How to plan Tanzania Safari and Beach Vacation
A 14-day Tanzania safari and beach vacation offers a great way to explore wildlife and relax. This journey begins in Arusha and takes you through iconic parks before heading to Zanzibar for a beach experience. You will enjoy game drives, a balloon safari, and a walking safari before relaxing on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches. This safari balances adventure and relaxation, ensuring you see diverse landscapes and wildlife. The experience includes visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire before flying to Zanzibar.
You will start in Arusha, a lively town at the foot of Mount Meru. The journey then takes you to the Serengeti, where you can see the Big Five and other wildlife. Ngorongoro Crater follows, offering rich biodiversity in a collapsed volcanic caldera. Afterward, Tarangire National Park provides sightings of elephants and baobab trees. The final part of the trip includes a flight to Zanzibar, where you will unwind by the ocean.
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha
Arrive in Arusha and enjoy the cool breeze of this vibrant town. You will check into a comfortable lodge and relax. Spend the evening exploring local markets or tasting Tanzanian dishes. The town provides a perfect introduction before starting the safari.
Day 2: Fly to Serengeti National Park
Board a short flight to Serengeti National Park and admire the scenic views from above. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin a game drive. Expect to see lions, elephants, and giraffes. In the evening, settle into a safari lodge and enjoy a campfire under the stars.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Lodges: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita Sasakwa Lodge, &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
- Mid-Range Lodges: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Kati Kati Tented Camp, Serengeti Sopa Lodge
- Budget Camps: Seronera Campsites, Nyani Campsite, Lobo Campsite
- Mobile Camps: Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp, Asilia Dunia Camp
Day 3 & 4: Full Days in Serengeti National Park
Spend two days exploring the Serengeti, known for its abundant wildlife. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to track cheetahs, leopards, and rhinos. Visit hippo pools and enjoy picnic lunches under acacia trees. The vast plains provide breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.
Day 5: Balloon Safari and Drive to Ngorongoro
Wake up early for a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. The sunrise creates a magical view of the landscape and wildlife. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before heading to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive offers opportunities to see more animals along the way.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Lodges: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Highlands, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge.
- Mid-Range Lodges: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Rhino Lodge, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge.
- Budget Lodges & Camps: Simba Campsite, Crater Forest Tented Camp, Endoro Lodge.
- Tented Camps: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp, Pakulala Ngorongoro Safari Camp.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive and Transfer to Tarangire
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy a full-day game drive. The crater floor hosts zebras, wildebeests, and lions. You will see flamingos on the lake and hippos in the marshes. Later, drive to Tarangire National Park for an overnight stay in a scenic lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Lodges: Tarangire Treetops, Sanctuary Swala Camp
- Mid-Range Lodges: Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire Simba Lodge
- Budget Camps: Whistling Thorn Tented Camp, Maweninga Camp
- Public Campsites: Kigongoni Campsite, Tarangire Campsite
- Exclusive Camps: Little Chem Chem, Kuro Tarangire
Day 7: Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
Spend the day exploring Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Drive along the Tarangire River, a vital water source that attracts many animals. Watch as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes gather to drink.
Day 8: Walking Safari and Night Game Drive
Experience a morning walking safari with an expert guide who explains animal tracks and plant species. Walk through the savannah while spotting smaller wildlife. Later, embark on a night game drive to see nocturnal animals, including leopards and bush babies.
Day 9: Fly to Zanzibar
Leave the wild landscapes behind and fly to Zanzibar. The island welcomes you with warm ocean breezes and pristine beaches. Upon arrival, check into a beachfront resort and enjoy a peaceful evening.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Resorts – Baraza Resort & Spa, Zuri Zanzibar, The Residence Zanzibar
- Mid-Range Hotels – Tembo House Hotel, Mizingani Seafront Hotel, Maru Maru Hotel
- Budget Lodges – Kendwa Rocks, New Teddy’s on the Beach, Promised Land Lodge
- Eco-Lodges – Chumbe Island Lodge, Fumba Beach Lodge, Sunshine Marine Lodge
Day 10 – 13: Relax on Zanzibar’s Beaches
Spend four days enjoying Zanzibar’s stunning beaches and turquoise waters. Relax on the white sands, swim in the ocean, or try snorkeling. Visit Stone Town to explore its rich history and vibrant markets. You may also take a spice tour or sail on a traditional dhow.
Day 14: Departure
After a refreshing beach stay, head to the airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the incredible experiences of Tanzania’s wildlife and Zanzibar’s beauty.
