11-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Escape
Experience a 11-day Tanzania adventure! Safari in the Serengeti & Ngorongoro, explore Arusha, and unwind on Zanzibar’s stunning beaches. Plan your trip now!
AFRICAEXPENSIVEA GOOD MIX
About
Embarking on a three-day adventure in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater is a wildlife enthusiast's dream, offering breathtaking landscapes and the chance to witness the iconic Big Five. After soaking in the natural beauty, you’ll spend a day in Arusha, where local markets and stunning views of Kilimanjaro provide a cultural touch. Then, it's off to Zanzibar for about five days of relaxation, exploring pristine beaches, vibrant spice markets, and rich history in Stone Town. Expect a blend of thrilling safaris, cultural experiences, and the tranquility of island life, making for an unforgettable journey.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport, and explore the sourrandings
DAY 2 - Safari Time - Serengeti
Get up early in the morning, heading to Serengeti National Park
DAY 3 - Safari Time - Serengeti
Enjoy a full game drive in Serengeti, before heading to Ngorongoro Crater
DAY 4 - Safari Time - Ngorongoro
Enjoy your full day at Ngorongoro, and head back to your accommodation in the evening
DAY 5 - Arusha, Moshi & Transfer
Explore Arusha or Moshi, and move to the airport to catch your internal flight
DAY 6 - Zanzibar - Mnemba Island
Enjoy your first full day in Zanzibar, and go for a snorkeling in Mnemba Island
DAY 7 - Zanzibar - Blue Safari
Go for a Blue Safari, a boat tour to appreciate the colors of the sea
DAY 8 - Zanzibar - Nakupenda
Use a day for Nakupenda sandbank and Prison Island
DAY 9 - Zanzibar - Nungwi & Kendwa
Visit Kendwa and Nungwi with their stunning beaches
DAY 10 - Zanzibar - Beach & Airport
Enjoy your last day in Zanzibar, before heading back to the airport
DAY 11 - Flight
Based on your schedule, Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$1130
$1330
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $20-30 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
Internal Flight, airport pick up ecc
Experiences
3 days safari & others
$140-210
$150-200
$160-230
$650-700
How are prices calculated?
GALLERY
When To Go
December to March
December to March marks a dry and warm period, often referred to as the short dry season. In Arusha, temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C with clear skies, making it an excellent time for safaris in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with animals congregating around water sources. In Zanzibar, the weather is warm and humid, with temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. The sea is calm, offering perfect conditions for snorkeling, diving, and beach relaxation. This period is highly recommended for travelers seeking both wildlife adventures and tropical beach experiences.
April to May
April to May is the long rainy season, bringing heavy rainfall and lush green landscapes. In Arusha, temperatures drop slightly, ranging from 18°C to 27°C. While safaris can be more challenging due to muddy roads, the scenery becomes spectacularly verdant, and parks are less crowded. Zanzibar experiences tropical downpours with high humidity, which may make beach activities less appealing. Sea conditions can also be rougher. Despite these challenges, this period offers an opportunity for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and enjoy the tranquility of off-peak travel.
June to October
June to October is characterized by cool and dry conditions, known as the long dry season. In Arusha, temperatures hover between 15°C and 26°C, accompanied by clear skies and crisp air. This is the peak safari season, ideal for witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or exploring the Ngorongoro Crater. Hiking Mount Meru or Kilimanjaro is also highly popular during this time due to the dry trails. In Zanzibar, the weather remains warm and breezy, with temperatures from 22°C to 30°C. Rainfall is minimal, making it an excellent time for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the island’s attractions. The combination of perfect safari conditions and pristine beaches makes this the best overall period to visit.
November to December
November brings the short rains, a transitional period with scattered showers and vibrant greenery. In Arusha, temperatures range from 19°C to 28°C, and while rainfall is present, it is often brief and does not heavily disrupt safari plans. Wildlife remains active, and the landscapes are rejuvenated. In Zanzibar, occasional rain showers are interspersed with warm and humid weather, with temperatures between 24°C and 31°C. The seas are generally calm, maintaining good conditions for beach activities. This is a great time for travelers seeking lush scenery and a mix of sunshine and occasional rain.
Summary Recommendations:
The best overall period is from June to October, as it offers the perfect blend of clear skies, wildlife migrations, and serene beach conditions. April to May is suitable for budget travelers and those who appreciate lush, green landscapes despite the rain. December to March is an excellent alternative for wildlife viewing in Arusha and enjoying Zanzibar’s tropical beaches. Avoid late April to early May if you want to minimize disruptions caused by heavy rains, especially for outdoor activities.
Our Proposal
DAY 1
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, travelers are greeted by the warm, dry air of Tanzania. After clearing customs, the next step is to arrange transport to Arusha, which typically takes about an hour. The drive offers glimpses of the local landscape, including sprawling fields and bustling villages. Once in Arusha, it is advisable to check into a hotel to rest after the journey. This city serves as a popular base for exploring nearby attractions such as Arusha National Park and Mount Meru. Travelers should take this time to acclimate and prepare for upcoming adventures. Engaging with local cuisine is also an excellent way to start the vacation. Be sure to sample traditional dishes, and perhaps enjoy an evening stroll to soak in the local atmosphere.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options on the forest on the Kilimanjaro Slopes
DAY 2
When planning your dream safari, finding the right company is key. Check out safaribookings.com for the best options out there. Plus, your host will have your back—ask them for tips on scoring great deals. Remember, it’s always worth haggling a bit on the price, Happy adventuring!
