9 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

Home » 9 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

Safari Highlights

This 9-day Tanzania safari and beach holiday is perfect for travelers looking to combine thrilling wildlife adventures with ultimate relaxation. Your journey takes you through four of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations: Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park—each offering unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences.

After exploring Tanzania’s wildlife-rich savannahs and crater landscapes, you’ll fly to Zanzibar for a luxurious beach escape. Relax on pristine white-sand beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and enjoy world-class accommodations, creating the perfect balance between adventure and leisure.

This itinerary is ideal for those who want to witness Africa’s famous wildlife, immerse themselves in stunning scenery, and end their trip with a tranquil island retreat.

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a professional driver will meet you and transfer you to Forest Hill in Arusha. Set in a peaceful location just outside the city, the lodge offers comfort and a warm Tanzanian welcome.

After checking in, you will meet your safari guide for a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming journey. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to unwind, enjoy the gardens, and recover from your international flight.

Accommodation: Forest Hill
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, situated at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. Though smaller than some other parks, Lake Manyara is renowned for its variety of ecosystems. Your drive takes you through lush groundwater forests, home to playful baboons and blue monkeys, before emerging onto the open floodplains.

Along the lakeshore, you’ll see flocks of flamingos and a rich array of bird species. Keep a lookout for elephants, hippos, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. In the late afternoon, proceed to Marera Valley, where you’ll spend the night amid peaceful highland surroundings.

Accommodation: Marera Valley
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3-4: Serengeti National Park

Safari Adventure: Ngorongoro Highlands to Serengeti National Park

Begin your day with a scenic drive through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Highlands, descending into the expansive plains of Serengeti National Park. Along the journey, enjoy the stunning transition from verdant highlands to the golden savannahs that stretch endlessly to the horizon. Upon entering the park, your safari adventure kicks off immediately. Watch for graceful giraffes browsing on acacia trees, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras, and predators like lions lounging in the shade. By evening, arrive at Sound of Silence Camp, a cozy tented lodge nestled in the heart of the Serengeti wilderness. Dinner is served under the starlit sky, accompanied by the tranquil sounds of the African bush.

Full Day Safari in Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring the iconic Serengeti, one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Depart early in the morning to maximize your chances of observing predators in action, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Your expert guide will tailor your route according to seasonal wildlife patterns, which may include experiencing the legendary Great Migration if visiting between December and July. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning wilderness before continuing your game drive across the rolling plains. As evening falls, return to Sound of Silence Camp to unwind by the fire and relive the day’s unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Accommodation: Sound of Silence Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

After enjoying breakfast, depart from the Serengeti and journey to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, famously known as Africa’s Eden.

Descend approximately 600 meters into the crater’s floor, a haven for an incredible variety of wildlife. Witness majestic black rhinos, tusked elephants, powerful lion prides, and vibrant flamingo flocks thriving in this remarkable ecosystem.

Your game drive will explore the crater’s diverse landscapes, including open grasslands, swampy wetlands, and striking soda lakes. By late afternoon, ascend from the crater and proceed to Marera Valley Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Forest Hill
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Tarangire National Park

Today, embark on an exciting journey to Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its iconic baobab trees and massive elephant herds. The Tarangire River runs through the park, serving as a vital water source that attracts wildlife throughout the year. During the dry season, the park becomes a bustling hotspot for zebras, wildebeests, and various predators gathering near the river.

Enjoy game drives through scenic woodlands and river valleys, keeping an eye out for giraffes, oryxes, and a rich variety of bird species. After a full day exploring the park’s wildlife wonders, return to Arusha for an overnight stay at Forest Hill Hotel.

Accommodation: Forest Hill
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7-9: Zanzibar Island

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, a private driver will escort you to Fruit and Spice Wellness Resort, located along the island’s idyllic southwest coast. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the Indian Ocean, swimming in the pool, or strolling through the resort’s lush gardens. For a cultural experience, consider an optional guided spice farm tour to discover why Zanzibar is famously known as the Spice Island.

Zanzibar Leisure and Excursions
Enjoy a full day at your leisure, soaking up the sun or exploring Zanzibar’s top attractions. Options include a Stone Town cultural tour, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, or a traditional dhow sunset cruise. Nature enthusiasts can visit Jozani Forest to see the endangered red colobus monkeys. Return to the Fruit and Spice Wellness Resort for a serene evening.

Departure
After breakfast, savor your final moments in Zanzibar. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a last swim in the ocean or a peaceful walk along the beach before your departure.

Accommodation: Fruit and Spice Wellness Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast