12 Days Unforgettable safaris and Zanzibar beach

It looks like you’ve outlined a wonderful 12-day safari and beach itinerary! Below is a suggested itinerary with more details for each day, including travel times, accommodation options, and activities to consider:

Highlights

Day to Day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

  • Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (or Arusha Airport).
  • Transfer to Arusha: Arrive in Arusha, the starting point for safaris in northern
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay at a lodge or hotel in Arusha (e.g., Arusha Coffee Lodge or Rivertrees Country Inn).
  • Activities: Rest after the flight, enjoy dinner at the lodge or explore the city if time permits.

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

  • Travel: Depart from Arusha to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hours drive).
  • Activities: Full-day game drive in Tarangire, famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. You may also see lions, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of bird species.
  • Accommodation: Stay overnight at a lodge inside or near Tarangire (e.g., Tarangire Sopa Lodge or Tarangire Safari Lodge).

Day 3: Tarangire to Serengeti

  • Travel: Drive to Serengeti National Park (approx. 5–6 hours, or you can opt for a flight).
  • Activities: Arrive in the Serengeti, enjoy an evening game drive to spot wildlife in the park’s diverse habitats.
  • Accommodation: Stay overnight at a lodge or tented camp inside the Serengeti (e.g., Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or a luxury tented camp like Four Seasons).

Day 4: Serengeti National Park

  • Activities: Full day of game drives in the Serengeti, famous for the Great Migration (depending on the time of year) and an abundance of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and more.
  • Optional: Early morning hot air balloon safari for a unique perspective of the
  • Accommodation: Another night in Serengeti, staying at the same lodge or camp.

Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

  • Travel: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater (approx. 4–5 hours).
  • Activities: Evening at leisure or enjoy the crater
  • Accommodation: Stay at a lodge on the crater rim (e.g., Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge).

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha

  • Activities: Early morning descent into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. The crater is known for its high concentration of wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, lions, and hyenas.
  • Travel: After the game drive, return to Arusha (approx. 5–3 hours).
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay in Arusha at your choice of lodge or Hotel

Day 7: Relax in Arusha

  • Activities: Relax and explore Arusha at a slower pace. Consider visiting the Cultural Heritage Centre or the Arusha National Park for a walking You can also enjoy a coffee tour if you’re interested in Tanzanian coffee.
  • Accommodation: Stay at your Arusha lodge or Hotel.

Day 8: Arusha to Zanzibar

  • Travel: Take a morning flight from Arusha to Zanzibar (flight time approx. 1.5 hours).
  • Arrival: Transfer to your beach resort or hotel in Zanzibar (e.g., The Residence Zanzibar or Zuri Zanzibar).
  • Activities: Relax and enjoy the pristine You can spend the day swimming, lounging on the beach, or exploring the surroundings.
  • Accommodation: Stay at a beachfront

Day 9: Explore Stone Town and Spice Tour

Morning:

  • Stone Town: Start your day by exploring the historic center of Zanzibar City, known as Stone Town. The narrow, winding streets are filled with history, culture, and stunning architecture.
    • Visit Forodhani Gardens, where you can enjoy the local food
    • Explore House of Wonders and The Palace Museum to learn about Zanzibar’s history.
    • Visit The Old Fort and the Slave Market Memorial to gain insight into the island’s darker past.

Afternoon:

  • Spice Farm Tour: Zanzibar is known as the “Spice ” After lunch, take a tour of a spice farm where you’ll learn about the cultivation of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other exotic spices. Many tours include tastings and the chance to buy local products.

Evening:

  • Sunset at the beach: Head to one of the beaches, such as Mangapwani Beach or Nungwi, for a relaxed evening by the water.
  • Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants in Stone Town or near the coast.

Day 10: Northern Beaches and Water Activities

Morning:

  • Nungwi Beach: Head north to Nungwi, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches. You can visit the Nungwi Village to learn about the traditional dhow (boat) making process.

Afternoon:

  • Snorkeling or Diving: Take a boat trip to Mnemba Atoll for world-class snorkeling and diving. The coral reefs are teeming with marine life, and you’ll get a chance to swim with tropical fish and possibly even dolphins.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Nungwi: Enjoy dinner at one of the beach resorts or restaurants overlooking the ocean, and relax as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

Day 11: Day Trip to the Island of Prison Island or Jozani Forest

Morning:

  • Prison Island: Take a boat trip to Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island. Explore the old prison ruins and enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches. You’ll also see the famous Giant Tortoises, which have lived on the island for over 100

Alternatively, you can visit Jozani Forest, the home of Zanzibar’s rare red colobus monkeys. Walk through the lush forest and observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat.

Afternoon:

  • If you visited Prison Island, enjoy some time at Sandbanks or Kendwa Beach for relaxation and swimming.

  • Alternatively, if you spent the morning at Jozani Forest, spend the afternoon at Kizimkazi Beach for dolphin-watching.

Evening:

  • Sunset Cruise: End your trip with a traditional Dhow Sunset Cruise. Sail around Stone Town and the surrounding islands while enjoying the breathtaking views of the sunset over the water.

  • For your last dinner, choose from a variety of restaurants in Stone Town or at a beach resort.

Day 12: Departure

  • Travel: Depending on your flight schedule, take a transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight back home or to your next destination

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