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12-Day Tanzania Safari Highlights & Zanzibar Beach Escape

Valid

Year Through

Duration

12 Days | 11 Nights

Destinations

Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar (Stone Town, Nungwi)

Pick Up

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Drop Off

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Lions by Day, Ocean Waves by Night – Your Dream Escape Starts Here

Best Time to Travel:

This itinerary is ideal year-round, so you can choose to travel during the month that best fits your schedule, interests, and budget

Trip Highlights

Tanzania is a land of contrast, wonder, and unforgettable beauty — where every day brings a new adventure. Track the Big 5 across the golden plains of the Serengeti, marvel at the dramatic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater, and witness elephant herds wandering through the ancient baobab forests of Tarangire.

After the thrill of the wild, escape to the idyllic island of Zanzibar, where soft white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, or indulge in a romantic seaside dinner, this journey offers the perfect balance of safari excitement and coastal relaxation.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania / Transfer to Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania, where your unforgettable safari adventure begins with a warm greeting from your Social Adventure Safari guide at Kilimanjaro International Airport. As you drive to Arusha, you may catch a breathtaking view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the iconic “Roof of Africa.” Upon arrival at your lodge/ hotel, relax, enjoy a delicious African meal, and unwind before your exciting safari starts the next day.

Accommodation

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Begin your safari with an exciting game drive in Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a scenic drive through local villages before exploring the park’s vast landscapes, where you’ll spot rare species like gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx. After a picnic lunch, continue your adventure along the Tarangire River, a prime wildlife viewing spot, before heading to your lodge for a stunning sunset, dinner, and overnight stay.

Accommodation

Day 3: Visit Masai Village / Lake Manyara National Park

Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast, then head to a traditional Maasai village where you’ll connect with one of East Africa’s most iconic tribes. Experience their way of life up close  from milking cows to participating in age-old dances passed down through generations. 

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, known for its lush forests, flamingos, and tree-climbing lions. Spot elephants, hippos, and a variety of birds as you explore the park’s rich biodiversity. After an exciting day of culture and wildlife, head to your lodge in Lake Eyasi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation

Day 4: Visit Hadzabe & Datoga Villages / Elephant Caves and Waterfalls

Begin your day with an immersive cultural experience at Lake Eyasi, where you’ll meet the Hadzabe, East Africa’s last hunter-gatherers, and join them in hunting, honey gathering, and learning about their traditions. Visit the Datoga tribe, known for their expert blacksmithing skills and intricate brass jewelry, while gaining insight into their pastoral lifestyle. 

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic nature hike to Endoro Waterfall and Elephant Caves, where you’ll discover ancient rock formations shaped by elephants seeking mineral-rich soil before heading to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Experience the wonders of Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. Descend into this breathtaking caldera, where you’ll encounter diverse wildlife such as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards, along with zebras, wildebeests, and hippos. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch then proceed to Lake Magadi, home to flocks of flamingos, before an afternoon game drive and a return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Day 6: Game Viewing en Route Serengeti National Park

Journey through the stunning Ngorongoro Highlands as you make your way to the legendary Serengeti National Park. After checking in at your lodge/camp and enjoying lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive in the Seronera area, home to lions, elephants, wildebeests, and cheetahs. As the sun sets over the vast plains, return to your lodge/camp for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Accommodation

Day 7: Serengeti National Park

Begin your day with an optional balloon safari, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti followed by a champagne breakfast. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Seronera area on thrilling game drives, searching for wildebeests, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. After an exciting wildlife adventure, return to your lodge/camp for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation

Day 8: Fly to Zanzibar Island

After an adventurous safari, fly to Zanzibar to unwind on its stunning beaches. Upon arrival, a Social Adventure Safari representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for lunch and relaxation. Spend your afternoon exploring the island with activities like walking tours, diving, or parasailing before enjoying a delicious Swahili dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Day 9: Stone Town Tour & Sunset Cruise

Your day begins with a guided tour of Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, where you’ll explore its narrow streets, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, learning about its rich cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy a stunning sunset cruise along the coast of Zanzibar, where you can admire the picturesque views as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Afterward, head back to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

Day 10: Spice Tour, Local Cuisine & Transfer to Nungwi

Start your day with a fascinating spice tour, where you’ll explore Zanzibar’s renowned spice farms and learn about the island’s historical role in the spice trade. Afterward, indulge in the flavors of Zanzibar’s local cuisine, tasting fresh dishes made with the island’s unique spices. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic transfer to your hotel in Nungwi, where you’ll relax and unwind by the beach for the evening.

Accommodation

Day 11: Water Sports at Nungwi Beach

Today, enjoy a full day of thrilling water sports activities at Nungwi Beach, one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Engage in exciting activities such as snorkeling, jet-skiing, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the warm, crystal-clear waters. After an adventurous day, unwind at your hotel with a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation

Day 12: Morning Leisure & Departure

Enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure, whether it’s lounging on the beach or enjoying the last moments in Zanzibar. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Zanzibar Airport for your flight back home, filled with unforgettable memories from your incredible African adventure. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you again soon!

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