10 Days Wildlife Safari & Zanzibar Beach Tour
Ten extraordinary days. Four of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. Four nights on Zanzibar's pristine Indian Ocean coast. From Tarangire's ancient baobabs and elephant herds through the endless Serengeti plains, down into the Ngorongoro Crater and across the shimmering waters to Zanzibar — this is Tanzania at its most complete and unforgettable.
Ten Days. Four Wildlife Icons. One Perfect Zanzibar Ending.
Embark on a captivating 10 Days Wildlife Safari and Zanzibar Beach Tour — an immersive adventure through Tanzania's stunning national parks and wildlife reserves, crowned with a restorative stay on Zanzibar's pristine Indian Ocean coastline. This tour offers the perfect balance of thrilling wildlife encounters and pure beach relaxation, making it ideal for travellers seeking the best of both Tanzania and the Zanzibar Archipelago.
This 10-day journey is designed to provide an immersive experience that balances affordability with an incredible wildlife adventure. Immerse yourself in Tanzania's natural beauty while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guides. You will experience wonderful wildlife in the heart of some of the most diverse landscapes — monkeys in the forest, lions in trees, elephants amongst acacias and a huge variety of animals inside a collapsed volcano. You will also visit the world-famous Serengeti National Park, where breathtaking landscapes and the volume of wildlife are simply unforgettable.
The safari opens with an arrival night in Arusha at the Mount Meru Hotel, giving you time to settle in and prepare for the extraordinary days ahead. The safari then takes you through Tarangire National Park — famous for its giant elephant herds and iconic baobab trees — before exploring the diverse ecosystems of Lake Manyara, the legendary Serengeti plains, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater. Each day brings new wildlife encounters and landscapes more spectacular than the last.
After five days of safari adventure, a short flight transports you to Zanzibar — an island of spice, history and extraordinary beauty. Prison Island and its giant Aldabra tortoises, a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, coral reef snorkelling and four nights of pure Indian Ocean bliss await. This is Tanzania complete: the bush and the beach in perfect harmony.
Five Wild Ecosystems. Infinite Stories.
Tarangire National Park — The Land of Baobabs & Elephant Giants
A park of towering ancient baobab trees, large elephant concentrations and remarkable year-round wildlife density. Dramatic, visually unlike anywhere else in Tanzania, and deeply rewarding from your very first game drive.
Tarangire is best known for its elephant families, savannah, iconic baobab trees, seasonal swamps and the life-giving Tarangire River. Animals gather at the river and giraffe, bushbuck and hartebeest are often seen. The park is also home to buffalo, zebra and wildebeest — closely followed by a range of predators such as lions, leopards and rarely cheetahs. The gorgeous Silale Swamp in the south of the park is magnificent and almost always rich in wildlife.
Lake Manyara National Park — Tree-Climbing Lions & Flamingo Shores
A relatively small but astonishingly diverse park, 120 km west of Arusha, famous for tree-climbing lions and over 500 bird species. The shallow soda lake turns pink with thousands of flamingos in the right season.
The park's namesake is a shallow salt lake that covers a large area, flooding and drying with the seasons. It is home to thousands of flamingos and over 500 other bird species. On your exploration of the park, you will see monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalos and elephants — and with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. The park is known for its diverse landscapes: not only open grassy plains but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab-dotted cliffs.
Serengeti National Park — The Endless Plains & Great Migration
Africa's most iconic wilderness. Where the world's greatest wildlife spectacle unfolds in real time and the Big Five roam across 14,763 square kilometres of infinite open savannah.
The Serengeti National Park is the largest park in Tanzania with diverse landscapes and habitats such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah and mountains. It is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration — the largest overland movement of mammals on Earth, with between 1.5 and 2 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebra and 250,000 Thomson's gazelle following the rains in a continuous 800-kilometre loop driven entirely by grass and water.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area — The Eighth Wonder of the World
A UNESCO World Heritage Site formed millions of years ago — 600 m deep and covering roughly 260 sq km. Due to its dense animal population of approximately 25,000, the crater offers the best game viewing of all Tanzania's parks.
You will descend into the crater and in a matter of minutes be able to see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants and some of more than 500 bird species. With a little bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino through the grass. The crater is one of the few places in East Africa where all the Big Five can be spotted in a single day — and the enclosed ecosystem creates extraordinary density and diversity of wildlife viewing.
