Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari | Wildlife Adventure & Beach Escape - Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

lifetime 15-day adventure with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

15 Days 14 Nights

Overview

Venture into a once-in-a-lifetime 15-day adventure through Tanzania’s stunning landscapes and wildlife-rich parks with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, beginning in the vibrant city of Arusha. Explore the remarkable Arusha National Park, then relax at Ngarasero Mountain Lodge before heading to the famous Tarangire National Park. Experience the awe-inspiring Serengeti in its various regions, from the western to southern and central plains, where you'll witness the incredible wildlife, including the Big Five. Marvel at the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wonder teeming with animals. After your safari, unwind in Zanzibar, exploring spice farms, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Swim with dolphins at Kizimkazi, relax on Nakupenda Island, and dive into the depths of Mnemba. This epic journey, with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, combines adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments in nature’s paradise.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide from Serengeti Wildlife Safaris who will transfer you to your hotel, the Greenside Hotel in Arusha. This hotel serves as 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 surroundings or enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel's restaurant, which serves a variety of local and international cuisines. This peaceful introduction to your trip provides you with the perfect opportunity to refresh and prepare for the adventure ahead, ensuring you're ready for the excitement of exploring Tanzania’s extraordinary wildlife.

Today, you will explore Arusha City with the best guide, Tanzania’s safari capital. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, your day begins with a tour of Arusha’s vibrant markets, where you can shop for unique handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional Tanzanian fabrics. Visit the Arusha National Natural History Museum, located in a former colonial-era building, which offers fascinating insights into the region’s geological history and its wildlife. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local coffee farm to learn about Tanzania's coffee culture and sample some of the freshest brews you'll ever taste. Return to your hotel in the evening, where you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing dinner, reflecting on your day of discovery before your exciting safari begins.

On Day 3, you’ll embark on an exciting journey to Arusha National Park, located just a short distance from the city. This Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which include volcanic craters, lush rainforests, and tranquil lakes. As you enter the park, you'll have the chance to witness a wide variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and baboons. The park’s diverse ecosystems also offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with over 400 species to be seen. A highlight of your visit is the chance to see the beautiful Momella Lakes, home to large flocks of flamingos. You can also enjoy a relaxing canoe ride on the lakes, getting up close to the birds and other wildlife. After a day in the park, you will return to the Greenside Hotel for a restful night and dinner. Accommodation: Greenside Hotel

Spend the morning at leisure, enjoying the serene atmosphere of the Greenside Hotel. You may choose to visit the hotel’s lush garden or relax by the pool. In the afternoon, take a short drive to Ngarasero Mountain Lodge, a peaceful retreat located at the base of Mount Meru. Here, you’ll enjoy a relaxing canoeing experience on Lake Ngarasero, surrounded by stunning views of the mountain and lush vegetation. This lodge is a perfect escape, offering the opportunity to enjoy nature at its best. You can also engage in a guided nature walk or simply relax and appreciate the peaceful ambiance. Return to your hotel in Arusha for an evening of relaxation and a delicious dinner.

On Day 5, you will set off on your journey to Tarangire National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and large elephant herds. After breakfast, you will drive through the picturesque Tanzanian countryside to the park, where you’ll embark on a thrilling game drive. The Park is home to a diverse array of animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and the iconic baobab trees. The Tarangire River acts as a magnet for wildlife, especially during the dry season, when herds of elephants gather along its banks. Your game drive will take you through different ecosystems, offering opportunities to spot a variety of species. After your safari, you’ll head to Mawe Mawe Lodge, located in the Mto wa Mbu area, where you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodation and a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes. The lodge’s serene environment is the perfect place to unwind after a day of safari.

Today marks the beginning of your exploration of the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, you will journey to the western part of the Serengeti, where you’ll check into your tented camp accommodation at Moyo Tented Camp or Heritage Serengeti. The Serengeti is famous for its vast plains and rich wildlife, and the western region is known for its relative seclusion, offering a more exclusive safari experience. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on your first game drive in the Serengeti, where you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The Serengeti’s diverse landscapes, from savannah to woodland, provide excellent opportunities for game viewing. Return to your tented camp in the evening to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and reflect on your day’s adventures.

On Day 7, continue your exploration of 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 wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. While the migration can vary, the southern Serengeti offers ample opportunities to witness large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, with predators like lions and cheetahs often in pursuit. You’ll spend the day enjoying game drives in this rich and diverse ecosystem, with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. After an exciting day of game viewing, you’ll return to your tented camp for a relaxing evening, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Serengeti under the stars.

