Welcome to
Zanzibar and Northern Tanzania Tour
Discover the magic of Tanzania and Zanzibar during this unforgettable 15-day trip. Relax on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, then set off on an exciting safari through Tanzania’s famous national parks. Encounter impressive wildlife, including the Big Five, and admire the breathtaking beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater. Conclude your trip with a return to Zanzibar for ultimate relaxation and further exploration.
Price per person from: $2993
Duration: 15 days
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine
- Visit Lake Natron and admire the pink hues and flamingo populations
- Discover diverse landscapes and encounter impressive wildlife in both Zanzibar and Tanzania
Private
Guaranteed Departure
Guided (English)
Physical Difficulty: Relaxed
Itinerary
Escape to Zanzibar, a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Tanzania that sparkles in the Indian Ocean. This iconic East African destination is a mosaic of idyllic white sand beaches gently lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters—the ultimate tropical island getaway.
At the heart of the island lies Stone Town, a historic city of great cultural value, where centuries-old Arabic, Indian, African, and European influences can be felt in the narrow alleys and ancient architecture.
Known for generations as the ‘Spice Island’, the scent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon still lingers in the air – best experienced during a fragrant and colorful spice tour. Zanzibar is much more than just sun and sand: it offers a harmonious blend of enchanting coastal landscapes, a vibrant Swahili culture, and a rich, compelling history.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main gateway to Zanzibar, welcoming travelers to this enchanting archipelago of Tanzania. Located on the island of Unguja, near Zanzibar City, the airport connects the Spice Islands with East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. With a modern international Terminal 3, it is the ideal starting point for exploring Stone Town and the islands’ famous beaches.
Arusha Airport (ARK) serves as the vibrant domestic springboard for unforgettable adventures in Tanzania. The airport takes travelers directly to the heart of East Africa’s most beloved wildlife destinations in the north of the country. From this strategically located airport, just outside the city of Arusha, countless safaris depart daily by charter flight or domestic connection to iconic locations such as the vast plains of the Serengeti, the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the varied landscapes of Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.
Arusha Airport offers an intimate and direct connection to the northern safari route, making it the ideal starting point for any safari. The airport’s infrastructure is currently being improved to better serve the constant flow of international visitors, further strengthening its reputation as the gateway to the northern safari experience.
At the foot of Mount Meru lies Arusha—Tanzania’s bustling safari capital and the starting point for legendary adventures in East Africa. This lively city is the gateway to the northern safari circuit and opens the way to iconic destinations such as the vast Serengeti, the impressive Ngorongoro Crater, and the majestic Kilimanjaro. Arusha offers more than just a starting point: enjoy lively markets, cultural experiences, and all the amenities for the ultimate wildlife trip.
The area around Lake Natron in Tanzania, located in the East African Rift Valley, is a region of rugged, otherworldly beauty dominated by a shallow, highly alkaline soda lake. This unique and caustic environment—often colored red or pink by salt-loving microorganisms—is inhospitable to most life forms, but it is the most important breeding ground in the world for millions of lesser flamingos. Dominated by the impressive, active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai (the “Mountain of God” in Maasai), this region offers dramatic landscapes and the opportunity to witness this extraordinary bird spectacle, combined with encounters with the local Maasai culture.
A Flamingo Spectacle in a Volcanic Environment
A flamingo walk at Lake Natron is a surreal and unforgettable journey through one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, with a front-row seat to an impressive wildlife spectacle. Visiting during the peak of the breeding season is particularly worthwhile, when the lake transforms into the world’s most important nesting site for millions of lesser flamingos. Accompanied by a local Maasai guide, you will walk across the vast, glistening salt flats—a cracked, baked soda landscape in the shadow of the sacred Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano—to the edge of the shallow, alkaline water. There you will be greeted by the breathtaking sight and sound of a sea of pink as the flamingos forage, mate, and tend to their nests. This allows you to connect deeply with the raw, ancient beauty of a landscape found nowhere else on earth.
Mto wa Mbu is a bustling farming village at the gateway to Lake Manyara National Park, unique for its incredible cultural diversity—with more than 120 Tanzanian tribes living peacefully side by side. The lush, irrigated fields provide an abundance of fruit and grains, while the lively local market offers an authentic glimpse into Tanzanian rural life.
The area around Ndutu, located on the border of the southern Serengeti ecosystem and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, transforms into a scene of intense natural spectacle every rainy season (usually from December to March). It is known worldwide as the calving grounds of the Great Migration: hundreds of thousands of wildebeests gather here on the nutrient-rich short-grass plains to give birth to their young. This impressive explosion of new life inevitably attracts a high concentration of predators, making Ndutu an absolute prime location for experiencing breathtaking wildlife moments.
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is world-renowned for its endless savannahs and the impressive Great Migration of over a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. This legendary game reserve offers unparalleled opportunities to spot the Big Five and is home to an exceptional wealth of wildlife within one of the oldest ecosystems in the world.
Serengeti – The Endless Plains
Discover Serengeti National Park, a world-famous wildlife reserve in northern Tanzania, where vast golden plains stretch endlessly under the wide African sky. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a front-row seat to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – the Great Migration – as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles trek across the savannah in search of fresh grass. Home to the iconic Big Five and countless other species, the Serengeti is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. From sunrise game drives to sunsets that bathe the horizon in amber light, every moment in the Serengeti is a breathtaking encounter with the untamed beauty of the African wilderness.
Just outside the northwestern border of Serengeti National Park, near the Grumeti River and Ikoma Gate, lies Ikoma. This area serves as an important buffer zone and is known for unique safari experiences such as night safaris and guided walking safaris—activities that are often not permitted within the park itself. Ikoma provides access to the rich ecosystem of the Serengeti and reveals a different perspective on the African bush, with a mix of migratory species and permanent residents.
Seronera Airstrip (SEU) is the bustling aviation hub at the heart of Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti National Park. Strategically located in the Seronera Valley, this airstrip serves as the main air access point for travelers on fly-in safaris. It offers direct and easy access to the central part of the Serengeti, famous for its exceptional wildlife concentrations throughout the year – particularly its impressive populations of big cats. Thanks to its central location, the airstrip is essential for exploring this wildlife-rich core of the Serengeti.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main gateway to Zanzibar, welcoming travelers to this enchanting archipelago of Tanzania. Located on the island of Unguja, near Zanzibar City, the airport connects the Spice Islands with East Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. With a modern international Terminal 3, it is the ideal starting point for exploring Stone Town and the islands’ famous beaches.
Escape to Zanzibar, a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Tanzania that sparkles in the Indian Ocean. This iconic East African destination is a mosaic of idyllic white sand beaches gently lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters—the ultimate tropical island getaway.
At the heart of the island lies Stone Town, a historic city of great cultural value, where centuries-old Arabic, Indian, African, and European influences can be felt in the narrow alleys and ancient architecture.
Known for generations as the ‘Spice Island’, the scent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon still lingers in the air – best experienced during a fragrant and colorful spice tour. Zanzibar is much more than just sun and sand: it offers a harmonious blend of enchanting coastal landscapes, a vibrant Swahili culture, and a rich, compelling history.
Inclusions
- Park entrance fees (for non-residents)
- All activities (unless specified as optional)
- All accommodations (unless specified as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless specified as optional)
- All taxes/GST
- Meals (as specified in the day-to-day programme)
Exclusions
- International flights (to/from home)
- Tips (guideline: US$10.00 p.p. per day)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa costs, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase in taxes and/or park entrance fees