Savannahs to Spice Islands
Savannahs to Spice Islands
Overview
Discover the perfect combination of African wildlife adventure and tropical island relaxation with this extraordinary Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday package, expertly designed by Outstanding Tanzania Safaris. This premium East African travel experience combines thrilling Big Five game drives in Tanzania’s legendary Northern Safari Circuit with the white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, luxury resorts, and rich Swahili culture of Zanzibar.
From the wildlife-rich plains of Serengeti National Park and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater to the paradise beaches of Zanzibar Island, this luxury Tanzania itinerary delivers the ultimate African safari and beach escape. Perfect for honeymooners, families, and photography enthusiasts, this holiday includes luxury lodges, world-class game viewing, and authentic African hospitality.
Highlights
- Big Five Safari: Experience legendary wildlife viewing in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- Tarangire Elephants: Discover massive herds amongst iconic baobab trees.
- Zanzibar Paradise: Relax on white-sand beaches with turquoise Indian Ocean views.
- Luxury Stays: Hand-picked luxury safari lodges and beachfront resorts.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore the history of Stone Town and the aromatic Spice Plantations.
- Marine Adventures: Optional snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll and dolphin tours.
- Private Logistics: Luxury 4x4 safari vehicles and seamless domestic flights to the islands.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the safari specialists from Outstanding Tanzania Safaris and transferred to a luxury lodge in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. This first day is designed for relaxation after your international flight; you can enjoy the lodge's beautiful gardens, take a dip in the swimming pool, and take in the mountain views. During the evening, your professional guide will provide a detailed safari briefing to prepare you for the journey ahead. Optional activities such as an Arusha city tour or a coffee plantation visit are available depending on your arrival time.
After breakfast, your safari officially begins as you depart for Tarangire National Park, a landscape famous for its ancient baobab trees and the highest density of elephants in Tanzania. You will enjoy a full-day game drive through the park’s diverse ecosystem, searching for lions, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. Tarangire is a photographer's dream, especially near the river where wildlife congregates. As the sun sets, you will head to your luxury lodge near the park for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Today you will travel through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands toward the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. The journey itself is a wildlife expedition, offering en-route viewing as you enter the park. In the afternoon, you will embark on a game drive in the Serengeti, searching for the big cats and herds of the Great Migration. The day concludes with a traditional campfire experience at your luxury tented camp, where you can listen to the sounds of the African bush under a star-lit sky.
You will spend the entire day immersed in the world’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary. With extensive game drives through Central Serengeti, you will have the best opportunity to witness extraordinary predator action and the vast herds of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Your guide will find a scenic spot for a picnic bush lunch, allowing you to maximize your time in the field. The day is perfect for capturing high-resolution wildlife photography and enjoying a classic sundowner experience as the savannah turns golden.
Following an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, you will continue your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a spectacular wildlife experience inside a collapsed volcano. This Garden of Eden is one of the few places on earth where you can see the endangered black rhino alongside lions, elephants, and hippos in a single afternoon. After a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, you will ascend to a luxury lodge offering breathtaking views of the crater rim.
After a final breakfast in the highlands, you will be transferred to the local airstrip for a scenic domestic flight across Tanzania to Zanzibar Island. Upon arrival in this tropical paradise, our team will transfer you to a luxury beach resort nestled on the white sands of the Indian Ocean. The remainder of your day is free for you to sink your toes into the sand, enjoy the resort’s amenities, or watch a spectacular ocean sunset.
This is a full day dedicated to pure leisure and the tropical island lifestyle. You can choose to spend your time sunbathing on the pristine beaches, swimming in the turquoise waters, or enjoying the world-class facilities of your luxury resort. For those seeking a bit more activity, the resort offers various entertainment options and sunrise/sunset viewing spots. It is the perfect mid-trip pause to rejuvenate.
Today is focused on the vibrant marine life of the Zanzibar archipelago. You have the opportunity to engage in exciting marine adventures, such as a snorkeling trip to the famous Mnemba Atoll or a dolphin excursion in the warm Indian Ocean waters. You can explore colorful coral reefs and swim with tropical fish before returning to the resort for an afternoon of beach relaxation and optional spa treatments.
After a relaxed morning by the ocean, you will explore the rich Swahili heritage and history of Zanzibar. You will visit a traditional spice plantation to see, smell, and taste the cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon that gave the Spice Islands their name. Afterward, you will move to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to wander through its historic labyrinth of narrow streets, Arab architecture, and bustling markets. This cultural immersion provides a deep look into the island’s diverse history.
Your unforgettable 10-day journey from the savannahs to the spice islands comes to a close today. After a leisurely breakfast and some final time on the beach, you will be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. You leave with lifelong memories of the Big Five, the endless Serengeti plains, and the tranquil beauty of the Indian Ocean.
- Airport transfers in Arusha and Zanzibar
- Domestic flight to Zanzibar
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional guide during the mainland safari
- Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
- Luxury safari lodge, tented camp, and Zanzibar beach resort accommodation
- Meals as specified: full board on safari and half board in Zanzibar
- Stone Town and spice plantation cultural experience
- Picnic bush lunches during safari days
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry services
- Medical expenses
- Souvenirs
Booking
Booking Request
- Airport transfers in Arusha and Zanzibar
- Domestic flight to Zanzibar
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional guide during the mainland safari
- Game drives in Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
- Luxury safari lodge, tented camp, and Zanzibar beach resort accommodation
- Meals as specified: full board on safari and half board in Zanzibar
- Stone Town and spice plantation cultural experience
- Picnic bush lunches during safari days
FAQs
We handle all the logistics for you. On Day 6, you will take a scenic domestic flight from an airstrip near the Ngorongoro/Serengeti area directly to Zanzibar. This saves time and provides a beautiful aerial view of the Tanzanian landscape and the turquoise coast.
During the safari portion (Days 1–5), you are on Full Board, meaning breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. In Zanzibar (Days 6–10), you are on Half Board, which includes breakfast and dinner. This allows you the flexibility to explore local island cafes or enjoy light lunches at your leisure.
Absolutely. This is one of our most popular honeymoon packages. It balances the high-energy excitement of wildlife tracking with the romantic, secluded atmosphere of Zanzibar’s luxury beach resorts. We also include special honeymoon touches like sunset views and priority room allocations.
The best months are June through October (dry season) for the best wildlife viewing and clear beach weather, and December through March, which offers beautiful tropical warmth and excellent conditions for marine activities like snorkeling.
Yes. The quoted price includes your domestic flight to Zanzibar, all airport transfers in both Arusha and Zanzibar, and the use of a private 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional guide during the mainland portion of your trip.
