9 Days 8 Nights Best of Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Safari

September 11, 2026 2026-09-11 18:28
🏝 Bush & Beach Combo Northern Circuit Safari & Zanzibar Island 9 Days / 8 Nights

9-Day Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

The ultimate Tanzania adventure combining premier wildlife safaris with tropical relaxation on the spice island of Zanzibar. Journey across Tarangire, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara in a private 4x4 cruiser, followed by a domestic flight to Zanzibar for historic Stone Town and pristine Indian Ocean beaches.

Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
Domestic Flight Arusha (ARK) β†’ Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Accommodations Safari Lodges & Beach Resort
Safari Vehicle Private 4x4 Land Cruiser
βœ“ Domestic Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar Included
βœ“ Big 5 Safaris in Tarangire, Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
βœ“ Guided Stone Town Heritage Walking Tour & Coastal Transfers
βœ“ 3 Nights Tropical Relaxation at Villa Kiva Boutique Beach Resort
TARANGIRE Day 1 Elephants & Baobabs
πŸš™ Naabi Gate
SERENGETI Days 2–3 Central Seronera (2 Nts)
πŸš™ 3 Hr Drive
CRATER Day 4 Ngorongoro Caldera
✈ Flight to ZNZ
STONE TOWN Day 5 Tembo House Hotel
πŸš™ Coast Transfer
ZANZIBAR Days 6–9 Villa Kiva Beach Resort

Day-by-Day Safari & Beach Program

DAY 01

Arusha Airport Pickup β†’ Tarangire National Park

Drive Time: ~2.5 Hours

You will be warmly welcomed by your professional tour driver-guide upon arrival at Arusha Airport. Board your private 4x4 safari cruiser and drive approximately 2.5 hours to Tarangire National Park.

After completing park gate registration, set off on an exciting game drive. Tarangire is renowned for its colossal elephant herds and ancient baobab trees that pierce the skyline. Keep an eye out for zebras, impalas, lions, cheetahs, and elusive leopards roaming their pristine natural habitat. Conclude the game drive with a scenic transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Activity: Arrival Meet & Greet, Transfer & Tarangire Game Drive
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB: Lunch Box & Dinner)
DAY 02

Karatu Highlands β†’ Central Serengeti National Park

Scenic En-Route Safari via Naabi Hill Gate

After breakfast, drive into the world-renowned Central Serengeti, stopping first at Naabi Hill Gate to register before entering the park. As you ascend the ridge, take in the breathtaking panorama of the endless plains that stretch to the horizon.

Spend the afternoon exploring the predator-rich Seronera river valley with a prime chance to encounter members of the Big Five alongside huge herds of resident grazers. Central Serengeti is celebrated for frequent predator sightings including lion prides and leopards. In the evening, enjoy a sunset game drive before heading to your luxury safari camp for dinner and an overnight stay under canvas.

Activity: En-Route Safari, Serengeti Game Drive & Sunset Safari
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner)
DAY 03

Full Day Wilderness Safari in Central Serengeti

Dedicated Big Cat & Predator Tracking Safari

Awake to the raw sounds of the African wilderness and prepare for a dedicated full-day game drive across the Seronera valley. Because your luxury camp is located directly inside the park, you can take full advantage of early morning and late afternoon hours when predators are actively hunting.

The Central Serengeti serves as the heartbeat of Serengeti National Park and is vital to the Great Migration, with vast herds passing through throughout the year. Track cheetahs hunting on open savannahs, view leopards perched in umbrella trees, and enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch in the wild surrounded by untamed nature.

Activity: Morning & Afternoon Central Serengeti Game Drives
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
DAY 04

Central Serengeti β†’ Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Drive Serengeti to Crater: ~3 Hours

After breakfast, journey toward the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as "Africa's Garden of Eden." This breathtaking natural wonder was formed over 2.5 million years ago when a massive volcano, once comparable in height to Mount Kilimanjaro, erupted and collapsed into an intact caldera.

Descend 600 meters to the caldera floor for an exhilarating game drive. With more than 25,000 large mammals inhabiting this natural enclosure, you have unparalleled opportunities to spot all members of the Big Five, including black rhinos, heavy-maned lions, buffaloes, and massive bull elephants. After your game drive, ascend the caldera rim to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Activity: Ngorongoro Crater Floor Big Five Safari
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner)
DAY 05

Lake Manyara Game Drive β†’ Fly to Zanzibar Island

Drive to ARK Airport: ~3 Hours | Domestic Flight to ZNZ

After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park. Situated beneath the towering cliffs of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Manyara boasts a vibrant ecosystem of lush groundwater forests, sweeping open grasslands, and hot springs.

Spot the famous tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, baboon troops, and colorful flocks of flamingos lining the alkaline shore. In the afternoon, drive back to Arusha Airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon landing on the spice island, our private island transfer driver will greet you and transfer you directly to your historic beachfront hotel in Stone Town.

