12-Day Trip Northern Tanzania & Zanzibar

Upon landing at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic flights, a representative from SPE will greet you and take you to your accommodation in Arusha. You will spend the night at the Mount Meru Hotel, nestled at the base of Mount Meru in Arusha.

After early breakfast, we will depart for Tarangire National Park. The park is named after the Tarangire River which runs through it. This ‘river of warthogs’ is the only source of water for wildlife in the region during the dry season. In some places, the vegetation is quite dense with elephant grass and acacia woodlands. The park is well known for its elephant families, which can often be seen congregating by the river. Tarangire is the best place to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat, from the adorable calves all the way up to the intimidating bulls. You may also see giraffe, bushbuck, and hartebeest. These animals are closely followed by a range of predators, including lions and leopards. There are more breeding species of birds found in Tarangire National Park than anywhere else on the planet. After lunch and an extensive game drive, we will head to our accommodation. Dinner and your overnight stay will be at Maramboi Tented Lodge.

After breakfast, travel toward the remote and scenic Lake Natron region. The area offers spectacular volcanic landscapes, Maasai culture, and flamingo breeding grounds. Enjoy an afternoon walk to the lake or a nearby waterfall depending on conditions.

Depart early from Lake Natron and drive through the northern corridor toward Serengeti National Park. Enjoy wildlife sightings along the way and continue with game viewing en route to your tented camp.

Spend this day exploring the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. Witness the incredible diversity of wildlife including lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, and during migration season, millions of wildebeest.

Enjoy a morning Serengeti game drive before traveling toward the Ngorongoro highlands. Arrive at Karatu for dinner and relaxation before tomorrow’s crater descent.

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s natural wonders and home to the Big Five. After a full day of wildlife viewing and a picnic lunch inside the crater, drive to Lake Eyasi for overnight.

Spend the morning with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes for a cultural experience. Afterward, drive back to Arusha for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to your beach hotel.

Enjoy a full day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Optional excursions such as snorkeling, stone town tour or spice tour can be arranged at extra cost.

Continue enjoying Zanzibar’s coastline, warm waters, and cultural charm. Relax or engage in optional water activities available around the island.

Spend your final full day on Zanzibar with leisure time or optional tours such as Stone Town, Prison Island, or Dolphin Tour.

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. End of tour.