12 Days Tanzania Luxury Safari and Zanzibar Beach Tour

Overview

Experience a 12-Day Tanzania Luxury Safari & Zanzibar Beach Tour to see Tanzania at its finest. Explore Tarangire National Park, known for its elephant herds, as well as the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, which are famous for their prolific flamingo populations. Marvel at the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania’s finest site to see the Big Five in their native environment.

Conclude your 12-day adventure vacation on Zanzibar’s gorgeous beaches, where the warm, turquoise seas and white sands of the Indian Oceanbeckon.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha.

When you arrive at the airport, a Gecko Safaris Uganda representative will receive you and bring you to your Arusha hotel. Here, you will unwind, rest, and prepare for the thrilling experiences ahead. Your stay at the Gran Melia Arusha will be a relaxing and visually appealing experience, providing a calm escape.

Accommodation: Gran Melia Arusha.

Day 2: Journey to Tarangire National Park

In the morning, our safari driver guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Arusha to begin our journey to Tarangire National Park. We will continue on a well-paved road across the gently sloping Maasai grasslands, studded with acacia trees. Along the route, you’ll see Maasai in colorful outfits wandering along the roadside, riding bicycles, herding livestock, and driving donkey carts.

Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds, also has a varied range of species. From the open roof of our contemporary safari vehicle, we will go through seasonal marshes, grassland, and the life-giving Tarangire River, hoping to see zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, and even lions or leopards lounging in the trees above.
After an amazing day, we will arrive at one of our carefully selected luxury partner lodges for a lovely supper in an exquisite restaurant, complete with a refreshing pool, offering the ideal conclusion to an adventurous day.

Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Lodge.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park.

After breakfast, we will continue your wonderful safari to Lake Manyara National Park. Located 120 kilometers west of Arusha, this tiny yet diversified park is called for the shallow salt lake that comprises around 70% of its area. This seasonal soda lake draws hundreds of flamingos and more than 500 other bird species.

As we tour the park, we may see monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and elephants, as well as lions reclining in the trees. Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, which include broad grassland plains, primate-filled woods, and baobab-studded cliffs.

After an amazing game drive enlivened by the sights and sounds of Africa’s nature, we will leave with treasured memories to last a lifetime.

Accommodation: Kitela Lodge.

Day 4: Drive to Serengeti National Park.

Following breakfast, we will continue our drive to the verdant highlands where the Iraqi people grow wheat and corn. Our path will take us into the misty rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you may spot baboons, leopards, or elephants among the lush flora.

As we travel through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be treated to views of the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater before continuing on to the Serengeti National Park, where we will arrive about lunchtime. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s largest park, features a diverse range of landforms, including grassy plains, wetlands, lakes, savannah, and mountains. Following a lengthy game drive, we will travel to your lodging, where dinner and a nice overnight stay await you.

Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park.

Today is totally dedicated to exciting game drives within the Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is well-known for its large migratory herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest, but it also supports a varied range of animals, including impala, buffalo, crocodile, and hippo. Rainfall influences these herds’ travel habits, which alter on a yearly basis. From November to December, they travel from the forested northern regions and steep hills to the southern grasslands. They move back north during the major rainy season, which lasts from April to June.

In addition to the migratory herds, we may see resident predators like leopards, cheetahs, and lions, all of which play important roles in the Serengeti’s complex ecology. After an exciting day of animal observation, we’ll return to the Lodge to unwind, have dinner, and sleep amidst the vastness of the Endless Plain.

Accommodations: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater.

After breakfast, have an en-route wildlife drive through the Serengeti, where you may see the African Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards, before continuing on to Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage site, created millions of years ago, is 600 meters deep and covers over 260 square kilometers. The Crater is known for its rich wildlife population of over 25,000 species and provides some of Tanzania’s greatest game viewing opportunities.

You will arrive at the Crater rim before noon and then descend into the Crater, where you will see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and over 500 different bird species. With a little luck, you could even sight an endangered black rhino in the grasslands.

After lunch and a full day visiting the Crater, you will return to your accommodations for supper and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge.

Day 7: Karatu to Zanzibar.

You will be picked up from your accommodation and transported directly to the airport for your trip to Zanzibar. Your first night will be spent in Stone Town, where you may relax and take in the breathtaking vistas of this old city.

Optional excursions include guided tours of the Old Town, a Spice Tour, and a visit to Prison Island. A visit of the Jozani Forest can also be scheduled.

Accommodation: Zanzibar Serena Hotel.

Day 8–11: Stone Town to North Coast (Nungwi).

Nungwi, located in the northern part of the island, emerges as a thriving community surrounded by Zanzibar’s exquisite beaches. Your journey will take you to this wonderful location, around 50 kilometers from Stone Town.

From its humble beginnings as a peaceful fishing town, Nungwi has grown into a sought-after island getaway brimming with life. Notably, it is one of the few places where you can view both the dawn and sunset over the ocean. Relax and relish in this paradisiacal hideaway, surrounded by magnificent ivory dunes and the blue embrace of the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation: Melia Zanzibar.

Day 12: Departure.

Spend your last hours relaxing at ease. You will be transported to the airport at an appropriate time to ensure that you arrive on time for your trip.

Inclusions

• Transportation with a 4 x 4 safari vehicle with a pop-up canopy
• Accommodations and food are as advertised.
• Entrance fees for all national parks
• En route lunches
• Bottled water.
• Professional English-speaking driving guidance.
• English Driver Guide

Exclusions

• Visa Fees and Flights
• Optional activities.
• Tips for Guides
• Laundry and alcoholic beverages.
• International Vaccinations and Tests
• Health exam requirements:
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Items of personal nature