circuit and Zanzibar itinerary combines world-class wildlife viewing with relaxing beaches on this 12-day  all-inclusive Tanzania Safari and Beach holiday. Enjoy the best that Tanzania has to offer, visit Tarangire National Park, well-known for its elephant families, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, home of the multitudinous flamingo, Ngorongoro Crater, a breathtakingly beautiful setting, and the best place in Tanzania to see the Big Five. After our safari, we depart for Zanzibar, where warm turquoise waters and white sands on the Indian Ocean await.

Destination: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar 

Best time: June to October: Worst time:  April and May

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For a 12-Day Tanzania Safari & Beach itinerary.  Best of Tanzania Safari packing list, Pack light in soft-sided luggage, focusing on neutral-colored, layered clothing (khaki, beige) for safari and breezy beachwear for Zanzibar. Essential items include sturdy walking shoes. A warm fleece, sunscreen, high-DEET insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with zoom, and a UK-style adapter (Type G/D). Pack for a 12-day trip using laundry services, focusing on versatility.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

You will be picked up from the airport by a Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris representative and driven to your accommodation in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you will hopefully have time to relax and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! Busy Arusha is an essential part of safari life here in northern Tanzania, and most travellers pass through at some stage. Overnight at Mount Meru hotel.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

In the morning, you will be collected from your lodgings in Arusha by our personal safari guide and set out for Tarangire National Park on a good tarmac road across gently rolling Maasai plains with scattered acacia trees. As we zip along, we pass many Maasai in their colorful dress walking on the roadside, riding bicycles, herding cattle, and driving donkey carts. Tarangire National Park, well known for its large elephant herds, is also home to a multitude of other creatures. 

From the open roof of our state-of-the-art safari jeep, we experience the seasonal swamps, savanna, and life-giving Tarangire River, endeavoring to encounter a multitude of creatures, from zebra to wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, and giraffe, to name a few. Spot glimpse lions stalking prey or leopards watching, relaxing in the trees above. You will drive to one of our carefully selected luxury partner lodges for dinner in a tasteful restaurant, a pool at hand to soothe us, and a most capacious.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, we will continue with your epic safari – Lake Manyara National Park relatively small but diverse park, 120km west of Arusha. Named for the shallow salt lake which covers a good seventy percent of the park’s surface area. Flooding and drying with the seasons, the soda lake is home to thousands of flamingos as well as over 500 other bird species. On our exploration of the park, we will see monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, elephants, and, with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. The park known for its diverse landscapes; not only open grassy plains but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab-dotted cliffs. After another memorable game drive, our adventure was replete with images of the African wilds to last a lifetime.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will continue towards the fertile highlands where wheat and corn grown by the Iraqw people along the way. We’ll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you might be lucky enough to see baboons or even leopards and elephants in the dense undergrowth. Passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will be able to see the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater before traveling onwards to the Serengeti National Park, which you will reach by midday. The Serengeti National Park is the largest in Tanzania, with diverse landscapes and habitats. Such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannahs, and mountains. After an extensive game drive, you will drive to your accommodation, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Central Serengeti Game Drive – Unending Wildlife Spectacle

Another full day of captivating game drives in the Central Serengeti provides additional opportunities to witness the intricate dynamics of the Serengeti ecosystem. Our experienced professional safari guide will continue to track wildlife movements. Taking you to different areas, perhaps focusing on various kopjes (rocky outcrops) which are favored by big cats riverine areas that attract a diverse array of species flexibility of having a full day here means a more relaxed pace and greater opportunities for unique encounters and incredible photography. Return to your chosen lodge for your final night on safari.

Mid-Range Option: 
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Serengeti National Park

This entire day set aside for game drives in the Serengeti habitat of an abundance of wildlife such as impala, buffalo, crocodile, and hippo. And more well-known for its great migrating herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest, and the animals’ trek determined by the rainfall and varies from year to year. In November and December, the animals move from the northern region, dominated by woodlands and hills, to the grassy plains of the south. During the longer rainy season from April to June, they return to the north. Apart from the migrating herds, we may have the opportunity to see the resident predators, leopards, cheetahs, and lions, fulfilling their role in the circle of life. After an unforgettable day, we will return to your stay for relaxation, dinner, and our overnight sleep on The Endless Plain.

