Tanzania Zanzibar

Big Five Encounters

8 Days
From
$2100
Per Adult

8 DAYS SAFARI TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey from Tanzania’s iconic wilderness to Zanzibar’s turquoise shores. Begin with thrilling game drives in Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti—home to the Big Five and the Great Migration. Stay in premium lodges and tented camps that combine comfort with authentic safari charm.

Conclude on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, explore UNESCO-listed Stone Town, wander spice markets, snorkel vibrant reefs, and soak up rich Swahili culture. The ultimate safari-and-beach escape—where luxury meets the wild.
Lions on top of the rock in Serengeti, Tanzania.

ITINERARY

Get ready for 8 unforgettable days that blend thrilling safari adventures with pure island relaxation.
From the iconic plains of the Serengeti and the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater to the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar—each day is crafted to offer breathtaking nature, authentic culture, and luxurious comfort. Scroll down to explore the journey, day by day.
Day 1 | Welcome to Zanzibar!
Arrival in Zanzibar in the late evening. You will be met at the airport and transferred to a hotel near the airport for your overnight stay.
Early the next morning, we’ll transfer back to the airport and fly out to begin the safari adventure in mainland Tanzania.
African Safaris
Overnight in Zanzibar Golden Tulip or similar standard hotel
African Safaris
Dinner
Day 2 | Tarangire National Park

In the early morning, we take a short flight from Zanzibar to northern Tanzania (approx. 1 hour).
Upon arrival at the airport near Mount Kilimanjaro—the highest peak in Africa—you’ll meet your expert guide and begin the safari with a journey to Tarangire National Park.

This reserve is famed for its dramatic baobab trees, sweeping savannahs, and large concentrations of wildlife—including the largest elephant herds in Tanzania. You’ll also encounter migrating wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, impalas, and numerous predators, as well as hundreds of bird species.

We’ll spend the next two nights in the charming town of Karatu.

African Safaris
Overnight in Karatu / Ngorongoro: Marera Valley Lodge or similar
African Safaris
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 | Ngorongoro Crater – Natural Wonder of Africa

After breakfast, we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on the planet.

This massive caldera, created by a collapsed volcano, features 600-meter-high walls and shelters a remarkable concentration of wildlife. It is home to almost every species found in East Africa—including all of the Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. The endangered black rhino can also be found here.

The crater’s unique ecosystem makes it feel like a natural wildlife sanctuary—stunning and alive at every turn.

African Safaris
Overnight in Karatu / Ngorongoro: Marera Valley Lodge or similar
African Safaris
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Hadzabe & Datoga Tribes + Lake Eyasi

We start the day with a drive to Lake Eyasi, a vast saltwater lake nestled within the Great Rift Valley.

This region is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, among the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities on Earth. You’ll get a rare chance to witness their traditional way of life, passed down for thousands of years—an unforgettable cultural experience rooted in harmony with nature.

Later, we continue to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant local village where we’ll explore colorful markets, rice fields, and coffee plantations by tuk-tuk. We’ll also enjoy a traditional Tanzanian lunch prepared by a local woman in her home.
In the evening, we return to Arusha for a restful overnight stay before flying back to Zanzibar.

African Safaris
Overnight in Karatu / Ngorongoro: Marera Valley Lodge or similar
African Safaris
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
African Safaris
Days 5–7 | Paradise Found – Zanzibar Beach Escape

Wake up at the lodge and head to the airport for a short flight back to Zanzibar.

For the next three days, relax in a tropical paradise with pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush palm groves. Zanzibar is a world-class destination for snorkeling and diving—with warm waters (25–29°C), coral reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays, and even whale sharks in season.

No visit to Zanzibar is complete without exploring Stone Town, the island’s UNESCO-listed historical heart. Wander narrow alleys lined with Swahili, Arab, and European architecture, visit the Sultan’s Palace and House of Wonders, and enjoy delicious cuisine at atmospheric local restaurants. Don’t forget to stop by the birthplace of music legend Freddie Mercury.

African Safaris
Overnight in Zanzibar: Neptune Pwani Beach Resort or similar 5★ all-inclusive resort
African Safaris
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Return Home

After breakfast and a relaxed morning at the resort, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your international flight back home—filled with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s wild beauty and Zanzibar’s island charm.

Safe travels and see you on your next adventure!

African Safaris
Breakfast
Zanzibar Map

Accommodation

Where You’ll Stay

Where Every Detail Meets Your Dream

The excellent hotels listed in the itinerary serve as examples of the standard of accommodation offered on the trip.
In cases where the listed hotels are not available, you will be offered hotels or lodges of an equivalent standard.

Everything You Need to Know

What can I expect from a safari with African Safaris Experts?

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the dry season from June to October is best for safaris, especially for spotting large wildlife and witnessing the Great Migration. If you’re interested in birdlife or lush green landscapes, the green season (November to March) is also a beautiful and quieter time to travel.

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the dry season from June to October is best for safaris, especially for spotting large wildlife and witnessing the Great Migration. If you’re interested in birdlife or lush green landscapes, the green season (November to March) is also a beautiful and quieter time to travel.

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the dry season from June to October is best for safaris, especially for spotting large wildlife and witnessing the Great Migration. If you’re interested in birdlife or lush green landscapes, the green season (November to March) is also a beautiful and quieter time to travel.

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the dry season from June to October is best for safaris, especially for spotting large wildlife and witnessing the Great Migration. If you’re interested in birdlife or lush green landscapes, the green season (November to March) is also a beautiful and quieter time to travel.

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the dry season from June to October is best for safaris, especially for spotting large wildlife and witnessing the Great Migration. If you’re interested in birdlife or lush green landscapes, the green season (November to March) is also a beautiful and quieter time to travel.

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the dry season from June to October is best for safaris, especially for spotting large wildlife and witnessing the Great Migration. If you’re interested in birdlife or lush green landscapes, the green season (November to March) is also a beautiful and quieter time to travel.