Tanzania · Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Zanzibar

Serengeti & Zanzibar Combo

9 Days / 8 Nights·Exclusive Africa SafarisVerified Operator

Overview

The perfect 9-day bush-and-beach pairing — Serengeti wildlife and Ngorongoro wonders followed by the spice-scented shores of Zanzibar.

This 9-day journey is the quintessential Tanzania experience, weaving together the raw thrill of an African safari with the tropical bliss of Zanzibar's Indian Ocean coast. The adventure begins in the Serengeti, where two nights on the endless plains deliver world-class wildlife encounters — from the drama of a lion hunt to the quiet majesty of a cheetah surveying her territory from a termite mound. A dawn descent into the Ngorongoro Crater provides one of the most concentrated Big Five experiences on Earth, with rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, and leopard sharing the ancient caldera floor. Then, just when your senses are saturated with the savanna, a short flight carries you across to the Zanzibar Archipelago — a world of white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and Stone Town's labyrinthine streets scented with clove, cardamom, and vanilla. Four nights on the coast provide ample time to snorkel coral reefs, explore spice plantations, sail on a traditional dhow at sunset, and simply decompress in barefoot luxury. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply the joy of being alive, this safari-and-beach combination strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Handpicked accommodations throughout ensure comfort, character, and unforgettable moments at every turn.

Safari Highlights

  • Two nights in the Serengeti — big cats, migration herds, and endless plains
  • Ngorongoro Crater — all Big Five in a single game drive
  • Flight to Zanzibar for four nights of tropical bliss
  • Stone Town walking tour — UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Spice plantation tour in the heart of Zanzibar
  • Dhow sunset cruise with seafood and champagne
  • Snorkeling on Mnemba Atoll's pristine coral reef
  • Ideal honeymoon or special-occasion itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your boutique hotel in Arusha. Settle in, enjoy a welcome dinner, and receive your safari briefing from your guide. The excitement builds as you prepare for tomorrow's departure into the bush.

Accommodation: Legendary Lodge, Arusha

Meals: Dinner

Private airport transferHotel check-in and garden tourWelcome cocktail at the lodge barSafari briefing with your guide
2

Arusha to the Serengeti

Depart Arusha early and drive through the highlands, descending into the Serengeti ecosystem. The transition from farmland to wilderness is thrilling as the first zebra and wildebeest herds appear on the horizon. An afternoon game drive in the Seronera Valley introduces you to the Serengeti's resident big cats and vast herbivore populations.

Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early morning departure from ArushaScenic drive through the Ngorongoro HighlandsSerengeti entry via Naabi Hill GateAfternoon game drive in the Seronera ValleySundowner overlooking the Serengeti plains
3

Full Day in the Serengeti

A full day exploring the Serengeti's iconic landscape. Morning and afternoon game drives take you through different ecosystems — from open grasslands to acacia woodland and kopje-studded terrain. Your guide expertly reads the bush to find the best wildlife action, from hunting cheetahs to nursing elephant calves.

Accommodation: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dawn game drive — predators on the huntKopje exploration for leopards and klipspringersBush picnic lunch in a scenic locationAfternoon game drive through acacia woodlandGolden-hour photography session
4

Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

Depart the Serengeti with a final game drive en route. Visit Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakey family unearthed fossils that revolutionized our understanding of human origins. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater rim and settle into your lodge with its jaw-dropping views of the caldera.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning game drive exiting the SerengetiOlduvai Gorge museum visitDrive to Ngorongoro Crater rimAfternoon relaxation with crater viewsSunset photography from the rim
5

Ngorongoro Crater & Flight to Zanzibar

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at first light for a half-day game drive on the caldera floor. Spot black rhino, lion prides, and flocks of flamingos. After ascending, transfer to the Manyara airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. Arrive on the island, where the air is fragrant with spice, and transfer to your beachfront resort.

Accommodation: The Residence Zanzibar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dawn crater descent and game driveBlack rhino and big cat observationFlamingo viewing at the crater lakeFlight from Manyara to ZanzibarBeach resort check-in and welcome drinks
6

Zanzibar — Stone Town & Spice Tour

Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Town on a guided walking tour, weaving through narrow alleys lined with carved wooden doors, past sultans' palaces, and through bustling markets. In the afternoon, visit a spice plantation to see clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla growing in their natural state — the very spices that once made Zanzibar the 'Spice Island' of the world.

Accommodation: The Residence Zanzibar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Guided Stone Town walking tourVisit the House of Wonders and Old FortSpice plantation tour with fresh spice tastingTraditional Swahili lunch at a local restaurantEvening at leisure on the beach
7

Zanzibar — Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling & Dhow Cruise

Board a boat for the short crossing to Mnemba Atoll, a marine conservation area with some of the Indian Ocean's best snorkeling. Swim among parrotfish, moorish idols, and sea turtles above pristine coral gardens. In the evening, embark on a traditional dhow sunset cruise along the coast, complete with fresh seafood, chilled champagne, and the glow of the setting sun.

Accommodation: The Residence Zanzibar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Boat transfer to Mnemba AtollSnorkeling on pristine coral reefsSea turtle spottingAfternoon relaxation on the beachDhow sunset cruise with seafood and champagne
8

Zanzibar — Day at Leisure

Today is yours to design. Lounge by the pool, walk the powder-white beach, book a spa treatment, or arrange an optional excursion — perhaps kayaking, a cooking class, or a visit to Jozani Forest to see red colobus monkeys. This day of leisure is the perfect counterpoint to the adventure of the preceding days.

Accommodation: The Residence Zanzibar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Beach relaxation and swimmingOptional spa treatmentOptional Jozani Forest excursion (red colobus monkeys)Optional Swahili cooking classFinal evening dinner at the resort
9

Zanzibar Departure

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast at the resort before transferring to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, extend your stay or connect to Dar es Salaam for your international flight home. Your Tanzania safari-and-beach adventure concludes, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Accommodation: N/A — departure day

Meals: Breakfast

Leisurely breakfast at the resortLast beach walk or pool timePrivate transfer to Zanzibar AirportDeparture assistance

What's Included

  • All airport and inter-park transfers
  • Domestic flight Serengeti–Zanzibar
  • All national park and conservation fees
  • Full-board safari accommodation
  • Half-board beach resort accommodation (B&B + dinner)
  • Professional safari guide in northern circuit
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • All game drives as per itinerary
  • Stone Town guided walking tour
  • Spice plantation tour with lunch
  • Dhow sunset cruise
  • Drinking water during safari activities

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Tanzania tourist visa
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages (except dhow cruise)
  • Zanzibar lunches (beach resort is B&B + dinner)
  • Water sports and diving excursions
  • Personal expenses and shopping
From

$3,600

per person sharing

Duration9 Days
CountryTanzania
DestinationArusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Zanzibar
Difficultyeasy
Group Size212
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