5-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar with Serengeti Flights

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Morning flight from Zanzibar to Seronera Airstrip with a game drive starting right after landing
02 Full-day Serengeti safari with chances to spot the Big Five and, seasonally, the Great Migration
03 Scenic journey from Serengeti into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands with an overnight in Karatu
04 Lake Manyara game drive through forests, wetlands, and lakeside habitats, with a chance to see tree-climbing lions
05 Tarangire National Park for enormous elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and wildlife along the Tarangire River

Swap Zanzibar's shores for five days of classic northern Tanzania safari adventure. Fly into the heart of the Serengeti for immersive game drives across the endless plains, tracking iconic wildlife and, in season, the Great Migration. With a private guide, you'll maximize sightings from the very first moment, often spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. Continue through the Ngorongoro highlands to Karatu, then explore Lake Manyara's varied habitats and Tarangire's baobab-studded landscapes and famous elephant herds.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Zanzibar, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Zanzibar to Serengeti and First Game Drive

Your Tanzania safari from Zanzibar begins with a morning flight from Zanzibar to Seronera Airstrip in the heart of Serengeti National Park. After landing, meet your private safari guide and begin your first game drive directly from the airstrip. Explore the Central Serengeti, famous for its endless plains and abundant wildlife. Search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and other animals. Depending on the season, you may also have the opportunity to see the Great Serengeti Migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your game drive before continuing through the park in the afternoon. In the evening, arrive at your camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camp / Similar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02

Full-Day Wildlife Exploration in Serengeti

Enjoy a full day of wildlife exploration in Serengeti National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive when temperatures are cooler and many animals are active. Your experienced guide will select the best wildlife areas based on recent sightings and seasonal movements. Search for the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and, with luck, rhinos, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and numerous bird species. Depending on the time of year, your route may focus on areas where the Great Serengeti Migration herds are moving. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your afternoon game drive and returning to camp in the evening.

Accommodation: Tanzania Bush Camp / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands and Karatu

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before departing toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Continue through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania, with opportunities to see wildlife along the route. As you leave the Serengeti plains, the scenery gradually changes to the lush forests and highlands surrounding Ngorongoro. Continue to Karatu, a peaceful town located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, check in, and enjoy time to relax after your Serengeti adventure. Your guide will brief you about the following day's Lake Manyara game drive.

Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04

Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive

After breakfast, drive from Karatu to nearby Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day wildlife experience. The park is known for its diverse habitats, including groundwater forests, open grasslands, wetlands, and the alkaline lake. During your game drive, look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, monkeys, and a variety of birdlife. Lake Manyara is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are not guaranteed. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the day before continuing your exploration of the park. In the afternoon, return to Karatu for dinner and a second night at your lodge.

Accommodation: Farm of Dreams Lodge / Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05

Tarangire National Park to Arusha or Zanzibar

After an early breakfast, depart from Karatu and drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its enormous elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, seasonal swamps, and the Tarangire River. Enjoy a morning game drive through the park, searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, antelopes, and diverse birdlife. After your game drive, enjoy lunch before continuing toward Arusha. From here, you have the option to end your safari in Arusha or connect with a scheduled flight back to Zanzibar, depending on your travel arrangements. Your Tanzania safari from Zanzibar ends with unforgettable memories of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All park entrance fees and government taxes.
Round-trip domestic flights between Zanzibar and Serengeti (Seronera Airstrip), as per the itinerary.
Transport in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
Accommodation in public campsites with tents and mattresses provided.
Meals as per the itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Camping equipment including tents, sleeping mats, chairs, and tables.
Drinking water during the safari.
Game drives and wildlife viewing as outlined in the itinerary.
All applicable safari and conservation fees.

What's Not Included

International flights and visas.
Travel insurance.
Sleeping bag can be rented on request.
Tips for the driver-guide and camp staff.
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and drinks.
Accommodation in Arusha before or after the safari can be arranged on request.

What to bring

Valid Passport - Carry your passport and any required travel documents.
Lightweight Clothing - Pack comfortable, breathable clothes suitable for warm daytime temperatures.
Warm Jacket or Fleece - Early mornings and evenings in Serengeti and Ngorongoro can be cool.
Comfortable Walking Shoes - Useful for short walks around camps and lodges.
Sun Protection - Bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen.
Insect Repellent - Recommended for evenings and time around camps.
Personal Toiletries - Bring your usual toiletries and personal-care items.
Camera & Extra Batteries - Ideal for capturing wildlife and landscapes.
Binoculars - Helpful for viewing birds and wildlife from a distance.
Small Day Bag - Useful for carrying essentials during game drives.
Reusable Water Bottle - You can refill it during the safari.
Cash & Payment Card - Useful for tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses.
Light Rain Jacket - Helpful in case of unexpected rain.
Power Bank - Useful for keeping phones and cameras charged during the safari.

Know before you go

Flight Schedule: Domestic flights between Zanzibar and Serengeti operate according to airline schedules and may be subject to change.
Baggage Limit: Safari flights usually have strict luggage limits, so pack light and check the airline's current baggage allowance before departure.
Safari Timing: Game drives may start early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures and increased wildlife activity.
Wildlife: Animals live in their natural environment, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will choose the best areas based on current conditions.
Great Migration: Migration sightings depend on the season and location of the herds. The route may be adjusted to follow wildlife movements.
Weather: Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Highlands. Bring suitable clothing for both warm days and cool mornings.
Accommodation: Camps and lodges are located in or near wildlife areas. Some properties offer an authentic nature experience rather than city-style facilities.
Travel Times: Driving times can vary depending on road conditions, wildlife sightings, and stops along the route.
Park Regulations: Follow your guide's instructions and all national park regulations. Do not approach, feed, or disturb wildlife.
Travel Documents: Carry your valid passport, Tanzania visa if required, travel insurance, flight details, and any other necessary travel documents.