12-Day Tanzania Safari & Beach Vacation
From the Wild Heart of Tanzania to the Tropical Shores of Zanzibar
Experience the perfect combination of wildlife adventure and tropical relaxation on this 12-day Tanzania safari and beach vacation.
This carefully designed journey takes you through some of Northern Tanzania’s most remarkable destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, before flying to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach escape.
The safari portion offers opportunities to experience Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, while the Zanzibar extension provides time to explore Stone Town, discover the island’s spice heritage and unwind along the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline.
Designed for travelers who want both adventure and relaxation, this itinerary gives you enough time to experience Tanzania’s wildlife without making the trip feel rushed, followed by several days of peaceful island life.
Safari & Beach Highlights
- Explore Tarangire National Park
- Discover the diverse landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park
- Experience multiple game drives in the legendary Serengeti
- Spend several nights in the Serengeti for a deeper wildlife experience
- Visit the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater
- Look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife
- Experience authentic Tanzanian culture
- Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar
- Explore historic Stone Town
- Discover Zanzibar's famous spice heritage
- Relax on tropical beaches
- Enjoy free time for swimming, leisure and optional ocean activities
- Combine a classic Tanzania safari with a tropical beach holiday
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Destination | Main Experience |
|---|
| Day 1 | Arusha | Arrival & safari briefing |
| Day 2 | Tarangire → Karatu | Tarangire safari |
| Day 3 | Lake Manyara → Karatu | Lake Manyara safari |
| Day 4 | Karatu → Serengeti | Transfer & game drive |
| Day 5 | Serengeti | Full-day wildlife safari |
| Day 6 | Serengeti | Full-day wildlife safari |
| Day 7 | Serengeti → Karatu | Game drive & transfer |
| Day 8 | Ngorongoro → Arusha | Crater safari & return |
| Day 9 | Arusha → Zanzibar | Flight & beach relaxation |
| Day 10 | Zanzibar | Stone Town & Spice Experience |
| Day 11 | Zanzibar | Beach & ocean experience |
| Day 12 | Zanzibar | Departure |
Welcome to Tanzania.
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be welcomed by a representative from Nabaki Safaris and transferred to your accommodation.
Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is free for relaxation. You will also receive a safari briefing covering your itinerary, accommodation, game drives and practical information for the journey ahead.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, begin your Tanzania safari with a drive toward Tarangire National Park.
The park is famous for its large elephant herds, impressive baobab trees and varied landscapes. During your game drive, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, antelopes and a variety of bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or lunch during the safari before continuing toward Karatu in the afternoon.
Overnight: Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day wildlife experience.
The park features a fascinating mixture of forest, woodland, open plains and wetland habitats. These different environments support a variety of wildlife and bird species.
Keep watch for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, hippos and other animals as your guide explores the park.
After the game drive, return to Karatu for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you travel toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park.
The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro highlands before the landscape gradually opens into the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Enter the park and begin your first game drive while making your way toward your accommodation. Depending on the season, you may encounter a wide variety of wildlife along the route.
Overnight: Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up in the heart of the Serengeti.
Today is dedicated to a full-day game drive across the park. Your guide will select the best areas to explore based on wildlife movements, recent sightings and seasonal conditions.
The Serengeti provides opportunities to encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebra as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area before continuing your afternoon safari.
Overnight: Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue exploring the Serengeti with another full day of wildlife viewing.
Having additional time in the park allows you to explore different habitats and search for a wider variety of wildlife.
Your guide can also tailor the day according to your interests, whether you are particularly interested in predators, elephants, photography, birds or the landscapes of the Serengeti.
Overnight: Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before beginning your journey toward the Ngorongoro area.
The morning provides another opportunity to observe wildlife before leaving the park.
Continue to Karatu and check into your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the following day's Ngorongoro Crater experience.
Overnight: Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.
Descend into the crater and explore its diverse habitats, where you may encounter lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and numerous other species.
The dramatic crater walls and surrounding landscapes provide an exceptional setting for wildlife viewing and photography.
After the crater experience, continue toward Arusha for your final evening on the mainland.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your beach accommodation.
After the excitement of your safari, the rest of the day is intentionally relaxed. Enjoy the tropical atmosphere, ocean views and peaceful surroundings.
Overnight: Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today discover the cultural side of Zanzibar.
Begin with a guided exploration of Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar. Wander through its atmospheric streets and learn about the island's history, architecture and diverse cultural influences.
Continue with a spice experience where you can discover some of Zanzibar's famous spices and tropical crops.
Return to your accommodation after the day's activities and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Today is dedicated to relaxation.
Enjoy Zanzibar's beautiful coastline, spend time on the beach, swim in suitable areas or simply relax at your accommodation.
Travelers looking for more adventure can choose from optional ocean and island activities depending on location, weather and availability.
Overnight: Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy your final breakfast in Zanzibar.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your onward journey.
Your 12-day Tanzania safari and beach vacation comes to an end, leaving you with memories of Tanzania's wildlife, spectacular landscapes, cultural experiences and tropical beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included & excludes
What's Included
- Airport transfers as specified
- Accommodation throughout the itinerary
- Meals as indicated
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- National park entrance fees
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees
- Game drives as described
- Drinking water during safari
- Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport transfers
- Stone Town guided experience
- Spice experience
- Government taxes and applicable tourism fees
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Laundry services
- Souvenirs and shopping
- Optional activities
- Additional accommodation outside the itinerary
- Any service not specifically mentioned under "What's Included"
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS
The itinerary can be arranged as a private safari, giving you greater flexibility over your daily schedule, game drives and photography stops. Shared options may also be available depending on your preference.
The mainland safari portion runs from Day 1 to Day 8, followed by the Zanzibar beach vacation from Day 9 to Day 12.
You spend three nights in the Serengeti, allowing enough time for multiple game drives and exploration of different areas.
Migration activity depends on the time of year and the location of the herds. If your travel dates coincide with migration activity in the Serengeti, your guide can adjust the safari route according to current conditions. Specific sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. The package includes the Zanzibar portion, including the flight from Arusha, airport transfers, Stone Town and spice experiences, plus beach relaxation.
Yes. Additional nights in Zanzibar can be added if you want a longer beach vacation.
Yes. The package can be arranged with budget, midrange or luxury accommodation throughout the safari and Zanzibar stay.
Yes. The combination of wildlife, scenic landscapes and several days of beach relaxation makes it suitable for couples, families, friends and first-time visitors to Tanzania.
This 12-day Tanzania safari and beach vacation gives you the opportunity to experience two completely different sides of Tanzania in one carefully planned journey.
The safari takes you through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, offering a strong combination of wildlife, landscapes and game drives. Zanzibar then provides the perfect transition from adventure to relaxation, with opportunities to explore Stone Town, discover the island's spice heritage and enjoy the Indian Ocean coastline.
It is an ideal itinerary for travelers who don't want to choose between an African safari and a tropical beach holiday.
Wildlife. Culture. Adventure. Beach. One complete Tanzania vacation.