Zanzibar — The Spice Island & Indian Ocean Paradise
For centuries, Zanzibar has evoked a mystical and magical dream. White-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, ancient Stone Town and the warmth of Swahili hospitality await after the safari.
The hotel lies along a pristine and untouched beach on the south-east coast of Zanzibar island — the most quiet and untouched part of the island. Famous for its attention to detail, intimate and private dining, and beautiful Zanzibari décor with stunning carving, glistening brass and rich fabrics that create an elegant and unique atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean, sip a freshly cut coconut from our waving palm trees, indulge in a massage, dive into coral reefs and experience genuine Swahili hospitality.
When to Go
This 10-day tour is rewarding in every season. The wildlife parks and Zanzibar beach complement each other year-round. Below is a guide to what each season delivers across both the safari and beach components.
Moments That Will Stay With You Forever
Day 2 delivers an Africa that feels ancient and raw. Tarangire's enormous elephant herds — among the largest concentrations in Tanzania — move between iconic baobab trees that dwarf the Land Cruiser. Matriarchs lead their families with unhurried authority while lions rest in the shade of enormous figs and giraffe browse at the treeline. The baobab silhouettes at golden hour are among the most iconic images East Africa produces.
Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania's most distinctive ecosystems. Famously home to lions that lounge in the branches of fig and acacia trees — an unusual behaviour thought to be an adaptation to tsetse flies and heat. The shallow alkaline lake turns pink with thousands of flamingos, and the diverse habitats from groundwater forest to open grassy plains make every drive a different experience entirely.
The world's largest overland migration of mammals. 1.5 to 2 million wildebeest in continuous seasonal movement across the Serengeti ecosystem. From the explosive calving season in the south to the dramatic Mara River crossings in the north — your guide positions you for the season's defining spectacle. No footage or photograph captures the sound, dust and sheer scale of being present inside this ancient moving river of life.
The drive down into the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most dramatic moments in African travel. In a matter of minutes, the world contracts to a 260 sq km natural amphitheatre where all the Big Five roam in extraordinary density. Wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, elephant, lion and the critically endangered black rhino — all within a single enclosed ecosystem that produces the best game viewing in Tanzania.
A half-hour boat trip from Stone Town takes you to Prison Island — Changuu Island — home to a remarkable reserve of Aldabra giant tortoises, gifted from the Seychelles in 1919. These magnificent, ancient, peaceful creatures have bred freely on the island for over a century. You can meet them, pet them, and even feed them — including the original settlers who are still present today. A great encounter for travellers of every age.
Zanzibar's Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric places in East Africa. Narrow winding alleyways, ornately carved Arab doors, the old slave market, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the night food market at Forodhani Gardens — a guided walk through Stone Town is a journey through the Swahili, Arab, Indian and European cultures that layered themselves over this extraordinary island across the centuries.
After five intense, rewarding days of safari, the Indian Ocean offers the perfect counterbalance. Your Zanzibar beach hotel sits on a pristine stretch of the south-east coast — the most quiet and untouched part of the island. Crystal-clear warm water, coral reefs with colourful fish, freshly cut coconuts under swaying palms, and Swahili hospitality that feels as natural as the Indian Ocean breeze. The bush and the beach: Tanzania at its most complete.
A full day in Tarangire, a full day in Lake Manyara, two days in the Serengeti and a full descent into Ngorongoro Crater create one of the strongest Big Five and predator itineraries available across a 5-day safari format. Lions are reliably encountered in all four destinations. The endangered black rhino is seen most consistently in Ngorongoro Crater. Your expert Haven Trails guide brings knowledge of terrain, animal behaviour and seasonal patterns that transforms every drive into a guided masterclass.
The Itinerary
1
Arrival Day — Welcome to Tanzania · Arusha
You will be picked up from the airport at either Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport or Namanga border by our company representative. They will drive you to your accommodation in Arusha — approximately a 1-hour drive. Here you will stay and overnight at Mount Meru Hotel, a luxury hotel located in or near Arusha.
