Experience the best of Tanzania on this 12-day luxury safari and beach holiday, combining thrilling wildlife adventures in world-famous national parks with relaxation on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar.From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti and the wonders of Ngorongoro Crater to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean this journey offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and luxury.
Itinerary | Day to day
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a friendly representative from Chacha Safaris will warmly welcome you. You will be transferred to your elegant hotel in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania.
After check-in, relax in the comfort of your room or enjoy the hotel garden views of Mount Meru. This evening, savor a delicious dinner prepared by professional chefs before resting to prepare for your exciting safari adventure tomorrow.
Distance: 45 km / 1 hour drive
Accommodation: Melia Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, your guide will brief you about the day’s adventure before departing for Tarangire National Park. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, majestic baobab trees, and diverse landscapes. As you drive through, you’ll spot giraffes, zebras, lions, and countless bird species.
You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park while surrounded by incredible scenery and wildlife. Continue with an afternoon game drive until sunset, capturing breathtaking moments. Later, drive to your luxury lodge nestled inside the park for dinner and overnight stay.
Distance: 120 km / 2.5 hours drive
Accommodation: Elephant Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tarangire – Serengeti National Park (via Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
Start your day early with a short morning game drive in Tarangire before heading towards Serengeti National Park, one of Africa greatest wildlife destinations. On your way, pass through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you may spot Maasai villages and grazing animals along the route.
Enjoy a game drive en route to your luxury lodge, arriving in time to check in, relax, and have dinner. In the evening, you can take an optional short sunset game drive within Serengeti before returning to your lodge to rest for the next day’s adventure.
Distance: 250 km / 5–6 hours drive
Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive the best time to spot predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs before they retreat from the heat. After breakfast, continue exploring the vast Serengeti plains filled with wildebeest, elephants, and zebras.
Enjoy a bush lunch in the heart of the Serengeti surrounded by incredible views, then proceed with an afternoon game drive.
Optional activities available include:
Hot Air Balloon Safari (additional cost)
Sundowner Experience in the wilderness
Return to your lodge in the evening for a delicious dinner and overnight rest.
Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (Bush Lunch), Dinner
Day 5: Full Day Central Serengeti
After breakfast, check out and continue your safari adventure across the Serengeti plains with a full-day game drive.
Today, explore Central Serengeti, an area famous for large concentrations of lions and cheetahs. You will have lunch inside the park while enjoying the endless views of the savannah.
Later, head to your luxurious lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Distance: 80 km / 2 hours drive (with game drive en route)
Accommodation: Serena Serengeti Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before heading to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Africa.
Descend 600 meters into the crater floor for a full-day game drive this is the best place to spot the Big Five, including the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending to your lodge located on the crater rim for dinner and overnight.
Distance: 145 km / 4–5 hours drive
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ngorongoro – Hadzabe and Datoga Cultural Experience
Today offers a truly unique experience. After breakfast, travel to Lake Eyasi, home to the Hadzabe Bushmen and Datoga tribe. Spend time learning traditional hunting and gathering techniques with the Hadzabe, then visit the Datoga people to witness their blacksmith craftsmanship and traditional lifestyle.
After a fascinating cultural encounter, enjoy lunch before driving to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Distance: 80 km / 2.5 hours drive
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ngorongoro – Mto wa Mbu – Arusha
After breakfast, drive to the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu, where you will take part in a Swahili cultural tour. Taste local food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), meet local artisans, and experience the lively market atmosphere.
After lunch, continue your drive back to Arusha with stops at souvenir shops and Maasai markets, where you can purchase authentic Tanzanian crafts. Arrive in the evening and relax at your lodge after dinner.
Distance: 190 km / 4 hours drive
Accommodation: Forest Hill Lodge, Arusha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar – Spice Tour & Stone Town
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar, the Spice Island (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in Stone Town.
In the afternoon, enjoy a spice farm tour to learn about Zanzibar’s famous spices like cloves, vanilla, and cinnamon. Later, visit Makachu Beach for a short water sports experience.
As evening falls, head to Forodhani Gardens to taste local Swahili street food before returning to your hotel for overnight.
Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Dolphin Tour & Sunset Cruise
After breakfast, check out and head to Kizimkazi for an unforgettable dolphin tour, where you can swim alongside these playful creatures.
In the afternoon, enjoy a sunset dhow cruise while sipping refreshments and watching the sun dip into the horizon over the Indian Ocean.
Later, check in at your beachfront resort for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Sea Cliff Resort & Spa
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Zanzibar Leisure & Horse Riding
Today is dedicated to relaxation and leisure. Spend your morning enjoying the resort’s facilities, from the infinity pool to the spa, or stroll along the white sandy beach.
In the afternoon, enjoy a horse-riding experience along the beach, an unforgettable way to explore the coastline of Zanzibar. Return to your resort for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.
Accommodation: Sea Cliff Resort & Spa
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Zanzibar – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in paradise. Depending on your flight time, relax by the pool or do some last-minute shopping before being transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Choose This 12-Day Tanzania Luxury Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday?
Stay in handpicked luxury lodges and beachfront resorts
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional safari guide
Experience Tanzania’s top parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
Cultural encounters with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes
Enjoy Zanzibar’s spice tours, dolphin encounters, and beach relaxation
Personalized service and attention from Chacha Safaris throughout
Included in the Safari
Not Included in the Safari
✔️ All airport transfers (Kilimanjaro Airport and Zanzibar Airport)
✔️ Accommodation in luxury lodges and beach resorts as mentioned in the itinerary
✔️ Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for unlimited game viewing
✔️ Services of a professional, English-speaking safari guide
✔️ All park entry fees and conservation charges
✔️ Unlimited game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
✔️ Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
✔️ Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
✔️ Bottled drinking water during the safari
✔️ Bush lunch in Serengeti National Park
✔️ All government taxes and levies
✔️ Zanzibar activities – Spice Tour, Dolphin Tour, and Sunset Cruise
✔️ Cultural visit to Hadzabe and Datoga tribes
✔️ 24/7 ground support from Chacha Safaris team during your trip
❌ International flights to and from Tanzania
❌ Visa fees (approx. $50 per person)
❌ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
❌ Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti (available at an extra cost of $599 per person)
❌ Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks at lodges (unless specified)
❌ Laundry services at lodges and hotels
❌ Personal expenses such as souvenirs, tips, and phone calls
❌ Tips for guide and hotel staff (recommended $15–$25 per person per day)