To keep the budget low, I would recommend a 3-day safari between Serengeti and Ngorongoro. A reasonable all-inclusive price for these 3 days is around $500 with budget accommodations. Now that everything is set, let's just make sure the safari company won't forget to pick you up and spend these 3 days (or more, if you have budget!) without any thougths, as everything will be handled by your chosen company
So, back to us! On the second day of your vacation, after breakfast, set off for Serengeti National Park with picnic lunch boxes ready. Enjoy game drives along the way, followed by a full-day game drive in the Serengeti. In the evening, you'll have dinner at the campsite, where you'll spend the night. Depending on the season, you may even witness the incredible wildebeest migration!
SAFARI TIME - SERENGETI
DAY 3
Start the day with an early morning game drive before heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. On the way, we’ll stop at Olduvai Gorge, a historic site known for its ancient significance. It’s here that Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey made groundbreaking anthropological discoveries, including the famous “Nutcracker” and “Handy Man” skulls.
SAFARI TIME - SERENGETI
DAY 4
After an early breakfast, you'll descend over 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for some fantastic wildlife viewing. This remarkable area is home to a diverse array of animals, including wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, and elephants, as well as predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. You'll also visit Lake Magadi, famous for its flamingos and other water birds. In the afternoon, you’ll head back to Arusha, where you can choose to be dropped off at your preferred hotel (i would suggest the same of the first day)
SAFARI TIME - NGORONGORO
DAY 5
Let's move to Zanzibar - i would suggest a morning exploration around Arusha or Moshi to enjoy the views on Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Flights from Arusha to Zanzibar are quite frequent, so you can decide wheter to leave in the morning or afternoon! The price for the flight is around $100-150, depending on period
ARUSHA, MOSHI & TRANSFER
Check out some flights
Select from "Arusha Int. Airport (ARK)" to "Zanzibar Int. Airport (ZNZ)"
In Zanzibar, i would suggest to pick the same place for the whole stay, which would depend on your time and budget. I would recommend 5 days, to enjoy all the best experiences and have a buffer in case of some unpredictable rain! Anyway, the first day should be dedicated to relax, so pick the beach in front of your place, and enjoy the crystal-clear blue water - following an aperitivo during sunset and a fish based dinner
DAY 6
Start your day with breakfast before taking a short boat ride to Mnemba Atoll. Spend the morning snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs and swimming with colorful fish and sea turtles. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the beach, then relax or kayak in the shallow waters. As the day ends, take in a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean before heading back to the mainland
A much fair price for this excursion all included is around $30
ZANZIBAR - MNEMBA ISLAND
Check out some Professional Tours
or ask to the "Beach Boys", but remember to negotiate the price
DAY 7
Start your adventure with a morning pick-up and a scenic boat ride to explore the stunning waters around Zanzibar. The Blue Safari typically includes stops at beautiful snorkeling spots, where you can discover vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. You'll also visit a local sandbank, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch, often prepared on the beach, while taking in the breathtaking views. Throughout the day, you might have the chance to spot dolphins and other wildlife. As you sail back to the mainland, relax and soak up the sun
A much fair price for this excursion all included is around $40
ZANZIBAR - BLUE SAFARI
Check out some Professional Tours
or ask to the "Beach Boys", but remember to negotiate the price
DAY 8
Begin your day with a boat ride to Nakupenda, a stunning sandbank known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Spend the morning swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the vibrant marine life while snorkeling. Afterward, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the beach, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, head to Prison Island, where you can explore the historic site and meet the giant tortoises. Take a leisurely stroll around the island, learning about its fascinating history and enjoying the beautiful views.
A much fair price for this experience is around $30
ZANZIBAR - NAKUPENDA
Check out some Professional Tours
or ask to the "Beach Boys", but remember to negotiate the price
DAY 9
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast in Nungwi, then set off to explore the stunning beaches nearby. Spend the morning soaking up the sun on Nungwi Beach, known for its soft sands and vibrant blue waters. You can swim, sunbathe, or even try some water sports like paddleboarding. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to Kendwa Beach, just a short distance away. This beach is equally beautiful and less crowded, perfect for a peaceful afternoon. Enjoy a beachside lunch at one of the local restaurants, sampling fresh seafood and local dishes. In the afternoon, explore the charming village of Kendwa, where you can experience the local culture and craft markets. Chat with friendly locals and learn about their way of life. As the day winds down, watch the sunset over the ocean from the beach, wrapping up a perfect day of relaxation and exploration in this beautiful part of Zanzibar
ZANZIBAR - NUNGWI & KENDWA
DAY 10
Depending on your flight time, book a taxi to the airport to return, unfortunately, home.
make sure to enjoy Zanzibar's beaches until the last minute!
ZANZIBAR - BEACH & AIRPORT
DAY 11
Depending on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back home