The drive from the airport winds through the outskirts of Arusha, past roadside markets piled high with fresh produce and glimpses of Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit glowing in the late afternoon light. Tanzania is not just its wildlife — it is a country of extraordinary people, ancient culture and remarkable scenery. Rest in your room, enjoy the hotel's facilities, or explore Arusha. Your Haven Trails guide will be on hand for a briefing over tea or coffee to discuss the exciting safari days ahead.
2
Arusha to Tarangire National Park — Full-Day Game Drive · Overnight Eileen's Trees Inn
After breakfast, your safari guide will collect you from your accommodation and drive you to Tarangire National Park (approximately 2 hours away). Tarangire is best known for its elephant families, savannah, iconic baobab trees, seasonal swamps and the life-giving Tarangire River. Animals gather at the river and giraffe, bushbuck and hartebeest are often seen. The park is also home to buffalo, zebra and wildebeest — closely followed by a range of predators such as lions, leopards and rarely cheetahs.
From the open roof of the safari vehicle, you will be able to absorb the landscape and watch the wildlife while on the move. You will enjoy a picnic lunch in the park — a delicious lunch with soft drinks served at a shaded picnic site chosen by your guide. After a full day in the park, you will drive to your accommodation at Eileen's Trees Inn, a mid-range lodge located in or near Karatu, where you will be able to relax, enjoy dinner and your overnight stay.
Parks normally open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and you will be at your lodge in time for dinner.
3
Karatu to Lake Manyara National Park — Tree-Climbing Lions & Flamingo Shores
After breakfast, you will pick up a lunch box from your accommodation and continue to this epic safari destination — Lake Manyara National Park. This is a relatively small but diverse park, 120 km west of Arusha. The park's namesake is a shallow salt lake that covers a large area, flooding and drying with the seasons. It is home to thousands of flamingos and over 500 other bird species.
On your exploration of the park, you will see monkeys, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalos, elephants — and with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. The park is known for its diverse landscapes: not only open grassy plains but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab-dotted cliffs. The famous tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara are one of Tanzania's most unique wildlife sightings. After a further game drive, you will drive back to your accommodation in Karatu for dinner and your overnight stay at Eileen's Trees Inn.
4
Karatu to Serengeti National Park — Via Ngorongoro Highlands · Into the Endless Plains
After breakfast, you will continue towards the fertile highlands where wheat, coffee and corn are grown by the Iraqw people. Passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be able to see the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater rim before travelling onwards to the Serengeti National Park, with a picnic lunch taken on the way.
The Serengeti National Park is the largest park in Tanzania with diverse landscapes and habitats such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannah and mountains. You will reach Serengeti by afternoon. After an extensive afternoon game drive, you will drive to your accommodation — a Central Serengeti Luxury Camp (or similar) located inside Central Serengeti — where you will enjoy dinner and your overnight stay. Waking up inside the actual Serengeti is a privilege that no other accommodation format can provide.
5
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater — En-Route Game Drive & Full Crater Descent
After an early breakfast, you will head out for an en-route game drive through the Serengeti — a final opportunity to spot wildlife in this extraordinary landscape before embarking on your journey to Ngorongoro Crater.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, formed millions of years ago, is 600 m deep and covers roughly 260 sq km. Due to its dense animal population of approximately 25,000, the crater offers the best game viewing of all the parks in Tanzania. You will arrive at the crater rim before lunch. The descent into the crater takes just minutes, and the view from the rim looking down into this ancient natural amphitheatre is one of the most dramatic moments in African travel.
Once inside, you will see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants and some of more than 500 bird species in the area. With a little bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino through the grass. After having a picnic lunch carried from your accommodation, you will have a full afternoon inside the crater. After that, you will head to your accommodation in Karatu for dinner and your overnight stay outside the crater.
6
Karatu to Arusha to Zanzibar — Safari Ends, Island Paradise Begins
After breakfast, you will drive back to Arusha for your onward journey to Zanzibar. On this day, our driver will meet you at the Arusha airport or the ferry terminal for the transfer to your luxury hotel or lodge in Zanzibar.
The transition from the dust and wilderness of the Northern Circuit to the turquoise calm of the Indian Ocean is one of the most exhilarating moments in East African travel. By afternoon you are on a different planet entirely — one of warm Indian Ocean water, white sand, swaying palms and the aromatic scent of cloves and cinnamon that gave Zanzibar its name as the Spice Island. Check in to your beach hotel, refresh, and let the island's extraordinary atmosphere wash over you as the sun sets over the water.
