16-Day North Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday – Wildlife, Culture & Relaxation | Ngotea Distinctive Safaris

  • Cultural immersion with the Maasai in West Kilimanjaro
  • Game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara
  • Guided Arusha town and market tour
  • Authentic village visit in Mto wa Mbu
  • Coffee tasting and farm experience
  • Scenic flight to Zanzibar Island
  • Exploration of UNESCO-listed Stone Town
  • Relaxing beach retreat on Zanzibar’s East Coast

Overview

This 16-day private safari and beach holiday offers a rich mix of wildlife adventure, cultural immersion, and island relaxation. Starting in the scenic foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, you'll experience authentic Maasai culture, explore iconic national parks including Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, and discover the historic charm of Stone Town. The journey concludes with a rejuvenating beach stay on Zanzibar's serene southeast coast in Jambiani.

Itinerary

Breakfast: Not included.

Afternoon: 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.

Late Afternoon Activity: Learn the ancient art of spear throwing with the Maasai — a fun and engaging cultural introduction.

Dinner: At Original Maasai Lodge.

Evening: Relax by the fire pit under the African sky, soaking in the tranquility of the area.

Destination: West Kilimanjaro
Meals included: D
Accommodations: Original Maasai Lodge – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: 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.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Participate in a traditional Maasai TV (MTV) storytelling session around the fire and engage with local hosts for deeper cultural connection.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and unique Maasai hospitality.

Destination: West Kilimanjaro
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Original Maasai Lodge – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Breakfast: At the lodge.
Morning: 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).
Lunch: Picnic lunch in the park.
Afternoon: Continue your game drive through the varied landscapes of the park before heading to your lodge.
Dinner: At the lodge.
Evening: Relax in the quiet ambiance of Olerai Lodge, surrounded by nature.
Destination: Arusha National Park
Meals included: B L, D
Accommodations: Olerai Lodge – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Begin the day with a guided visit to Arusha’s bustling central market, where colors, spices, and crafts fill the senses.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Tanzanian meal hosted at Daniel’s home.

Afternoon: Visit a local coffee farm and learn about the process of bean-to-cup, sampling freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Free time to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Destination: Arusha
Meals included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Olerai Lodge – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Depart Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and towering baobab trees.

Lunch: Picnic lunch inside the park.

Afternoon: Enjoy a game drive through the park’s rolling savannah, where you may encounter lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Settle into your safari lodge with views of the surrounding bush.

Destination: Tarangire National Park
Meals included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Depart Tarangire after breakfast and journey toward the vibrant town of Mto wa Mbu, located near the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Upon arrival, engage in an immersive cultural experience that introduces you to the region’s ethnic diversity and way of life.

Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Swahili meal prepared by a local family in the village.

Afternoon: Explore the area by bicycle, passing banana plantations, local farms, and colorful marketplaces. This hands-on experience gives you a genuine feel for rural Tanzanian life.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Unwind in the serene surroundings of your lodge in Karatu.

Destination: Mto wa Mbu
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Today you 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.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot by the hippo pool within the crater.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the crater floor, with its open grasslands, forests, and soda lake. Expect close-up encounters with zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and more.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Karatu highlands.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Meals included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Bougainvillea Safari Lodge – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: 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.

Lunch: Picnic inside the park or at a designated lunch area.

Afternoon: After your game drive, return to Arusha for an overnight stay at your lodge.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: Prepare for your upcoming island journey to Zanzibar.

Destination: Lake Manyara National Park / Arusha
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Olerai Lodge – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Breakfast: At the lodge.
Morning: 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.
Lunch: On your own (restaurant recommendations available).
Afternoon: Explore the narrow alleys, spice markets, and cultural highlights of this UNESCO-listed city. Optional guided walking tours are available.
Dinner: On your own or at the hotel.
Evening: Enjoy the sunset from a rooftop café or by the waterfront.
Destination: Stone Town, Zanzibar
Meals included: B
Accommodations: Kholle House Boutique Hotel – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning & Afternoon: 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.
Lunch & Dinner: On your own.
Evening: Relax or take in local nightlife with music and Swahili cuisine.
Destination: Stone Town, Zanzibar
Meals included: B
Accommodations: Kholle House Boutique Hotel – 1x Double Room & 1x Triple Room

Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the tranquil southeastern coast of Zanzibar. The drive to Jambiani takes approximately 1.5–2 hours, offering scenic views of rural villages and lush palm-fringed landscapes.
Afternoon: Arrive at Mwezi Boutique Resort, your beachfront hideaway nestled in the charming village of Jambiani. Check in and settle into your rooms — 1 Double Room and 1 Triple Room.
Lunch: On your own – enjoy local dishes at the resort’s restaurant or nearby beach cafés.
Rest of the Day: Take your first stroll along the white sandy beach or dip your toes in the warm Indian Ocean.
Dinner: Optional, at the resort or a local restaurant of your choice.
Evening: Relax under the starry sky and fall asleep to the gentle rhythm of the waves.
Destination: Jambiani, Zanzibar
Meals included: B
Accommodation: Mwezi Boutique Resort

Breakfast: At the resort
Morning to Evening: 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:

  • Book a dolphin-watching tour in nearby Kizimkazi
  • Try kite surfing or paddle boarding
  • Explore the Jambiani village and interact with locals
    Lunch & Dinner: On your own – enjoy fresh seafood or Swahili cuisine at nearby eateries or at the resort.
    Evening: Watch the tide retreat under golden hues of sunset, followed by a peaceful evening at the resort.
    Destination: Jambiani, Zanzibar
    Meals included: B
    Accommodation: Mwezi Boutique Resort

Breakfast: At the resort
Morning: If you're up for adventure, opt for a snorkeling excursion to Mnemba Atoll – a renowned marine conservation area. Enjoy a boat ride and snorkel among vibrant corals and tropical fish.
Afternoon: Return to the resort and relax by the beach or in your bungalow.
Lunch & Dinner: On your own – explore different dining options or indulge at the resort restaurant.
Evening: Perhaps enjoy a drink by the beach bonfire or a spa treatment.
Destination: Jambiani, Zanzibar
Meals included: B
Accommodation: Mwezi Boutique Resort

Breakfast: At the resort
Morning: Consider a guided cultural tour of Jambiani village – learn about seaweed farming, Swahili cooking, and Zanzibari traditions.
Afternoon: Free time to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a massage at the resort.
Lunch & Dinner: At your leisure
Evening: Enjoy your last full evening in Jambiani – soak in the tranquil atmosphere and reflect on your journey.
Destination: Jambiani, Zanzibar
Meals included: B
Accommodation: Mwezi Boutique Resort

Breakfast: At the resort
Day Activities: This is your final full day in paradise. Use it however you like—morning yoga, beachcombing, ocean dips, or simply doing nothing at all.
Optional: Schedule a beachside massage or take a traditional dhow sailing trip.
Lunch & Dinner: On your own
Evening: Celebrate your last night with a special dinner by the ocean, reflecting on your journey through Tanzania.
Meals included: B
Accommodation: Mwezi Boutique Resort

Breakfast: At the resort.

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

Destination: Zanzibar Airport
Meals included: B
Accommodations: None

Map

From $5608
/ Adult
From $4206
/ Child
  • 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)
16-Day North Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday – Wildlife, Culture & Relaxation

✨ Optional Extension: Zanzibar Beach Holiday Available

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