16-Day North Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday – Wildlife, Culture & Relaxation

What is included

• All activities, unless indicated as optional
• All accommodations as per itinerary
• All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
• Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Park fees and conservation charges
• Taxes / VAT
• Private 4x4 safari-converted Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
• Drinking water (on all safari days)
• Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
• Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
• Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
• Additional accommodation before and after the tour
• International flights
• Government-imposed increases in park fees or taxes
• Travel insurance
• Entry visa for Tanzania
• Vaccinations and health documentation
• Zanzibar infrastructure tax (to be paid directly at the hotel)

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport to West Kilimanjaro

   Upon arrival, you will be met by your Ngotea Distinctive Safaris guide and transferred by road to the scenic West Kilimanjaro region. Nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Original Maasai Lodge provides an authentic and immersive cultural experience hosted by the Maasai community. Learn the ancient art of spear throwing with the Maasai — a fun and engaging cultural introduction. Relax by the fire pit under the African sky, soaking in the tranquility of the area. Stay: Original Maasai Lodge · Meals: Dinner

2. 2

   Day 2

   West Kilimanjaro – Maasai Culture & Nature

   Start the day with Kilimanjaro coffee or tea while enjoying panoramic views of the mountain. Children can enjoy a donkey ride while the rest of the family joins a guided nature walk to learn about local herbs, plants, and the traditional Maasai way of life. Participate in a traditional Maasai TV (MTV) storytelling session around the fire and engage with local hosts for deeper cultural connection. Stay: Original Maasai Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. 3

   Day 3

   West Kilimanjaro to Arusha National Park

   Depart for Arusha National Park. Explore this compact and scenic park known for its black-and-white colobus monkeys, Mount Meru views, flamingos, and lush montane forest. Optional activities include canoeing on Momella Lakes (at extra cost). Continue your game drive through the varied landscapes of the park before heading to your lodge. Stay: Siringit Villa · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. 4

   Day 4

   Arusha Town – Cultural Encounters

   Begin the day with a guided visit to Arusha’s bustling central market, where colors, spices, and crafts fill the senses. Enjoy a traditional Tanzanian meal hosted at Daniel’s home. Visit a local coffee farm and learn about the process of bean-to-cup, sampling freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee. Stay: Siringit Villa · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. 5

   Day 5

   Arusha to Tarangire National Park

   Depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and towering baobab trees. Enjoy a game drive through the park’s rolling savannah, where you may encounter lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. Stay: Gibbs Farm Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. 6

   Day 6

   Tarangire to Mto wa Mbu

   Depart Tarangire after breakfast and journey toward the vibrant town of Mto wa Mbu. Engage in an immersive cultural experience that introduces you to the region’s ethnic diversity and way of life. Explore the area by bicycle, passing banana plantations, local farms, and colorful marketplaces. Stay: Gibbs Farm Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. 7

   Day 7

   Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

   Descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an astonishing concentration of wildlife including the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Continue exploring the crater floor, with its open grasslands, forests, and soda lake. Stay: Gibbs Farm Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. 8

   Day 8

   Lake Manyara National Park – Return to Arusha

   Drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a final game drive in the Great Rift Valley. Known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingo-dotted lakeshore, and lush groundwater forests, the park is compact but full of diverse wildlife and birdlife. After your game drive, return to Arusha for an overnight stay at your lodge. Stay: Siringit Villa · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. 9

   Day 9

   Flight to Zanzibar – Stone Town Discovery

   Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar Island. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the historical heart of Stone Town. Explore the narrow alleys, spice markets, and cultural highlights of this UNESCO-listed city. Stay: The Neela Boutique Hotel · Meals: Breakfast

10. 10

    Day 10

    Stone Town Leisure or Tour Options

    This day is yours to explore Stone Town at your own pace or choose from optional activities such as a spice farm tour, Prison Island boat trip, or snorkeling adventure. Stay: The Neela Boutique Hotel · Meals: Breakfast

11. 11

    Day 11

    Transfer to Jambiani – The Beach Escape Begins

    After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the tranquil southeastern coast of Zanzibar. Arrive at Mwezi Boutique Resort, your beachfront hideaway. Take your first stroll along the white sandy beach or dip your toes in the warm Indian Ocean. Stay: Qambani Luxury Resort · Meals: Breakfast

12. 12

    Day 12

    Leisure and Exploration in Jambiani

    A full day at leisure. You may choose to simply relax at the resort, lounge by the pool, or walk along the endless stretch of beach. Optional activities include dolphin-watching tours or kite surfing. Stay: Qambani Luxury Resort · Meals: Breakfast

13. 13

    Day 13

    Snorkeling Adventure or Total Relaxation

    If you're up for adventure, opt for a snorkeling excursion to Mnemba Atoll. Enjoy a boat ride and snorkel among vibrant corals and tropical fish. Stay: Qambani Luxury Resort · Meals: Breakfast

14. 14

    Day 14

    Culture & Beach Time

    Consider a guided cultural tour of Jambiani village – learn about seaweed farming, Swahili cooking, and Zanzibari traditions. Free time to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a massage at the resort. Stay: Qambani Luxury Resort · Meals: Breakfast

15. 15

    Day 15

    Total Relaxation

    This is your final full day in paradise. Use it however you like—morning yoga, beachcombing, ocean dips, or simply doing nothing at all. Stay: Qambani Luxury Resort · Meals: Breakfast

16. 16

    Day 16

    Departure from Zanzibar

    At leisure until your transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your outbound flight. Meals: Breakfast

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.