7
Prison Island & Stone Town Tour — Giant Tortoises, History & Coral Reefs
After a pickup at your hotel, you'll start this memorable day with a half-hour boat trip to Prison Island — also known as Changuu Island or Quarantine Island — located in the Zanzibar Archipelago. In 1893 the former British Prime Minister of Zanzibar purchased the island and built a prison complex on it — but it never served its intended purpose. It was instead used as a quarantine station for yellow fever cases.
Today the building is a beautiful ruin, serving as a lovely guesthouse for visitors. You will visit the giant tortoise reserve, where you will admire, pet and even feed these magnificent, ancient, peaceful creatures. Four specimens of Aldabra giant tortoises were a gift from the Governor of Seychelles in 1919 and have bred freely ever since — the original settlers are still among them today. There is also a nursery for baby tortoises of different ages. A truly great encounter for everyone, especially for families with children.
Round up this great day with some snorkelling around the coral reefs — admire colourful fish, beautiful starfish and picturesque seashells — or simply relax on the white sandy beach. Upon your return, admire the breathtaking view of Stone Town and the bay from the water. We will give you a guided walking tour through the island's historic alleyways, carved Arab doorways, the old slave market and the bustling night market at Forodhani Gardens. Light lunch included. Return to your hotel for dinner in the evening.
8–9
Rest on the Coast of the Indian Ocean — Pure Zanzibar Beach Days
Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean, sip a freshly cut coconut from waving palm trees, indulge in a massage, dive into coral reefs and experience the warm, genuine Swahili hospitality. The unforgettable beach experience at Zanzibar.
Your hotel lies along a pristine and untouched beach on the south-east coast of Zanzibar island — the most quiet and untouched part of the island. Famous for its attention to detail, intimate and private dining, its beautiful Zanzibari décor with stunning carving, glistening brass and rich fabrics creates an elegant and unique atmosphere. For centuries the island of Zanzibar has evoked a mystical and magical dream. There is no better place to experience and enjoy the fantastic setting, beautiful beach and friendly staff.
These two days are entirely yours. Swim, snorkel, kayak, take a spice farm tour, explore local fishing villages, or simply lie on the sand and listen to the Indian Ocean. These are the days that balance and complete the safari — the wildness of the bush answered by the tranquillity of the sea.
10
Departure Day — Breakfast & Transfer to Zanzibar Airport or Ferry
Our driver will come to pick you up on time from your hotel to the Zanzibar Airport or ferry terminal, based on your flight or ferry timing. You will enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before your transfer.
The animals continue. The Serengeti continues. The Indian Ocean continues. You carry Tanzania and Zanzibar with you from this point forward. And that, as every returning traveller knows, makes coming back not a question of if, but of when.
Safari Pricing
From USD 2,279 per person. Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size and any optional add-ons. Contact Haven Trails Adventures for a personalised quote.
Accommodation Across 10 Days
Mount Meru Hotel is a well-regarded luxury hotel in the heart of Arusha, providing the ideal arrival experience for a Tanzania safari. Comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, excellent dining and reliable WiFi set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead. Located within easy reach of Arusha's markets and the safari departure point.
Mount Meru Hotel's comfortable rooms and suites are designed for relaxation after a long journey. The hotel's gardens provide a peaceful setting to decompress before the safari begins, and the helpful concierge team can assist with any pre-departure arrangements or queries.
Eileen's Trees Inn is a beautifully situated mid-range lodge in the cool highlands of Karatu, perfectly positioned between Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Set among mature trees and lush gardens, it provides a peaceful and comfortable base for three nights of safari activity, with excellent home-style cuisine and warm, personal service.
The evenings at Eileen's Trees Inn after full days in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater are a time for reflection and restoration. The cool highland air of Karatu, the peaceful garden atmosphere and the excellent dinner make for a well-deserved rest before another extraordinary day of wildlife encounters.
Your night at the Central Serengeti Luxury Camp is spent inside the actual Serengeti National Park — not near it, but within it. From your tented accommodation you will hear the Serengeti come alive at night: the distant roar of lions, the calls of hyenas and the sounds of the wild passing close by in the darkness. Game drives depart directly from camp at first light.
