Tanzania is a land of epic savannahs, dramatic crater lakes and idyllic Indian Ocean beaches. In this carefully crafted 10-day itinerary, you’ll start in Arusha, journey through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the vast Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, then cap off your adventure with five nights on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches. Along the way, experience Maasai culture, witness the Great Migration (season depending), and sample Swahili cuisine. This guide covers daily activities, logistics, accommodation suggestions and insider tips to make your Tanzanian dream trip an unforgettable reality.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Touching down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll transfer to Arusha – the gateway to northern safari circuits. Spend your afternoon settling into a boutique lodge, exploring the bustling central market and sampling street-food staples like mishkaki (grilled meat skewers) and roasted maize. In the evening, attend a cultural dinner featuring traditional taarab music. Get a good night’s rest: tomorrow begins your safari adventure.
Day 2: Safari in Tarangire National Park
Depart early for Tarangire National Park, renowned for its centuries-old baobab trees and large elephant herds. On a full-day game drive, scan the golden plains for lions, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. A picnic lunch by the Tarangire River is the perfect spot to watch elephants bathing. Return to your lodge for sundowners on a raised deck overlooking the savannah skies.
Day 3: Lake Manyara & Maara Community Visit
Head west to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-dotted shores. Embark on morning and afternoon game drives, then meet members of the Maara village for a guided walk. Learn about traditional farming, beadwork and daily life, enjoying a home-cooked lunch. Return to camp for a restful evening beneath a canopy of stars.
Day 4–5: Serengeti National Park Safari
Drive northwest into the legendary Serengeti. Over the next two days, witness the epic wildlife spectacle: vast herds of wildebeest during migration season, stealthy predators on the prowl and endemic species like Thomson’s gazelle. Stay in a tented camp or eco-lodge within the park for optimal game-drive launch points at dawn and dusk. Optional hot-air balloon rides at sunrise offer a bird’s-eye view of the plains.
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with wildlife in a natural amphitheater. Spend the day tracking black rhinos, hippos lounging in watering holes and families of elephants. After a crater-floor picnic, ascend to the rim for panoramic views before transferring back toward Arusha for an overnight rest.
Day 7: Transfer to Zanzibar
Board a short flight from Arusha to Zanzibar Island. Upon arrival in Stone Town, check into a historic boutique hotel. Wander narrow alleyways lined with carved wooden doors, visit the House of Wonders museum and taste Zanzibar pizza at the Forodhani Night Market. This cultural capital blends African, Arab and European influences for a unique spice-island vibe.
Day 8: Spice Farm Tour & Jozani Forest
Discover why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island on a guided plantation tour. Sample cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and tropical fruits right from the trees, and learn about their global history. In the afternoon, trek through Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the rare red colobus monkey. Return to Stone Town or move on to a beach resort on the east coast for sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Day 9: Beach Day at Nungwi or Kendwa
Relax on the powdery sands of Nungwi or Kendwa Beach. Swim in crystalline waters, snorkel among colorful coral reefs or simply recline under a palm thatch umbrella. For an extra thrill, join a dhow cruise at dusk or arrange a diving excursion to the Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve. Sample fresh seafood grilled on the beach as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a leisure morning—perhaps a final dip or stroll through local markets for last-minute souvenirs like carved wooden masks and aromatic spices. Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of roaring lions, Maasai smiles and Zanzibar sunsets.
Travel Tips & Practical Information
Best Time to Visit: June to October for dry-season wildlife viewing; December to February for calving season and beach weather. Avoid April–May rains unless you seek solitude and discounted rates.
Visa & Health: Most nationalities obtain a tourist visa on arrival (USD 50). Vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and malaria prophylaxis are recommended. Carry a basic first-aid kit.
Accommodation: Book early for Serengeti camps. Options range from budget lodges outside park gates to luxury tented camps. Zanzibar has beach resorts, guesthouses and eco-villas for all budgets.
Packing List: Lightweight, neutral-colored safari clothing; wide-brimmed hat; sunglasses; high-SPF sunscreen; insect repellent; camera with telephoto lens; power bank and universal adaptor.
Cultural Etiquette: Greet with “jambo” or “habari”; dress modestly in towns and villages; always ask before photographing people. Tipping guides and lodge staff is customary (10–15%).
Conclusion
This 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary offers the perfect balance of wildlife encounters, cultural immersion and tropical relaxation. From the thunderous herds of the Serengeti to the spice-scented lanes of Stone Town, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Book early, pack smart and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime under Africa’s wide-open skies.
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