Tanzania Northern Circuit and Zanzibar Relaxation

Classic

Tanzania Northern Circuit and Zanzibar Relaxation

Classic
Tanzania Northern Circuit and Zanzibar Relaxation main view
Tanzania Northern Circuit and Zanzibar Relaxation view 2Tanzania Northern Circuit and Zanzibar Relaxation view 3Tanzania Northern Circuit and Zanzibar Relaxation view 4
Tanzania Northern Circuit and Zanzibar Relaxation view 5

Trip Overview

All-inclusive. Everything arranged. No hidden logistics.

SAFARIFly-in Safari And Island Stay
COUNTRYTanzania
REGIONTarangire,
Ngorongoro,
Central Serengeti,
Zanzibar
DURATION12 Nights
TRANSPORT4 bush flights

Is This Safari Right for You?

BEST FOR

First-time safarisFamilies

WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS

Big 5RhinoBig cats

STAY STYLE

Comfortable tented campStylish highland domesCoffee estate lodgeRustic-chic beach villa

Where This Safari Takes You

This safari journey takes you from the elephant-filled landscapes of Tarangire to the dramatic highlands surrounding Ngorongoro Crater, before continuing into the wildlife-rich plains of the Central Serengeti. Your adventure ends on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, blending classic safari experiences with time to relax beside the Indian Ocean.

Route at a Glance
Arusha1 night
Relaxed arrival night, coffee estate lodge, easy start before driving to next destination
Bush flight (90 min)
Bush flight (90 min)
Tarangire National Park2 nights
Iconic safari, Exceptional walking safari, Large herds of elephants, Rugged landscape
Bush flight + transfer (4.5 hours)
Bush flight + transfer (4.5 hours)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area3 nights
Remote high altitude camp, Game drive on the crater floor
Bush flight + transfer (4 hours)
Bush flight + transfer (4 hours)
Central Serengeti3 nights
Savannah, Emblematic safari, High density of plain games and big cats
Bush flight + transfer (4 hrs)
Bush flight + transfer (4 hrs)
Zanzibar3 nights
Rustic-chic beach resort, Crystal clear water, Marine life, Water based activities
90 min road transfer
90 min road transfer
Zanzibar International AirportDeparture
All transport between stops is included

Transfer times are estimates and include road transfers. Bush flights are scheduled and shared.

Tanzania Northern Circuit and Zanzibar Relaxation route map
1

Arusha

A comfortable first night near Arusha allows travelers to recover from arrival before continuing by bush plane to Tarangire.

2

Tarangire National Park

Known for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and quieter safari atmosphere, Tarangire offers excellent wildlife viewing away from heavier crowds.

3

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Volcanic highlands and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater create one of Africa's most dramatic safari settings, home to dense wildlife and sweeping landscapes.

4

Central Serengeti

Vast open plains, rocky kopjes, and year-round predator activity make the Central Serengeti one of Africa's premier safari destinations.

5

Zanzibar

White-sand beaches, turquoise water, and a relaxed island atmosphere provide the perfect ending to your East African safari journey.

Best Time to Go

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Green Season
Peak (Dry Weather)
Lush, Short Rains
Rain Season

Key Highlights

Birding SeasonJanuary to March
Best ValueMay
Fewer CrowdsNovember to May (outside Christmas holiday)

Planned Accommodations

Your trip includes these camps and lodges or similar alternatives of comparable style and standard if availability changes.

Coffee Lodge

or similar
Arusha1 Night

A refined lodge on a coffee estate for a relaxed first night in Tanzania.

  • Easy arrival night
  • Private road transfer access
  • Swimming pool

Olivers Camp

or similar
Tarangire2 Nights

Classic safari camp set in a remote part of Tarangire with a strong wilderness atmosphere and excellent wildlife viewing year-round.

  • Pool
  • Night Drive
  • Exceptional walking safari
  • 500 species of bird

The Highlands

or similar
Ngorongoro3 Nights

Stylish dome suites perched on the slopes of Olmoti Volcano, combining contemporary design, privacy, and sweeping highland views near Ngorongoro.

  • Sauna
  • Massage
  • Wood stove
  • Crater hikes

Dunia Camp

or similar
Central Serengeti3 Nights

Intimate safari camp in the Central Serengeti offering front-row access to wildlife and sweeping savannah views.

  • Camp run and staffed by women
  • Open savannah
  • Excellent year-round game viewing
  • New pool & Spa (June 2027)

Zuri Zanzibar

or similar
Zanzibar3 Nights

Beachfront resort on Zanzibar's northwest coast combining tropical relaxation with wellness and ocean activities.

  • Private jacuzzi
  • Yoga
  • Watersports
  • Sunset beach location

What's Included

All accommodationAll transportAll mealsHouse drinksExpert local guidesAll activitiesAirport meet & greetAll taxes & park feesVisas & fees24/7 concierge support

Not Included

International flightsGratuitiesTravel insurancePersonal expensesPremium wine & spirits

Daily Itinerary

Most days on safari include an early game drive, midday rest, and evening safari activity.

Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), clear customs and immigration, and meet your driver. The transfer to Arusha takes roughly one hour through coffee plantations and small towns along the lower slopes of Mount Meru.


There is nothing scheduled for the rest of the day, so you can settle in, enjoy the gardens around the lodge, or simply rest.

A short transfer brings you to Arusha Airport for a scenic bush flight south over the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Landing at a remote airstrip on the edge of Tarangire National Park, you board an open 4x4 for a game drive through baobab woodlands and along the Tarangire River.


Large elephant herds and mixed plains game are common. Arrive at Oliver's Camp in time for a late lunch and an afternoon at leisure.

