14 Day | Calving season Northern circuit & Zanzibar Beach Escape – Upmarket (Dec – Mar)

What is included

• All airport transfers and ground transportation in a private 4x4 safari vehicle
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
• All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
• Park entrance fees and government taxes
• All game drives and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals as listed (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Bottled drinking water during safari
• Cultural visit to Maasai village
• Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover (AMREF)
• Meet and greet service at the airport
• International flights to and from Tanzania
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., hot air balloon, water sports)
• Drinks, laundry, and personal expenses at hotels/lodges
• Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Tanzania – Welcome to Arusha

   Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by a representative from Ngotea Distinctive Safaris. You’ll be driven to Rivertrees Country Inn, nestled between lush gardens and shaded by acacia trees at the foot of Mount Meru. Settle into your comfortable room and unwind after your flight. You may explore the lodge's small wildlife sanctuary or relax with views of the surrounding nature. Stay: Rivertrees Country Inn · Meals: Breakfast

2. 2

   Day 2

   Arusha National Park – Gentle Safari Introduction

   Set out with your guide for a full-day safari in Arusha National Park. This lush and compact park offers a unique variety of landscapes, including the Ngurdoto Crater, Momella Lakes, and the forested slopes of Mount Meru. Keep your eyes open for giraffes, buffalo, zebras, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and numerous bird species, including flamingos. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch inside the park and return to the lodge for relaxation in the evening. Stay: Rivertrees Country Inn · Meals: Full Board

3. 3

   Day 3

   Arusha to Tarangire National Park

   Today, you’ll head southwest to Tarangire National Park, known for its towering baobab trees and large herds of elephants. Enjoy a full-day game drive along the Tarangire River, a magnet for wildlife during the dry season. Keep your camera ready for sightings of lions, leopards, impalas, giraffes, and possibly even the rare African wild dog. Stay: Acacia Farm Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. 4

   Day 4

   Ngorongoro Crater to Ndutu Plains

   After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool before continuing your game viewing. Later, head to the southern Serengeti plains for the night. Stay: Ndutu Safari Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. 5

   Day 5

   South Serengeti / Ndutu – Calving Season

   Full Day Gamedrive in the Ndutu Plains, begin exploring the short-grass plains teeming with wildebeest and zebra, mothers nurturing their newborns. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are drawn to this abundance of prey. Stay: Ndutu Safari Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. 6

   Day 6

   Full Day Safari in Ndutu – Predator & Prey Encounters

   Depart early to witness dramatic wildlife interactions during the cooler hours of the day. Enjoy leisure time to enjoy the views from your verandah or lounge area. Another game drive exploring the vast plains and seasonal lakes of Ndutu follows. Stay: Ndutu Safari Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. 7

   Day 7

   Cultural Immersion at a Maasai Village

   Travel back towards Arusha and stop for an immersive cultural visit at a traditional Maasai village. Here, you’ll meet the villagers, see their homes, learn about their customs and beliefs, and witness a traditional dance. Stay: Rivertrees Country-in Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. 8

   Day 8

   Leisure Day in Arusha

   Enjoy a relaxed day at your own pace in Arusha. You can explore the local area, visit coffee plantations, take a nature walk around Lake Duluti, or simply unwind at the lodge. Stay: Rivertrees Country inn Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. 9

   Day 9

   Flight to Zanzibar – Arrival in Stone Town

   Fly from Arusha or Serengeti to Zanzibar Island. Upon landing, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Stone Town. Take your time exploring the charming labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling spice markets, and iconic Swahili-Arabic architecture. Stay: Maru Maru Hotel · Meals: Breakfast

10. 10

    Day 10

    Discover Stone Town – Culture, History & Spice

    Embark on a guided walking tour of Stone Town, visiting highlights such as the House of Wonders, Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace, and local spice markets. Enjoy lunch on your own and relax at your hotel in the afternoon. Stay: Maru Maru Hotel · Meals: Breakfast

11. 11

    Day 11

    Transfer to Jambiani – Indian Ocean Bliss

    Depart for the southeast coast of Zanzibar, heading to the quiet and scenic village of Jambiani. Arrive at your beachfront accommodation and begin your beach retreat. Stay: Mwezi Botique Resort · Meals: Halfboard

12. 12

    Day 12

    Beach Leisure & Optional Activities

    Enjoy a slow day at your own pace. You may choose to simply relax or engage in optional activities such as visiting a nearby seaweed farming project. Stay: Mwezi Botique Resort · Meals: Halfboard

13. 13

    Day 13

    Explore or Unwind – Last Full Day in Paradise

    Enjoy a slow day at your own pace. You may choose to simply relax or engage in optional activities such as visiting a nearby seaweed farming project. Stay: Mwezi Botique Resort · Meals: Halfboard

14. 14

    Day 14

    Departure

    After a leisurely breakfast and final beachside moments, you’ll be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward journey.

Your operator

Ngotea Distinctive Safaris LTD

Ngotea Distinctive Safaris LTD is based in Arusha and offers a variety of safari experiences, guided treks, cultural experiences, beach holidays, and balloon safaris. They operate trips to numerous destinations including Arusha National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar, among others. Their itineraries include options like the Machame Route and various upmarket safari and beach holiday combinations.

See all trips by Ngotea Distinctive Safaris LTD

Cancellation

Free up to 24 hours before the start. After that the booking is non-refundable.