Activity: Lake Manyara Safari, Flight to Zanzibar & Island Transfer
Meal Plan: Half Board (HB: Breakfast, Lunch Box & Dinner)
DAY 06

Stone Town Cultural Tour β†’ Transfer to Beach Resort

Morning Walking Tour & Scenic Coast Transfer

Start the morning with a guided walking tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry, labyrinthine coral stone alleys, carved brass-studded wooden doors, bustling spice bazaars, and historic landmarks.

Following the tour, relax in private air-conditioned comfort as you are transferred across the island to your idyllic beach resort on Zanzibar’s eastern coast. Spend the rest of the day unwinding by the pool, strolling on white powdery sands, and soaking in the tranquil ocean breeze.

Activity: Stone Town Heritage Tour & Private Beach Resort Transfer
Meal Plan: Half Board (HB: Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 07

Zanzibar Beach Relaxation (Indian Ocean Coast)

Full Day Coastal Leisure & Wellness

Enjoy a completely relaxed day at leisure. Soak up the warm equatorial sun on pristine white sands, swim in the calm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or rest under thatched umbrellas with a refreshing tropical beverage.

You may choose from optional activities such as coral reef snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, dhow sailing, or indulging in a restorative seaside spa massage. As twilight settles, savor a peaceful dinner by the shore listening to the gentle ocean waves.

Activity: Pure Beach Relaxation & Optional Watersports
Meal Plan: Half Board (HB: Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 08

Second Day of Zanzibar Beach Bliss

Full Day Coastal Leisure & Ocean Activities

Your second full day on Zanzibar’s coast is yours to design. Take leisurely morning walks along the endless shoreline, discover local fishing dhows anchored off the reef, or simply curl up in a hammock with a book surrounded by tropical palms.

Optional excursions can be arranged locally, including visits to nearby spice plantations, a sunset dhow cruise, or diving trips. In the evening, gather for another delicious fresh seafood dinner prepared by the resort's culinary team.

Activity: Beachfront Relaxation, Swimming & Island Leisure
Meal Plan: Half Board (HB: Breakfast & Dinner)
DAY 09

Depart from Zanzibar β†’ Zanzibar International Airport

Private Airport Transfer & Onward Flight

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments gazing out over the turquoise waters or taking a morning stroll along the beach before packing your bags.

Your private transfer driver will pick you up from Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel and transfer you directly to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) in time for your flight home. This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable 9-day bush and beach adventure in Tanzania.

Activity: Hotel Check-out & Airport Transfer
Accommodation: No Accommodation (Safari & Beach Holiday Concludes)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
FEATURED BOUTIQUE BEACH RESORT IN ZANZIBAR

Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel

Set along the tranquil coastline of Matemwe on Zanzibar's northeast shore, Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel offers an authentic, intimate barefoot luxury retreat. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens right on the beach, the resort features elegant air-conditioned suites, sparkling freshwater swimming pools, open-air oceanfront dining, and personalized warm hospitality overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean.

βœ“ Oceanfront Boutique Accommodation βœ“ Direct White Sand Beach Access βœ“ Freshwater Swimming Pools & Spa βœ“ Fine Italian & Swahili Seafood Dining
Visit Villa Kiva Boutique Hotel Official Website →

Transparent Rates Per Person (2026 – 2027)

Rates per person sharing in USD (Includes domestic flight & all transfers)

Guaranteed Rates: 2026 – 2027
Start Dates / Season Solo Traveler (1 Room) 2 People (1 Room Sharing) 3+ People / Groups Package Status
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 n/a* $2,762 n/a* Available
Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 n/a* $2,762 n/a* Price Locked

* Important Policy Note: Rates are quoted per adult sleeping in a Double Room. *n/a = not available. This private safari and beach holiday is organized strictly for 2 travelers and is unavailable for solo travelers or groups larger than 2 people. Package includes the domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar and all airport transfers.

This Tour Includes

  • Domestic Flight: Scheduled one-way flight from Arusha (ARK) to Zanzibar (ZNZ)
  • Accommodations: 8 Nights in luxury lodges, tented safari camp, and beach resorts
  • Transfers: All airport pickups and return transfers in Arusha and Zanzibar
  • Safari Vehicle: 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for optimal game drives
  • Vehicle Features: On-board mini-fridge and electric device charging sockets
  • Driver-Guide: Professional, certified English-speaking safari guide
  • Guide & Transport Costs: Driver allowances, vehicle fuel, and crater permits
  • Meals: Full board on safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner) & half board in Zanzibar
  • Park Fees: All National park conservation fees and Stone Town guided tour
  • Refreshments: Unlimited complimentary mineral water during the safari

This Tour Excludes

  • International airfare, international flights, and airport taxes/fees
  • Tanzania entry tourist visas and mandatory medical vaccinations
  • Comprehensive travel, medical, and cancellation insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for safari driver-guide and hotel/camp staff
  • Laundry services and personal dry cleaning
  • Optional watersports, snorkeling tours, and personal expenses in Zanzibar
  • Alcoholic beverages, premium spirits, and soft drinks at lodges/resorts