Spend the full day exploring Tarangire on morning and afternoon game drives, or join a walking safari led by an armed ranger and Maasai tracker. The southern part of the park is quieter, with fewer vehicles and open views across the Silale Swamps.


Birdlife is exceptional, with over 500 recorded species. Return to camp for sundowners overlooking the valley.

After breakfast, a bush flight takes you north toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From the airstrip, a scenic drive climbs through lush highland forests toward The Highlands camp, set at roughly 2,600 m on the slopes of Olmoti Volcano.


The air is cooler here, and the views stretch across a patchwork of grassland and volcanic ridges. Settle in and enjoy an afternoon walk around the camp, with the option of visiting a local village very close by, reached by car or on foot.

An early start brings you to the crater rim for the steep descent into Ngorongoro Crater. The 260 sq km caldera floor holds one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including black rhino, lion, elephant, and large herds of wildebeest and zebra.


A picnic lunch is set up near the hippo pool before continuing the drive. Return to The Highlands for a sauna and dinner.

Choose between two highland walks. The Empakaai Crater trek descends into a smaller volcanic caldera with a soda lake often ringed by flamingos, while the Olmoti walk follows a river gorge to a waterfall on the rim of Olmoti Crater.


Both routes are led by Maasai guides and offer wide views over the Ngorongoro highlands. Return to camp by early afternoon.

A morning bush flight crosses the Ngorongoro highlands and drops into the wide grasslands of the Central Serengeti. Transfer to Dunia Camp, set among the Moru Kopjes with views across open savannah.


After settling in, head out on an afternoon game drive. This area is known for resident lion prides, cheetah sightings, and seasonal movements of large herbivore herds.

A full day of game driving across the plains and around rocky kopjes. The Moru area is one of the last places in the Serengeti where black rhino can still be spotted.


Lunch is taken in the bush or back at camp. Late afternoon drives often coincide with predator activity as the light softens across the plains.

Another day to explore the Serengeti at your own pace. Options include an extended morning drive toward the Seronera Valley, an optional hot air balloon flight over the plains at first light, or time at camp watching wildlife pass through the surrounding grasslands.


From July to October it is also possible to visit a local Maasai village, though the round trip takes up to 7 hours. Sundowners on a kopje are a highlight.

After a final morning game drive or breakfast at camp, fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar. On arrival, transfer by road to Zuri Zanzibar on the island's northwest coast.


The rest of the day is free to explore the beach, swim, or simply decompress after the safari.

A free day on the island. Complimentary activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Optional extras such as diving, sailing, and transparent kayak tours can be arranged through the resort.


The spa offers a full menu of treatments. For those wanting culture, a half-day trip to Stone Town is possible.

Another day to enjoy the beach, the pool, or the ocean. This is also a good day for a sunset dhow cruise if booked as an add-on.


Dinner at the resort's beachfront restaurant rounds out the trip.

A road transfer of roughly 90 minutes brings you to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight.


Depending on flight timing, there may be time for a last swim or breakfast before departure.

Each day can be customized based on how you feel and what you would like to see with the help of your guides and staff.

Optional Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these
curated experiences.

Hot air balloon

Hot air balloon

Drift above the Serengeti at sunrise for a bird's-eye view of the migration herds and golden savannah below.

$599 / person
Private safari vehicle

Private safari vehicle

Enjoy exclusive use of a safari vehicle and guide, giving your group the freedom to set the pace and linger at sightings.

$4,800 / group
Private sunset cruise

Private sunset cruise

Sail on a 36ft traditional wooden dhow for two hours. Enjoy a carafe of mojito or sangria and small bites.

$420 / group

Optional experiences can be added now or later.

Arrival & Practical Information

Tourist visas are required for most nationalities and are included in your trip price.

We will handle the full application process for you and simply request a few basic details when the time comes.

Please ensure:

Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your exit date
Your approved visa is printed before arrival

Arrival airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Most international flights arrive in the evening
Your private driver will be waiting for you at arrivals and transfer you directly to your hotel
We are happy to recommend the best flight options based on your departure city

All internal flights are operated by small bush planes connecting conservancies and parks.

Ground transportation is provided in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles for optimal game viewing. All airport transfers are included.

Please note:

Soft-sided bags are required for bush flights
Pack in layers for temperature changes
Neutral-colored clothing is recommended for safari activities

Yes, this itinerary works well for families.

However:

Children under 5 are not permitted on this trip.
If you have children 4 or under at the time of travel, please contact us so we can help arrange for specific camps where it is allowed and have childcare support available.

Absolutely. Each day can be adjusted based on your preferences, energy level, and wildlife interests with the help of your guides and staff.

It is also possible to:

Add extra nights
Combine your safari with a post-trip beach stay

For the above options, you can contact us directly, and we are happy to advise on locations and logistics. Please also see our optional add-ons for more ways to customize your trip.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a high-risk country
For travelers over 60, a medical contraindication certificate may often be accepted in place of the vaccine
Malaria prophylaxis is not mandatory but is generally recommended
We advise consulting your doctor 4–6 weeks prior to travel

We recommend travel insurance for this trip

If you would like insurance, we recommend Yonder Insurance as they will give you several quotes from different travel insurance providers. There you can select the plan that best suits your needs based on cost and coverage.

Still have questions? We're happy to help.

Thoughtfully Planned

Every transfer, permit, and detail handled for you

Expert Local Guides

Deep wildlife knowledge and conservancy access

Flexible Each Day

Adjust activities based on how you feel

Support Throughout

From first inquiry to your final transfer

Questions about this safari?

Our safari specialists are here to help.

Questions about this safari?

Our safari specialists are here to help.

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