Tanzania · Wildlife

9-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Tour with Balloon Safari

9 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Float above the Serengeti's endless grasslands on a balloon safari
  • 02 Enjoy wildlife viewing in the Serengeti and the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands
  • 03 Explore Stone Town's atmospheric alleys, historic waterfront, and spice-laden markets
  • 04 Visit Changuu Island to see its historic quarantine station and giant tortoise sanctuary

Experience a 9-day journey through Tanzania that combines wildlife, culture, and island relaxation. Explore Arusha, spend time in the Serengeti with game-viewing opportunities and a balloon safari, and enjoy the cool highlands and wildlife-rich landscapes around Ngorongoro. Then continue to Zanzibar for beautiful beaches, atmospheric Stone Town, snorkeling opportunities, and a boat trip to Changuu Island. With luxury accommodation, expert-guided safari experiences, and cultural encounters along the way, this tour offers a memorable blend of adventure and comfort.

There's nothing quite like the thrill of drifting over the Serengeti on a balloon safari.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Arusha, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Changuu
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival and City Discovery in Arusha

  • This is where your planning becomes a reality with your 9-day Serengeti safari package. Tanzania is a wonderful country when it comes to wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
  • After we greet you and answer any questions you might have, we'll take great pleasure in showing you exactly what we mean.
  • Arusha is a fun city to explore, and a fascinating urban complement to the thrills on offer elsewhere in northern Tanzania's safari parks. Here, you'll experience lively streets, tasty local food, and busy markets and museums. More than anything else, it offers a window into life in a provincial Tanzanian city.

Accommodation

Dinner and overnight at Gran Melia Arusha.

2
Day 02

Balloon Safari over Serengeti National Park

  • There's no such thing as too many days in the Serengeti - today you'll get to enjoy it all over again. There's nothing quite like the thrill of drifting over the Serengeti on a balloon safari.
  • You'll look out across the endless beauty of the Serengeti's grasslands and see the park's large wildlife populations from a whole new perspective. It's a remarkable experience.

Dinner and overnight at Embalakai Camp.

3
Day 03

More Serengeti and Ngorongoro Highlands Scenery

  • There's always more to discover in the Serengeti, and you'll have more chances to do so on your return to the park.
  • The day that awaits you in Ngorongoro Crater will be filled with wildlife and the sheer wonder of exploring an unusual world as picturesque as any safari park in Africa. Enjoy cool temperatures, forest wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, as well as fine views of craters and mountains when you visit the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Dinner and overnight at Embalakai Camp.

4
Day 04

Return to Arusha

  • Arusha amply rewards those who return, and you'll enjoy having another chance to get under the skin of this busy city.

Dinner and overnight at Shuhudia Adventure Camp.

5
Day 05

Arrival and Leisure on Zanzibar Island

  • Zanzibar Island is a fascinating place to explore. The long, beautiful beaches that hem in this tropical Indian Ocean island are a big part of its appeal.
  • Another highlight is the atmospheric old Stone Town, a time-warped knot of winding alleys that leads past fine historic buildings and bustling spice-laden markets. Offshore, a series of fringing reefs and coral gardens also offers wonderful snorkeling and diving.

Accommodation: Kwanza Resort

6
Day 06

Historic Exploration of Zanzibar Stone Town

  • Soak up the history as you explore Zanzibar Stone Town.
  • The Swahili architecture here speaks of a rich and varied past, reflecting influences from Arabia, Asia, and elsewhere across the Indian Ocean.
  • But you'll love this place most when the smell of spices and the Muslim call to prayer drift through the atmospheric alleys to the historic waterfront.

Accommodation: Kwanza Resort

7
Day 07

Changuu Island and Stone Town Wonders

  • Spend more time immersing yourself in the wonders of Zanzibar Stone Town. One of our favorite activities on Zanzibar is a boat trip to Changuu Island.
  • This lovely spot is also known as Prison Island, after a restored fortress-like building that was constructed in the 1890s as a prison, only to be repurposed as a quarantine center instead.
  • Today, the island is best known for a population of giant tortoises that were introduced from the Seychelles and are now protected in a sanctuary where the oldest individual is said to be more than 120 years old.
  • A visit to Changuu is normally followed by a swim and a beach barbecue on an exposed sandbar known as Nakupenda Island, but this is dependent on weather and tides.

Accommodation: Kwanza Resort

8
Day 08

More Time to Enjoy Zanzibar Island

  • Spend more time getting to know Zanzibar Island.

Accommodation: Kwanza Resort

9
Day 09

Final Day on Zanzibar Island

  • Enjoy exploring Zanzibar Island further.
  • This is where your safari in Tanzania will end. We hope you have had a fabulous trip, and we can't wait to help you plan your next safari.
Serengeti National Park balloon safari, Ngorongoro Highlands, Zanzibar Stone Town alleys, Changuu Island sanctuary

Where this trip takes you

Serengeti National Park balloon safari, Ngorongoro Highlands, Zanzibar Stone Town alleys, Changuu Island sanctuary

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 6 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
  • Accommodation in luxury lodges and tented camps as per the itinerary
  • All meals during the safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Park entry fees to all mentioned national parks
  • Game drives guided by experienced wildlife experts
  • Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
  • Airport transfers as per the itinerary
  • Cultural visits and local community experiences

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania entry visa
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Tips for guides and safari staff
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses and additional purchases

What to bring

  • Comfortable Clothing - Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime and warm layers for cool evenings. Neutral colours are best for game drives.
  • Sturdy Footwear - Comfortable hiking boots or closed shoes for walking safaris and lodge areas.
  • Sun Protection - Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen (SPF 30+).
  • Insect Repellent - Protection against mosquitoes and other insects.
  • Camera & Binoculars - Capture incredible wildlife moments and scenic landscapes.
  • Personal Medications - Any prescription medicine, plus basic first aid supplies.
  • Reusable Water Bottle - Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
  • Power Bank & Travel Adapter - Keep devices charged in remote areas.

Know before you go

  • Visa & Entry Requirements - Ensure you have a valid passport and the necessary visa for Tanzania. Check entry regulations based on your nationality.
  • Vaccinations & Health - Yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from an endemic area. Consider malaria prophylaxis and routine travel vaccines.
  • Best Time to Visit - Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, but the dry season (June-October) offers the best game viewing and the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
  • Currency & Payments - The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted, but carry small denominations.
  • Packing Essentials - Bring light, breathable clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and a good camera for capturing safari moments.
  • Electricity & Charging - Tanzania uses Type D & G sockets (230V). Bring a travel adapter and power bank for remote lodges.
  • Wildlife & Safety - Always follow your guide's instructions, maintain a safe distance from animals, and avoid loud noises during game drives.
  • Tipping Guidelines - While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and lodge staff for excellent service.

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 9 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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