Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha → Day 2: Tarangire → Days 3–4: Serengeti → Day 5: Ngorongoro → Day 6: Fly to Zanzibar → Day 7: Spices & Coast → Day 8: Departure. 4WD safari vehicles and professional guides are included for the entire savanna section; domestic small planes are the most time-efficient option between savanna and island.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Most international flights connect via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). After pickup, stay in Arusha town or a coffee plantation at the foot of the mountain. Check your gear, adjust to the time difference, and exchange currency or buy drinking water and snacks for the safari in the evening.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Drive about 2 hours to Tarangire. Giant baobabs along the riverbanks and herds of elephants are iconic sights, and leopards are often spotted resting in tree branches. Enjoy a picnic lunch and exit the park in the evening. Stay in a camp in Tarangire or Karatu.

Days 3–4: Serengeti Plains

• Day 3: Ascend from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southern gate of the Serengeti, with panoramic views of the crater along the way. In the afternoon, explore the Seronera area in central Serengeti to spot lions, cheetahs, and elephants.
• Day 4: Flexible based on season—head north to the Mara River (July–October) to see wildebeest crossings and crocodile ambushes, or south to the calving plains (December–March) to witness newborn calves. A morning hot air balloon ride (at extra cost) followed by a champagne breakfast is a great bonus.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Descend 600 meters into the intact crater in the early morning. Flamingo lakes, black rhinos, lions, and spotted hyenas all share this “bowl,” making it the day with the highest wildlife density. Exit the crater in the evening and return to Arusha or head directly to the airport.

Days 6–7: Zanzibar

• Day 6: Fly to Zanzibar. In the afternoon, explore Stone Town—visit the House of Wonders, the Old Slave Market, and its winding narrow alleys. Watch the sunset while enjoying skewers and Zanzibar pizza at the Forodhani Night Market.
• Day 7: Visit a spice farm in the morning to learn about cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. In the afternoon, head to the white sands of Nungwi or Kendwa in the north. Go snorkeling to see dolphins and end the day with a sunset dhow cruise.

Day 8: Departure

Fly directly from Zanzibar Airport to Doha, Istanbul, or connect via Dar es Salaam to return home. If time permits, add a day trip to Mafia Island for snorkeling.

Tips

• Domestic small planes have a 15 kg luggage limit and only soft bags are allowed; hard-shell suitcases may be refused.
• Distances within the Serengeti often exceed 100 km, with safari drives lasting about 5–7 hours daily. Bring motion sickness medication if needed.
• Guide tipping is typically USD 10–20 per vehicle per day. Zanzibar guides and boatmen usually receive USD 5–10 each.