
Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holidays · Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Zanzibar
10 Day Safari & Zanzibar
Discover the very best of Tanzania with six unforgettable days on safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, followed by three relaxing nights on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, seamlessly connected by a scheduled flight from the Serengeti.
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Destination
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Zanzibar
Starting from
$3,750.00
About this safari
This itinerary answers the question most first-time Tanzania travellers ask us: can we do both safari and beach in one trip without it feeling like two separate holidays bolted together? Done properly, with the right connecting flight, yes, and this route is built specifically around making that transition seamless.
The safari leg follows Emnel's core route: a 2-hour drive from Arusha to Tarangire for two nights among elephant herds and ancient baobabs, then roughly 3.5 hours via Karatu to Ngorongoro for a night on the crater rim before a full morning on the crater floor itself, one of the most reliable Big Five experiences in Africa. From there it's approximately 3 hours to central Serengeti for two nights of game drives around Seronera's rivers and kopjes.
Rather than flying back through Arusha, day six uses a direct scheduled flight from Seronera to Zanzibar, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours including a routing stop, landing you on the island by early afternoon with three full nights ahead of you to genuinely decompress. We recommend at least one half-day exploring Stone Town's UNESCO-listed old town, its spice market, House of Wonders and winding alleys, but the rest of the Zanzibar leg is intentionally unstructured: snorkelling, a sunset dhow sail, a spice farm tour, or simply the beach, entirely at your own pace and on your own schedule.
This combination works particularly well for honeymooners and first-time visitors who want the adrenaline and wonder of a safari without ending the trip abruptly, and for families wanting a genuine rest period after several days of early game-drive starts. The safari portion is guided throughout by one of Emnel's own founding team, so the trip planning and the on-the-ground experience come from the same people, start to finish.
Best months for the safari leg align with the dry season, June through October, though Ngorongoro and Tarangire perform well year-round, and Zanzibar's climate is warm and swimmable for most of the year outside the April-May long rains. If you'd prefer more time in the parks before the beach, this route extends cleanly from our 5 Days Classic Tanzania Safari or 7 Day Great Migration Safari with Zanzibar nights added at the end.
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Style
signature
Route
Arusha to Zanzibar
Minimum age
3+
Trip highlights
- Northern circuit safari plus Zanzibar beach, one seamless trip
- Direct scheduled flight, Serengeti to Zanzibar
- Ngorongoro Crater Big Five floor
- Tarangire's elephant herds
- Stone Town UNESCO old town
- White-sand beach relaxation to finish
- Private guide throughout the safari leg
- No repacking, no separate booking hassle
Day by day
The itinerary stored for this trip. The Emnel team can adjust each day around your dates, lodge preference, flight timing and pace.
1 Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire
Tarangire Kati Kati Tented Camp · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire
Tarangire Kati Kati Tented Camp · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your Tanzania safari begins with a scenic drive of approximately two hours from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, one of northern Tanzania's most rewarding yet often overlooked wildlife destinations. Famous for its ancient baobab trees, seasonal wetlands and some of East Africa's largest elephant populations, Tarangire offers an exceptional introduction to the African wilderness. After entering the park, enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and a remarkable variety of birdlife, while your private guide shares fascinating insights into the park's unique ecosystem. As the sun begins to set, continue to your carefully selected safari lodge for dinner and your first overnight stay surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.
- Activities: Game drives
- Accommodation: Tarangire Kati Kati Tented Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
2 Day 2
Full Day Tarangire
Ngorongoro Coffee House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Full Day Tarangire
Ngorongoro Coffee House · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend a full day exploring the diverse landscapes of Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem renowned for its exceptional wildlife, ancient baobab trees and the highest concentration of elephants in northern Tanzania during the dry season. Your private guide will tailor the day's game drives to follow animal movements, taking you through river valleys, open savannah and acacia woodlands in search of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest and an impressive variety of birdlife. The life-giving Tarangire River attracts wildlife throughout the year, offering outstanding photographic opportunities and unforgettable close-up encounters. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the park before continuing your afternoon safari, returning to your lodge in the evening to relax, share stories of the day's sightings and enjoy dinner under the African sky.
- Activities: Game Drives
- Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee House
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3 Day 3
Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands
Embalakai Camps Ngorongoro · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Tarangire to Ngorongoro Highlands
Embalakai Camps Ngorongoro · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, depart Tarangire National Park and journey through the scenic landscapes of northern Tanzania towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, pass traditional Maasai villages, rolling farmland and the lush highlands that surround the crater, offering a fascinating glimpse into Tanzania's diverse landscapes and cultures. Arrive at your lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands during the afternoon, where you can unwind and enjoy the cooler mountain climate while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at Embalakai Authentic Camps – Ngorongoro, perfectly positioned for an early start and tomorrow's unforgettable safari in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Activities: Game Drives
- Accommodation: Embalakai Camps Ngorongoro
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4 Day 4
Ngorongoro Crater Floor to Serengeti
Tamu Tamu Serengeti Tented Camp · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Ngorongoro Crater Floor to Serengeti
Tamu Tamu Serengeti Tented Camp · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for breakfast before descending 600 metres into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations. Spend the morning exploring the crater floor on an unforgettable game drive, where you'll have an excellent chance of spotting the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, alongside lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, hyenas and an abundance of birdlife. After a scenic picnic lunch overlooking the hippo pools, ascend the crater rim and continue your journey towards the legendary Serengeti National Park. Enjoy wildlife viewing en route as the landscapes transform from the lush Ngorongoro Highlands to the endless plains of the Serengeti. Arrive at Tamu Tamu Serengeti in the late afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy dinner and settle in for the next stage of your unforgettable safari adventure.
- Activities: Game Drives
- Accommodation: Tamu Tamu Serengeti Tented Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5 Day 5
Full Day Serengeti
Tamu Tamu Serengeti Tented Camp · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Full Day Serengeti
Tamu Tamu Serengeti Tented Camp · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend a full day exploring the iconic Central Serengeti (Seronera Valley), the heart of Serengeti National Park and one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife destinations. For an unforgettable start to the day, you may choose to join an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari, drifting silently above the endless plains before enjoying a champagne bush breakfast. Afterwards, continue with expertly guided game drives through the Seronera Valley, where permanent water sources attract an extraordinary concentration of wildlife throughout the year. Search for lions, elusive leopards resting in acacia trees, resident cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas and vast herds of plains game, while your private guide tailors the day's route to maximise wildlife sightings. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon safari, returning to Tamu Tamu Serengeti in the evening for dinner and another memorable night beneath the African stars.
- Activities: Game Drives
- Accommodation: Tamu Tamu Serengeti Tented Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6 Day 6
Serengeti to Zanzibar
Golden Tulip Airport Hotel · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Serengeti to Zanzibar
Golden Tulip Airport Hotel · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a final early morning game drive in Serengeti National Park, when predators are often at their most active and the soft morning light creates exceptional wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. After breakfast, transfer to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti before crossing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you'll be met and transferred to your beachfront resort. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing on Zanzibar's powder-white beaches, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean or simply unwinding as your safari adventure gives way to tropical island tranquillity.
- Activities: Game Drives
- Accommodation: Golden Tulip Airport Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7 Day 7
Stone Town & Beach
Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar · All Inclusive
Day 7
Stone Town & Beach
Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar · All Inclusive

