15 Days Ultimate Tanzania Adventure and Island Retreat

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Home Safaris 15 Days Ultimate Tanzania Adventure and Island Retreat

Tour Type

Wildlife & Beach Safari

Tour Duration

15 Days 14 Nights

Min. No of Pax

Tour Price

Budget On request

Mid-range On request

Luxury On request

The Price Includes

All airport transfers and ground transportation in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
All national park entry fees and conservation fees
Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary
Cultural visits and guided activities
Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
Bottled drinking water during safari

The Price Excludes

International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Optional activities not listed as included
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses including laundry, drinks, and souvenirs

Tour Overview

This exceptional 15-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday has been expertly crafted by Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris, a professional safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania, for travelers seeking a deeper and more adventurous exploration of Northern Tanzania combined with relaxation on the Indian Ocean coast. The itinerary blends classic wildlife destinations with off-the-beaten-path landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and dramatic scenery, making it ideal for wildlife photographers, adventure travelers, honeymooners, and safari enthusiasts.

The journey begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the main gateway to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, and continues to Arusha National Park, a scenic gem offering close-up wildlife encounters beneath Mount Meru. From there, the safari unfolds through Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, before venturing into the remote and striking landscapes of Lake Natron, one of Tanzania’s most spectacular and least visited regions. Nestled at the base of the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, Lake Natron offers dramatic scenery, Maasai culture, and unique geological features that set it apart from traditional safari destinations.

The adventure continues into the wild and remote Northern Serengeti, accessed via Klein’s Gate, where vast open plains, resident predators, and seasonal Great Migration movements provide exceptional photographic opportunities. Guests then travel to the wildlife-rich Central Serengeti, the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem, before descending into the legendary Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking landscapes and dense wildlife populations.

After days filled with game drives and exploration, the journey transitions from the African savannah to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar Island. Here, guests enjoy white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rich Swahili culture, and historic Stone Town. This itinerary has been designed to offer a perfect balance of adventure, culture, wildlife, and relaxation, delivering a truly immersive Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday experience.

Day To day

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional guide from Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris. After a short safari briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, covering a distance of approximately 50 kilometers with a driving time of 45 to 60 minutes. Arusha is the safari hub of Northern Tanzania, surrounded by lush greenery and coffee plantations with Mount Meru towering in the background. The remainder of the day is dedicated to relaxation and recovery from your international flight.

Extra activities available include an Arusha city tour, coffee plantation visit, cultural market walk, or a guided nature walk depending on arrival time.

Suggested Accommodations

Ritzy Arcadia Cottages
Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha

Day 2

Arusha National Park

After breakfast, depart for Arusha National Park, located only 40 kilometers from Arusha town with a driving time of about 1 hour. Despite its compact size, the park offers remarkable diversity, featuring lush montane forests, open grasslands, crater lakes, and views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak. Activities include a scenic game drive where you may spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, and colobus monkeys. A guided walking safari with an armed ranger allows for close encounters with wildlife and excellent photographic opportunities.

Extra activities available include canoeing on Momella Lakes, extended walking safaris, and birdwatching excursions.

Suggested Accommodations

Ritzy Arcadia Cottages
Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha

Day 3

Tarangire National Park

Travel approximately 120 kilometers from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, a journey of about 2 to 2.5 hours. Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal migration of wildlife drawn to the Tarangire River. Enjoy a full game drive through open savannahs and riverine habitats where lions, leopards, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and a wide variety of bird species can be seen. The park’s dramatic landscapes make it ideal for wildlife photography.

Extra activities available include guided walking safaris outside the park, birding tours, and sunset photography experiences.

Suggested Accommodations

Serian Tarangire Luxury Camp
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire Safari Lodge

Day 4

Drive from Tarangire to Lake Natron

After breakfast, depart Tarangire and journey toward Lake Natron, covering approximately 200 kilometers in 4.5 to 5.5 hours. The drive takes you through remote Maasai lands with sweeping views of the Rift Valley and volcanic highlands. Lake Natron is one of Tanzania’s most striking destinations, known for its alkaline waters, red-hued landscapes, and proximity to Ol Doinyo Lengai, the sacred volcano of the Maasai people. Upon arrival, enjoy a gentle walk along the lakeshore and take in the surreal scenery.

