Overview
This journey offers a rich blend of Tanzania’s most treasured experiences. From the shimmering plains of the Serengeti to the deep, wildlife-rich basin of the Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll encounter iconic animals in their natural habitat. Selous Game Reserve offers a more remote and untamed side of the country, with walking safaris and boat rides that bring you closer to the rhythms of the wild. After these rewarding days on safari, the journey continues to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar. Here, the white sand beaches provide a tranquil setting for rest and renewal, while the cultural heart of Stone Town reveals centuries of Swahili-Arab influence. This privately guided safari is designed for those who want both immersive wildlife experiences and the relaxation of a tropical island retreat.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. The day is for rest and settling in before the adventure begins. In the evening, your safari manager will meet with you for a detailed briefing.
Overnight: Mount Meru Game Lodge, Arusha
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Set beneath the cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a variety of habitats and an impressive range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, hippos, and the elusive tree-climbing lions.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
This morning you travel across the Ngorongoro highlands toward the Serengeti, stopping at Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakey family uncovered early hominid fossils. After a picnic lunch, continue to the vast plains of the Serengeti and enjoy a game drive on your way to camp.
Overnight: Sopa Lodge (Central Serengeti) or Mapito Tented Camp (Ikoma, Northern Serengeti)
Spend a full day exploring Serengeti National Park. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration or see predators stalking prey on the open savannah. The park is known for its concentration of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, and over 500 bird species.
Overnight: Sopa Lodge or Mapito Tented Camp
After breakfast, head toward Ngorongoro Crater. On arrival, descend into the caldera for a game drive in what is often referred to as Africa’s Eden. The crater is a haven for wildlife year-round, and sightings may include black rhino, lions, flamingos, and herds of zebra and wildebeest.
Overnight: Sopa Lodge (Ngorongoro) or Farmhouse/Plantation Lodge in Karatu
Choose between a visit to a Maasai village or a guided walk along the crater rim, home to buffalo, monkeys, and numerous bird species. Later, drive back to Arusha with time for some light sightseeing or local shopping.
Overnight: Mount Meru Game Lodge, Arusha
This morning, fly to Selous Game Reserve via Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge nestled on the Beho Beho Hills. The afternoon is yours to relax, unwind, and enjoy the wild scenery from the comfort of the lodge.
Overnight: Sable Mountain Lodge
Over the next two days, explore one of Africa’s largest and least-touched reserves. Game drives, a walking safari, and a boat ride on Lake Tagalala offer different perspectives on this rugged landscape. The Selous is rich with elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and wild dogs.
Overnight: Sable Mountain Lodge
After breakfast, take a flight to Zanzibar and transfer to your beach hotel in Nungwi. Settle into the relaxed pace of island life and enjoy your first evening by the sea.
Overnight: The Zanzibari, Nungwi Beach
Spend five peaceful days enjoying the sand and sea. Whether you choose to relax by the ocean, snorkel in clear waters, or explore nearby fishing villages, the island’s charm is everywhere.
Overnight: The Zanzibari, Nungwi Beach
Leave the beach and head toward Stone Town, stopping for an engaging spice tour. Learn about Zanzibar’s famous cloves and herbs, and enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local guide’s home. In the afternoon, a walking tour of Stone Town takes you through markets, mosques, palaces, and historic sites.
Overnight: Zanzibar Coffee House, Dhow Palace, or Tembo Hotel
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions
Includes
- Accommodation in listed lodges/camps (or similar)
- All meals during the safari
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari jeep with pop-up roof
- Game drives as per itinerary
- English-speaking professional safari driver-guide
- Bottled water on game drives
- Airport transfers
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Hot air balloon safari (optional, extra cost)
- Cultural village visits (optional, small fee)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs)
- Extra accommodation before/after the tour (available on request)
FAQs
The migration shifts throughout the year, but the best times to witness large herds are from June to July for river crossings and from December to March in the southern plains.
Selous offers a more remote experience with fewer crowds. Activities like walking safaris and boat excursions add variety beyond traditional game drives.
Yes, for the northern circuit (Arusha, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro), you will travel with the same experienced driver-guide. In Selous and Zanzibar, local teams will assist you.
Yes, it’s interactive and fun. Guides explain the uses of spices in everyday life, and children often enjoy the smells and tastes along the way.
The walking safari focuses on smaller wildlife, tracks, and plant life. It’s not uncommon to see giraffes, antelopes, monkeys, and a variety of birdlife along the way.
