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12 days safari and beach [chance to see the Mara River crossing plus a flight to Zanzibar]

From $3,015 USD* / Wildlife Extravaganza / 12 days
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12 days safari and beach [chance to see the Mara River crossing plus a flight to Zanzibar]

12 days safari and beach [chance to see the Mara River crossing plus a flight to Zanzibar]

This is a special trip, as it takes you past two wonders of nature and into a safari plane! First, you drive to Tarangire National Park (baobabs and elephants!), and then on to the famous Ngorongoro crater – the first wonder! From there, you journey on to the northern part of Serengeti National Park where, with a bit of luck, you catch the famous Mara River crossing (the second wonder!), which occurs yearly from late July to early October.

Imagine seeing thousands of wildebeests and zebras together in a herd, all moaning and braying in their distinctive sounds, kicking up dust and protecting each other from the surrounding predators. This Great Wildebeest Migration, and especially the Mara River crossing, is an amazing and thrilling spectacle to witness, as the river is full of crocodiles lurking at all that meat crossing their waters… Can you feel the thrill? 

And just when the excitement is getting too much, we load you onto a safari plane and take you straight to the magic of Zanzibar – looong sigh! – where you can relax on a quiet, tropical beach…

FAQ

Absolutely, Tanzania is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. The country offers a hospitable environment, especially in tourist areas like Arusha, and you can explore its beautiful landscapes and wildlife with confidence. Local people are friendly, and safety measures, such as keeping an eye on your belongings, are always advisable, just as you would in any other part of the world. Tanzania’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people make it a fantastic place to visit.

Absolutely, Tanzania is renowned as one of the prime destinations to encounter the Big Five. These magnificent creatures—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo—can be observed in their natural habitats, making Tanzania a preferred choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

At Tanzania Specialist, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your Tanzania adventure with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalized experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular Tanzania trips and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.

Our safaris in Tanzania offer an opportunity to explore the country’s incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. We specialize in private safaris, which means you have a 4×4 Landcruiser or jeep all to yourselves. You have the flexibility to decide when the safari starts and ends, and our experienced guides can help you make that decision on the day of your adventure. Whether you want to witness the animals at their most active during sunrise and sunset when temperatures are pleasant, or if you fancy ending the day by the pool, it’s entirely up to you. Tanzania’s diverse wildlife is active at various times of the day, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot the animals in action.

Many travelers ask us when the best time is to visit Tanzania. The answer is … there is not one right answer. It depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Please find a comprehensive guide on when is the best time to visit Tanzania here.

Dry Season (June to October & December to February): These months are ideal for safaris and beach visits due to the pleasant weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, expect higher hotel rates and more crowded parks and attractions.

Mid Season (March & November): This period offers a balance of moderate hotel rates and fewer tourists. The weather can be variable, and some attractions might have limited availability (due to rains), but you still get great wildlife sightings and a more relaxed safari experience.

Wet Season (April & May): Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, the low season features the lowest hotel rates and the least crowded parks. The heavy rains make the scenery vibrant and lush, but travel plans can be affected by the weather.

Video Introduction
12 days safari and beach [chance to see the Mara River crossing plus a flight to Zanzibar]
Low season
(April 1st - May 19th)
2 persons
4 persons
6 persons
USD 3,764.43
USD 3,182.66
USD 3,014.51
Mid season
(the rest of the year)
2 persons
4 persons
6 persons
USD 4,099.93
USD 3,398.51
USD 3,191.34
High season
(July + August + September + 20 Dec - 10 Jan)
2 persons
4 persons
6 persons
USD 4,747.03
USD 3,933.66
USD 3,690.27
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
What's Included
Flight ticket Arusha - Zanzibar
Crater Fee
All accommodations
24/7 service
English speaking guide
Full board during your safari
Game drives
Park fees
Pickup and transfer airport
Reservation costs
Zanzibar meals depending on your package
What's Excluded
International flights (can be booked for you on request)
Travel insurance
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 2 : Tarangire National Park
Day 3 : Ngorongoro Conservation Area (incl. Crater)
Day 4: Serengeti National Park (central west/east)
Day 5 - 6 : Northern Serengeti & the Great Migration (possibility to see the famous Mara River crossing)
Day 7 : Flight to Zanzibar (included in the price)
Day 8 - 10 : Zanzibar
Day 11 - 12 : Outbound international flight home from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

As you walk out of Kilimanjaro International Airport, your personal Tanzania Specialist guide greets you with a big smile: ‘Karibu Tanzania – welcome to Tanzania!’ The guide takes you straight to your hotel, where you can relax and take in the African atmosphere. The next day your guide takes you on an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. Enjoy the luxury of your own safari jeep and take the liberty to stop and watch the animals as long as you like!

