12 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar
This 12-day Tanzania migration safari and Zanzibar itinerary begins with a flight from Arusha to the seasonal Serengeti migration area, followed by Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. Continue to Stone Town and a three-night Zanzibar beach stay before your final departure.
Unlike the 12-day route through Lake Manyara, this programme starts the safari with a flight into the Serengeti and time in the migration area. The location depends on your travel dates, and wildlife sightings remain subject to natural conditions.
Review Great Migration travel seasons before choosing dates. For other combinations of mainland wildlife viewing and island stays, compare our safari and Zanzibar holidays.
12 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar – Overview
- Day 1 - Arrival to Tanzania
- DAY 2 & 3 - Serengeti National Park - The Great Migration
- Day 4 & 5 - Serengeti National Park - Big Cats of Serengeti
- DAY 6 - Ngorongoro Crater
- DAY 7 - Tarangire National Park
- DAY 8 - Morning Safari, Fly to Zanzibar
- DAY 9- 12 - Beach Relaxation
Day 1
Arrival to Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Airport Pick up
Meet and greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight stay at full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
DAY 2 & 3
Serengeti National Park - The Great Migration
The Great Migration
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Arusha airport to catch a morning flight to the Serengeti. The arrival airstrip depends on the confirmed seasonal camp and flight booking; Kogatende and Ndutu serve different parts of the migration route. Confirm the operating camp and airstrip for your dates. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you, ready to begin an exploration of the Serengeti National Park. Game drives focus on the migration area, with herd locations and sightings depending on current conditions. River crossings and calving are seasonal possibilities, not guaranteed events.
You will spend two nights in this remarkable location.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
Day 4 & 5
Serengeti National Park - Big Cats of Serengeti
The Big Cats of Serengeti
Your journey continues to the world-renowned central part of Serengeti National Park, known for its vast plains, territories of the big cats, and the resident animals. Central Serengeti offers unrivaled wildlife encounters. You’ll enjoy game drives in search of the park’s resident predators and grazers. Two nights will be spent here.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
DAY 6
Ngorongoro Crater
Rhinos of Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater for game viewing across its grasslands, wetlands and forest. Look for wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, elephants and lions, with the chance to see black rhino. The crater also supports varied birdlife around its lake and wetlands. Sightings and bird concentrations depend on conditions; no particular animal is guaranteed.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
DAY 7
Tarangire National Park
Elephants and Baobab Trees of Tarangire
Tarangire National Park
A day in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, offers a captivating journey into an untamed wilderness, as dawn breaks, set out on a game drive, the rising sun casting a warm glow on the ancient baobab trees and the golden savannah. Here, you can witness large herds of elephants and their families gathered around waterholes and spot impalas, zebras, and perhaps even leopards in their natural habitat. Midday is perfect for a picnic amidst this breathtaking scenery. The park’s diverse birdlife further enhances the experience, ranging from the vibrant lilac-breasted rollers to the massive ostriches. Afternoon safaris reveal even more wildlife wonders. As the sun sets, the horizon transforms into a stunning canvas of colors, marking a fitting end to a day filled with unforgettable safari adventures in Tarangire.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
DAY 8
Morning Safari, Fly to Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s Stone Town
Zanzibar Island
After the Morning Safari in Tarangire, you will be transferred to Arusha for an hour’s flight to Zanzibar, where one night is spent at Stone Town Hotel.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
DAY 9- 12
Beach Relaxation
Zanzibar Beach Stay
After your guided Stone Town tour, continue your Zanzibar stay at the hotel selected for your accommodation category. Tembo House is a beachfront hotel in Stone Town; other listed hotel options are in different parts of the island, so your transfer arrangements depend on the hotel chosen.
Your next three nights include accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, a spice tour or Safari Blue can be arranged at an additional cost.
On the final day, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight.
Accommodations
Mid-Luxury
Luxury
High-End
12 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar – Itinerary Overview
- Day 1 - Arrival to Tanzania
- Day 2 - Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 3 & 4 - Serengeti National Park - Big Cats of Serengeti
- DAY 5 - Ngorongoro Crater
- DAY 6 - Tarangire National Park
- DAY 7 - Morning Safari, Fly to Zanzibar Stone Town
- DAY 8- 12 - Beach Relaxation