11-Day Northern Circuit Tanzania Safari & Beach Package
The Ultimate Bush & Beach Experience – Mid-Range Safari & Zanzibar Escape
Tour Description
11 Days – Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
This 11-day mid-range lodge and tented camp safari showcases the very best of Tanzania’s northern circuit. Explore the elephant-rich plains of Tarangire National Park, the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Manyara, the endless savannahs of the Serengeti, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater – the best place in Tanzania to spot the Big Five. After your safari adventure, fly to Zanzibar where warm turquoise waters and pristine white sands await on the Indian Ocean. The perfect balance of wildlife and relaxation.
Overview
Eleven days. Five iconic destinations. One unforgettable journey.
This carefully curated itinerary combines the thrill of Tanzania’s legendary northern safari circuit with the tranquility of Zanzibar’s stunning coastline. You will journey through diverse landscapes – from baobab-dotted plains to the world’s largest volcanic caldera, from endless savannahs to turquoise waters.
Your adventure begins with game drives in Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. You’ll explore Lake Manyara, home to thousands of flamingos and the famous tree-climbing lions. You’ll spend multiple days in the Serengeti, tracking the Great Migration and searching for predators. You’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife. Then, you’ll fly to Zanzibar for four nights of relaxation on the beautiful north coast.
This journey is designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive Tanzanian experience – wildlife, culture, landscapes, and beach – all in one seamless package.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Serengeti Wildlife Safari. You will be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha, where you can relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, take in the views of Mount Meru, and rest after your international flight.
Meals: At your own expense | Drinking water included
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, your personal safari guide will collect you from your lodgings. You will set out for Tarangire National Park, a journey across gently rolling Maasai plains dotted with acacia trees. Along the way, you will pass Maasai people in their colorful traditional dress, herding cattle and going about their daily lives.
Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes a lifeline, attracting wildlife from miles around. From the open roof of your safari vehicle, you will experience the park’s seasonal swamps, savannah, and riverine habitats. Expect to see zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, and elephant. With luck, you may glimpse lions stalking prey or leopards relaxing in the trees above.
After a full day of exploration, you will return to your carefully selected accommodation for dinner and a restful night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you will continue toward the fertile highlands where the Iraqw people grow wheat and corn. Along the way, you will pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you may be lucky enough to see baboons, leopards, or elephants in the dense undergrowth.
You will catch a breathtaking glimpse of the Ngorongoro Crater before traveling onward to the Serengeti National Park, which you will reach by midday. The Serengeti is Tanzania’s largest park, with diverse landscapes and habitats – grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah, and mountains.
After an extensive game drive, you will arrive at your accommodation in the Seronera Valley for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 4: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
This entire day is set aside for game drives upon the Serengeti. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife – impala, buffalo, crocodile, and hippo – but is best known for the great migrating herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest.
The animals’ trek is determined by rainfall and varies from year to year:
November to December – The herds move from the northern woodlands to the grassy plains of the south
April to June – The herds return north during the longer rainy season
August to September – The herds gather at the Mara River for dramatic crossings
Apart from the migrating herds, you will have the opportunity to see resident predators – leopard, cheetah, and lion – fulfilling their role in the circle of life.
After an unforgettable day, you will return to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and a night’s sleep on the endless plains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you will depart the Serengeti and head toward the Ngorongoro Crater. The journey itself offers wildlife viewing opportunities – you may spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) before you even reach the crater.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of Africa. Formed millions of years ago, it is 600 metres deep and covers approximately 260 square kilometres. Due to its dense animal population of approximately 25,000 ungulates, the crater offers the best game viewing of all the parks in Tanzania.
You will arrive at the crater rim before lunch, then descend into the crater. Very quickly, you will see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, and some of the more than 500 bird species in the area. With a little luck, you may catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino through the grass.
After lunch and a full afternoon inside the crater, you will head to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 6: Lake Manyara – Flight to Zanzibar
After breakfast, you will drive to your final safari destination – Lake Manyara National Park. This relatively small but remarkably diverse park, approximately 120 kilometres west of Arusha, is named for the shallow salt lake that covers a large area of the park. The lake expands and contracts with the seasons and is home to thousands of flamingos, along with over 500 other bird species.
On your exploration of the park, you will encounter monkeys, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and elephants. With some luck, you may spot lions lounging in the trees – a behavior for which Lake Manyara is famous. The park’s diverse landscapes include open grassy plains, primate-filled woodlands, and baobab-dotted cliffs.
After a memorable game drive and lunch, you will head back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for your flight to Zanzibar (Stone Town). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Drinking water included
Days 7–10: Stone Town to North Coast (Nungwi)
At your chosen time, you will transfer to Nungwi – a large village at Zanzibar Island’s northernmost tip. Once known as a dhow-building centre, Nungwi is now a major tourist destination thanks to its beautiful beach and stunning sunsets.
Activities available in Nungwi (at additional cost):
Diving and snorkeling – explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life
Deep-sea fishing
Swimming – Nungwi’s geography and tidal patterns mean swimming is possible at any time
Yoga and cycling
Guided village tours
Sunset dhow cruises
Mnemba Island excursions – world-class snorkeling and dolphin sightings
You will spend four nights at this incredible location – a perfect time to relax, swim in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoy fresh seafood, and simply unwind.
Meals: Breakfast included | Drinks not included
Day 11: Departure
Today brings your adventures to a close. After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport or the seaport according to your departure time. Carry with you enduring images of the African wild and unforgettable memories of an extraordinary journey.
Meals: Breakfast | Drinking water included
End of Safari
Inclusions
Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha – Kilimanjaro International Airport)
Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
All national park entry fees and conservation fees
Ngorongoro Crater service fees
All game drives as described in the itinerary
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for optimal game viewing
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
All meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Accommodation as described in the itinerary (mid-range)
Exclusions
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff (suggested $15 per person per day)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
Optional safari activities:
Balloon Safari (approximately $500 per person)
Maasai Village Visit (approximately $50 per vehicle)
Night Game Drive (approximately $165 per person)
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk (approximately $30 per person)
Olduvai Gorge and Museum Visit (approximately $40 per person)
Optional beach activities in Zanzibar (snorkeling, diving, boat cruises, etc.)
