Wildlife Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday-11 Days

Planning an African adventure that combines wildlife, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches? This 11-day tour offers just that — an immersive experience through Tanzania’s iconic parks paired with relaxing days on Zanzibar’s sun-kissed shores. While it’s not a budget trip, the value lies in the expertly curated itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and seamless logistics.

What we love about this experience is the chance to witness elephants and lions in Tarangire, the spectacle of the Ngorongoro Crater, the vastness of the Serengeti, and finally, unwind on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. Plus, you get a flight from Arusha to Zanzibar included, which saves time and enhances comfort. The only thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite full-on, with long game drives and busy days — so if you’re after a laid-back holiday, it might feel a bit intense.

This tour suits wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those craving an authentic safari combined with beach relaxation. If you’re looking for a comprehensive Tanzanian experience that balances adventure with downtime, this could be a fantastic choice.

Key Points

• Diverse Wildlife Encounters: From elephants in Tarangire to the Big Five in Ngorongoro and the Serengeti’s predators.
• Well-Structured Itinerary: Combines game drives, cultural experiences, and beach relaxation.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Entry fees, accommodations, transport, and even flights are included.
• Authentic Tanzanian Experience: Focus on iconic parks and local cuisine.
• Upgrade Options: Additional Zanzibar activities like spice tours and dolphin trips available at extra cost.
• Suitable for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photography buffs, and travelers seeking a mix of adventure and leisure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Itinerary

This 11-day experience packs a lot into a relatively short trip, carefully balancing busy safari days with plenty of downtime on Zanzibar’s beaches. Here’s what you can expect, and why each stop matters.

Arrival and First Impressions in Arusha

The journey kicks off at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a professional guide will meet you and transfer you to Arusha. This city acts as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and offers a first taste of the local vibe. Expect a relaxed but bustling atmosphere, with markets, local eateries, and a chance to acclimate before heading into the wilderness.

Day 2: Exploring Tarangire National Park

Your first game drive takes you into Tarangire, renowned for its large herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees that look like something from a fantasy novel. The park’s landscape is a mix of savannah and woodlands, making it ideal for spotting diverse wildlife.

Expect to see lions, leopards, zebras, and an impressive array of bird species, thanks to Tarangire’s reputation as a birdwatcher’s paradise. Guides frequently mention how close-up encounters with elephants and the towering baobabs create a magical atmosphere. A common comment from travelers is how peaceful and unspoiled the park feels compared to more crowded reserves.

Day 3: The Magnificence of Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to Ngorongoro Crater — often called the “Garden of Eden” for its dense wildlife populations. This massive caldera, nearly 20 km wide and 600 meters deep, hosts a concentration of animals that rivals any safari experience.

Your guide, often praised for their knowledge and patience, will point out elephants, lions, rhinos, and perhaps elusive leopards. The crater’s springs and lush grasslands attract a broad range of species, with over 500 bird types soaring overhead. Around mid-afternoon, you’ll descend into the crater and witness a scene that feels almost surreal — a true highlight.

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Days 4-5: Serengeti’s Endless Plains

Two days are dedicated to exploring the Serengeti, famously vast and teeming with wildlife. The morning and afternoon game drives are designed to maximize sightings and give you time to soak in the scenery.

Travelers consistently remark on the sheer scale of the Serengeti, with endless golden grasslands punctuated by acacia trees and distant wildlife. Guides often comment on the predator-prey interactions, where you might see cheetahs stalking gazelles or lions lounging after a kill. The experience is very much about feeling small in a big, wild universe.

The second day allows for more in-depth exploration, and if lucky, you might witness the iconic migration or a pride of lions up close. The guides often share interesting facts about animal behavior and ecology, making the experience both fun and educational.

Day 6: Lake Manyara and Zanzibar Flight

After a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and large elephants, you’ll fly from Arusha to Zanzibar in the late afternoon.

Manyara’s lush landscape and birdlife provide a stark contrast to the savannahs; you might spot over 100 bird species in a single day. The lions here have a reputation for climbing trees, and guides often point out this unusual behavior, making it a fun photo opportunity. The elephants with impressive tusks are equally memorable.

