Overview

12 Days / 11 Nights

12-Day Northern Parks Adventure & Zanzibar Holiday

Tanzania

Created by Sunset Adventure Safari

Tour Preview

Created by Sunset Adventure Safari

12-Day Northern Parks Adventure & Zanzibar Holiday

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day adventure exploring Tanzania’s northern parks and the serene island of Zanzibar. Begin with the wildlife-rich Tarangire and Lake Manyara, followed by the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, and the iconic Serengeti, known for its vast plains and diverse wildlife. After thrilling safaris, unwind in Zanzibar, where you'll explore the historic Stone Town and relax on its pristine beaches. This trip offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

Serengeti National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Tarangire National Park

Zanzibar Island

Day 1

Arrival in Tanzania

Karibu Tanzania! When you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your personal driver-guide will be waiting to greet you. During the short transfer to Arusha you’ll get your first glimpse of Tanzania – from bustling roadside markets to the silhouette of Mount Meru in the distance.

At your boutique lodge you can unwind in the garden, take a swim, or simply relax after your flight. A warm dinner is served in the evening, giving you time to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. Tomorrow your safari adventure awaits you!

Activity Day 1

You will be transferred from the airport in Kilimanjaro Airport.

Accommodation Day 1

Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa Mid-Range

Hotel

When it comes to staying in Arusha, few places have a better location than Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa. You're well placed for exploring the city, but everything is nice and quiet. The rooms are good, there's a swimming pool and restaurant, and the spa and massage center has a wide range of treatments available.

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Meal Plan Dinner

Day 2

Tarangire National Park - Baobabs and elephant herds

Are you ready for your first safari day? After breakfast, your driver-guide picks you up and you begin your journey to Tarangire National Park. During the drive, your guide gives a short safari briefing and answers any questions you may have — this is where your story truly begins.

As you enter the park, huge baobab trees and herds of elephants dominate the landscape. Giraffes browse calmly, while zebras and wildebeest graze across the plains. With some luck, you might spot lions resting in the shade or even a leopard hidden in the branches.

Lunch is enjoyed at a scenic picnic site inside the park. In the afternoon, you continue your game drive, your guide adapts the route to your pace and interests, whether you prefer to cover more ground or spend time observing wildlife at your own rhythm.

At the end of the day, you drive to Heart & Soul Lodge. Relax on the terrace with a drink while the sun sets over the valley and the sounds of the African night slowly surround you.

Accommodation Day 2

Heart & Soul Lodge Manyara Mid-Range

Lodge

Heart & Soul Lodge Manyara is an intimate modern lodge with relaxed and elegant energy. You’ll be treated with personal attention to every request while staying in spacious and comfortable suites. The pool is surrounded by extensive lawns and interesting garden which is home to an array of birds and smaller wildlife. At night guests are charmed by the call of the hyena and other nocturnal sounds, bringing the adventure of safari close by.

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Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 3

Lake Manyara - Flamingos and tree-climbing lions

Today you drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but incredibly diverse reserve at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment. In the forested entrance you’ll find troops of baboons and playful blue monkeys, while further on the open plains stretch out towards the shimmering alkaline lake. Here, wildebeest, zebras, and—season permitting—thousands of flamingos bring the landscape to life.

Are you looking for a unique and immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Tanzania's Lake Manyara National Park? Our walking safari is the perfect option for those who want to get up close and personal with the park's incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

At the end of our day, we'll head to our next lodge for dinner and overnight stay. You can relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool, savoring the beauty and tranquility of the African wilderness.

Elephant crossing a safari trail, Lake Manyara

Optional Day 3

Afternoon

Walking safari, Lake Manyara National Park

Accommodation Day 3

Marera Valley Lodge Mid-Range

Lodge

One of the best places to stay between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, Marera Valley Lodge helps you escape the busy roads and tourist trails of northern Tanzania. The lodge occupies big grounds with views out over the surrounding valleys. There's an inviting swimming pool and the stylish main building houses a bar, restaurant and lounge. Rooms here have soaring ceilings, plenty of luxury touches and lots of space.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 4 & 5

Serengeti National Park - Big cats and the open savannah

After breakfast you travel to Serengeti National Park, passing through the lush highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before driving onto the endless plains of the Serengeti.

The Serengeti is one of the world's most famous wildlife destinations. In the afternoon we'll explore the vast plains in search of the Big Five and other animals like cheetahs, hyenas, and zebras. The Serengeti’s scenery is also unforgettable – observe Africa’s iconic acacia trees, the park’s golden grasslands and great piles of boulders known as kopjes.

Your guide adapts the day to your preferences: a long drive across the plains or a slower rhythm, observing behavior at waterholes and kopjes. Lunch is a picnic in the bush, surrounded by views of the savannah.
As the sun begins to set over the African savannah, it's time to head back to your lodge after a thrilling day of safari adventures. But the experience isn't over yet - the journey back to your lodge can be just as exciting as the game drives themselves. As your vehicle makes its way through the park, you might catch glimpses of wildlife that are more active in the evening hours, such as hyenas or nocturnal birds.

Day 5 – Full Day Safari in Serengeti
Wake up early to the calls of birds and the first rays of sunlight. Today you enjoy a full day of safari in the Serengeti, giving you the best chance to spot its incredible wildlife. Your guide will choose routes based on animal movements and your interests. In the afternoon, you continue exploring different habitats – from open grassland to rocky kopjes where leopards sometimes hide. At sunset, return to camp, where a campfire and dinner under the stars await.

