10 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Itinerary
Experience Tanzania’s Ultimate Wildlife Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Discover the very best of northern Tanzania on this unforgettable 10 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Itinerary, combining world-famous wildlife destinations with a relaxing Indian Ocean beach escape. This carefully designed safari takes you through Tarangire National Park, the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the scenic highlands of Karatu, and finally to the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.
Along the journey, you’ll enjoy thrilling game drives, unforgettable wildlife encounters, horse-riding experiences, luxury accommodation, and spectacular landscapes while exploring some of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
Whether you’re searching for the Big Five, witnessing the Great Migration, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s tropical coastline, this safari offers the perfect balance of adventure and luxury.
Arrival Day – Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide.
After a short briefing about your adventure, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha where you can relax after your flight and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.
Accommodation: Giraffe Residence – Arusha
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1: Horse Riding Experience and Transfer to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, begin your adventure with a memorable horse-riding experience around the beautiful Dolly Estate.
Ride through open landscapes while observing wildlife including wildebeest, antelopes, zebras and, if you’re lucky, the elegant gerenuk. The experience is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders and is led by professional guides using well-trained horses.
Afterwards, continue to Tarangire National Park, famous for its enormous elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
During your afternoon game drive, watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, lions, leopards, hyenas and many other wildlife species before checking into your lodge.
Accommodation: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2: Tarangire National Park to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart for the legendary Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
The scenic drive passes through Maasai communities and spectacular landscapes while offering incredible opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Following lunch, begin your first exciting game drive across the endless Serengeti plains, where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards, antelopes, hippos and numerous bird species.
Later, continue to your luxury camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Baobab Naabi Luxury Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Full-Day Serengeti National Park Safari
Wake up before sunrise and enjoy an early breakfast before setting off on a full-day game drive across the world-famous Serengeti National Park.
The early morning hours offer the best opportunity to spot predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas before they retreat from the day’s heat. As the safari continues, you’ll encounter vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, gazelles, and numerous bird species that make the Serengeti one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.
After enjoying a picnic lunch in the park, continue exploring different areas of the Serengeti while your experienced safari guide searches for more incredible wildlife sightings. Depending on the season, you may also witness part of the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world’s greatest natural events.
In the late afternoon, return to your luxury camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: New Baobab Central Camp – Serengeti
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and continue to the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations.
Upon arrival, descend more than 600 metres into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible concentration of wildlife.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive across the crater floor while searching for the famous Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and the endangered black rhinoceros. You’ll also encounter hippos, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, flamingos, and many other wildlife species that thrive within this natural wonder.
After your picnic lunch, ascend the crater and continue to your lodge overlooking the beautiful Karatu Highlands.
Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge – Karatu
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Horse Riding Experience in Karatu
Following breakfast, enjoy a unique horseback safari through the scenic landscapes surrounding Karatu.
Ride across coffee plantations, traditional villages, rolling farmland, and the beautiful foothills of the Ngorongoro Highlands while experiencing rural Tanzania from a completely different perspective.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, professional guides and well-trained horses ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure for everyone.
During the ride, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local communities, admire spectacular scenery, and capture unforgettable photographs of one of Tanzania’s most picturesque regions.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing at your lodge before dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Acacia Farm Lodge – Karatu
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Transfer from Karatu to Zanzibar
After breakfast, depart for Arusha Airport, where you’ll board your domestic flight to the beautiful island of Zanzibar.
Upon arrival, our representative will welcome you before transferring you to your beachfront hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the Indian Ocean while enjoying Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Accommodation: The Z Hotel – Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 7: Relaxation on Zanzibar Island
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar or simply relaxing at your luxury beachfront resort.
You may choose to swim in the turquoise waters, enjoy optional water sports, explore the local villages, or simply unwind while taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Accommodation: The Z Hotel – Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 8: Horse Riding to the Zanzibar Sandbanks
After breakfast, head to the Zanzibar Horse Club for one of the island’s most unique experiences.
Ride along the beautiful beaches of Nungwi before reaching the spectacular Zanzibar Sandbanks, where soft white sand and crystal-clear waters create one of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in East Africa.
This experience is ideal for experienced riders and offers excellent opportunities for photography while enjoying one of Zanzibar’s hidden natural treasures.
Later, return to your hotel for relaxation.
Accommodation: The Z Hotel – Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 9: Northern Beach and Jungle Horse Riding Adventure
Following breakfast, enjoy another unforgettable horseback adventure along the famous beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa.
Ride through peaceful coastal villages before continuing into Zanzibar’s tropical forests and rural communities, where you’ll experience another side of the island rarely visited by tourists.
After refreshments at Kidoti Ranch, continue riding back along the stunning white-sand beaches before returning to your hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing before preparing for your departure.
Accommodation: The Z Hotel – Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar adventure to a memorable conclusion.
Safari Includes
- Airport transfers
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
- Horse riding experiences
- Accommodation throughout the safari
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives as per itinerary
- Ngorongoro Crater tour
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
Safari Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Important Travel Notes
- The best time for this safari is June to October and January to March, when wildlife viewing is at its best.
- Horse riding activities are suitable for different experience levels; however, the Zanzibar Sandbank ride is recommended for experienced riders.
- National park regulations are managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to protect Tanzania’s exceptional wildlife and natural heritage.