The perfect African holiday combines adventure with relaxation. This 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary gives you the best of both worlds. You will spend six days on safari in Tanzania’s legendary northern circuit, witnessing the Great Migration, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, and watching elephants in Tarangire. Then you will fly to Zanzibar for four days of turquoise water, white sand beaches, and Swahili culture. This 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience the wildlife of the savannah and the serenity of the Indian Ocean in a single trip. The safari portion is paced to cover the highlights of the northern circuit without feeling rushed. The beach portion offers a mix of relaxation and cultural exploration in Stone Town and on the northern beaches. This itinerary is ideal for honeymooners, families, and anyone who wants to end their safari with a well deserved beach holiday.
This 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary is divided into two parts. The first six days are on safari in northern Tanzania. You visit Tarangire National Park for elephants, the Ngorongoro Crater for the Big Five, and the Serengeti for the Great Migration. You stay in comfortable lodges and travel in a private 4×4 Landcruiser Safari Vehicle. On day six, you fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar. The final four days are on the island of Zanzibar. You spend two nights in Stone Town exploring the historic alleys, spice markets, and the former slave market. You then transfer to the northern beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa for two nights of swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation.
| Day | Destination | Activities | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Kilimanjaro | Transfer to Arusha | Arusha Hotel |
| 2 | Tarangire National Park | Afternoon game drive | Tarangire Lodge |
| 3 | Ngorongoro Crater | Full day crater descent | Crater Rim Lodge |
| 4 | Serengeti National Park | Afternoon game drive | Serengeti Camp |
| 5 | Serengeti National Park | Full day game drive | Serengeti Camp |
| 6 | Serengeti to Zanzibar | Morning game drive, flight to Zanzibar | Stone Town Hotel |
| 7 | Zanzibar – Stone Town | Spice tour, Stone Town exploration | Stone Town Hotel |
| 8 | Zanzibar – Beach Resort | Transfer to northern beaches | Beach Resort |
| 9 | Zanzibar – Beach Resort | Relaxation, water activities | Beach Resort |
| 10 | Zanzibar Departure | Transfer to airport, departure | – |
Your 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport. A Nomara Safaris representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. The drive takes approximately one hour. Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania, located at the foot of Mount Meru. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You can rest after your flight. In the evening, you will meet your safari guide for a briefing on the days ahead. Your guide will review the itinerary and answer your questions. Overnight at your Arusha hotel.
After breakfast, you depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park. The drive takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you begin your afternoon game drive. Tarangire is famous for its elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. During the dry season from June to October, the Tarangire River attracts hundreds of elephants, some in herds of over 100 individuals. The baobab trees, some over 1,000 years old, provide a stunning backdrop for photography. You will also see lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe. The park is less crowded than the Serengeti, offering a more intimate experience. After your game drive, you transfer to your lodge for overnight. Overnight at your Tarangire lodge.
Today is a highlight of your 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary. You wake early and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater rim. The drive takes approximately two hours from Tarangire. You descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn. The descent is an adventure in itself, with the mist clearing to reveal the floor below. You spend a full day on the crater floor. The crater supports approximately 25,000 large mammals, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino. You can often see the Big Five in a single morning. The crater also supports large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and gazelle. You stop for a picnic lunch at a designated site near the hippo pool. In the late afternoon, you ascend back to the crater rim. You then drive to the Serengeti National Park. Overnight at your Serengeti camp.
Your 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary continues with a full day of game driving in the Serengeti. Your guide will position you in the best sector for the season. From January to March, the herds are in the southern Serengeti for calving season. The predator action is relentless. From April to June, the herds are in the western corridor for the Grumeti River crossings. From July to October, the herds are in the northern Serengeti for the Mara River crossings. The central Seronera area has year round resident game, including lions and leopards. You carry a picnic lunch, allowing you to stay out from dawn until dusk. The morning drive focuses on predator activity. The afternoon drive focuses on elephants, giraffes, and the herds. Overnight at your Serengeti camp.
You have another full day of game driving in the Serengeti. You explore a different sector of the park. If you were in the central Serengeti yesterday, you may drive to the northern Serengeti or the western corridor today. The Serengeti is vast, and each sector offers different landscapes and wildlife. You may see cheetah hunting on the open plains, leopard resting in a tree, or hyenas returning from a night hunt. The birding is exceptional, with over 500 species recorded. You stop for a picnic lunch in the bush. In the late afternoon, you return to your camp. Overnight at your Serengeti camp.
