14-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Experience the ultimate combination of wildlife adventure and coastal relaxation with this carefully curated 14-day journey through Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks and the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. This itinerary blends the thrill of encountering Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat with the soothing calm of the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Settle in, rest from your journey, and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the lush greenery of northern Tanzania.
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After an early breakfast, begin your journey to Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems. Known for its vast savannahs dotted with giant baobab trees and seasonal swamps, the park is particularly famous for its large elephant populations. Spend the day on a game drive, spotting herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, lions resting under acacia trees, and a variety of bird species. Midday, stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the park, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening.
Day 3: Visit Lake Eyasi
Today you’ll head to the shores of Lake Eyasi, a remote and culturally rich area in the Great Rift Valley. This region is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes—among the last remaining hunter-gatherers and traditional blacksmiths in Tanzania. Join the Hadzabe for a guided walk through the bush, where they demonstrate their tracking and hunting techniques. Then visit the Datoga, known for their intricate metalwork and beaded crafts. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with ancient traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries. Return to your lodge in the afternoon and relax.
Day 4: Serengeti – Full Day Safari
After breakfast, depart for the legendary Serengeti National Park, traveling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you enter the Serengeti, the landscape opens up into endless golden plains teeming with wildlife. This vast ecosystem is home to the famous Great Migration and hosts an extraordinary variety of animals year-round. Spend the day on a game drive across different areas of the park, observing wildebeest, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and more in their natural environment. Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in time for a hearty dinner and fall asleep to the distant calls of nocturnal animals.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park – Full Day Safari
Wake early for a sunrise game drive when animals are most active. With your guide, venture deeper into the Serengeti, tracking big cats on the move, elephants crossing the plains, and hyenas scavenging in the distance. Your day will be structured around the best wildlife sightings, with a break for lunch in the bush or at a picnic site. Later, continue exploring different corners of the park to increase your chances of spotting elusive animals like leopards resting in acacia trees or a pride of lions stalking their prey. Return to camp in the evening for dinner under the stars.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, leave the Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera that serves as a natural sanctuary for a dense concentration of wildlife. The rich soils and year-round water supply support animals such as black rhinos, hippos, buffalos, zebras, flamingos, and large prides of lions. Spend the day exploring the crater floor, visiting lakes, open grasslands, and acacia woodlands. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool before ascending in the afternoon and heading to your lodge overlooking the crater rim.
Day 7: Relaxing Day at Martina Lodge
Today is set aside for rest and recovery after several days of exciting travel and game drives. You’ll stay at Martina Lodge, a charming property located in the peaceful town of Karatu. Enjoy the slow pace of the day—have breakfast at your leisure, relax in the garden, read a book by the pool, or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. If you’re feeling curious, consider a short local walk or a visit to a nearby coffee farm. This is your time to recharge before heading to Zanzibar.
Day 8: Fly to Zanzibar
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to the island of Zanzibar. Upon landing, a representative will greet you and drive you to your beachfront hotel. The afternoon is yours to begin soaking up the coastal charm of Zanzibar. Whether you choose to walk along the white sandy shores, dip into the turquoise sea, or sip a fresh coconut while watching the sunset, today marks the beginning of a more relaxed island pace.
Day 9: Zanzibar – Stone Town & Sunset Dhow Cruise
Today you’ll explore Stone Town, the historical heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided walking tour will take you through narrow alleyways lined with carved wooden doors, spice markets, old mosques, and colonial architecture. Visit the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the former slave market to gain a deeper understanding of Zanzibar’s cultural tapestry. In the evening, head to the beach for a traditional dhow cruise. Sail along the coast as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, casting golden light over the water—a magical end to your day.
Day 10: Relaxing Day at Casa Beach Hotel
Take it slow today. Lounge on the soft sands, enjoy the warmth of the tropical sun, and take refreshing swims in the clear ocean waters. If you’re up for some gentle activity, go for a paddle in a kayak or walk along the beach collecting seashells. Casa Beach Hotel offers a relaxing environment for couples to reconnect and unwind. You might also treat yourselves to a couple’s massage or simply enjoy a quiet meal with a sea view.
Day 11: Zanzibar – Safari Blue Experience
After breakfast, embark on the popular Safari Blue tour, one of Zanzibar’s top experiences. Set sail in a traditional dhow and explore the Menai Bay Conservation Area. Stop for snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear lagoons, and visit sandbanks that appear and disappear with the tides. A delicious seafood lunch awaits you on a remote island, with grilled fish, lobster, and tropical fruits. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the boat or swimming before heading back to shore in the late afternoon.
Day 12: Zanzibar – Spice Farm Tour
Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island,” and today you’ll discover why. Visit a local spice farm to see, smell, and taste the fresh spices that have shaped the island’s identity. Walk through the plantations and learn about the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, cardamom, turmeric, and nutmeg. Enjoy a local lunch infused with these spices and sample exotic fruits right from the trees. This tour offers a unique insight into Zanzibar’s history and agricultural life.
Day 13: Dolphin Tour and Beach Relaxation
Rise early for a boat trip along the southern coast to spot dolphins in their natural environment. If conditions allow, you may even have the opportunity to swim alongside them—an unforgettable experience. After the tour, return to the beach for a final afternoon of relaxation. Soak in the tranquility, savor local seafood one more time, and enjoy your last evening by the ocean.
Day 14: Departure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Abeid Karume International Airport for your flight. As you board your plane, take a moment to reflect on the diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife encounters that made this journey truly special. You leave with cherished memories and a deeper connection to the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Included
- 14 days
- All accommodations
- 24/7 service
- English speaking guide
- Full board during your safari
- Game drives
- Luxurious private 4×4 Safari Jeep
- Park fees
- Pickup and transfer airport
- Reservation costs
- Zanzibar meals depending on your package
Excluded
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Tips