Optional Day 4

Morning

Visit the Maasai

Optional Day 5

Early Morning

Take to the skies over the Serengeti with us on a hot-air balloon safari. This early morning excursion promises wonderful views, lots of wildlife, and a whole new perspective on this special place.

Accommodation Day 4 & 5

Serengeti Wildebeest Camps Budget

Tented camp Inside Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti Wildebeest Camps offer a truly unique and authentic safari experience in the heart of Tanzania's world-renowned Serengeti National Park. Set amidst stunning natural surroundings, our camps provide comfortable and luxurious accommodations that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the African wilderness.

At the end of a day of safari adventures, you can relax around the campfire, swapping stories with fellow travelers as the stars twinkle above. And as you drift off to sleep, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness, you'll know that you're experiencing one of the most incredible and unforgettable safari experiences on earth.

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Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 6

Serengeti -> Ngorongoro

Today you rise early for a sunrise game drive in the Serengeti. The first light of day brings the savannah to life – lions returning from a night hunt, hyenas still active, and leopards that prefer the cooler hours of the morning. The soft light and fresh air make this one of the most rewarding times to be out in the bush.

After several hours of exploring, you slowly make your way back towards the park gate, arriving around midday. Lunch is enjoyed en route before continuing the journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with winding roads, changing landscapes, and wide views over the highlands. In the afternoon you reach your lodge on the crater rim, ready for the next highlight of your safari.

Optional Day 6

Afternoon

Nature walk, Ngorongoro Highlands
A nature walk in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and diversity of Tanzania's natural landscape. Led by an experienced guide, you'll journey through the park's lush forests and grasslands gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the region's unique ecology.

Accommodation Day 6

Ngorongoro Wild Camp Budget

Tented camp

In the southern sector of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a little away from the busy crater rim area, Ngorongoro Wild Camp has a lovely remote feel but is just a short drive from the wildlife action. Safari tents and cottages make up the camp, which is sometimes visited by giraffes. There's a bar, restaurant and swimming pool here.

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Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 7

Ngorongoro Crater - Wildlife in a natural amphitheatre

Today you descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s most remarkable safari locations. Formed millions of years ago by a collapsed volcano, the crater is now home to a dense concentration of wildlife in a spectacular setting.

As you drive across the crater floor, you’ll encounter a wide variety of animals – from grazing zebras and wildebeest to elephants and buffalo. With some luck, you may also spot the endangered black rhino, one of the rarest species in East Africa. Hippos can often be seen wallowing in the water, while lions rest in the grasslands nearby.

The crater’s enclosed nature makes it a natural amphitheater for wildlife viewing, with dramatic scenery at every turn. Your guide will explain the unique ecology of this area and point out fascinating animal behaviors. After a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the crater, you continue your exploration before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation Day 7

Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa Mid-Range

Hotel

Spend another night at Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa.

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Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinking water

Day 8

Zanzibar Stone Town - History, spices and winding alleys

This morning you transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by our driver who takes you to your accommodation in the heart of Stone Town. You’ll be staying at the charming Dhow Palace Hotel, set in a traditional Zanzibari building.

In the afternoon, it’s time to discover the historic streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through narrow alleys lined with carved wooden doors, bustling markets, and spice shops. Visit small museums and admire the mix of Arab, Indian, and African architecture that tells the story of Zanzibar’s past as a trading hub.

The atmosphere comes alive with the scent of spices in the air and the sound of the call to prayer echoing from the mosques. Whether you prefer to explore with a guide or simply lose yourself in the maze of streets, Stone Town is the perfect place to soak up the island’s unique culture.

Activities Day 8

We will transfer you to the airport.
You will be transferred from the airport in Zanzibar Airport.

Morning

flight to Zanzibar, Zanzibar Airport

Accommodation Day 8

Dhow Palace Hotel Budget

Hotel

There is so much for you to enjoy at Dhow Palace Hotel, which sits close to the westernmost tip of Zanzibar's main island. Rooms here have lots of character, with white walls and hand-crafted wood furnishings, and the courtyard swimming pool is a fine place to relax. There's also a restaurant, and you can catch a sea breeze from the roof terrace. Great sunsets too!

Meal Plan Breakfast

Day 9 to 11

Zanzibar Island - White sands and turquoise waters

After breakfast our driver will take you to the eastern part of the Island: Jambiani. If you're seeking adventure and excitement, Jambiani Beach Zanzibar has plenty to offer. The crystal-clear waters and gentle tides make it an excellent destination for water sports and activities. Dive into a world of vibrant marine life by snorkeling or scuba diving in the coral reefs that surround the area.

Activity Day 9

Transfer by Road, Dhow Palace Hotel to Dhow Resort

Accommodation Day 9 to 11

Dhow Resort Mid-Range

Resort

There's much for you to enjoy at Dhow Resort. It's a good place to stay in a good location.

Alternative Accommodations

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Meal Plan Breakfast

Day 12

Your last day with us

Today it’s time to say goodbye to Zanzibar. Depending on your flight, you may still have time for a last walk on the beach before your driver transfers you to the airport.

Your safari and beach holiday in Tanzania has come to an end. A journey filled with wildlife, culture, and relaxation. As we like to say: Your safari, your story. The memories are yours to take home and share.

And while the journey ends here, our service never does. At Sunset Adventure Safari we believe that high-quality service makes all the difference. We respond quickly to every email, we are always available if you need us, and we adjust every detail of your itinerary until it feels just right.

That is our promise: to guide you personally, from the first contact until long after your return home.