The flight to Zanzibar is quick, and upon arrival, you’ll settle into Casa Beach Hotel, where the promise of relaxation awaits.

Days 7-10: Zanzibar’s Beaches and Local Delights

The days on Zanzibar are all about unwinding. The beaches are clean, with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just listening to the waves.

This is your chance to relax after the safari adventure, with optional activities like spice tours, Stone Town excursions, Prison Island visits, or dolphin tours available for an extra fee. Many travelers love exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets, with their mix of Swahili and Islamic architecture, and learning about Zanzibar’s history as a trading hub.

If you prefer downtime, these days are perfect for reading a book, enjoying fresh seafood, or spending hours in the water. Guides recommend bringing biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and your camera ready for stunning sunset shots.

Day 11: Departure and Reflection

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Zanzibar airport for your flight back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport. This marks the end of an adventure that blended close encounters with wildlife, cultural exploration, and beachside relaxation.

Travelers frequently say the seamless logistics — from game drives to flights — made the trip feel smooth and well-organized. The inclusion of the flight from Arusha to Zanzibar adds significant convenience, saving hours of overland travel.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $5,350 per person reflects a comprehensive package that covers all entry fees, accommodations, transportation, and activities outlined in the itinerary, plus the flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. This all-inclusive nature offers peace of mind, removing the hassle of organizing each step independently.

However, international flights to and from Tanzania, personal expenses, visas, and optional activities are not included. Travelers should budget for souvenirs, extra meals, or activities outside the core itinerary.

Practical Tips for the Tour

Travelers have found the guides to be professional and knowledgeable, often sharing interesting insights about the local flora, fauna, and culture. They emphasize the importance of bringing a camera, binoculars, and a daypack for game drives, along with personal medications and travel insurance.

Comfortable clothes suitable for both warm days and chilly mornings, along with biodegradable sunscreen, are recommended. Since most of the safari involves long hours in vehicles, high-heeled shoes and pets are discouraged.

Final Thoughts

This 11-day adventure offers an authentic taste of Tanzania’s wild heart paired with the tranquil beaches of Zanzibar. It’s especially suitable for those who want a mix of game viewing, cultural insights, and relaxation — all wrapped into one seamless package.

While the tour is intensive, the thoughtfully planned itinerary and professional guides ensure you get the most out of each experience. The inclusion of flights and all entry fees makes it a convenient option, albeit at a higher price point, emphasizing quality and comfort.

If you’re a traveler eager for close-up wildlife encounters and a break on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, this trip could be exactly what you’re looking for. Just be prepared for early mornings, long days, and plenty of unforgettable moments in the wild.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
All entry fees, activities, accommodations, transportation as per the itinerary, meals, and the flight from Arusha to Zanzibar are included.

Are flights from/to my home country included?
No, international flights are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own travel to Tanzania.

Can I customize activities in Zanzibar?
Yes, optional Zanzibar activities like spice tours, Stone Town tours, Prison Island visits, or dolphin tours can be added at extra cost.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, recent surgeries, or those over 95 years old.

What should I pack for the safari?
Bring passport, comfortable clothes, camera, binoculars, snacks, credit card, biodegradable sunscreen, personal medication, and a power bank.

How long are the game drives?
Game drives are typically full-day excursions, lasting several hours, with breaks for meals and rest.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information does not specify wheelchair accessibility, so it’s best to contact the provider directly for details.

What is the group size?
While not explicitly mentioned, safaris of this type usually operate in small groups or private settings, depending on your booking.

Can I extend my stay in Zanzibar?
Yes, the itinerary ends in Zanzibar, and you can arrange additional nights directly with the provider or locally.

What is the best time to go for wildlife viewing?
While not specified, Tanzania’s dry season (June to October) is generally the best time for game viewing, as animals gather around water sources.

This detailed review aims to help you understand exactly what this 11-day adventure offers and decide if it matches your travel style. Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, combining Tanzania’s wildlife with Zanzibar’s beaches is hard to beat for a well-rounded African holiday.

You can check availability for your dates here: