12 Days Safari Trip Tanzania & Zanzibar
A 12-day Tanzania safari lets you experience everything from wildlife-filled plains to beautiful palm-lined beaches. You’ll spend six days exploring the famous northern safari circuit (Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater), then fly to Zanzibar for six more days of historic streets, Indian Ocean views, and a relaxed island pace. This trip gives you a well-rounded introduction to Tanzania, combining game drives and wildlife with culture, relaxation, and time by the sea.
The itinerary below is meant as a starting point, not a set package. Routes, park choices, flight times, and wildlife sightings can change with the seasons, you can adjust your plans.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the Northern Circuit safari, visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
- Start your day with a walking safari and a vehicle game drive in Tarangire.
- Spend a full day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater floor, where you have a great chance of spotting black rhinos.
- Take a short scheduled flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar to skip the long road transfer to Arusha.
- Relax on Zanzibar’s beaches for six nights to finish your trip.
- You can also choose from local activities like a Spice Tour, a walking tour of Stone Town, a boat trip to Prison Island, or a dolphin tour.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 2: Explore Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the Crater
Day 4: Discover the central and western or eastern Serengeti National Park
Day 5: Head to the Northern Serengeti for the Great Migration, with a chance to witness the famous Mara River crossing
Day 6: Continue exploring the Northern Serengeti and the Great Migration, with another opportunity to see the Mara River crossing
Day 7: Take a flight to Zanzibar, which is included in your package
Day 8: Enjoy your time in Zanzibar
Day 9: Relax and explore more of Zanzibar
Day 10: Continue to unwind in Zanzibar
Day 11-12: Depart for your international flight home from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Tanzania Safari Trip Price
- Solo traveler: $ 7,650
- 2 people: $ 5,100 per person
- 3 people: $ 4,550 per person
- 4 - 5 people: $ 4,450 per person
Included Safari Trip Tanzania
- Park Entrance fees
- All activities as mentioned on the Itinerary
- Full board accommodation
- All transportation
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Service of the English Speaking Driver Guide
- Drinks
Excludes
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips - Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Day-by-Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Days 1–6: A Northern Tanzania Safari
Tanzania has several excellent safari regions, but the northern circuit is especially popular because its parks offer contrasting landscapes and relatively straightforward connections. A six-day itinerary includes three major destinations: Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Serengeti.
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
Most northern circuit trips begin at Kilimanjaro International Airport, between Arusha and Moshi. After arrival, transfer to your accommodation in Arusha or the surrounding area. Depending on your arrival time, use the day to rest, meet your guide, and review the route.
Arusha is a good place to organize your safari plans. You can also use this time to adjust to the local time zone and make sure you have sun protection, insect repellent, and any needed medication before you head into the parks, where shops are hard to find.
Day 2: Explore Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, head from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, famous for its unique scenery and wildlife. You’ll see huge baobab trees, open woodlands, and often large elephant herds. The Tarangire River is especially important during the dry season, drawing many animals to its banks. You might also spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelope, and many kinds of birds. Predators such as lions, hyenas, and leopards can also be seen along the riverbanks, following the herds
There is no guarantee you’ll see certain animals on a game drive, since sightings depend on the season, recent rainfall, and animal movements. Still, Tarangire’s distinctive scenery and elephant populations make it a rewarding start to a safari.
You can stay inside the park or at a nearby lodge or camp. Staying close to the park means less driving and a more relaxed start the next day.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Leave Tarangire and head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Ngorongoro Crater, beautiful highlands, and vibrant local communities. The crater is the world’s largest volcanic crater, with grasslands, forests, wetlands, and a soda lake. These different habitats are home to many kinds of wildlife. On a game drive, you can encounter lions, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, and many grazing animals. The endangered black rhinoceros is present, but sightings are uncommon and should not be expected.
Some trips offer afternoon visits to a Maasai community or cultural activities with local hosts. Wilds of Africa selects respectful, community-led experiences that clearly show what is included and how they support local people. Ngorongoro is more than just a wildlife reserve; it is a place where people and nature live side by side.
You can spend the night on the crater rim or in the nearby highlands, depending on your budget and travel plans.
Day 4: Safari Trip Tanzania - Serengeti National Park
After an early breakfast, your safari continues as you travel to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Seeing the Serengeti for the first time is an unforgettable experience. As you go further into the park, you will see why its name means “endless plains” in the local language. The grasslands stretch as far as you can see, covering about 6,900 square miles (18,000 square kilometers). This area is home to the Great Migration, with around 1.5 million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and many antelope species. The park also has many predators, including over 4,000 lions, more than 200 cheetahs, 1,000 leopards, 3,500 hyenas, and hundreds of wild dogs. With so many animals, the Serengeti is one of the best places in the world to watch large predators.
Day 5-6: Northern Serengeti & the Great Migration
Travel north across the open savannah to Kogatende, a key part of the Northern Serengeti. Between July and October, migrating wildebeest and zebras may gather here before attempting to cross the Mara River. The timing is hard to predict, and a crossing is never guaranteed, so you may see the herds grazing or moving along the riverbanks instead.
When a crossing begins, the animals call out and crowd toward the water. They must push through the river, where strong currents and crocodiles make the passage dangerous. The crossing can be brief, or the herds may wait before trying again. Nearby, lions and other big cats may watch for an opportunity to hunt. Seeing this powerful wildlife movement in person is unforgettable, whether the herds are crossing or gathering along the banks.
Day 7: Flight to Zanzibar (this is already included in your price)
Today, you’ll fly to Zanzibar, known as the Spice Island. When you arrive, our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Over the next few days, you can explore white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and colorful coral reefs. For culture, visit Stone Town to learn about its rich history. Food lovers can tour the spice plantations and try the many flavors of local cuisine. Get ready for a tropical paradise!
Day 8 - 10: Zanzibar
Welcome to Zanzibar, a tropical Indian Ocean island with clear blue water and long stretches of white sand. Palm trees grow along the shore, and the warm sea is perfect for swimming. Relax on the beach with a fresh coconut drink or take a slow walk by the water. When you get hungry, try local Zanzibari dishes like pilau rice or fresh seafood cooked with coconut and spices.
There’s plenty to do besides relaxing on the beach. You can join the Safari Blue Cruise for a day on the water, with chances to swim and enjoy the coast. If you want something different, take a guided tour of Stone Town. Its narrow streets, busy markets, and carved wooden doors let you see more of the island’s history and daily life. With three days in Zanzibar, you can enjoy both quiet time on the beach and the island’s culture.
Day 11 - 12: Fly home from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
It’s your last day! If you have time before your flight, you can relax on the beach or explore more of the island. When you’re ready, head to Zanzibar International Airport for your journey home. If you’re not ready to leave, you can always extend your holiday and visit another beautiful island like Mnemba, Pemba, or Mafia.
The best time to take this trip
From June to October, the mainland is in its dry season, making it the best time to view game and see large elephant herds in Tarangire. This period also matches Zanzibar’s sunniest and driest weather. In January and February, the southern Serengeti is in calving season, so you’ll see many predators, and Zanzibar still has good weather. April and May bring the long rains, which means lower prices but wetter conditions, possible travel disruptions on the mainland, and more showers in Zanzibar.
Essential Packlist for Africa Safari
When preparing for an African safari having the right gear is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
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- Lightweight breathable clothing: These can protect you from the sun and insects such as long-sleeved shirts and sturdy pants.
- A pair of binoculars: To spot wildlife from a distance
- A reliable camera: To capture unforgettable moments.
- Sunscreen insect repellent
- A reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated and protected.
By organizing these essential items you can ensure that your safari adventure is both safe and memorable.