Wildlife Safari – Explore Top Destinations & Big Five Tours - Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

lifetime 12-day adventure with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

12 Days 11 Nights

Overview

This Wildlife Safari is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You travel with an experienced local guide, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this Wildlife Safari with us

First, every Wildlife Safari we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Serengeti National Park tours.

Venture into a once-in-a-lifetime 12-day adventure through Tanzania’s stunning landscapes and wildlife-rich parks with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris. First, you begin in the vibrant city of Arusha, and then you head to the famous Tarangire National Park. Next, you experience the awe-inspiring Serengeti in its western, southern and central regions. There you can witness incredible wildlife, including the Big Five.

After that, you marvel at the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder teeming with animals. Finally, you unwind in Zanzibar, with its spice farms, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. You also swim with dolphins at Kizimkazi, relax on Nakupenda Island and dive into the depths of Mnemba. In this way, this epic journey combines adventure, relaxation and unforgettable moments in nature’s paradise.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport, your guide from Serengeti Wildlife Safaris welcomes you warmly. Then your guide transfers you to the Greenside Hotel in Arusha. This hotel makes a comfortable base to begin your journey into the heart of Tanzania.

After check-in, take some time to relax and adjust to the time zone. Depending on your arrival time, you can stroll around the hotel’s lush grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel restaurant, which serves local and international dishes. This peaceful start gives you time to refresh, so you are ready to explore Tanzania’s extraordinary wildlife.

Today you set off for Tarangire National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and large elephant herds. After breakfast, you drive through the picturesque Tanzanian countryside to the park. Then you begin a thrilling game drive. The park is home to lions, giraffes, zebras and iconic baobab trees.

The Tarangire River acts as a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season. At that time, herds of elephants gather along its banks. Your game drive also takes you through different ecosystems, so you can spot a wide variety of species.

After your safari, you head to Mawe Mawe Lodge in the Mto wa Mbu area. Here you enjoy comfortable rooms and a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes. The lodge’s serene setting is the perfect place to unwind after a day on safari.

Today you begin exploring the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, you travel to the western Serengeti and check into your tented camp, Heritage Serengeti. The Serengeti is famous for its vast plains and rich wildlife. Moreover, the western region is relatively secluded, so it offers a more exclusive safari experience.

In the afternoon, you head out on your first Serengeti game drive. You have the chance to spot the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos. In addition, the park’s mix of savannah and woodland offers excellent game viewing. Later, return to your tented camp to relax, enjoy a delicious meal and reflect on the day.

Today you continue exploring the Serengeti as you head to the southern region of the park. The southern Serengeti is famous for its seasonal wildebeest migration, a spectacle that draws visitors from around the globe. Although the migration varies, this area offers ample chances to see large herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. Meanwhile, predators such as lions and cheetahs are often in pursuit.

You spend the day on game drives in this rich and diverse ecosystem. After an exciting day of game viewing, you return to your tented camp. Finally, enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars in the peaceful Serengeti.

Today you explore the central Serengeti, known for its high concentration of wildlife. This area is famous for its lion prides, and it often shows dramatic predator-prey action. First, you spend the morning on a game drive, spotting lions, cheetahs and other animals on the plains.

In the afternoon, you drive to the Ngorongoro Crater area for an overnight stay at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse. The crater is one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations, and its unique ecosystem shelters an incredible variety of animals. Later, enjoy dinner at the lodge and relax before tomorrow’s crater adventure.

Today you venture into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional concentration of wildlife. The crater is home to the famous “Big Five” as well as hippos, flamingos and cheetahs. In addition, the lush greenery and unique geography of the crater floor make it an extraordinary place for game viewing.

After a morning of exploring, you drive back to Arusha in the afternoon. There you spend the night at the Greenside Hotel. It is an ideal place to relax and reflect on your safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Today you fly from Arusha to Zanzibar. Then you check into Nungwi Dream by Mantis in the scenic Nungwi region. Zanzibar is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich cultural history.