On your final morning in the Serengeti, you enjoy one last game drive. The early morning light is perfect for photography. After breakfast, you transfer to the Serengeti airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. The flight connects through Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival at Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you are transferred to your hotel in Stone Town. Overnight in Stone Town.
Today you explore Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar. After breakfast, you take a spice tour. Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and you will visit a plantation where cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices are grown. You will see, smell, and taste the spices. After the spice tour, you return to Stone Town for a walking tour. You visit the former slave market, now the Anglican Cathedral. You explore the narrow alleys, the carved wooden doors, and the bustling markets. You visit the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. In the evening, you can watch the sunset from the rooftop bar of your hotel. Overnight in Stone Town.
After breakfast, you transfer from Stone Town to your beach resort on the northern coast of Zanzibar. The drive takes approximately one hour to Nungwi or Kendwa. You check into your resort and spend the day relaxing on the white sand beach. You can swim in the turquoise water, sunbathe, or take a walk along the shore. The northern beaches are known for their calm waters and spectacular sunsets. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at the resort’s restaurant. Overnight at your beach resort.
Today is yours to enjoy the beach. You can do as much or as little as you like. You can relax on the beach with a book. You can swim in the ocean or in the resort’s pool. You can book a snorkelling trip to see the coral reefs and tropical fish. You can take a dhow cruise at sunset, a traditional Zanzibar experience. You can also book a diving trip, a massage, or a cooking class. The choice is yours. Overnight at your beach resort.
Your 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary concludes today. After breakfast, you are transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your departure flight. Your guide will assist you with check in and bid you farewell.
For travellers booking a luxury 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. On safari: andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge on the crater rim. Four Seasons Safari Lodge in the central Serengeti. In Zanzibar: Park Hyatt Zanzibar in Stone Town. Zuri Zanzibar or Essque Zalu on the northern beaches. Prices range from USD 800 to USD 2,500 per night.
For travellers booking a mid range 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary, Nomara Safaris recommends the following properties. On safari: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge on the crater rim. Serengeti Serena Lodge in the central Serengeti. In Zanzibar: Tembo House Hotel in Stone Town. My Blue Hotel or Riu Palace on the northern beaches. Prices range from USD 200 to USD 600 per night.
This 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary includes the following:
This 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary excludes the following:
The best time for this 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary depends on your priorities. For the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti, visit from July to October. For calving season and predator action, visit from January to March. For Zanzibar, the best time is also from June to October, the dry season, when the weather is sunny and the humidity is low. The wet season from March to May is the least ideal for both the safari and the beach. For a combination of good safari conditions and good beach weather, June to October is the best time for this 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary.
The cost of this 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary depends on accommodation level and season. A mid range safari and beach package costs approximately USD 4,500 to USD 6,500 per person. A luxury package costs approximately USD 8,000 to USD 12,000 per person. These prices include the safari portion, the flight to Zanzibar, and the beach portion. Nomara Safaris provides a detailed quotation based on your specific travel dates and preferences.
Yes, you can see the Great Migration on this 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary if you book during the right season. From July to October, the herds are in the northern Serengeti. From January to March, the herds are in the southern Serengeti for calving season. Your guide will position you in the correct sector of the Serengeti based on the season.
The best way to get from the Serengeti to Zanzibar is by air. You take a light aircraft flight from the Serengeti airstrip to Arusha or Dar es Salaam, then connect to a flight to Zanzibar. The total travel time is approximately four to five hours. Nomara Safaris handles all flight bookings as part of your 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary.
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so the same visa applies. Most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania. Visas can be obtained on arrival at Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar airports or online before travel. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity. Nomara Safaris can advise on visa requirements for your specific nationality.
For the safari portion, pack neutral coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown), a fleece jacket for cool mornings, comfortable closed toe shoes, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera. For Zanzibar, pack swimwear, beach cover ups, sandals, a sun hat, and light clothing for exploring Stone Town. Pack a reusable water bottle for both portions.
This 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. You will witness the Great Migration, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, and relax on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar. At Nomara Safaris, we design custom itineraries that match your interests and budget. Contact Nomara Safaris to begin planning your 10-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary. Tell us your preferred travel dates and group size. We will create a custom itinerary for you.