Safari Overview
This 12-day safari blends thrilling wildlife encounters with cultural immersion and beach relaxation. Explore Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti with walking and balloon safaris. En route, enjoy Mto wa Mbu’s vibrant market. End with serene Zanzibar beaches and short excursions for a perfect balance of adventure and leisure.
Safari Route Map
Arusha • Arusha National Park • Tarangire • Mto wa Mbu • Lake Manyara • Karatu • Ngorongoro Crater • Serengeti (Central) • Serengeti (North, seasonal) • Zanzibar • Arusha
Safari Schedule
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari hub. Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport (32 mi / 52 km) to lodge. Optional city tour offers Mount Meru views and vibrant markets.
Details:
- Distance: 32 mi / 52 km
- Activities: Arrival briefing, relaxation, optional town exploration
- Accommodation: Arusha lodge/hotel
Day 2: Arusha National Park Exploration
Game drive in Arusha National Park with Mt. Meru views, giraffes, and buffalo. Optional canoeing or guided walk. Return to lodge for relaxation.
Details
- Distances: 12–19 mi / 20–30 km
- Activities: Game drive, scenic viewpoints, optional walk/canoe
- Accommodation: Arusha lodge
Day 3: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire for elephants and baobabs. Leisurely game drive with picnic lunch. Sunset cocktails at lodge overlooking the park.
Details
- Distances: 75 mi / 120 km
- Activities: En route scenery, game drive
- Accommodation: Tarangire lodge or tented camp
Day 4: Full Day in Tarangire
Explore Tarangire’s riverine landscapes and swamps. Track elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and predators. Picnic lunch before sunset drive. Return to camp.
Details
- Distances: 19–31 mi / 30–50 km
- Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, picnic lunch
- Accommodation: Tarangire lodge or tented camp
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Day 5: Tarangire to Lake Manyara via Mto wa Mbu
Drive to Lake Manyara, stopping at Mto wa Mbu for shopping and cultural tour. Explore forests and lakeshores for lions, elephants, and flamingos. Overnight in Karatu.
Details
- Distances: 56 mi / 90 km (Tarangire–Manyara) • 12 mi / 20 km (Manyara–Karatu)
- Activities: Mto wa Mbu shopping/cultural tour, game drive
- Accommodation: Karatu lodge
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Safari
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for rhinos, lions, and hippos. Picnic lunch on the crater floor. Evening return to rim or Karatu.
Details
- Distances: 25 mi / 40 km
- Activities: Crater game drive, picnic lunch
- Accommodation: Karatu or crater rim lodge
Day 7: Karatu to Serengeti (Central)
Drive via Ndutu plains to Serengeti. Stop at Naabi Hill gate. Afternoon game drive among kopjes. Overnight in central Serengeti luxury camp.
Details
- Distances: 106 mi / 170 km
- Activities: En route wildlife viewing, game drive
- Accommodation: Central Serengeti luxury tented camp
Day 8: Serengeti Walking Safari
Morning walking safari with armed ranger for close encounters with wildlife. Afternoon relaxation at camp. Evening game drive in Seronera valleys.
Details
- Distances: 19–31 mi / 30–50 km (within park)
- Activities: Walking safari, game drive, lodge leisure
- Accommodation: Central Serengeti luxury tented camp
Day 9: Serengeti Balloon Safari and Game Drive
Early morning balloon safari over Serengeti plains followed by champagne breakfast. Afternoon game drive tracking migration herds or predators.
Details
- Distances: 19–31 mi / 30–50 km (within park)
- Activities: Balloon safari, game drive
- Accommodation: Serengeti luxury tented camp
Day 10: Serengeti to Zanzibar
Morning game drive, then fly to Zanzibar. Transfer to beach resort. Evening relaxation by the Indian Ocean.
Details
- Distances: 167–199 mi / 270–320 km (drive to airstrip) • 1 hr flight Serengeti–Zanzibar
- Activities: Game drive, scenic flight, beach relaxation
- Accommodation: Zanzibar beach resort
Day 11: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation and Short Excursions
Relax on calm beaches with optional excursions: Stone Town tour, spice plantation visit, or snorkeling. Evening sundowner by the ocean.
