11-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
This 11-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday is designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of Tanzania in one unforgettable journey. The adventure combines some of the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations with the tropical beauty, rich culture, and relaxing beaches of Zanzibar.
The journey begins in northern Tanzania, where you will explore the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of Tarangire National Park, continue into the world-famous Serengeti National Park, and discover the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, you will have opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and many other species while enjoying game drives through some of Africa’s most spectacular scenery.
After your safari adventure, the journey continues to Zanzibar, where the pace changes from exciting game drives to warm Indian Ocean beaches, fascinating history and island experiences. You will explore the historic streets of Stone Town, experience the island’s cultural heritage, and have time to relax on the beautiful tropical beaches.
With carefully selected accommodations, experienced safari guides and a well-planned itinerary, this 11-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip offers an ideal balance between wildlife adventure, cultural discovery and beach relaxation
Safari Highlights
- Explore the elephant-rich Tarangire National Park
- Experience spectacular wildlife viewing in the Serengeti
- Discover the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater
- Enjoy multiple game drives across Tanzania's northern safari circuit
- Search for the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife
- Experience the changing landscapes of northern Tanzania
- Fly from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar
- Explore historic Stone Town
- Discover Zanzibar's Swahili and spice heritage
- Relax on the island's beautiful tropical beaches
- Enjoy a balanced combination of safari adventure and beach holiday
- Travel with an experienced local safari guide
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Destination | Main Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arusha | Arrival & safari briefing | Arusha |
| Day 2 | Tarangire | Full-day game drive | Karatu |
| Day 3 | Lake Manyara / Karatu | Wildlife & cultural experience | Karatu |
| Day 4 | Serengeti | Transfer & game drive | Serengeti |
| Day 5 | Serengeti | Full-day game drive | Serengeti |
| Day 6 | Serengeti | Full-day game drive | Serengeti |
| Day 7 | Ngorongoro | Crater tour | Karatu |
| Day 8 | Arusha → Zanzibar | Flight to Zanzibar | Zanzibar |
| Day 9 | Zanzibar | Stone Town & Spice Experience | Zanzibar |
| Day 10 | Zanzibar | Beach & Ocean Experience | Zanzibar |
| Day 11 | Zanzibar | Departure | — |
Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be met by a representative from Nabaki Safaris and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to relax at the hotel or explore some of Arusha's surroundings.
Later, your safari guide will meet you for a safari briefing. You will receive information about the journey ahead, including the destinations you will visit, wildlife expectations, safety guidelines and the daily safari schedule.
Arusha is the perfect starting point for a northern Tanzania safari, located close to some of the country's most famous national parks.
Accommodation: Arusha hotel/lodge
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After breakfast, depart from Arusha and drive towards Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant population, ancient baobab trees and seasonal wildlife concentrations.
Once inside the park, you will begin your game drive through a landscape of open grasslands, woodland and the Tarangire River ecosystem. During the dry season, the river becomes an important source of water, attracting large numbers of animals from surrounding areas.
You may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impala, warthogs and numerous bird species. Lions and other predators may also be spotted.
After your game drive, continue towards Karatu for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue your journey with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park.
The park is known for its beautiful scenery, groundwater forests, large numbers of birds and diverse wildlife. Depending on the season and current park conditions, you may see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons and other wildlife.
The park also provides a completely different landscape from Tarangire, allowing you to experience the ecological diversity of northern Tanzania.
After the game drive, continue to your accommodation in the Karatu area, located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, depart for the legendary Serengeti National Park.
The journey itself is part of the adventure as the landscape gradually changes from the highlands around Ngorongoro into the vast plains of the Serengeti.
Upon entering Serengeti National Park, you will begin your game drive while heading towards your accommodation. The Serengeti is famous for its vast grasslands, abundant wildlife and the annual wildebeest migration.
Keep your eyes open for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and many other species.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the afternoon and enjoy dinner surrounded by the atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Serengeti lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti.
After an early breakfast, head out with your safari guide for a full-day game drive. The Serengeti offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in Tanzania, and your guide will use their local knowledge to identify areas where animals are likely to be found.
