Tanzania · Safari

8-Day Serengeti Safari and Zanzibar Beach Stay with Northern Serengeti

8 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 En-route game drives to Serengeti with views of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara
  • 02 Explore Central Serengeti's extensive plains and the wildlife-rich Seronera River
  • 03 Discover Northern Serengeti, known for the Mara River crossings and high predator sightings
  • 04 Relax at Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa on Zanzibar's northeast coast at Pwani Mchangani

Embark on an 8-day adventure from Arusha to Serengeti National Park, where en-route game drives reveal breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife across the park's extensive plains. Continue into the attractive wilderness of Northern Serengeti, renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration from July to October, high predator concentrations, and stunning landscapes of green rolling hills, granite outcrops, open savanna, and acacia woodlands. The journey then shifts to Zanzibar's serene northeast coast at Pwani Mchangani, where time at Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa offers beachside leisure, spa and massage facilities, and a relaxing island stay.

Embark on an 8-day adventure from Arusha to Serengeti National Park, where en-route game drives reveal breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife across the park's extensive plains.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Arusha, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arusha to Central Serengeti via Ngorongoro

  • You will be picked up from the airport and transferred by car for the 335 km journey to the great Serengeti National Park, with picnic lunch boxes and an en-route game drive.
  • On the way to Serengeti, you will pass the Manyara viewpoint and enjoy the spectacular view of the Great Rift Valley, with Lake Manyara Park seen from a closer angle. You will then proceed to the wonderful Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint before finally arriving in Serengeti as planned. Upon arrival, continue with afternoon game viewing, particularly in Central Serengeti, and then drive to a picnic site for lunch. Spend the day exploring the extensive plains of the Serengeti in search of the 'Big 5'. Your guide will stop at areas of interest throughout the journey to keep enriching your experience of this endless plain. You will also have time to see the Seronera River, which is home to numerous animals, plants, and bird species.
  • At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Serengeti Pure Tented Camp for dinner and overnight stay - FB.
2
Day 02

Game Drive from Central to Northern Serengeti

  • After an early breakfast, depart the camp with picnic lunch boxes from Central Serengeti and head north through Serengeti, approximately 200 km away, with a game drive en route.
  • The Northern Serengeti is not only famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, which moves around the park from July to October each year, but also for the vast number of species that reside in the park year-round. The concentration of predators in Serengeti is high, with large prides of lions, numerous hyena clans, and regular sightings of cheetahs and leopards.
  • Later, at the appropriate time, you will be taken for dinner and overnight at Serengeti North Kati Kati Tented Camp - FB.
3
Day 03

Full-Day Safari in Northern Serengeti

  • Enjoy breakfast at the camp, then set out with picnic lunch boxes for a full-day game drive through the attractive wilderness of Northern Serengeti.
  • This wilderness remains an unexplored place packed with stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Travellers who visit this corner of Serengeti are rewarded with gorgeous scenery of green rolling hills, granite outcrops, dotting open savanna, and acacia woodlands. The concentration of predators in Serengeti is high, with large prides of lions, numerous hyena clans, and regular sightings of cheetahs and leopards.
  • At the appropriate time, you will be taken for dinner and overnight at Serengeti North Kati Kati Tented Camp - FB.
4
Day 04

Mara River and Lobo Valley in Northern Serengeti

  • Enjoy breakfast at the camp, then set out with picnic lunch boxes for another full-day game drive in the attractive wilderness of Northern Serengeti.
  • The attractions that can be seen while touring the northern Serengeti include the Mara River, where wildebeest river crossings occur, as well as Lobo Valley. Northern Serengeti is a beautiful and quiet place typified by green rolling hills, granite outcrops, and acacia woodlands. It also supports abundant resident wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and Oribi antelopes.
  • Later, at the appropriate time, you will drive back to Serengeti North Kati Kati Tented Camp for dinner and overnight stay - FB.
5
Day 05

From Serengeti to Zanzibar's Northeast Coast

  • Enjoy breakfast at leisure, then later you will be transferred by car for the 335 km journey from Serengeti to Arusha, a drive of about 6-7 hours. You will be dropped off at the airport and, at the appropriate time, depart by plane from Arusha to Zanzibar.
  • After arriving in Zanzibar, you will be taken to your accommodation on the northeast coast of the island, specifically at Pwani Mchangani, just 34.95 km from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Spend your time at the hotel refreshing. Some of the activities offered include spa, massage, fitness centre, beach access, canoeing, pool table, ping-pong, and darts, with nearby attractions such as Pongwe forest. The hotel also offers a variety of meals and drinks, as well as comfortable rooms for relaxing.
  • Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa - Superior Garden is where dinner will be offered, and you will spend the night - HB.
6
Day 06

