18 | Day Tanzania Safari & Southern Adventure Itinerary - Moderate | Ngotea Distinctive Safaris
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfer
  • Unlimited
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (Airport transfers included)
  • Standard Acomodations
  • 1 - 6

  • Explore lush forests, crater lakes, and Mt. Meru’s backdrop with giraffes, zebras, and flamingos.
  • Visit a coffee farm, bustling markets, and experience authentic Tanzanian village life in Mto wa Mbu
  • Home to massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
  • Witness the legendary plains, abundant predators, and, if in season, the Great Wildebeest Migration.
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Africa’s densest concentration of wildlife, including the rare black rhino.
  • Enjoy unique river safaris, walking safaris, and game drives in Africa’s largest protected reserve.
  • Relax on pristine white sands in Matemwe, with opportunities for snorkeling, spice tours, and dhow cruises.

Overview

This 18-day adventure combines the best of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit with the untamed wilderness of Nyerere (Selous) National Park and the spice-scented charm of Zanzibar. From the slopes of Mount Meru and the endless plains of the Serengeti to the turquoise beaches of Zanzibar, this journey is designed to showcase Tanzania’s iconic wildlife, rich cultures, and pristine beaches.

Itinerary

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.

  • Meals: Bed & Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Olerai Lodge – a charming lodge surrounded by lush gardens, offering the perfect place to relax before your adventure begins.

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Olerai Lodge

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Olerai Lodge

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge – a tranquil lodge set in the lush hills of Karatu.

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Thorn Tree Tented Camp – an authentic safari camp located in the heart of Serengeti.

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Thorn Tree Tented Camp

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Olerai Lodge

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Blue Sapphire Hotel

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Selous Kinga Lodge

Fly from Selous to Zanzibar, the spice island of the Indian Ocean. Transfer to your boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Jafferji House & Spa – an elegant heritage hotel in historic 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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Jafferji House & Spa

This morning, transfer to the north-east coast of Zanzibar where white sands and turquoise waters await. Relax at your beachfront retreat.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Jafferji Beach Retreat

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.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Jafferji Beach Retreat
Day 16 :
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

Map

    From $5631
    / Adult
    From $4505
    / Child (2-12 Years)
    • 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)

    18 | Day Tanzania Safari & Southern Adventure Itinerary – Moderate

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