Extra activities available include Maasai village visits and sunset photography sessions.

Suggested Accommodations

Lake Natron Camp Ngaresero
African Safari Lake Natron Camp
Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge

Day 5

Full Day Lake Natron Exploration

Spend a full day exploring Lake Natron and its surroundings. Activities include a guided hike to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls, a scenic trek through narrow gorges leading to a refreshing natural pool. Explore the lake’s shoreline, an important breeding ground for flamingos, and learn about the unique ecosystem shaped by volcanic minerals. The day also offers insight into traditional Maasai culture and daily life in this remote region.

Extra activities available include cultural storytelling with Maasai elders, volcano viewpoints, and extended nature walks.

Suggested Accommodations

Lake Natron Camp Ngaresero
African Safari Lake Natron Camp
Maasai Giraffe Eco Lodge

Day 6

Drive from Lake Natron to Northern Serengeti via Klein’s Gate

Depart Lake Natron and drive approximately 260 kilometers to the Northern Serengeti, entering the park through Klein’s Gate. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, passing through dramatic landscapes and remote wilderness areas. Upon entering the Serengeti, enjoy a game drive en route to your camp. The Northern Serengeti is known for its wide-open plains, resident predators, and seasonal Great Migration activity.

Extra activities available include specialized photographic game drives and guided bush walks near camp.

Suggested Accommodations

Serengeti Mara River Camp
Nyikani Migration Camp
Untamed Migration Camp

Day 7

Full Day Northern Serengeti Exploration

Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Northern Serengeti, focusing on wildlife tracking and photography. The region offers excellent opportunities to see lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and large herds of grazing animals. Depending on the season, you may witness dramatic river crossings or large migratory herds. A picnic lunch allows for uninterrupted exploration of this remote wilderness.

Extra activities available include hot air balloon safaris and extended sunrise or sunset game drives.

Suggested Accommodations

Serengeti Mara River Camp
Nyikani Migration Camp
Untamed Migration Camp

Day 8

Return to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, drive approximately 250 kilometers in 5 to 6 hours to the Central Serengeti Seronera Area. The journey offers changing landscapes and wildlife encounters along the way. The Seronera region is the most wildlife-rich area of the Serengeti, with permanent water sources attracting predators year-round. Enjoy an afternoon game drive upon arrival.

Extra activities available include photography workshops and night game drives at selected camps.

Suggested Accommodations

Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Moyo Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 9

Drive from Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Depart Central Serengeti and travel approximately 190 kilometers in 4 to 5 hours to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy scenic views of rolling plains and volcanic highlands. Upon arrival, take in panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. Depending on timing, short exploration around the crater rim may be included.

Extra activities available include Maasai village visits, guided nature walks, and cultural interactions.

Suggested Accommodations

Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp
Angata Ngorongoro Camp
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 9

Drive Back to Arusha for Domestic Flight to Zanzibar

After breakfast, drive approximately 180 kilometers back to Arusha, a journey of 3.5 to 4 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. On arrival, you will be transferred to your beach resort where the remainder of the day is spent relaxing by the ocean.

Extra activities available include spa treatments, sunset dhow cruises, and beach walks.

Suggested Accommodations

Fun Beach Hotel
Tembo House Hotel
The Mora Zanzibar

Day 11 to 14

Zanzibar Island Exploration and Relaxation

Spend four days exploring and relaxing on Zanzibar Island, famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. Activities may include visiting Stone Town, spice farm tours, snorkeling, diving, and enjoying leisure time along the coast. These days are flexible and can be tailored to personal interests.

Extra activities available include dolphin tours, deep sea fishing, kite surfing, and cultural village visits.

Suggested Accommodations

Fun Beach Hotel
Tembo House Hotel
The Mora Zanzibar

Day 15

Departure from Zanzibar

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward international flight, concluding your Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach retreat with Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris.

At Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris, every journey is thoughtfully crafted around you. We move beyond rigid schedules to offer flexible, tailor-made itineraries shaped by your interests, preferred pace, and travel style. Our experienced travel specialists work closely with you from the very beginning, designing a personalized adventure that reflects the true spirit of Tanzania. This is not just a trip, it is your journey, your story, and an unforgettable experience that goes above and beyond expectations.

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