The Northern Circuit’s great parks, followed by Stone Town and the white sands of Zanzibar
Sample itinerary. Routes, travel times and the style of accommodation are typical for this journey. Your named lodges, final schedule and price are confirmed in your personal quotation, and everything can be adjusted.
Overview
Bush and beach in one trip: this journey pairs five days on safari in northern Tanzania with four nights on Zanzibar. You watch elephants in Tarangire, spend two nights in the Serengeti and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, then fly to the coast to explore the historic lanes of Stone Town before relaxing on the Indian Ocean.
The combination works because it is so simple logistically — a short domestic flight connects the safari parks with the island — and because the two halves complement each other: early starts and thrilling game drives, followed by slow days of sea, sun and Swahili food.
It is a favourite for honeymooners and couples, and works well for families and friends who want a complete Tanzania experience in around ten days.
Day by day
Day 1
Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha
Our representative meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drives you to your hotel in Arusha. Take the rest of the day to unwind after your journey.
In the evening your driver-guide introduces the safari plan and checks that you have everything you need.
Day 2
Arusha → Karatu
You drive to Tarangire National Park for a full day of game viewing among its famous baobabs. The park is known for large elephant herds, especially in the dry season, as well as giraffe, zebra, lion and excellent birdlife.
In the late afternoon you continue up to the cool, green highlands around Karatu.
Day 3
Karatu → Central Serengeti
Today you cross the Ngorongoro highlands, stopping at the crater rim viewpoint, and descend onto the Serengeti plains. You game drive on the way to your camp in the central Serengeti.
Day 4
Central Serengeti
A full day on the plains, looking for big cats around the rivers and kopjes of the Seronera area and, depending on the season, the herds of the Great Migration.
Your guide plans the day around the latest wildlife movements and your interests.
Day 5
Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro crater rim or Karatu
After a morning game drive you return across the plains to the Ngorongoro highlands, arriving in time to enjoy the view and a warm fire in the cool evening air.
Day 6
Ngorongoro → Arusha
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive on the crater floor, where lion, buffalo, elephant, hyena and flamingos share the grasslands and lakes. The crater is one of the best places in Tanzania to look for black rhino.
After a picnic lunch you drive back to Arusha for a final night on the mainland.
Day 7
Arusha → Stone Town, Zanzibar
A morning transfer takes you to the airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel in Stone Town, the island’s historic heart.
Spend the afternoon at your own pace, and in the evening watch the sunset over the harbour before sampling street food at the Forodhani Gardens night market.
Day 8
Stone Town → North or east coast of Zanzibar
A local guide leads you through Stone Town’s maze of narrow lanes, past carved wooden doors, bustling markets and landmarks that tell the story of the Swahili coast, Omani sultans and the East African slave trade.
In the afternoon you transfer to your beach hotel on the north or east coast.
Day 9
Zanzibar beach
A free day to swim, read and enjoy the Indian Ocean. The east coast is known for its wide tidal flats and turquoise lagoons, while the north has good swimming at most tides.
Day 10
Zanzibar beach → Zanzibar airport
Enjoy a final morning on the beach before your transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your flight home. Kwaheri — until next time!
Travel times are typical estimates and vary with road conditions and wildlife sightings.
Where you’ll stay
Choose the style that suits you — named properties are proposed in your quotation, subject to availability.
On safari: clean, comfortable lodges and tented camps near the parks. In Zanzibar: characterful Stone Town guesthouses and simple beach hotels with en-suite rooms and breakfast.
Our reference standard: well-located safari lodges and tented camps with good food and service, followed by a boutique hotel in Stone Town and a comfortable beach resort with a pool.
Intimate luxury lodges and tented camps in prime wildlife areas, a heritage boutique hotel in Stone Town and a luxury beach resort or villa with sea views and spa facilities.
The fine print, made clear
Before you go
More answers in our Travel Guide & FAQs.
Price / Request a quote
Prices depend on your travel dates, group size and accommodation style, so we quote each trip individually. Tell us a little about your plans and we’ll send a clear, itemised quotation — no obligation.
7 days · 6 nightsSeven days through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater
Arusha · Tarangire National Park · Lake Manyara National Park · Serengeti National Park · Ngorongoro Conservation Area
8 days · 7 nightsBoat, walking and game-drive safaris in Nyerere and Ruaha, far from the crowds
Nyerere National Park · Ruaha National Park
6 days · 5 nightsStone Town’s history, spice farms, red colobus monkeys and the turquoise Indian Ocean
Zanzibar
