11 Days Northern Circuit Safari and Zanzibar Beach Retreat

Experience a completely customized and flexible trip of a lifetime with experts you can trust.

Safari Overview

In this 11-day safari, staying at mid-range lodges and tented camps, we explore Tanzania’s top destinations. From the elephant-rich Tarangire National Park to the flamingo-filled Lake Manyara, and the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its Big Five sightings. After the safari, we fly to Zanzibar, offering pristine beaches and azure waters for a relaxing beach getaway.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival, an Arem Safaris representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your lodging in Arusha town. Spend the night here, unwinding and getting ready for the exciting experiences ahead.

Overnight Pazuri Inn Arusha

Day 2 Tarangire National Park

In the morning, your personal safari guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Arusha. We'll embark on a journey to Tarangire via a smooth tarmac road, passing through the picturesque Maasai plains adorned with scattered acacia trees. Along the way, you'll catch glimpses of Maasai individuals in their vibrant attire, engaged in various activities like herding cattle and riding bicycles.

Tarangire is renowned for its vast elephant herds and diverse wildlife. Riding in our modern safari jeep with an open roof, you'll traverse through seasonal swamps, savannah, and the life-sustaining Tarangire River. Keep your eyes peeled for a plethora of creatures, including zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, and giraffe. With luck, you might even spot lions on the hunt or leopards lounging in the treetops. Following an extensive game drive filled with the sights and sounds of the wilderness, we'll head to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight at Eileen’s Tree Inn

Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park

Following breakfast, we'll proceed towards the lush highlands where the Iraqw people cultivate wheat and corn. En route, we'll traverse the mist-covered rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where fortunate sightings of baboons, leopards, and elephants amid the dense foliage are possible.

As we journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Ngorongoro Crater before continuing our expedition to Serengeti National Park, where we'll arrive around midday.Serengeti National Park, Tanzania's largest reserve, boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes and ecosystems, ranging from grassy plains and swamps to lakes, savannahs, and mountains. Following an extensive game drive to explore its diverse terrain and wildlife, we'll head to the Seronera Valley for dinner and an overnight stay at your accommodation.

Overnight at Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp

Day 4: Serengeti National Park Full Day

The entirety of today is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti through game drives. Renowned for its vast array of wildlife, including impalas, buffalo, crocodiles, and hippos, the Serengeti is most famous for its epic migrations of zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests. These migrations, influenced by seasonal rainfall, vary from year to year.

In November and December, the herds move from the wooded hills of the north to the grassy plains of the south, while during the longer rainy season from April to June, they return northward. In addition to witnessing the grand migrations, there's the chance to encounter resident predators like leopards, cheetahs, and lions, playing their vital roles in the circle of life. Following an extensive game drive, we'll retreat to our accommodation for a satisfying dinner and another evening of relaxation and conversation by the fire, beneath the expansive African night sky, adorned with countless stars, over the vast Serengeti plains.

Overnight at Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp

Day 5: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Following our delightful breakfast, we'll depart from the Serengeti towards the Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, there's the possibility of encountering the iconic "Big Five" - lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often regarded as one of Africa's seven wonders, was formed millions of years ago, boasting a depth of 600 meters and covering approximately 260 square kilometers. Due to its high density of wildlife, with around 25,000 ungulates, the crater offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities compared to other parks in Tanzania.

Arriving at the crater rim before lunchtime, we'll descend into the crater, where we may swiftly encounter wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, elephant, and a myriad of bird species among its diverse ecosystem. With a stroke of luck, we might even catch a glimpse of the elusive black rhino grazing amidst the grasslands. After enjoying our lunch and spending a fulfilling afternoon exploring the crater, we'll retire to our accommodations for a delightful dinner and a restful night's sleep amidst the enchanting plains and its abundant wildlife.

Overnight at Serengeti Heritage Luxury Tented Camp

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha – Zanzibar

Following breakfast, we'll embark on the final leg of our remarkable safari journey, heading towards Lake Manyara National Park. Situated approximately 120 kilometers west of Arusha, this park may be relatively small in size but offers a rich tapestry of biodiversity. Named after its shallow, salt lake, which expands and contracts with the changing seasons, Lake Manyara is a haven for thousands of flamingos and boasts a bird population exceeding 500 species.

As we traverse the park, we'll encounter an array of wildlife, including monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalos, and elephants. With a stroke of luck, we may even spot lions lounging in the trees. Known for its varied landscapes, Lake Manyara encompasses open grassy plains, primate-filled woodlands, and cliffs adorned with majestic baobab trees.After a satisfying lunch, we'll journey back to Arusha, where we anticipate arriving late in the afternoon, ready to proceed to Zanzibar (Stone Town).

Overnight at Maru maru Hotel

Day 7-10: Zanzibar Excursion

At your convenience, you'll be transported to Nungwi, a sizable village located at the northernmost tip of Zanzibar Island. Historically renowned as a hub for dhow construction, Nungwi has evolved into a prominent tourist destination, celebrated for its picturesque beach and breathtaking sunsets. Water enthusiasts are drawn to the area for its myriad aquatic activities, including diving, snorkeling, and fishing.Popular dive sites near Nungwi span the east coast and extend to Mnemba Island and the reefs adjacent to Tumbatu Island. Nungwi's favorable geographic layout and tidal patterns facilitate swimming at any time, offering ample opportunities for aquatic enjoyment. Additionally, visitors can partake in activities such as yoga, cycling, and guided tours of the village. You'll have the pleasure of spending four nights in this remarkable locale, soaking in its natural beauty and engaging in a variety of leisure pursuits.

Overnight at Z Hotel

Day 11: Relaxing Morning and Departure 

Today marks the culmination of our adventure as we gather for breakfast at our hotel. Following this, you'll be transferred to the airport or seaport, aligning with the timing of your departure homeward. As you embark on your journey back, you'll carry with you lasting impressions of the African wilderness and cherished memories of unforgettable experiences.

What is Included

All national park fees.
All mentioned activities.
All accommodation according to the itinerary.
Transport in 4×4 Safari Vehicle(s)
Certified Professional Guide/Driver.
Drinking Water during Safari.
All meals according to the itinerary.

What is Not Included

International flights
Airport taxes
All meals and drinks not specified
Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature

Menu

Experience a completely customized and flexible trip of a lifetime with experts you can trust.

Day 1 Arrival in Arusha

Day 2 Tarangire National Park

Day 3: Karatu to Serengeti National Park

Day 4: Serengeti National Park Full Day

Day 5: Serengeti National Park to Ngorongoro Crater

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha – Zanzibar

Day 7-10: Zanzibar Excursion

Day 11: Relaxing Morning and Departure

Looking for a little more choice? A little more luxury?

Speak with a Safari Specialist!

Tanzania Safaris

Destinations

Arem Safaris

Receive news and safari offers from Arem Safaris