Leisure Day at Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa

  • Enjoy breakfast at leisure at Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa - Superior Garden.
  • Some of the leisure facilities at the hotel include a swim-up bar, diving, excursions, and sports. Spend your time at the hotel refreshing, with activities such as spa, massage, fitness centre, beach access, canoeing, pool table, ping-pong, and darts, as well as nearby attractions such as Pongwe forest. The hotel also offers a variety of meals and drinks, along with comfortable rooms for relaxing.
  • Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa - Superior Garden is where dinner will be offered, and you will spend the night - HB.
7
Day 07

Another Relaxing Day in Zanzibar

  • Enjoy breakfast at leisure at Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa - Superior Garden.
  • Some of the leisure facilities at the hotel include a swim-up bar, diving, excursions, and sports. Spend your time at the hotel refreshing, with activities such as spa, massage, fitness centre, beach access, canoeing, pool table, ping-pong, and darts, as well as nearby attractions such as Pongwe forest. The hotel also offers a variety of meals and drinks, along with comfortable rooms for relaxing.
  • Ocean Paradise Resort & Spa - Superior Garden is where dinner will be offered, and you will spend the night - HB.
8
Day 08

Departure from Zanzibar

Enjoy breakfast at leisure, then at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your outbound flight.

Great Rift Valley vistas, Seronera River plains, Mara River crossings, Pwani Mchangani coast

Where this trip takes you

Great Rift Valley vistas, Seronera River plains, Mara River crossings, Pwani Mchangani coast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 6 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities (unless labelled as optional)
  • All accommodations (unless listed as an upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labelled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Zanzibar
    • Transfer to and from the airport to the beach
    • Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Hot air balloon safari - US$599 per person

What to bring

  • Travel Documents:
    • Valid passport
    • Tanzania visa, available at the airport upon arrival, USD $100 payable in cash only; $50 for residents of the UK/European Union
    • Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance
    • Personal medical/dental insurance cards
    • Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted)
    • Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills must be crisp, new-format, issued 2016 or later, with no tears)
  • Essential Gear:
    • Binoculars
    • Camera and a good telephoto lens, waterproof/dustproof bag
    • Sunglasses, preferably polarized
    • Hat for sun
    • Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion are provided by some camps/lodges)
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Basic medical kit, plus malaria tablets and prescription medications
    • Glasses (if you wear contacts)
    • Chargers and extra batteries for electronics such as phones, cameras, and lights
  • Clothing:
    • Sweater or fleece pullover
    • Lightweight waterproof hiking shoes or boots
    • Waterproof sandals
    • Shirts (golf shirts or T-shirts)
    • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
    • Pair of shorts
    • Pairs of long pants
    • Swimsuit (if you will be visiting Zanzibar Island or other water areas)
    • Undergarments and socks: women might consider a sports bra for bumpy jeep rides
    • Sleepwear
    • Rain gear (if travelling during the rainy season, March-May and Oct-Dec)
    • Please note: bright and white colours are not recommended for safari
  • General Packing Recommendations:
    • Bring sturdy, soft-sided luggage, which is easier to stow throughout the trip and to carry in vehicles during transfers.
    • Carry any necessities, including travel documents, money, medications, and other vital supplies, in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage.
    • If you plan to lock your luggage, please use a TSA-approved security device.
    • Leave expensive jewellery at home. If you would be heartbroken to lose the item, do not bring it along.
    • Keep cash in more than one place.
    • A water-resistant daypack to carry cameras and other items is very handy while on game drives. Better yet, let this be your carry-on.
    • Please refrain from bringing hair dryers, irons, radios, and excess clothing or toiletries. All points of this trip are quite casual, and we recommend keeping luggage down to the basics. However, you can use them if you bring them along. If any of these items are necessary for you, it is better to ask first so we can check with the hotel.
  • Baggage Allowance:
    • Please bring soft-sided luggage like duffel bags, not hard suitcases. Charter flights within Tanzania strictly limit passengers to a total of 44 lbs, including carry-ons, so the key is to pack as light as possible. Most properties provide laundry service at a cost to be paid directly unless otherwise mentioned in the booking.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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