16 Days Tanzania Wild Wonders and Zanzibar Adventure

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Home Safaris 16 Days Tanzania Wild Wonders and Zanzibar Adventure

Tour Type

Wildlife & Beach Safari

Tour Duration

16 Days 15 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 tour fees and community visits
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 for guides and lodge staff
Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, and souvenirs

Tour Overview

This carefully curated 16-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday is designed by Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris, a trusted safari company based in Arusha, Tanzania, for travelers seeking an immersive blend of wildlife photography, cultural encounters, and tropical relaxation. The itinerary combines Tanzania’s most iconic national parks with authentic cultural experiences and concludes with an extended stay on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar Island. It is ideal for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, honeymooners, and travelers looking for a comprehensive Northern Tanzania safari paired with an Indian Ocean escape.

The journey begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport, the main gateway to Northern Tanzania, and gradually unfolds across world-famous safari destinations including Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, and Lake Eyasi, home to the fascinating Hadzabe tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa. Guests then explore Lake Manyara National Park with its lush groundwater forests and tree-climbing lions, combined with an enriching cultural experience in Mto wa Mbu village, a melting pot of more than 120 Tanzanian tribes.

The adventure continues into the heart of Serengeti National Park, starting from the wildlife-rich Central Serengeti Seronera Area and extending to the remote and dramatic landscapes of the Northern Serengeti, famous for its open plains, resident predators, and seasonal Great Migration crossings. Carefully planned driving distances and overnight locations ensure optimal wildlife viewing, unhurried game drives, and excellent photographic opportunities throughout the safari.

After exploring the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its wildlife density and breathtaking scenery, the itinerary transitions from the African savannah to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar Island. Here, guests enjoy a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, with opportunities to visit historic Stone Town, spice farms, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches. This journey is crafted to deliver comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable moments, making it one of the most complete Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday experiences available.

Day To day

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional safari guide from Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris. After a short briefing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, covering a distance of approximately 50 kilometers with a driving time of around 45 to 60 minutes. Arusha is the safari capital of Northern Tanzania, set beneath Mount Meru and surrounded by lush coffee plantations. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatization after your international flight, allowing you to prepare for the safari ahead.

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

Suggested Accommodations

Ritzy Arcadia Cottages
Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 120 kilometers taking around 2 to 2.5 hours. Tarangire is renowned for its impressive concentration of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migration along the Tarangire River. Enjoy an extensive game drive through open savannahs, riverine habitats, and woodland areas where lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and diverse birdlife are commonly seen. This park is especially popular for wildlife photography due to its dramatic landscapes and close wildlife encounters.

Extra activities available include guided walking safaris outside the park boundaries, birdwatching excursions, and sundowner experiences at selected lodges.

Suggested Accommodations

Serian Tarangire Luxury Camp
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Tarangire Safari Lodge

Day 3

Lake Eyasi and Hadzabe Tribe

After breakfast, drive approximately 120 kilometers in about 2 to 2.5 hours to Lake Manyara National Park. This park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including groundwater forests, open grasslands, and alkaline lake shores. During the game drive, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, flamingos, and the park’s iconic tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon, continue to Mto wa Mbu village for a guided cultural tour that introduces you to local farming practices, traditional cuisine, banana beer production, and vibrant local markets.

Extra activities available include cycling tours through banana plantations, cooking classes, and village art workshops.

Suggested Accommodations

Moonbow Lodge
Escarpment Luxury Lodge Manyara
Farm of Dreams Lodge

Day 4

Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

Drive approximately 2.5 hours (120 km) to Lake Manyara National Park, a gem of northern Tanzania featuring flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and abundant wildlife along the lakeshore. Enjoy a half-day game drive followed by a visit to the nearby village of Mto wa Mbu, where you can explore local markets, taste authentic Tanzanian cuisine, and engage in community-based cultural activities. This combination of nature and culture provides a balanced, immersive experience.

Extra Activities: Bicycle Tours in Mto wa Mbu, Village Cooking Classes, Canoe Safaris on the Great Rift Valley rivers.

Suggested Accommodations

Moonbow Lodge
Escarpment Luxury Lodge Manyara
Farm of Dreams Lodge

Day 5

Drive to Central Serengeti (Seronera Area)

Depart Lake Manyara and journey toward Central Serengeti Seronera Area, covering approximately 320 kilometers in 5.5 to 6.5 hours including scenic stops. En route, pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with spectacular views of the highlands. Upon entering Serengeti National Park, enjoy a game drive as you head to your camp or lodge. The Seronera region is known for its year-round wildlife, including large prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and resident herbivores.

Extra activities available include an optional hot air balloon safari the following morning and extended photographic game drives.

Suggested Accommodations

Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Moyo Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 6

Drive to Northern Serengeti

After breakfast, drive north toward the Northern Serengeti, a journey of approximately 250 to 300 kilometers taking around 6 to 7 hours. This region is more remote and less crowded, offering vast open plains and excellent predator sightings. The area is especially famous for the Great Migration during certain months, when thousands of wildebeest and zebras move through the region. Afternoon game viewing allows you to explore river systems and open grasslands that attract both resident and migratory wildlife.

Extra activities available include specialized photographic safaris and guided nature walks near selected camps.

Suggested Accommodations

Serengeti Mara River Camp
Nyikani Migration Camp
Untamed Migration Camp

Day 7

Full Day in Northern Serengeti

Spend a full day exploring the Northern Serengeti, focusing on wildlife tracking and photography. The region’s landscapes provide dramatic backdrops for capturing lions, elephants, giraffes, and large herds of herbivores. Your guide will tailor the game drive to wildlife movements and seasonal conditions, maximizing viewing opportunities throughout the day. A picnic lunch in the bush allows for uninterrupted safari exploration.

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

Today you return to the Central Serengeti Seronera Area, driving approximately 250 kilometers in about 5 to 6 hours. Enjoy game drives along the way as you move through changing ecosystems. The Seronera River Valley offers excellent chances to spot predators resting in the shade or hunting near water sources. This return journey provides new wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities distinct from previous days.

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

Suggested Accommodations

Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Moyo Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 9

Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

After breakfast, depart Serengeti and drive approximately 190 kilometers in 4 to 5 hours to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, enjoy panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas. Depending on time, you may enjoy a short exploration around the crater rim. The area is rich in wildlife and offers breathtaking scenery ideal for photography.

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

Suggested Accommodations

Embalakai Ngorongoro Camp
Angata Ngorongoro Camp
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Day 9

Drive Back to Arusha for Domestic Flight to Zanzibar

Leave Ngorongoro and drive approximately 180 kilometers back to Arusha, a journey of about 3.5 to 4 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. On arrival in Zanzibar, you will be transferred to your beach resort where you can relax and enjoy the Indian Ocean atmosphere.

Extra activities available include sunset dhow cruises and spa treatments.

Suggested Accommodations

Fun Beach Hotel
Tembo House Hotel
The Mora Zanzibar

Day 11 to 15

Zanzibar Island Exploration and Relaxation

Spend five days exploring and relaxing on Zanzibar Island, famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. Activities may include visiting Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring spice farms, snorkeling or diving in coral reefs, and enjoying beach leisure time. These days are flexible and can be customized based on 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 16

Departure from Zanzibar

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward international flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday 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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