14-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Itinerary

14-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Itinerary

This popular itinerary combines the best of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit safari with a relaxing and culturally rich beach extension on the spice island of Zanzibar.

Best Time to Go:

  • Dry Seasons (June-October & December-February): These months offer the best conditions for both safari (animals are concentrated around water sources, vegetation is sparser) and Zanzibar (sunny, less humid). However, expect higher prices and more crowds, especially in July-August and around Christmas/New Year.
  • Shoulder Seasons (March & November): Good balance of moderate prices, fewer tourists, and still decent wildlife viewing, though rain can be unpredictable. April and May are generally the “long rains” and considered low season, which means lush landscapes but potentially challenging road conditions in parks, though great deals can be found.

Typical Itinerary Outline:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Arusha. Arrive JRO, transfer to Arusha lodge.
  • Day 2: Tarangire National Park. Game drives in Tarangire, known for elephants and baobabs.
  • Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park. Game drives in Lake Manyara, famous for diverse habitats and birdlife.
  • Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater. Full-day game drive inside the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Day 5-7: Serengeti National Park.
    • Three days exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti, renowned for its incredible wildlife density and the Great Migration (location dependent on time of year).
    • Options for hot air balloon safari.
  • Day 8: Fly to Zanzibar. After a morning game drive or breakfast, transfer to a local airstrip (e.g., Kogatende, Seronera, Manyara) for a light aircraft flight to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). Transfer to your chosen beach resort.
  • Day 9-13: Zanzibar Relaxation & Exploration.
    • Enjoy the pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
    • Activities: Snorkeling, diving, dhow cruises, swimming, sunbathing.
    • Cultural Excursions:
      • Stone Town Tour: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its labyrinthine alleys, historic buildings, vibrant markets, and rich Swahili culture.
      • Spice Tour: Learn about Zanzibar’s history as a spice trading hub, discovering various spices, fruits, and herbs.
      • Prison Island: Visit the island to see giant tortoises and learn about its history.
      • Jozani Forest: See the rare Red Colobus monkeys.
  • Day 14: Departure from Zanzibar. Transfer to ZNZ for your international flight home or onward journey.

Logistics from Uganda: Fly from Entebbe (EBB) to Kilimanjaro (JRO) for the safari start, then take a domestic flight from a safari airstrip (e.g., Seronera) directly to Zanzibar (ZNZ). Your departure will be from ZNZ.