Accommodations:
Silver
Ahadi Lodge
Gold
Arusha Villa
Platinum
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is well known for its big groups of elephants and the huge amount of giant baobab trees. These trees can live for hundreds of years and are actually a source of water for elephants in the dry season as they have a special technique to draw water from them. Besides, the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the dry season, which is why in this season in Tarangire you can see groups of up to 250 elephants next to many more animals!

Accommodations:
Silver
Ahadi Lodge
Gold
Arusha Villa
Platinum
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Day 3

Ngorongoro Conservation Area (incl. Crater)

The famous Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s seven natural wonders. The crater was formed two million years ago when a vast volcano erupted. The fertile lava has created a unique ecosystem, now home to the highest concentration of animals found anywhere in Africa! Once in the crater, thousands of animals such as lions, zebras, buffalos and black rhinos surround you, and the views are astounding – you won’t know where to look!

Accommodations:
Silver
Ahadi Lodge
Gold
Arusha Villa
Platinum
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Day 4

Serengeti National Park (central west/east)

Serengeti National Park is widely known as the place to go on safari, mainly because of the Great Migration that passes through here. The enormous, stampeding herds are impressive, as are the vast amount of predators that live here: over four thousand lions, 225 cheetahs, a thousand leopards, 3500 hyenas, and hundreds of wild dogs! And of course, plenty of other beautiful animals, which your guide will be delighted to search for together with you. Are you ready for this?

Accommodations:
Silver
Ahadi Lodge
Gold
Arusha Villa
Platinum
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Day 5 - 6

Northern Serengeti & the Great Migration (possibility to see the famous Mara River crossing)

Imagine crossing the grassy plains of northern Serengeti with your guide, and coming across millions of wildebeests and zebras, moaning and bleating as they attempt to cross a river full of crocodiles. This is the famous Mara River crossing of the Great Migration, a natural wonder that every year between July and October can be witnessed in the northern part of Serengeti National Park. This will be a nerve-racking event to watch – for did we mention the big cats waiting on the other side, just as hungry for meat as the herds are for greener pastures…?

Accommodations:
Silver
Ahadi Lodge
Gold
Arusha Villa
Platinum
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Day 7

Flight to Zanzibar (included in the price)

Today you fly to the spice island of Zanzibar. Our guide picks you up at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Over the next few days, you can discover white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs. Into culture? Then head to Stone Town and dive into the history of this fascinating little town. Food lovers can also visit the spice plantations and discover the diverse flavours of the delicious local cuisine. A tropical paradise awaits you!

Accommodations:
Silver
Ahadi Lodge
Gold
Arusha Villa
Platinum
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Day 8 - 10

Zanzibar

Ultimate paradise is here: gorgeous, tropical Zanzibar! The clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the palm-fringed, white sandy beaches are almost too beautiful to be true. Buy your coconut drink fresh on the beach, spend hours sunbathing or swimming, and taste the delicious Zanzibari food. In the mood for something active? Then explore the beach, ocean, and island through a range of activities! We highly recommend the Safari Blue Cruise or a tour of Stone Town.

Accommodations:
Silver
Ahadi Lodge
Gold
Arusha Villa
Platinum
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Day 11 - 12

Outbound international flight home from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)

The last day! Depending on your flight time, you can relax on the beach or explore the island just a little bit more. Then, make your way to Zanzibar International Airport in time for your flight home. Having second thoughts? It’s also possible to extend your holiday to another paradise islands, such as Mnemba, Pemba, or Mafia!

Accommodations:
Silver
Ahadi Lodge
Gold
Arusha Villa
Platinum
Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Specialist
At Tanzania Specialist, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!