12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Your 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari adventure begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival, a warm welcome awaits you as your personal Terenga Safaris guide greets you with a smile and a heartfelt “Karibu Tanzania!” meaning “Welcome to Tanzania” in Swahili. From here, you are driven in a private, air-conditioned 4×4 safari vehicle to your overnight accommodation in Arusha, a lush town nestled at the foot of Mount Meru and often referred to as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

The remainder of the day is for rest and leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a short guided walk around your lodge or simply relax in your well-appointed room and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Arusha is a vibrant town with a rich culture, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore the nearby coffee plantations or local craft markets.

Accommodation Options:

• Silver: Ahadi Lodge
• Gold: Wildlife Residence
• Platinum: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Included: Airport transfer, accommodation, dinner

Full-Day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

After a hearty breakfast, your  12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari guide will drive you to Tarangire National Park, about a 2.5-hour drive from Arusha. This park is famed for its majestic baobab trees, rolling savannah, and impressive elephant herds. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the only permanent source of water in the park, attracting diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and over 550 species of birds.

As you traverse the park, you’ll likely see elephant families numbering in the hundreds, moving gracefully across the golden plains, and hear the cries of African fish eagles as they glide above. Your experienced guide will provide in-depth knowledge about the animal behaviors and park ecosystems, ensuring every moment is informative and exciting.

Enjoy a picnic lunch under a shady acacia tree or near the riverbank while watching animals come to drink and cool off. The game drive continues into the late afternoon before heading to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation Options:

• Silver: Manyara Best View Lodge & Spa
• Gold: Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, park fees, private game drive, accommodation

Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater Game Drive

Today you’ll explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa: the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, depart from your lodge and ascend to the crater’s rim, stopping for photos at scenic viewpoints before descending 600 meters into the lush crater floor – home to the highest density of wildlife in Africa.

The crater is a self-contained ecosystem, spanning approximately 260 square kilometers. Here you’ll find everything from massive elephant bulls and lounging prides of lions to endangered black rhinos and flocks of pink flamingos shimmering in Lake Magadi. Your 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari guide will help you spot these incredible animals while explaining the unique geology and history of the crater, which was formed by a volcanic eruption nearly two million years ago.

After an exciting day of game viewing and a picnic lunch on the crater floor, you’ll ascend and drive to your crater-rim or nearby accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:

• Silver: Ngorongoro Kuhama Camp
• Gold/Platinum: Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw Camp by Karibu Camps & Lodges

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, crater tour, park fees, accommodation

Journey to the Central Serengeti

After breakfast, your journey continues to the heart of Tanzania‘s most famous national park: the Serengeti. Along the way, you’ll drive through scenic landscapes including the Ngorongoro highlands and make stops to stretch or take photos of Maasai villages and wildlife encounters en route.

The Central Serengeti (Seronera region) offers incredible year-round game viewing. It’s home to numerous permanent water sources that attract predators and prey alike, making it one of the best places to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos. Cheetahs roam the open plains while giraffes elegantly stride among the acacias. A late afternoon game drive introduces you to this wildlife-rich ecosystem as you make your way to your luxurious tented camp for the night.

Accommodation Options:

• Silver: Tukaone Serengeti Camp
• Gold: Asanja Moru
• Platinum: Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, park fees, game drives, accommodation

Northern Serengeti & The Great Migration Experience

Over the next two days, you’ll explore the Northern Serengeti, home to the dramatic Mara River crossing, part of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. Each year from July to October, over 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras attempt to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River, seeking greener pastures in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

This raw and emotional spectacle is one of nature’s greatest events. You might see crocodiles lurking just beneath the surface or witness predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas following the herds in search of easy prey. Your guide will position you in the best locations for safe, ethical wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities.

When not tracking the migration, enjoy the stunning landscapes, hidden valleys, rocky outcrops, and other resident wildlife. These days also offer some time to relax at your luxury camp, soaking in the wilderness from the comfort of your veranda.

Accommodation Options:

• Silver: Baobab Mara Luxury Camp
• Gold: Serengeti Mara River Camp by Karibu Camps
• Platinum: Nimali Mara

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, park fees, guided game drives, accommodation

Flight to Zanzibar – Island Escape

After an early breakfast, you will be driven to the nearest airstrip for your scenic flight to Zanzibar. Say farewell to the wild and welcome to paradise! Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, your guide will transfer you to your beachfront resort.

Zanzibar is an exotic archipelago that blends sun, sea, and Swahili culture. This day is for unwinding: walk barefoot on the beach, sip coconut water under palm trees, or dip into the warm Indian Ocean. Let the ocean breeze relax you as you settle into island life.

Accommodation Options:

• Silver: Fun Beach Resort
• Gold: Next Paradise Boutique Resort
• Platinum: Qambani Luxury Resort

Included: Breakfast, airport transfers, domestic flight, accommodation

Leisure Days in Zanzibar

Your Zanzibar days are reserved for complete relaxation or optional excursions. Lounge on idyllic beaches, go snorkeling or scuba diving among coral reefs, or take a Safari Blue Cruise, sailing on a traditional dhow while enjoying fresh seafood and snorkeling.

For cultural exploration, visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meander through narrow alleys filled with Swahili and Arab architecture, spice markets, and historic buildings like the House of Wonders. Alternatively, embark on a spice plantation tour and learn why Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island.”

Whether it’s beachside tranquility or historical exploration, Zanzibar offers a perfect end to your Tanzanian adventure.

Accommodation Options:

• Silver: Fun Beach Resort
• Gold: Next Paradise Boutique Resort
• Platinum: Qambani Luxury Resort

Included: Breakfast, accommodation, optional tours (extra cost)

Departure from Zanzibar International Airport

Your last morning in Zanzibar is yours to enjoy. After breakfast, take a final walk along the beach or a last swim before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, your 12-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari  driver will transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your journey back home. If you wish to extend your stay, we can arrange post-tour add-ons to nearby islands such as Mnemba, Mafia, or Pemba.

Thank you for choosing Terenga Safaris. We hope your journey has been magical and full of unforgettable memories.

Included: Breakfast, airport transfer