Enjoy a relaxed morning or choose to join an optional guided tour of Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its narrow winding streets, discovering centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian and European influences while visiting iconic landmarks such as the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the former Slave Market and the bustling Darajani Market. You'll also have the opportunity to explore Zanzibar's famous spice and craft markets, where the island's rich trading heritage comes to life. After the tour, return to your beachfront resort and spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing on the white-sand beaches, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean or enjoying the resort's facilities as the island's laid-back atmosphere takes over.
- Activities: Beach Excursions
- Accommodation: Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar
- Meals: All Inclusive
8 Day 8
Full Day Beach
Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar · All Inclusive
Day 8
Full Day Beach
Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar · All Inclusive

A free day for snorkelling, a sunset dhow sail, or simply the beach.
- Activities: Beach Excursions
- Accommodation: Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar
- Meals: All Inclusive
9 Day 9
Full Day Beach or Excursion
Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar · All Inclusive
Day 9
Full Day Beach or Excursion
Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar · All Inclusive

Optional excursion to Mnemba Atoll for snorkelling or diving, or a spice farm tour, otherwise a further day at leisure.
- Activities: Beach Excursions
- Accommodation: Riu Palace Hotel Zanzibar
- Meals: All Inclusive
10 Day 10
Departure
(departure)
Day 10
Departure
(departure)
Morning at leisure before transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward international flight.
- Accommodation: (departure)
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle & guide throughout the safari leg
- Tarangire, Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Serengeti park fees
- 6 nights safari accommodation
- 3 nights beach accommodation
- Direct scheduled flight, Serengeti to Zanzibar
- All meals while on safari, breakfast daily in Zanzibar
- Airport and lodge transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages beyond safari camps
- Optional Stone Town and Mnemba Atoll excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
- 01
What does a private Tanzania safari cost?
It depends mainly on the season, the number of days and the lodges you choose. Our private northern-circuit itineraries start from about US$3,100 per person for five days in Classic comfort, and rise with Mid-Luxury and Luxury camps. Park and conservation fees are set by the government and make up a significant share of every safari, and they are included in our prices. Every itinerary page shows a starting price per person, and we quote exactly for your dates.
- 02
Is every Emnel safari private?
Yes. You have your own vehicle and your own guide for the whole safari, and the daily pace, start times and stops are set around you, never around a group.
- 03
Who will our guide be?
One of Emnel's own guides. The team that plans your safari is the team that runs it. About two weeks before you arrive, we send your trip companion, with your guide's details and everything else you need for the journey.
- 04
When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania offers excellent game viewing all year. June to October is the classic dry season, with easy game viewing and the migration in the north. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. The long rains of April and May are quieter and greener, and some camps close. We will recommend the best timing and route for what you most want to see.
- 05
How does booking work?
Tell us your dates and ideas, and we will design an itinerary and send a detailed proposal. To confirm, we ask for a 30% deposit plus any domestic flights, which are issued on confirmation. You then receive your official confirmation, and about two weeks before you travel, your trip companion with every final detail.
- 06
Can we add Zanzibar to our safari?
Yes. A short flight from the Serengeti or Arusha takes you to Zanzibar's beaches. We recommend at least one night in Stone Town alongside your beach stay.
Tell us what you're imagining and we'll build it around you.
No payment is required to start. Share your email for the full itinerary, or speak directly on WhatsApp for a faster answer.
Want it in your inbox?
We'll email you this itinerary — no obligation.
From $3,750.00
10 days / 9 nights · Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Zanzibar