Details
- Distances: 12–19 mi / 20–30 km (local excursions)
- Activities: Beach leisure, optional excursions
- Accommodation: Zanzibar beach resort
Day 12: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam and Departure
Morning relaxation, then fly to Dar es Salaam. Final shopping or city tour before departure.
Details
- Distances: 1 hr flight Zanzibar–Dar es Salaam • 6–12 mi / 10–20 km (local transfers)
- Activities: Beach leisure, shopping, departure transfer
- Accommodation: Depart from Dar es Salaam
Important Note
If your travel plans require you to check out later than 10:00 AM, there is the convenience late check-out option for an additional fee, especially helpful for those with evening flights.
Safari Pricing Terms of Service
Included in the Safari Price:
✔ Meet and greet services upon arrival and departure at the airport.
✔ Full-board accommodation during the safari (Luxury, Standard, or Budget based on package selection).
✔ Private safari guide (English as the standard language; additional language guides available upon request).
✔ Round-trip transfers between the international airport and safari destinations.
✔ National park entry fees.
✔ All meals throughout the safari experience.
✔ Safari vehicles equipped with:
- Ice chest stocked with mineral water.
- Wildlife guidebook for reference during game drives.
- Karibuni welcome packet with useful information for guests.
✔ Government taxes, VAT, and service charges related to accommodation and meals.
✔ Domestic flight to Zanzibar for package with Zanzibar Extension
✔ Any additional special services requested will be included in the final itinerary package.
Not Included in the Safari Price:
✖ Tanzania Visa Fees:
- $50 per person on arrival.
- USA and Canada passport holders: $100 per person.
✖ Personal Expenses:
- Laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, etc.
✖ Meals not specified in the itinerary.
✖ Domestic flights, unless explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
✖ Optional/Add-on Tours:
- Hot air balloon ride: $500 per person.
- Other optional excursions available upon request.
✖ Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, local people for cultural tours and hotel staff.
✖ Any items of a personal nature not listed in the inclusions.
Tanzania Safari General FAQs
When is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?
The best time depends on your priorities:
- June to October: Dry season, ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
- January to February: Calving season in the Serengeti, offering incredible predator-prey interactions.
- March to May: Rainy season, fewer crowds, but some roads may be challenging.
What are the top national parks to visit?
Tanzania is home to several iconic parks:
- Serengeti National Park: Famous for the Great Migration and Big Five.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Dense wildlife populations in a unique volcanic setting.
- Tarangire National Park: Known for its elephant herds and baobab trees.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Great for birdwatching and tree-climbing lions.
- Ruaha National Park: Offers a more remote, rugged safari experience.
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Yes, most travelers require a visa. You can obtain one on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Tourist visas are typically valid for up to 90 days.
What vaccinations are required for Tanzania?
Recommended vaccinations include:
- Yellow fever (required if arriving from an at-risk country)
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, polio)
What should I pack for a safari?
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
- Binoculars and a 300mm+ telephoto lens for photography
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Extra camera batteries and memory cards
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
Safari costs vary based on accommodation, season, and itinerary:
- Budget safari: $200–$400 per day
- Mid-range safari: $400–$800 per day
- Luxury safari: $800+ per day
Is Tanzania safe for safaris?
Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Follow these precautions:
- Use reputable safari operators.
- Avoid walking alone at night in cities.
- Keep valuables secure.
- Follow park regulations and guide instructions.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Tanzania is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), along with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species.
What type of safari vehicles are used?
Most safaris use 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.
Can I do a self-drive safari?
While possible, self-drive safaris are challenging due to rough terrain and navigation difficulties. Hiring a professional guide is highly recommended.
What is the Great Migration, and when can I see it?
The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
- June to October: River crossings at the Mara River.
- January to February: Calving season in the southern Serengeti.
What are the accommodation options?
- Budget: Campsites and basic lodges.
- Mid-range: Comfortable lodges and tented camps.
- Luxury: High-end lodges with premium amenities.
Can I combine a safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday?
Absolutely! Many travelers end their safari with a relaxing beach retreat in Zanzibar, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
What is the food like on safari?
Most lodges and camps offer buffet-style meals with a mix of local and international cuisine. Special dietary requests can usually be accommodated.
How long should my safari be?
A 5–10 day safari is ideal for visiting multiple parks and maximizing wildlife encounters.
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