11 Days of Safari Thrills and Zanzibar Serenity

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha.
• Evening: Relax at your lodge and enjoy a welcome dinner. Get a detailed briefing from your guide about the safari ahead.
• Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel, Gran Melia, or similar.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park, Overnight in Karatu

• Morning: Depart after breakfast for Tarangire National Park (~2 hours). Begin your game drive in this park, known for its large herds of elephants, towering baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue exploring wildlife-rich areas near the Tarangire River.
• Evening: Drive to Karatu (~1.5 hours) for an overnight stay in the scenic highlands.
• Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge or Acacia Farm Lodge.

Day 3: Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater and Overnight in Central Serengeti

• Morning: Drive (~45 minutes) to Ngorongoro Crater and descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for a game drive. Spot the “Big Five,” along with zebras, wildebeests, flamingos, and hippos.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool. Afterward, ascend the crater rim and drive (~3-4 hours) to Central Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with wildlife sightings en route.
• Evening: Check into your lodge in the heart of the Serengeti and relax after a long day.
• Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Lodge or Kubu Kubu Tented Camp.

Day 4: Full Day in Central Serengeti

• Morning: Start your day with an early game drive in the Seronera Valley, a predator hotspot where lions, leopards, and cheetahs are commonly spotted.
• Afternoon: After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the Serengeti’s vast plains, kopjes, and river systems. Look for elephants, giraffes, and other herbivores.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and enjoy the serene African wilderness.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 3.

Day 5: Full Day in Central Serengeti

• Morning: Embark on another full day of game drives in Central Serengeti. Witness incredible wildlife interactions, from hunting predators to large migratory herds.
• Afternoon: Pause for a picnic lunch in the bush before exploring different parts of the park, including the hippo pools and bird-rich areas.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 3.

Day 6: Serengeti to Zanzibar

• Morning: After breakfast, enjoy a short game drive in Serengeti on your way to Seronera Airstrip.
• Late Morning: Board a domestic flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar (~2 hours). Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Zanzibar and transfer to your beachfront resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the pristine beaches or exploring the resort’s facilities.
• Evening: Indulge in a seafood dinner while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
• Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar, The Residence Zanzibar, or similar.

Day 7: Spice Tour and Stone Town Exploration

• Morning: Take a guided spice tour to learn about Zanzibar’s history as the “Spice Island” and see how cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon are cultivated.
• Afternoon: Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit historical landmarks such as the Old Slave Market, the Sultan’s Palace, and bustling local markets.
• Evening: Return to your resort for dinner and relaxation.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 6.

Day 8: Relaxation on Zanzibar Beaches

• Morning/Afternoon: Enjoy a full day at leisure. Swim in the turquoise waters, sunbathe on white-sand beaches, or indulge in water sports like snorkeling or kayaking.
• Evening: Savor a delicious dinner at your resort or a nearby beachfront restaurant.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 6.

Day 9: Water Activities and Island Adventures

• Morning: Optional activities include a dolphin-watching tour, a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll for snorkeling, or scuba diving. Alternatively, visit Jozani Forest to see Zanzibar red colobus monkeys and mangrove ecosystems.
• Afternoon: Continue relaxing at your resort or exploring Zanzibar’s coastal beauty.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner and a quiet night by the beach.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 6.

Day 10: Full Day of Relaxation in Zanzibar

• Morning/Afternoon: Spend your final full day soaking up the tranquility of Zanzibar’s beaches. Lounge by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or take a peaceful walk along the shore.
• Evening: Celebrate your last night with a special farewell dinner at your resort.
• Accommodation: Same as Day 6.

Day 11: Departure from Zanzibar

• Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight.
• Afternoon/Evening: Depart Tanzania with unforgettable memories of its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and beaches.