Tanzania · Safari

12-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Escape with Maasai Culture

12 Days Round trip from Tanzania Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Immerse in Maasai culture with storytelling and traditional dances in West Kilimanjaro
  • 02 Experience wildlife sightings in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti parks
  • 03 Enjoy luxurious lodging under the stars and scenic views throughout the safari
  • 04 Relax on Zanzibar's pristine beaches and explore Stone Town's rich history
  • 05 Engage in optional activities such as spice tours and dhow cruises in Zanzibar

Embark on a 12-day Tanzanian adventure that blends thrilling safaris, rich culture, and serene island retreats. Begin with Maasai traditions and panoramic views in West Kilimanjaro, then journey through iconic parks such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, all teeming with wildlife. Continue to Zanzibar for pristine beaches, Stone Town's rich history, and a relaxing Indian Ocean escape. This journey is ideal for travellers seeking wildlife, cultural discovery, and time to unwind.

Start the day with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most wildlife-rich areas on the planet.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in West Kilimanjaro

  • Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to Osiligilai Maasai Lodge in West Kilimanjaro.
  • Surrounded by the majestic Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, this lodge offers an immersive Maasai cultural experience.
  • Spend your afternoon unwinding and learning about Maasai traditions through storytelling, dances, and a fireside gathering.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the savannah as you relax into your first night in Tanzania.

Overnight: Osiligilai Maasai Lodge

2
Day 02

West Kilimanjaro to Tarangire National Park

  • After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees.
  • Explore its diverse habitats during a game drive, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your adventure.
  • As the sun sets, head to the luxurious Maramboi Tented Lodge, where you'll dine under the stars and rest in style.

Overnight: Maramboi Tented Lodge

3
Day 03

Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park

  • Travel to Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
  • Famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-covered lake, this park offers a stunning mix of lush forests and open plains.
  • Enjoy a full day of exploration, with lunch in a scenic spot. In the evening, retreat to the stunning Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the valley.

Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

4
Day 04

Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

  • Start the day with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most wildlife-rich areas on the planet.
  • Descend into the crater for an unforgettable morning of game viewing.
  • After lunch, drive to the renowned Serengeti National Park, where the vast plains teem with wildlife.
  • Arrive at the charming Serengeti Tortilis Camp for dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars.

Overnight: Serengeti Tortilis Camp

5
Day 05

Full Day in Serengeti National Park

  • Experience a full day in the iconic Serengeti, home to the Great Migration and an abundance of predators.
  • Your game drives will take you across diverse landscapes, from acacia-dotted plains to riverine forests, as you track lions, cheetahs, elephants, and more.
  • Return to your camp to savor a delicious dinner and exchange safari stories around the campfire.

Overnight: Serengeti Tortilis Camp

6
Day 06

Serengeti National Park to Zanzibar

  • Begin the day with a final game drive in the Serengeti, capturing last glimpses of this wildlife haven.
  • After lunch, board a flight to Zanzibar, where you'll be greeted with warm island breezes.
  • Transfer to the luxurious Sea Cliff Resort on the western coast of the island.
  • Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the resort's amenities and views of the Indian Ocean.

Overnight: Sea Cliff Resort

7
Day 07

Relax and Explore Zanzibar

  • Spend the day indulging in Zanzibar's unique blend of relaxation and culture.
  • Take part in optional activities like spice tours, a visit to Jozani Forest, or watersports along the coast.
  • Bask in the golden sands and turquoise waters near the resort, enjoying the serenity of island life.

Overnight: Sea Cliff Resort

8
Day 08

Leisure Day on Zanzibar

  • Enjoy another day in paradise, soaking in Zanzibar's pristine beaches and stunning ocean views.
  • Celebrate the New Year's Eve atmosphere with a special dinner or optional festivities organized by the resort.

Overnight: Sea Cliff Resort

9
Day 09

Transfer to Tembo House in Stone Town

  • After breakfast, transfer to Tembo House Hotel in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Spend the day exploring Stone Town's labyrinth of alleys, historic sites, and bustling bazaars.
  • Visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, or the Slave Market Museum.
  • Conclude the evening with dinner overlooking the sea.

Overnight: Tembo House Hotel

10
Day 10

Relaxation and Exploration in Zanzibar

  • Spend your final days soaking up Zanzibar's charm.
  • Visit local spice farms, take a dhow cruise at sunset, or relax on the beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa.
  • Tembo House's central location allows for easy access to both cultural and leisure activities, offering the perfect balance for your island retreat.

Overnight: Tembo House Hotel

11
Day 11

Departure from Zanzibar

  • After breakfast, bid farewell to Zanzibar's tropical beauty.
  • You'll be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flight, leaving with memories of an extraordinary Tanzanian adventure that blends wildlife, culture, and relaxation.
Mount Kilimanjaro panoramas, Tarangire National Park baobabs, Serengeti National Park plains, Old Fort in Stone Town

Where this trip takes you

Mount Kilimanjaro panoramas, Tarangire National Park baobabs, Serengeti National Park plains, Old Fort in Stone Town

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tanzania 9 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All park fees
  • All taxes/VAT
  • All transport by road using a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
  • All safari and Zanzibar activities
  • A professional driver-guide
  • All accommodation
  • Flying doctor/medical evacuation
  • Meals
  • Bottled drinking water

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Domestic flight as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (gratuities for guide or hotel staff)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
  • Any other element not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

  • Neutral-coloured clothing, such as khaki and green
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Binoculars
  • A camera with a zoom lens
  • A reusable water bottle
  • Insect repellent

Know before you go

  1. Best Time to Visit: The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, especially the Great Migration in the Serengeti. However, the green season (November to May) offers fewer crowds, lush scenery, and lower prices.
  2. Health Precautions: Vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis, and typhoid are often recommended. Malaria is also present in Tanzania, so consider anti-malaria medication and bring insect repellent.
  3. Visa Requirements: Most travellers need a visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or upon arrival at the airport.
  4. Packing Essentials: Pack neutral-coloured clothing (like khaki and green), comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a reusable water bottle.
  5. Respect for Wildlife: Always stay inside your vehicle unless instructed otherwise, and follow your guide's directions to maintain a safe distance from animals.
  6. Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations.
  7. Tipping Practices: Tipping is customary in Tanzania; typical tips include around $10-$20 per day for safari guides and $5-$10 for hotel staff and drivers.
  8. Currency: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Bring small bills, as large denominations may not be accepted in rural areas.
  9. Language and Culture: Swahili and English are widely spoken. Learning a few basic Swahili words can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
  10. Environmental Responsibility: Many safari areas are ecologically sensitive. Dispose of waste properly, avoid single-use plastics, and respect conservation rules to protect Tanzania's natural beauty.

This unforgettable 12-day journey combines the awe-inspiring wildlife of Tanzania's iconic national parks with the tranquil beauty of Zanzibar's beaches. Starting with the cultural immersion of West Kilimanjaro, you'll explore the best of Tanzania's diverse landscapes-from the baobab-dotted plains of Tarangire to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti's endless savannah. The journey concludes with four serene days on Zanzibar's tropical island paradise. Perfect for travellers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Tanzania.

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USD 5,176 /person
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