Today, you’ll explore the central region of Serengeti National Park, known for its high concentration of wildlife. Central Serengeti is famous for its lion prides and offers the opportunity to witness the incredible action of predator-prey interactions. Spend the morning on a game drive through the park, spotting lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife that roam the plains. In the afternoon, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Crater for an overnight stay at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse. The crater is one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations, and its unique ecosystem provides a haven for an incredible variety of animals. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and relax as you prepare for the next day’s adventure in the crater.

Today, you’ll 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” and a variety of other animals, including hippos, flamingos, and cheetahs. The lush greenery and unique geography of the crater floor make it an extraordinary place for game viewing. After a morning of exploring, you’ll drive back to Arusha in the afternoon, where you’ll spend the night at the Greenside Hotel. This is an ideal place to relax and reflect on your incredible safari experience in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

On Day 10, you will take a flight from Arusha to Zanzibar, where you will check into Nungwi Dream by Mantis, located in the scenic Nungwi region. Zanzibar is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural history. After arriving, you’ll 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, or simply enjoy the serene environment of the resort. The evening will feature a delightful seafood dinner on the beach, allowing you to savor fresh local dishes as the sun sets.

Today, you’ll take a fascinating tour of one of Zanzibar’s spice farms. Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar is home to a variety of aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. During the tour, you will walk through lush plantations, learning about the cultivation and uses of these spices. You’ll have the opportunity to taste fresh spices and enjoy a sensory experience as you engage with local farmers. After the tour, you’ll return to your resort for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Whether you choose to relax by the pool, explore more of the island, or visit nearby beaches, there’s plenty to enjoy on this idyllic day. Enjoy a peaceful evening at the resort, where you can take in the beauty of Zanzibar.

Day 12 is a day of relaxation and adventure as you set out for a boat trip to Nakupenda Island, one of Zanzibar’s most pristine and secluded islands. Known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Nakupenda offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The island is a paradise for marine life, and you’ll have the opportunity to swim with tropical fish and explore the coral reefs. This is the perfect day to unwind and experience Zanzibar’s natural beauty away from the hustle and bustle. After a relaxing day, return to your resort for an evening of leisure and a refreshing dinner by the beach.

On Day 13, you’ll visit Mnemba Island, a small but stunning island off the coast of Zanzibar known for its exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, Mnemba offers a variety of diving experiences to suit all levels. You’ll be able to swim with sea turtles, colorful fish, and other marine life in the crystal-clear waters. After a day of diving or snorkeling, return to Nungwi for a relaxing evening, where you can unwind with a delicious dinner while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Today’s adventure will take you to the southern coast of Zanzibar for a Kizimkazi Dolphin Swimming Tour. This is a unique opportunity to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience. The tour will be led by experienced guides who will take you to the best locations where dolphins are frequently spotted. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to swim alongside these playful creatures, making for a magical experience. After your dolphin tour, you’ll return to Nungwi Dream by Mantis for an afternoon of relaxation. Spend the remainder of your day unwinding on the beach or enjoying the amenities at your resort.

After breakfast, you’ll head to Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historical heart, for a guided tour. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its winding alleys, intricate doors, and rich history. Visit the spice market, the House of Wonders, and the old slave market to learn about Zanzibar’s fascinating history. After exploring the town, you’ll have some time to shop for souvenirs before heading to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight home. You’ll leave Zanzibar with unforgettable memories of your Serengeti safari and island adventure.

Included & Excluded

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off (Kilimanjaro or Arusha)
  • All ground transportation and transfers during the trip
  • Accommodation for 14 nights in lodges, camps, and resorts
  • Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
  • Daily meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • All park entrance and conservation fees
  • Game drives in Arusha NP, Tarangire NP, Serengeti (West, South, Central), and Ngorongoro Crater
  • Guided tour of Arusha City, spice farm tour in Zanzibar
  • Visits to Nakupenda Island, Mnemba Island, and Kizimkazi dolphin swim
  • Canoeing activities (Lake Ngarasero and Momella Lakes)
  • Professional English-speaking guide/driver
  • Bottled drinking water during safaris
  • All government taxes and service charges
  • 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)
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (recommended: $10–$20 per day)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., scuba certification)
  • Diving equipment rental (if not included by the diving center)

Map

Frequent Asked Question

What is the best time of year to go on this safari?

This safari runs year-round, but the best wildlife viewing months in the Serengeti are typically from June to October, and for the wildebeest migration in the south, January to March is ideal.

Is the safari suitable for children and families?

Yes, the trip is family-friendly. However, some activities (like diving) may have age or health restrictions. Customizations can be arranged for families with younger children.

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Yes. Most travelers require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or upon arrival at the airport.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and activities like diving is strongly recommended.

lifetime 15-day adventure with Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

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