After arriving, you have time to relax on the beach, enjoy the ocean breeze and unwind after your wildlife adventures. In the afternoon, you can take a leisurely walk through Nungwi village to explore local markets. Alternatively, simply enjoy the calm of the resort. In the evening, a delightful seafood dinner on the beach awaits, so you can savour fresh local dishes as the sun sets.

Today you take a fascinating tour of one of Zanzibar’s spice farms. Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” because it grows aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. During the tour, you walk through lush plantations and learn how these spices are grown and used. You also taste fresh spices and chat with local farmers.

After the tour, you return to your resort for lunch and a free afternoon. For example, you can relax by the pool, explore more of the island or visit nearby beaches. Finally, enjoy a peaceful evening at the resort and take in the beauty of Zanzibar.

Day 9 brings relaxation and adventure as you set out by boat for Nakupenda Island, one of Zanzibar’s most pristine and secluded spots. Nakupenda is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here you can enjoy swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.

The island is also a paradise for marine life, so you can swim with tropical fish and explore the coral reefs. It is the perfect day to unwind and enjoy Zanzibar’s natural beauty, away from the hustle and bustle. Afterwards, return to your resort for a leisurely evening and a refreshing dinner by the beach.

On Day 10, you visit Mnemba Island, a small but stunning island off the coast of Zanzibar. It is known for exceptional diving and snorkelling, because vibrant coral reefs surround it. Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, Mnemba offers dives to suit all levels.

In the crystal-clear water, you can swim with sea turtles, colourful fish and other marine life. After a day of diving or snorkelling, you return to Nungwi for a relaxing evening. Then unwind with a delicious dinner while you watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Today’s adventure takes you to Zanzibar’s southern coast for a Kizimkazi Dolphin Swimming Tour. It is a unique chance to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Experienced guides lead the tour and take you to the spots where dolphins are most often seen. If you are lucky, you may even swim alongside these playful creatures.

After your dolphin tour, you return to Nungwi Dream by Mantis for an afternoon of relaxation. Then spend the rest of the day on the beach or enjoying the resort’s amenities.

After breakfast, you head to Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic heart, for a guided tour. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its winding alleys, intricate doors and rich history. During the tour, you visit the spice market, the House of Wonders and the old slave market to learn about Zanzibar’s past.

After exploring the town, you have some time to shop for souvenirs. Finally, you head to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight home. You leave with unforgettable memories of your Serengeti safari and island adventure.

Included & Excluded

  • Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro/Arusha and Zanzibar International Airports
  • Accommodation: All 11 nights in carefully selected lodges, tented camps, and beach resorts
  • Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per itinerary
  • Transport: 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • 🎟️ Park Entry Fees: All national park entrance fees (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater)
  • Game Drives: Multiple game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti (west, south, central), and Ngorongoro
  • Domestic Flight: Arusha to Zanzibar (one-way flight)
  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Visa fees and processing
  • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, minibar, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless specified)

Map

Frequent Asked Question

What is included in the safari and Zanzibar package?

The package includes the following:

  • Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro/Arusha & Zanzibar International Airport)
  • Accommodation for 11 nights (safari lodges and Zanzibar resort)
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner during the safari; breakfast in Zanzibar)
  • Also, all park entry fees and government taxes
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • In addition, the domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
  • All Zanzibar excursions (spice farm tour, Nakupenda Island, Mnemba Island diving, Kizimkazi dolphin swim, Stone Town tour)
  • Bottled water during safaris and excursions
  • Finally, snorkelling and diving gear where required

What is excluded from the package?

The package does not include the following:

  • International airfare to and from Tanzania
  • Visa fees
  • Also, travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, tips, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and non-included beverages
  • In addition, optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Finally, diving certification or equipment rental beyond the basics (if needed)

What is the best time to travel for this safari and beach combo?

The tour runs year-round. However, the best time is the dry season (June to October), because wildlife viewing peaks and beach conditions in Zanzibar are ideal. In addition, you can see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti in various regions throughout the year.

4% Off
From $5230 $5000
/ Adult
lifetime 12-day adventure with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

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