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, you will head out for an en-route game drive through the Serengeti. You might be able to spot the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. Before embarking on your journey to Ngorongoro Crater. UNESCO World Heritage site, formed millions of years ago, is 600 m deep and covers roughly 260 square kilometers. Due to its dense animal population of approximately 25 000, the Crater offers the best game viewing of all the parks in Tanzania.

Arrive at the Crater rim before lunch. You will descend into the Crater, and very quickly, 5 -6-hour game drive. You will be able to see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and some of the more than 500 bird species in the area. With a little bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino through the grass. After lunch and a full afternoon inside the Crater. Head to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay in Karatu stay

Day 8: Day Karatu to Zanzibar

After a final breakfast amidst the sounds of the African wilderness transferred to a nearby airstrip (e.g., Arusha Airstrip). Here, you’ll board a scheduled light aircraft flight to Zanzibar (approx. 1.5-2 hours flight time). Descend, the turquoise waters and white sands of the Indian Ocean will welcome you. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport. You’ll be met and transferred to your chosen beach resort on the island. Settle in, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy a relaxing evening by the ocean. Transitioning from the wild savanna to paradise.

Mid-Range Option: Kendwa Rocks Hotel
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner

Day 9: Full day at the hotel (rest and beach time)

A full day at Sunset Kendwa in Zanzibar (Day 9) offers a perfect mix of relaxation and beach activity on one of the island’s best, tide-independent, soft white sand beaches. Enjoy swimming in warm turquoise waters, exploring with the onsite water sports center. And experiencing the famous Kendwa sunset at the beachfront bar.

Mid-Range Option: Kendwa Rocks Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: Afternoon Stone Town tour

You’ll be transferred to Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on a captivating walking tour through its labyrinthine alleys. Marveling at the intricately carved doors, bustling bazaars, and Sultan’s palaces. You’ll learn about the island’s rich history, influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures. Visit landmarks like the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the local market.

Day 11: Jozani Forest & Spice Tour – Island Delights

Today, immerse yourselves in the unique culture and natural beauty of Zanzibar. Your day begins with a visit to Jozani Forest. Protected area famous for its rare Red Colobus Monkeys, which are endemic to Zanzibar. Enjoy a guided walk through the forest, observing these playful primates up close. In the afternoon, embark on a fragrant Spice Tour. Zanzibar historically known as the “Spice Island,” and this tour will take you through local plantations where you’ll discover and taste a variety of spices, tropical fruits, and herbs. Learn about their uses in traditional medicine, cooking, and local culture. This sensory experience offers a deep insight into Zanzibar’s heritage. Return to your beach resort for relaxation and dinner.

Mid-Range Option: Kendwa Rocks Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner

Day 12: Departure day (our flight is around 12:00 PM)

Pick up at the hotel around 9:00 am, transfer you to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). For a ~12:00 PM flight. Most international flights use the newer Terminal 3. Ensure all souvenirs packed, check out of your hotel, and arrange transport to the airport in advance.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Considerations for Your Safari & Beach Holiday:

Migration Season. This itinerary focuses on the Central Serengeti, which has excellent resident game year-round. If you wish to specifically target the Great Migration’s River crossings (Mara River crossings: July-October;

Grumeti River crossings. May-July, the Serengeti portion would need to be adjusted with more nights in the Northern or Western Serengeti, respectively.

Internal Flights. This itinerary includes an internal flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar. Which is crucial for saving travel time and enhancing your experience.

Packing. Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for safari. Swimwear and beach attire for Zanzibar, sun protection, insect repellent, a good camera, and any personal medications.

Health. Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations (including Yellow Fever for Zanzibar entry. Depending on origin) and malaria prophylaxis well in advance.

Flexibility: This is a suggested itinerary. It can be customized to spend more or fewer days in each location, or to include additional activities.