One night inside the Serengeti is a safari privilege that changes how you understand the wilderness. Waking before dawn in a tent surrounded by the sounds of Africa — knowing that a full game drive awaits the moment you step outside — is one of the most extraordinary moments this 10-day journey offers. Your guide has the vehicle ready before sunrise.
Your Zanzibar accommodation lies along a pristine and untouched beach on the south-east coast of the island — the most quiet and unspoiled part of Zanzibar. Famous for its attention to detail, intimate dining and beautiful Zanzibari décor — stunning carving, glistening brass and rich fabrics create an elegant atmosphere that feels as natural as the Indian Ocean itself.
Four nights on Zanzibar offer time to fully decompress, explore and savour. Snorkel the coral reefs directly from the beach, take a dhow sunset cruise, visit a spice farm, or simply do nothing at all on one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. Swahili hospitality that feels as warm and genuine as the Indian Ocean itself completes this extraordinary 10-day journey through Tanzania.
Haven Trails also offers shorter safaris, luxury lodge upgrades and custom Zanzibar extensions. Explore our full safari catalogue or contact us at info@haventrails.com or WhatsApp +255 713 334154.
Why Haven Trails Adventures
Every Haven Trails guide holds a Professional Tourist Guide Certification and has completed a minimum of 1,000 guided field hours before leading any client. Our guides don't simply drive you to animals — they read the land, interpret behaviour, share ecology, track seasonal patterns and make every sighting a story worth telling. Many guests describe their guide as the single highlight of the entire trip.
Every safari departs in a custom-fitted 4x4 Land Cruiser with a 360-degree pop-up roof for unobstructed photography, forward-facing window seats, individual USB charging ports, a stocked cooler with drinks, binoculars, a first aid kit and a radio linked to the park-wide guide network. A maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. Never a crowded bus safari.
We are based in Moshi, Tanzania — not a booking platform in London or New York. Our team is in the parks every week, tracking seasonal wildlife movements in real time, building direct relationships with park rangers and repositioning game drives based on live conditions. You benefit from intelligence that no international operator can match.
All Haven Trails guides carry satellite communication devices and emergency first aid supplies. We maintain evacuation protocols for every park on the circuit in partnership with Flying Doctors Tanzania. All clients receive emergency contact cards, and our 24/7 Moshi operations centre monitors every active safari throughout the trip.
This 10-day itinerary is a framework, not a formula. Every detail is adjusted for your group: travel dates for optimal seasonal wildlife positioning, group size, pace, dietary requirements, special interests such as photography or birding, cultural experiences, and any customisation to your Zanzibar stay — beach hotel selection, water sports or spice farm visits.
Haven Trails prioritises Tanzanian-owned suppliers, community-run support services and conservation-conscious partnerships. A portion of every booking supports local ranger training through the Kilimanjaro Conservation Fund. Travelling responsibly is not a feature — it is our operating principle.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Airport / border arrival and departure transfers (Kilimanjaro, Arusha or Namanga)
- All national park and conservation area fees (Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
- Full-time expert English-speaking professional safari guide
- Custom 4x4 Land Cruiser with 360° pop-up roof
- Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel (1 night), Eileen's Trees Inn (3 nights), Central Serengeti Luxury Camp (1 night), Zanzibar Luxury Hotel (4 nights)
- All meals as per itinerary (from Day 2 safari; breakfast & dinner in Zanzibar)
- All drinks except spirits & liquor (included at lodge/camp)
- Bottled water & soft drinks in vehicle during game drives
- Prison Island boat trip including giant tortoise reserve visit
- Guided Stone Town walking tour, Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport / ferry terminal transfers
- Emergency evacuation support and 24/7 operations contact
- Safari certificate of completion
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Tanzania tourist visa (USD 50 most nationalities; apply online at eVisa portal)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Domestic flight Arusha to Zanzibar (arranged by Haven Trails on request)
- Day 1 (arrival) meals in Arusha — own expense
- Zanzibar lunches — own expense
- Spirits and liquor throughout
- Guide and lodge crew gratuities (discretionary)
- Optional hot air balloon safari over Serengeti (~USD 600/person)
- Optional Maasai Village visit (extra cost)
- Optional water sports, diving & spice farm in Zanzibar
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Medical and dental expenses
- Prescription antimalarials (consult your doctor before travel)