You may encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebra, elephants moving across the plains, giraffes browsing among trees and predators such as lions and cheetahs.
Depending on the season and location of wildlife, your safari route will be adapted to maximize your opportunities for sightings.
Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Serengeti lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy another full day in the Serengeti, giving you more time to explore different areas of the park.
Rather than rushing between destinations, this additional day allows you to experience the Serengeti at a more relaxed pace. Your guide will select the best areas to explore based on wildlife movements, seasonal conditions and your interests.
The day may include sightings of large herbivore herds, predators, birds and other wildlife. You will also have opportunities to appreciate the spectacular scenery and endless horizons that make the Serengeti one of Africa's most iconic landscapes.
Return to your accommodation in the evening.
Accommodation: Serengeti lodge/tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, leave the Serengeti and travel towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Today you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular crater game drive. The crater is a vast natural amphitheater containing grasslands, forests, wetlands and a permanent water supply that supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife.
During your crater tour, you may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos and other species.
After the crater experience, ascend from the crater and continue to your lodge in Karatu for your final night on the mainland safari.
Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, begin your journey back towards Arusha for your flight to Zanzibar.
Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The atmosphere changes dramatically as you leave the African savannah behind and arrive on the tropical island surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your hotel or enjoying the beach, depending on your arrival time.
Accommodation: Zanzibar beach hotel/resort
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, explore Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar.
Walk through the narrow streets and discover the island's unique blend of African, Arab, Indian and European influences. Your guide will introduce you to important historical landmarks, traditional architecture, local markets and the cultural heritage of Zanzibar.
Later, continue with a spice experience where you can learn about some of the crops that have made Zanzibar famous, including cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and other tropical spices.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Zanzibar beach hotel/resort
Meals: Breakfast
Today is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying Zanzibar's tropical environment.
Spend the day at the beach, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, relax at your resort or choose from optional activities such as snorkeling, a boat excursion or other water-based experiences, depending on the location and conditions.
This is your opportunity to slow down after several days of safari and simply enjoy the island atmosphere.
Accommodation: Zanzibar beach hotel/resort
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Zanzibar.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for shopping, relaxing at the hotel or enjoying one last walk along the beach.
At the appropriate time, your Nabaki Safaris representative will transfer you to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your 11-day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included & excluded
What's Included
- Airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Private safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- All national park and conservation area entry fees
- Game drives as outlined in the itinerary
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Ngorongoro Crater conservation and crater service fees
- Domestic flight from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar, according to the selected package
- Zanzibar airport transfers
- Stone Town guided tour
- Spice experience
- Government taxes and applicable tourism fees
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips for safari guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Laundry services
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional accommodation before or after the tour
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Any services not specifically mentioned under "What's Included"
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS
Yes. The itinerary combines Tanzania's major safari destinations with Zanzibar, making it a good introduction to the country's wildlife, landscapes, culture and beaches.
Depending on the season and location, you may see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes and many bird species. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because animals move freely in their natural environment.
The itinerary visits areas where the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros—can be found. However, wildlife is wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. This itinerary combines the northern Tanzania safari circuit with a Zanzibar beach and cultural experience.
Yes. Nabaki Safaris can adjust the accommodation category, safari duration, Zanzibar activities, destinations and travel arrangements according to your preferences.
Accommodation can range from comfortable budget lodges and camps to mid-range and luxury safari lodges and Zanzibar resorts.
This itinerary can be arranged as a private safari, allowing you to travel with your own group and guide. Shared options can also be discussed depending on availability.
Tanzania can be visited throughout the year, but the best period depends on your priorities, especially wildlife viewing, the wildebeest migration and Zanzibar beach conditions
The itinerary can include a domestic flight from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar, providing a convenient transition from the safari to the island.
Absolutely. Additional nights can be added if you want more time for beach relaxation, diving, snorkeling, cultural tours or other island experiences.
Nabaki Safaris can provide a locally operated Tanzania experience supported by knowledgeable guides, carefully planned routes and accommodation selected around your travel style and expectations.
