18 Day Tanzania Safari & Southern Adventure Itinerary – Moderate

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 in Arusha – Gateway to Adventure

   Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania, offering a blend of vibrant culture and natural beauty. Stay: Olerai Lodge · Meals: Bed & Breakfast

2. 2

   Day 2

   Arusha National Park Safari

   After breakfast, enjoy a full-day safari in Arusha National Park. This gem is often overlooked but offers spectacular landscapes ranging from lush montane forests and sparkling lakes to the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater. Expect to see giraffes, zebras, buffalo, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and flamingos. Stay: Olerai Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. 3

   Day 3

   Cultural Immersion in Arusha

   Today is all about people and traditions. Visit a vibrant local market, explore a coffee farm where you’ll learn the process from bean to cup, and enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch. This experience offers a glimpse into Tanzanian daily life and culture beyond the safari. Stay: Olerai Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. 4

   Day 4

   Journey to Tarangire National Park

   After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and massive elephant herds. Enjoy game drives through its rolling savannah, spotting lions, leopards, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. Stay: Marera Valley Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. 5

   Day 5

   From Karatu to the Serengeti Plains

   Today, you head into the legendary Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Highlands before descending onto the vast golden plains. Wildlife viewing begins as soon as you enter the park—expect sightings of lions, cheetahs, and wildebeest. Stay: Thorn Tree Tented Camp · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. 6

   Day 6

   Full Days in Serengeti National Park

   Spend two full days on thrilling game drives across the Serengeti. Depending on the season, witness the Great Migration as wildebeest and zebras move in endless herds, pursued by predators. The Serengeti never disappoints—big cats, elephants, giraffes, and countless antelopes roam its plains. Stay: Thorn Tree Tented Camp · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. 8

   Day 8

   Ngorongoro Crater – The World’s Largest Caldera

   Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Africa’s densest concentration of wildlife, including the rare black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before returning to Karatu. Stay: Marera Valley Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. 9

   Day 9

   Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour & Return to Arusha

   On your way back to Arusha, stop at Mto wa Mbu village for a guided cultural tour. Explore banana plantations, bustling markets, and taste a delicious local lunch before heading back to your lodge in Arusha. Stay: Olerai Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. 10

   Day 10

   Flight to Dar es Salaam

   After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling coastal city. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel. Stay: Blue Sapphire Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. 11

    Day 11

    Into the Wild – Selous (Nyerere National Park)

    Fly from Dar es Salaam into the remote wilderness of Nyerere National Park (Selous), Africa’s largest game reserve. Afternoon game drive introduces you to this vast ecosystem of rivers, woodlands, and plains. Stay: Selous Kinga Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. 12

    Day 12

    Full Day in Selous

    Explore Selous with a game drive, boat safari along the Rufiji River, or a guided bush walk. The park is famous for its wild dog population, as well as large herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Stay: Selous Kinga Lodge · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

12. 13

    Day 13

    Selous to Zanzibar – Spice Island Awaits

    Fly from Selous to Zanzibar, the spice island of the Indian Ocean. Transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town. Stay: Jafferji House & Spa · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

13. 14

    Day 14

    Discover Stone Town

    Spend the day exploring the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit spice markets, historic palaces, and lively bazaars. In the evening, enjoy the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Stay: Jafferji House & Spa · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

14. 15

    Day 15

    Stone Town to Matemwe Beach Retreat

    This morning, transfer to the north-east coast of Zanzibar where white sands and turquoise waters await. Relax at your beachfront retreat. Stay: Jafferji Beach Retreat · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

15. 16

    Day 16

    Zanzibar Beach Bliss

    Two full days to unwind on Zanzibar’s tropical shores. Swim, snorkel, or simply relax under the palms. Optional activities include spice tours, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, or a dhow sunset cruise. Stay: Jafferji Beach Retreat · Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

16. 18

    Day 18

    Departure

    After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari and beach holiday. 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.