12-Day Safari & Zanzibar Beach HolidaySafari + Beach Combo
Description
Embark on a comprehensive 12-day Northern Circuit safari through Tanzania’s most iconic parks. From Tarangire’s great elephant herds and Lake Manyara’s diverse habitats to the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater and the endless plains of Serengeti, this extended itinerary maximizes wildlife viewing with balanced pacing and multiple nights in key areas.
Across twelve days, follow the seasonal Great Migration, track the Big Five across varied ecosystems, and enjoy sunrise and sunset game drives with an expert guide. Optional upgrades include a hot air balloon over Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge stop, and cultural experiences in Mto wa Mbu. Ideal for couples, families and photographers seeking immersive wildlife time.
Safari Highlights
Multi-day Serengeti game drives with seasonal Great Migration tracking
Full-day descent into UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater
Tarangire’s elephant herds and ancient baobab landscapes
Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife
Optional Serengeti balloon flight; expert guide throughout
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival – Arusha
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Meet & greet by your professional safari guide and private transfer to your hotel in Arusha for overnight stay and safari briefing.
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive with picnic lunch. In the late afternoon, drive to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Karatu – Leisure / Optional Activities
Leisure morning in Karatu. Optional activities include a coffee plantation tour, local cultural visit, or nature walk in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Overnight in Karatu.
Day 3: Karatu → Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to Serengeti National Park. Enjoy wildlife viewing along the way and an afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 4: Full Day Serengeti
Full-day game drive in Serengeti exploring different wildlife habitats. Morning and afternoon safari drives with picnic lunch inside the park. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti
Another full-day safari in Serengeti exploring new areas depending on wildlife movement. Optional early morning sunrise game drive. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 6: Serengeti → Ngorongoro Area (Optional Cultural Visit) → Karatu
Morning game drive in Serengeti before driving toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Optional Maasai cultural visit inside the conservation area. Continue to Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Karatu → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Early breakfast and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive with picnic lunch. Later drive back to Arusha for overnight.
Day 8: Arusha → Flight to Zanzibar
Transfer to Arusha Airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to your beach hotel. Evening at leisure enjoying the Indian Ocean breeze.
Day 9: Zanzibar – Nakupenda Sandbank & Stone Town Tour
Morning excursion to Nakupenda Sandbank for swimming, snorkeling and relaxation. Later explore historic Stone Town with a guided cultural and heritage tour.
Day 10: Zanzibar – Beach Relaxation
Full day at leisure to enjoy Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches, swimming, optional snorkeling, or spa treatments at your beach resort.
Day 11: Zanzibar – Island Leisure
Another relaxing day on the island. Optional activities include snorkeling trips, spice farm tours, dolphin tours, or sunset dhow sailing.
Day 12: Zanzibar – Final Beach Day
Enjoy your final full day in Zanzibar relaxing at the beach, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, or exploring nearby coastal villages.
Departure
Transfer from your hotel to Zanzibar Airport for your international flight or onward travel.
Includes & Excludes
All national park fees (Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti)
4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Full board accommodation (11 nights)
All meals during the safari
Bottled drinking water during game drives
International flights to/from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees ($50–100 USD)
Travel & medical insurance
Tips & gratuities ($40–60/day)
Optional activities (hot air balloon, Olduvai museum)
Alcoholic & premium beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
Northern Circuit parks are excellent year-round. Dry season (Jun–Oct) offers easier viewing and river crossings in the north/west. Calving season in Ndutu (Jan–Feb) is superb for predator action. Shoulder months (Nov and May) feature lush scenery and fewer crowds. We tailor Serengeti zones to match migration movements.
Choose between comfort lodges and luxury tented camps, all en-suite and well located for game viewing. We recommend multiple-night stays in Serengeti and Ngorongoro to reduce transfers and maximize wildlife time.
Yes—Ngorongoro is among the best places to spot black rhino; Serengeti and Tarangire excel for big cats, elephant and buffalo. While sightings are never guaranteed, the extended itinerary and expert guiding maximize your chances.
Neutral clothing, light layers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, closed shoes, binoculars, and camera gear. Evenings can be cool at altitude in Ngorongoro—bring a warm layer.
Yes. We tailor pacing and lodge choices for families. Note that game drives involve time in the vehicle—breaks and interactive activities (like Mto wa Mbu cultural tour) help keep kids engaged.
12-Day Safari & Zanzibar Holiday Details
Safari Type
Private Northern Circuit Safari
Safari Circuits
Northern Tanzania + Zanzibar
Key Destinations
Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Tarangire • Lake Manyara
Safari Duration
12 Days
Safari Vehicle
4x4 Land Cruiser with Pop-Up Roof
Departure & Start Point
Start: Arusha (JRO/ARK) • End: Arusha
Best Travel Style
Couples • Families • Groups • Honeymooners
Safari Price
$Upon Request
Price depends on group size, accommodation category & season.
Why Book With Us
Expertise and Experience
Tailored Services
Comprehensive Planning
Client Satisfaction
24/7 Support
Contact Details
Mr. Yamat
Tour Operator
Call Us : +255 686 241 980
Email : info@safarismate.com
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