Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti & Zanzibar

Experience the best of Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar. A 9-day journey through Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and the white sands of Zanzibar.

If you are looking for the definitive African adventure, the “Northern Circuit” of Tanzania paired with the spice-scented shores of Zanzibar remains the undisputed champion. This 8-night itinerary isn’t just a vacation; it’s a high-contrast journey that moves from the dense groundwater forests of Lake Manyara to the “Eighth Wonder of the World” at Ngorongoro, across the endless plains of the Serengeti, and finally to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

PEAK SEASON

JULY – OCT

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH

9 DAYS

Trip Highlights

The Tree-Climbing Lions of Lake Manyara: Witness the rare sight of lions lounging in acacia branches.
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Descent: Explore a prehistoric “Lost World” inside the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
The Great Migration Spectacle: Follow the thundering hooves of over a million wildebeest across the Serengeti plains.
Endless Serengeti Sunsets: Experience the sky turning shades of violet and gold over the iconic flat-topped acacia trees.
The Elusive Black Rhino: Track one of Africa’s rarest mammals within the protected walls of Ngorongoro.

Stone Town’s Labyrinthine Streets: Get lost in the history, spice aromas, and carved teak doors of Zanzibar’s ancient capital.
Zanzibar’s “Blue Safari”: Sail on a traditional wooden dhow to snorkel in crystal-clear coral gardens.
Stargazing in the Bush: Fall asleep to the sound of distant hyenas under a blanket of stars untainted by city lights.
Cultural Immersion: Meet the Maasai people and learn about the ancient traditions that still thrive in the Great Rift Valley.
Pristine White Sands: Conclude your journey on the powdery beaches of Nungwi or Paje, where the water is a permanent shade of azure.

Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

Day 1: Lake Manyara
Your journey begins at Lake Manyara National Park. Often overlooked in favor of its larger neighbors, Manyara is the “scenic gem” of the circuit.

The 2026 Highlight: The park is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. In 2026, enhanced eco-trails allow for better sightings near the lake’s edge, where thousands of flamingos create a pink fringe against the deep blue water.

The Vibe: Giant baobabs, troops of baboons, and a lush, jungle-like atmosphere that serves as the perfect introduction to the African wild.
Day 2: The Ngorongoro Crater
From the lushness of Manyara, you ascend the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the Ngorongoro Crater. This 600-meter deep caldera is a self-contained ecosystem.

The Experience: You’ll descend into the crater floor for a full-day game drive. This is your best chance to spot the endangered Black Rhino in 2026. Because the animals here don’t migrate, the density of lions, hyenas, and elephants is staggering year-round.

The Stay: Luxury lodges perched on the crater rim offer some of the most dramatic sunset views in all of Africa.
Days 3–5: Serengeti
Next, you head into the legendary Serengeti National Park for three nights. In 2026, the focus is on the Great Migration.

The Wildlife: Depending on your month of travel, you will witness the massive herds of wildebeest and zebra. Even outside of the migration, the Serengeti’s “Big Cat” population is unrivaled.

The Luxury: Modern luxury in the Serengeti has shifted toward “Mobile Tented Camps” that follow the herds, ensuring you are always in the center of the action without sacrificing 5-star dining or high-thread-count linens.

2026 Trend: Balloon Safaris at dawn remain the #1 bucket-list activity here, offering a silent, bird’s-eye view of the predator-prey dance below.
Days 6–8: Zanzibar
After five days in the bush, a short bush-flight whisks you away to the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Stone Town & Beyond: Spend your first afternoon getting lost in the winding alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a living museum of Arabic and African history.

The Beach: Your remaining nights are spent on the northern or eastern beaches (Nungwi or Paje). In 2026, Zanzibar has leaned into “Regenerative Tourism,” with resorts offering coral reef restoration dives and spice farm tours that directly support local villages.

Activities: From swimming with wild dolphins to sunset dhow cruises, Zanzibar is the ultimate “reset” button after the early morning starts of a safari.
Day 9: Journey’s End

On the final morning of your safari, enjoy one last tropical breakfast overlooking the ocean. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final swim or a quick souvenir hunt in the local markets. A transfer will then take you to Zanzibar International Airport for your journey home, carrying a camera full of photos and a heart full of African memories.

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Trip Highlights

Each journey is tailored to your specific needs and desires, and so our prices vary depending on the number of people
traveling, level of accommodations desired, and activities included, among other factors.

Our travel designers will curate a journey specifically for you. If you have a budget you want us to work with, please let
us know, and we will do our best to achieve it.