7-Days Serengeti & Zanzibar Getaway
Fly-in from Arusha to Serengeti Nationalpark - Fly to Zanzibar
Highlights
Even in as little as a week, you can experience Tanzania’s most famous highlights: safari adventures and tropical beaches.
Start with the wildlife as you embark on game drives across the savannas of Serengeti National Park to spot lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more. Then spend a few days relaxing in Zanzibar, an oasis of white-sand beaches and coral atolls nestled amid a sea of sapphire and crystalline waters.
ITINERARY
Karibu sana Tanzania! Welcome to Tanzania! This gem of a country is a wildlife lover’s paradise, home to some of the most popular safari destinations and unspoiled national parks in Africa. Located in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, Tanzania is known for its vast wilderness regions. After all, this country is home to the Serengeti ecosystem, where millions of plains animals migrate around its fertile savannas.
Upon arrival in the northern city of Arusha, you’ll catch a 30-minute connecting flight to the Seronera Airstrip in Serengeti National Park. This legendary wildlife park is the ‘must see’ safari destination. In the Maasai language, the name Serengeti means “endless plains,” and this protected area’s is over 14.763 sq km. The park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve that supports the largest concentration of plains game globally, including the famous Big5 animals: lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and black rhinos.
With any luck, you’ll arrive in the Serengeti at the right time to witness the Great Migration, which typically occurs from June to November. This ‘greatest wildlife show on earth’ sees more than a million wildebeest, plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and Thompson’s gazelles, undertaking the long trek to new grazing grounds.
Upon arrival, you’ll head to your camp and enjoy a game drive while en route. Once settled, you can choose to head out for more wildlife spotting or relax in camp. You’ll have three days here, so there’s no need to rush.
Spend the next couple of days living every wildlife enthusiast’s dream as you embark on safaris across the wonderful Serengeti. You’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives to witness the wildlife in one of the oldest ecosystems on earth.
Mornings are the best time to see the animals at their most active. During these early hours, you’ll likely see grazing giraffes and zebras and perhaps even lions as they hunt wildebeest and gazelles. Other animals you’re likely to spot include elephants and buffalo, with leopards and rhinos being a less common sight. You can choose to have lunch on the road or back at camp, after which you’ll continue the game drive into the afternoon. Dinner will be served each night in camp.
In the morning, you’ll catch a flight from the Serengeti’s Seronera Airstrip to Zanzibar. This archipelago is regarded as one of East Africa’s most beautiful island destinations. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your beach hotel. After arrival feel free to kick back on the sand and enjoy the fantastic views of the Indian Ocean.
Depending on the hotel you select, you may have all modern conveniences and creature comforts at your disposal, just enjoy.
If you feel like venturing out, there’s plenty to do. Take a stroll down the beach, go snorkeling, or participate in one of the many activities available on the island. If you’re traveling with that special someone, you can enjoy a romantic lunch on your own private sandbank. Like in the Serengeti, there’s no need to rush because you’ll have multiple days to explore every corner of the island.
There are many optional activities to keep you busy in Zanzibar. Of course, the main attractions are its inviting beaches. You can easily spend the next couple of days relaxing on one of these prized stretches of sand.
Maybe you’d prefer a snorkeling or diving tour. Matemwe, on the northeast coast, is the best place for either activity, as it provides access to the coral reefs around the Mnemba Atoll. Or spend a day at Jozani Forest, home to exotic animals like the Red Colobus Monkey. Explore the Kuumbi Caves in Jambiani on the southeast coast for more nature. There are options besides swimming and hiking, like surfing, kayaking in mangrove forests, or cycling around the island. You could also head out to sea for a sport-fishing adventure to reel in some marlin and sailfish.
You’ll want to spend time in Stonetown. Besides beaches and nature, Zanzibar boasts a rich history. Stone Town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This warren of alleyways, shops, bazaars, and mosques is home to some of Zanzibar’s most historic buildings. One standout is the Arab Fort, a defensive fortification built in the 17th century. A great activity is to stroll Stone Town and admire its unique mix of Arabic architecture and Indian influences. You can also visit the site of a former slave market and learn about this sad part of the island’s history.
Unfortunately, it’s time to leave the tropical paradise. You’ll transfer to Zanzibar’s airport in the morning where you’ll catch your flight home. Safe travels!
Optional:
If you wish, you can also go on an early morning balloon safari in the Serengeti – booking in advance is required.
We are happy to offer excursions on the island, e.g. Stonetown tour, “Safari Blue” boat tour, Jozani Forest exploration, Prison Island or a visit to a spice plantation.
PRICE INCLUSION
- Safari Tanzania & Zanzibar according to the program
- Experienced English-speaking safari guide (German-speaking safari guide available upon request and at an additional cost)
- Transport on safari in a 4×4 jeep Landcruiser with an opening roof
- National park and concession fees
- Game drives in Serengeti national park
- Flight from Arusha to Serengeti to Zanzibar
- Airport transfer from/to Kilimanjaro Airport and from/to Zanzibar Airport
PRICE EXCLUSION
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax (US$5/day/person – payable directly to the hotel)
- Personal expenses, tips
- Optional excursions and activities