Let’s go on a 16-day, 15-night Tanzanian adventure that seamlessly blends thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and idyllic island relaxation. This meticulously curated itinerary by Zayla Tours , based in Arusha, Tanzania, offers an unparalleled exploration of the country’s most iconic destinations, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an all-encompassing Tanzanian experience. Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit. From there, you’ll delve into the rugged beauty of Tarangire National Park, where majestic elephants roam amid ancient baobabs. The adventure continues with a visit to Lake Eyasi, home to the fascinating Hadzabe Tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer societies in Africa. As you move on, the lush landscapes of Lake Manyara and the vibrant cultural tapestry of Mto wa Mbu await. The highlight of your safari experience will be an extended exploration of the Serengeti, where you’ll witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration and encounter the Big Five in their natural habitat. After the thrill of the bush, you’ll fly to Zanzibar for six days of pure relaxation on its pristine beaches, with the option to extend your stay on the island or venture further to the remote and untouched paradises of Mafia Island or Pemba Island. This itinerary not only offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation but also ensures that every moment of your journey is steeped in luxury and personalized service, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Your Tanzanian journey begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide from Zayla Tours . A comfortable transfer will take you to your chosen accommodation in Arusha, a bustling city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania and serves as the perfect starting point for your adventure. After settling in, you can choose to relax at your hotel or explore the city’s vibrant markets and cultural sites. Enjoy a delightful dinner as you prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Overnight:

• • Budget: Arusha Tourist Inn
  • Midrange: The African Tulip Hotel
  • Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Optional Activities: Visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, a guided nature walk, or a visit to a local Maasai market.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's lesser-known gems, yet brimming with wildlife and stunning landscapes. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the seasonal Tarangire River, which attracts a diverse array of animals, especially during the dry season. Your game drives will take you through diverse habitats, from swamps to acacia woodlands, where you may spot lions, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. A picnic lunch within the park allows you to enjoy the wilderness to its fullest. As the sun sets, head to your nearby lodge for a relaxing evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:

• • Budget: Tarangire Safari Lodge
  • Midrange: Maramboi Tented Camp
  • Luxury: Tarangire Treetops

Optional Activities: Night game drive, guided walking safari, or visit to a Maasai village.

Day 3: Lake Eyasi & Hadzabe Tribe

This morning, journey to the remote shores of Lake Eyasi, a stunning soda lake located at the base of the Eyasi escarpment. Here, you’ll meet the Hadzabe people, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. Spend the day learning about their ancient way of life, including traditional hunting techniques, foraging for wild fruits, and crafting tools. This cultural experience is both humbling and fascinating, offering a rare glimpse into a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. In the late afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive back to your accommodation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:

• • Budget: Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge
  • Midrange: Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
  • Luxury: Ziwani Lodge

Optional Activities: Visit to the Datoga tribe, nature walks along the lakeshore, or bird watching excursions.

Day 4: Lake Manyara & Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but diverse park that is a favorite among bird watchers and nature lovers. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and stunning views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. A half-day game drive will allow you to explore its diverse ecosystems, from the groundwater forests to the alkaline lake, where you can spot hippos, giraffes, and a variety of primates. After lunch, continue to the nearby village of Mto wa Mbu, where you’ll embark on a cultural tour. This vibrant community is a melting pot of cultures, with over 120 tribes represented. Your guided tour will take you through banana plantations, local markets, and traditional homesteads, offering an authentic taste of rural Tanzanian life.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:

• • Budget: Twiga Lodge & Campsite
  • Midrange: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Escarpment Luxury Lodge

Optional Activities: Biking tour in Mto wa Mbu, visit to a local artist’s workshop, or canoeing on Lake Manyara.

Days 5-8: Serengeti National Park (Central & North)

On the fifth day, embark on the most anticipated part of your journey—a safari through the world-famous Serengeti National Park. This iconic park is synonymous with African safaris and offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Begin your exploration in the central Serengeti, known as the Seronera area, which is rich in resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Over the next four days, you’ll experience the magic of the Serengeti, with daily game drives that will take you through its vast plains, riverine forests, and rocky outcrops. As you move northward, you’ll follow the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras make their annual journey in search of greener pastures, a spectacle that draws predators such as crocodiles and lions. Each evening, return to your carefully selected accommodation to relax and recount the day’s adventures under the African stars.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:

• • Budget: Seronera Campsite
  • Midrange: Kati Kati Tented Camp
  • Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Optional Activities: Hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, visit to the Serengeti Visitor Centre, or guided walking safari.

Day 9: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Today, you’ll depart the Serengeti and head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania’s most iconic landmarks. The highlight of your visit will be a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater’s unique ecosystem supports a dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. Enjoy a full day of game viewing as you explore the crater floor, where you’ll also find hippos in the freshwater pools and flamingos on the soda lakes. A picnic lunch within the crater offers breathtaking views of this natural wonder. In the evening, ascend the crater rim to your accommodation, where you’ll enjoy dinner with a panoramic view of the surrounding highlands.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight:

• • Budget: Rhino Lodge
  • Midrange: Ngorongoro Farm House
  • Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Optional Activities: Visit to a Maasai village, guided walk along the crater rim, or a visit to the Olduvai Gorge.

Days 10-15: Zanzibar Island

After breakfast on day 10, you’ll take a domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar, an island paradise off the coast of Tanzania. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your chosen beach resort, where you can unwind after your safari adventures. Over the next six days, you’ll have ample time to explore the island’s rich cultural heritage, historic sites, and pristine beaches. Highlights include a guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its labyrinthine streets and historic architecture, a spice tour to learn about Zanzibar’s role in the global spice trade, and excursions to the island’s stunning beaches, where you can snorkel, dive, or simply relax in the sun. Each evening, enjoy dinner at your resort, where you can sample the island’s unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian cuisines.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight:

• • Budget: Warere Beach Hotel
  • Midrange: Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa
  • Luxury: The Residence Zanzibar

Optional Activities: Sunset dhow cruise, visit to Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkeys, or a day trip to the nearby Mnemba Atoll for snorkeling and diving.

Day 16: Departure

On your final day in Zanzibar, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a relaxing swim before your transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. Although your Tanzanian adventure comes to an end today, the memories of this incredible journey—from the vast savannahs of the Serengeti to the white sands of Zanzibar—will stay with you forever. For those not quite ready to leave, there’s always the option to extend your stay in Zanzibar or explore the more secluded islands of Mafia and Pemba, known for their pristine marine environments and off-the-beaten-path charm.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Optional Extension: Extend your stay in Zanzibar, visit Mafia Island for whale shark diving, or explore the untouched beauty of Pemba Island.

Our pricing structure is generally calculated on a per-person sharing basis, unless otherwise indicated. Please note that the listed prices are approximate and may be subject to adjustment:

All rates depend on availability and may change without prior notice. If you prefer single accommodations, additional fees may apply. We encourage you to reach out for a customized quote or connect with our Tanzania Safari Experts to receive the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information

Included in the Price:

• All airport transfers
• Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
• Accommodation as specified (Budget, Midrange, or Luxury options)
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• All park entrance fees and conservation fees
• Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing
• Services of an experienced, English-speaking guide
• All cultural tours and activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottled water during game drives and transfers
• All government taxes and levies

Not Included in the Price:

• International flights to and from Tanzania
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges and camps
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge/camp staff
• Items of personal nature (e.g., souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
• Any additional meals or snacks outside the provided meal plans
• Any extension tours (e.g., Mafia Island or Pemba Island)