8-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
This 8-day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday combines classic wildlife experiences in Northern Tanzania with cultural discovery and beach relaxation on Zanzibar Island. The itinerary is designed to maximize experiences within a limited timeframe while maintaining a balanced pace and comfortable travel distances.
The journey includes Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater, followed by a seamless transition to Zanzibar for cultural excursions and beach leisure. This itinerary is suitable for couples, families, honeymooners, and first-time visitors to Tanzania.
Ready to Tanzanian Safari?
Book your Safari today with trusted local experts.
Safari Highlights
Game drive in Tarangire National Park
Extended safari experience in Serengeti National Park
Game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater
Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
Stone Town & Prison Island excursion
Spice tour and sunset dhow cruise
Zanzibar beach relaxation
Tour Card Summary
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Safari Circuit: Northern Tanzania
Safari Type: Private Safari
Start: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
End: Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
Accommodation: Lodges, Tented Camps & Beach Hotel
Best Time: Year-round
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey.
Accommodation: Arusha Villa Lodge / Forest Hill Lodge
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2:
Arusha → Tarangire National Park → Karatu
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park. Enjoy a game drive in a park known for its large elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife.
In the late afternoon, continue to the highlands of Karatu.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge / Bougainvillea Lodge / Martinas Retreat
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
Karatu → Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, travel through scenic landscapes toward Serengeti National Park. Enjoy an en-route game drive as you enter the vast Serengeti plains.
Accommodation: Serengeti Queens / Sounds of Nature / Tanzania Bush Camps
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Full Day Safari – Serengeti National Park
Spend the entire day on game drives in the Serengeti. Morning and afternoon safaris offer opportunities to see predators, plains game, and a wide variety of wildlife.
Optional activity: Hot air balloon safari (at additional cost).
Accommodation: Serengeti Queens / Sounds of Nature / Tanzania Bush Camps
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Flight to Zanzibar
After an early start, depart Serengeti for Ngorongoro Crater. Descend into the crater for a game drive, home to a dense concentration of wildlife including the Big Five.
After lunch, transfer to Arusha / Arusha National Park airstrip for a scheduled flight to Zanzibar. On arrival, transfer to your beach hotel.
Accommodation: Mid-range Zanzibar accommodation
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6:
Zanzibar – Stone Town & Prison Island
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Stone Town, exploring historic sites and local markets. Later, take a boat excursion to Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Mid-range Zanzibar accommodation
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 7:
Zanzibar – Beach, Spice Tour & Sunset Cruise
Spend the morning at leisure enjoying the beach. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation for a guided spice tour.
Later, enjoy a traditional dhow sunset cruise along the coastline.
Accommodation: Mid-range Zanzibar accommodation
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 8:
Departure – Zanzibar International Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
What’s Included
- Meet & greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- All airport and safari transfers
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Full board meals during safari
- Bed & Breakfast in Zanzibar
- All scheduled game drives and activities
- Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro park fees
- Ngorongoro Crater service and descent fees
- Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
- Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
- Stone Town tour
- Prison Island excursion
- Spice tour
- Sunset dhow cruise
- Government taxes and levies
- 24/7 on-ground support
What’s Not Included
- International flights & visa fees
- Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)
- Optional activities not specified
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Medical or evacuation costs
- Items not listed under Includes
Frequently Asked Questions
This safari is operated as a private safari, meaning the vehicle and guide are exclusively for your group.
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted to suit your travel dates, interests, accommodation preferences, or budget while maintaining the overall route and experience.
This safari operates year-round. The best time for the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti is generally June to October, while wildlife viewing in other parks is excellent throughout the year.
Driving times are balanced to avoid long or exhausting travel days. Several destinations include multiple nights, allowing for extended game viewing and reduced transit time.
Yes. This itinerary is well suited for first-time safari travelers, as it covers Tanzania’s key wildlife areas with a comfortable pace and experienced guiding.
Accommodation consists of carefully selected lodges and tented camps, chosen for comfort, location, and access to wildlife areas. Final accommodation options depend on availability and budget level.
Yes, this safari can be adapted for families. Please advise children’s ages at the time of inquiry so appropriate accommodations and pacing can be arranged.
Soft-sided luggage is recommended. Most safari vehicles and small aircraft (if added) allow 15–20 kg per person.
A valid passport and Tanzania visa are required. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Vaccination requirements should be checked with your local health provider before travel.
Ready to Tanzanian Safari?
Book your Safari today with trusted local experts.
