Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on this 9-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday, designed to take you from the wild savannahs of Northern Tanzania to the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Begin your journey exploring Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees and elephant herds, then continue to the iconic Serengeti plains where you may witness the Great Migration and encounter Africa's Big Five.
Your adventure continues with a visit to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems on earth, before flying to the tropical island of Zanzibar. Here, you'll discover the rich culture of Stone Town and unwind on the white-sand beaches of Nungwi. With private transport, midrange lodges, and carefully selected beach hotels, this itinerary offers a seamless combination of wildlife, culture, and relaxation.
Why choose this safari + beach combo? Maximum diversity in a single trip — from the Serengeti plains to the Indian Ocean. The fly-in transfer from Arusha to Zanzibar saves time and adds a scenic aerial view of Tanzania. Perfect for honeymooners, families, and anyone seeking the ultimate land-and-sea African experience.
Itinerary & prices reviewed
Why travellers choose this safari
01
Best of Both Worlds
The ultimate Tanzanian experience — thrilling wildlife safaris in three iconic parks followed by complete relaxation on Zanzibar's pristine beaches. Adventure and paradise in one trip.
02
Three Iconic Parks
Explore Tarangire's baobab-studded landscapes, the vast Serengeti plains, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Each park offers a unique ecosystem and wildlife experience, including the Big Five.
03
Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Unwind on the white sands of Nungwi Beach, swim in the turquoise Indian Ocean, explore Stone Town's rich history, and enjoy fresh seafood with tropical sunsets.
04
Seamless Fly Transfer
A scenic domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar saves a full day of driving. Enjoy aerial views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the coastline as you transition from savannah to beach.
05
Private Expert Guide
Your private safari guide brings years of experience and deep knowledge of animal behaviour, ecosystems, and the best locations for sightings across all three parks.
06
Perfect for Honeymooners
Ideal for couples seeking adventure and romance. From sunset game drives to beachfront dinners, this itinerary creates unforgettable memories for honeymooners and special occasions.
Day by day
9-Day Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday itinerary
9 days · 10 stops · starts in Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Day1Arrival — Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
Transfer + evening briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your journey, followed by a detailed safari briefing in the evening to prepare for your adventure ahead.
Day2Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Full-day game drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Enjoy a full-day game drive exploring diverse wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species. A picnic lunch will be served inside the park. Later in the afternoon, transfer to your lodge in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay.
Day3Karatu to Serengeti National Park
Scenic drive + afternoon game drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, journey through the Ngorongoro Highlands toward Serengeti National Park. Enjoy wildlife viewing along the way as you enter the endless plains. Arrive in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive before heading to your tented camp for dinner and overnight.
Day4Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti
Full-day game drive
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration or observe resident wildlife including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before returning to camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day5Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Morning drive + transfer
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before heading toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, enjoy wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes. Arrive at your lodge located on the crater rim, offering breathtaking views over the Ngorongoro Crater. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day6Ngorongoro Crater & Flight to Zanzibar
Half-day crater drive + flight
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. This incredible ecosystem is home to the Big Five and diverse wildlife. After lunch, transfer to Arusha Airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Stone Town for overnight stay.
Day7Stone Town Tour & Transfer to Nungwi Beach
Guided tour + beach transfer
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the cultural heart of Zanzibar with a guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover historic landmarks, local markets, and rich Swahili culture. Later, transfer to Nungwi Beach for relaxation at your beach hotel, where dinner and overnight await.
Day8Full-Day Relaxation at Nungwi Beach
Full day at leisure
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day at leisure on the white sandy beaches of Nungwi. Optional activities include snorkeling, dhow cruises, or simply relaxing by the ocean with a good book and the sound of the waves. This is your day to unwind after the adventure of the safari.
Day9Departure — Zanzibar Airport
Departure transfer
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable safari and beach holiday experience. This concludes your 8-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach adventure.
Where you sleep
Where you'll stay
Hand-picked lodges & camps · similar alternatives may be offered subject to availability
Arusha City
Arusha Planet Lodge
A peaceful lodge set in lush tropical gardens with spacious rooms, swimming pool, and restaurant. Perfect for arrival night with easy access to Kilimanjaro Airport and the safari starting point.
Karatu
Marera Valley Lodge
A charming lodge in the Karatu highlands with panoramic valley views. Comfortable en-suite rooms, restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a lounge with fireplace.
Central Serengeti
Into Wild Africa Tented Camp
An authentic tented camp experience in the heart of the Serengeti with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and bush dining under the stars. Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness.
Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Perched on the crater rim with sweeping views of the caldera below. Comfortable rooms with panoramic windows, a restaurant with crater views, and a sun deck to watch wildlife.
Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar
Amani Beach Bungalow
A tropical beachfront hotel on the white sands of Nungwi. Features include spacious bungalows, swimming pool, beachfront restaurant, and easy access to snorkeling and dhow cruises.
Rates & inclusions
9-Day Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday prices
Per person in US dollars · private tour · switch currency in the header
All meals during safari (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Domestic flight Arusha to Zanzibar
Bottled drinking water during safari
Daily game drives & wildlife experiences
Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
Government taxes and VAT
Not included
International flights to/from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fees & travel insurance
Hot air balloon safari (optional, $550/pp)
Tips for guides, lodge staff, and drivers
Alcoholic and premium beverages
Snorkeling equipment rentals & dhow cruises
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Before you go
Good to know
Balancing Safari & Beach Time
The first 6 days are action-packed with game drives — make the most of early morning and late afternoon wildlife viewing. Days 7-8 are your reward: slow down, enjoy the beach, and recharge. This rhythm makes the combo perfectly paced without burnout.
Packing for Both Environments
Pack neutral safari clothes (khaki, beige, olive) for the first half, then beachwear for Zanzibar. Use a soft duffel for safari and leave your main luggage at the Arusha hotel or use luggage storage. A dry bag is perfect for beach days and snorkeling trips.
Safari Dress Code
Neutral colours (khaki, beige, olive green) are ideal for game drives — avoid bright colours and white which attract dust and startle wildlife. Layering is key: early mornings are cool (15°C/59°F), afternoons warm (30°C/86°F). Closed comfortable shoes essential.
Zanzibar Activities
Don't miss the Stone Town walking tour (included) — visit the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and Forodhani Gardens night market. Optional activities include snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, sunset dhow cruises, spice tours, and turtle sanctuary visits.
Safari Health & Safety
Stay hydrated (drink 2-3 litres of bottled water daily), apply reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+, and use insect repellent with DEET for morning/evening drives. On Zanzibar, stay hydrated in the tropical heat and use mosquito nets provided by hotels.
Money & Tipping Guide
Carry USD cash for tips (recommended: $20-30/pp/day for guide, $10-15/pp/day for lodge staff). In Zanzibar, both USD and Tanzanian shillings are accepted. Most hotels accept credit cards but smaller shops prefer cash. ATMs available in Stone Town.
Questions
9-Day Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday FAQs
Can't find your answer? Our Moshi-based team replies within 24 hours.
Tarangire offers massive elephant herds, lions, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species. The Serengeti provides predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas alongside the Great Migration herds (seasonal). The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Africa to see black rhinos, alongside lions, hippos, flamingos, and buffalo.
Is this combo suitable for families?
Yes, children aged 6+ are welcome on the safari portion and the Zanzibar beach holiday is perfect for families. The lodges can arrange family rooms and child-friendly meals. Game drives can be adjusted for younger guests. Children under 5 are not permitted on game drives in Tanzanian national parks.
What is the luggage allowance for the flight to Zanzibar?
The domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar has a luggage limit of 15kg (33lbs) per person in soft-sided bags. We recommend packing safari gear in a soft duffel and storing excess luggage in Arusha or taking it to Zanzibar if within the limit. Beachwear can be purchased locally if needed.
Can I add a hot air balloon safari?
Yes! A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti can be added on Day 4 morning. The cost is approximately $550 per person and includes a champagne bush breakfast after landing with a flight certificate. This is an unforgettable way to experience the Serengeti from above.
What should I pack for both safari and beach?
For safari: neutral-coloured clothing, warm layers for early morning drives, comfortable walking shoes, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera with zoom lens, and binoculars. For Zanzibar: swimwear, light clothing, sandals, snorkeling gear if you have preferences, and a waterproof phone case. Pack light with soft bags.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. Your guide carries a first aid kit and communication equipment during safari, but comprehensive insurance provides peace of mind for your entire trip including beach activities.
What is the best time for this safari + beach trip?
June to October (dry season) offers the best wildlife viewing in the parks. December to March is also excellent for the Serengeti calving season. Zanzibar enjoys tropical weather year-round, with the best beach conditions from June to October and December to March. The long rains (March-May) are best avoided for both safari and beach.
Plan this journey
Make it yours
Tell us your dates and group size — we'll confirm availability and send a tailor-made quote for the 9-Day Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday.