13-Day Tanzania Wildlife Tour & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport — Welcome to Tanzania!

Your unforgettable 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour journey begins the moment you step off your flight at Kilimanjaro International Airport. As you exit the terminal, you will be warmly greeted by your dedicated Terenga Safaris guide, who will carry a personalized placard with your name, ensuring a seamless and welcoming introduction to Tanzania. This marks the start of your immersive safari adventure.

From the airport, you will be comfortably transferred to your chosen accommodation in Arusha, a vibrant town often referred to as the “Gateway to Safari.” This initial transfer allows you to unwind and transition from your travels to the welcoming atmosphere of East Africa. Depending on your arrival time, you can settle into your lodge and take advantage of its facilities — whether that means a refreshing swim in the pool, enjoying a sundowner drink as you gaze over the lush gardens, or simply resting in preparation for the days ahead.

The diversity and richness of Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture will gradually unfold over the coming days, and your private guide will be available to answer questions and plan the best way to customize your safari. Tonight, enjoy your first authentic Tanzanian dinner, which might include local favorites such as ugali, nyama choma (grilled meat), or fresh tropical fruits, all served in a relaxed setting to prepare you for your 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour adventure.

Relaxing Day in Arusha — Discover the Heart of Northern Tanzania

After a restful first night, Day 2 invites you to embrace the rhythms of Tanzania at your own pace. Arusha is a charming city with a mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities that cater to all interests. This day can be spent entirely relaxing at your lodge or exploring the city’s highlights.

For those seeking activity, consider a city tour that brings you face-to-face with the vibrant markets, local art galleries, and the bustling coffee shops that line the streets. The Maasai Market is a must-visit for authentic handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs, offering insight into Tanzanian craftsmanship. If you desire a more active day, mountain biking excursions on the outskirts of Arusha provide stunning views of the surrounding hills and Mount Meru.

Alternatively, the day is perfect for acclimatization. Enjoy the comfort of your lodge, indulge in spa treatments, or lounge by the pool, all while absorbing the subtleties of the African savannah landscape just outside your door. This flexibility ensures you are well-rested and ready for the intense safari experiences that await.

Your 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour guide will be on hand to help organize any activities or answer questions about the forthcoming days. Dinner tonight features fresh, locally sourced ingredients — a perfect ending to a gentle introduction to Tanzania.

Arusha National Park — Tropical Birds, Colobus Monkeys & Scenic Landscapes

Today marks your first official game drive in Arusha National Park, a unique conservation area nestled close to the city. Unlike typical savannah parks, Arusha National Park is a mosaic of ecosystems — from grassy plains and crater lakes to dense montane forests and rugged mountains.

Your morning starts early with a hearty breakfast at the lodge, fueling your energy for exploration. Accompanied by your 13-Day Tanzania Wildlife Tour expert guide, you will drive into the park to discover its remarkable biodiversity. Arusha is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting an impressive collection of tropical and endemic species. One highlight is the striking black-and-white Colobus monkeys swinging through the treetops, often accompanied by their more elusive albino relatives, a rare sight that thrills visitors.

As you journey through the park, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, and witness cascading waterfalls and pristine crater lakes that create a tranquil contrast to the thrilling wildlife encounters. Your guide will help identify a variety of birds, including the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill and various raptors.

The park also shelters larger animals such as giraffes, buffalo, and waterbucks, offering the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife before venturing into larger parks. Midday, you will return to your lodge for lunch and a chance to relax, reflecting on the morning’s discoveries.

Leisure Day in Arusha or Optional Hike to Mount Meru Waterfalls

Day 4 offers you a chance to balance relaxation with 13-Day Tanzania Wildlife Tour adventure. You may choose to stay at your lodge and enjoy the friendly hospitality, poolside tranquility, and delicious meals. Alternatively, for those with a spirit of 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour adventure, today’s optional activity takes you on a short hike to the beautiful Mount Meru waterfalls.

The hike to the waterfalls is a moderate trek through lush forests, accompanied by the sounds of babbling brooks and tropical birdsong. Once at the falls, you can refresh yourself with a swim in the cool natural pool — a rewarding experience after the trek. This excursion provides an opportunity to spot more Colobus monkeys, elusive birds, and the vibrant flora of the region.

After the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature’s serenity before returning to your lodge. The afternoon remains free for rest or further exploration. As always, your 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour guide is available to assist in arranging your day’s activities and ensuring a seamless experience.

Tarangire National Park — Elephants and Baobab Giants in a Wildlife Paradise

On Day 5, prepare for a full day of wildlife discovery in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. After breakfast, depart Arusha in your private 4×4 safari vehicle and journey southward toward this spectacular park.

Tarangire is unique for its dry-season concentration of wildlife around the Tarangire River, the only reliable water source in the region during these months. This attracts large numbers of elephants, sometimes in groups of over 250 individuals, making Tarangire one of the best places to witness these majestic creatures in large herds.

During your game drive, watch for diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, and an array of antelopes. Birdlife is abundant here as well, with over 550 recorded species, such as the lilac-breasted roller and the endangered yellow-collared lovebird.

The landscape itself is breathtaking — ancient baobab trees punctuate the savannah, their thick trunks and sprawling branches creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Learn from your 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour guide about the symbiotic relationship between elephants and baobabs, as elephants tap into the trees’ water stores during dry spells.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by nature, before continuing your afternoon game drive. Your accommodation for the night will be nestled in close proximity to the park, offering spectacular views and the chance to hear wildlife at dusk.

Serengeti National Park — The Heart of the Great Migration and Big Five Encounters

No Tanzania safari is complete without exploring the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas. Over two days, you will immerse yourself in its vast plains, abundant wildlife, and thrilling predator-prey dynamics.

Upon arriving in the Serengeti, your 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour guide will take you on your first game drive, focusing on spotting the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes — as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. The Serengeti’s open landscapes and seasonal migration make wildlife viewing spectacular year-round.

Your accommodation options span luxury tented camps to classic lodges, all offering comfort and immersion in the wilderness. The following day includes morning and afternoon game drives, maximizing your opportunities to witness animal behaviors such as hunting, territorial displays, and newborn calves.

Your 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour guide’s knowledge enriches the experience with stories of the ecosystem, the migration, and the cultural importance of the land to the Maasai people. Whether photographing the golden sunrise over the savannah or watching a lioness with her cubs, the Serengeti offers moments that become lifelong memories.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Crater — A Natural Wildlife Haven

On Day 8, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the legendary Ngorongoro Crater — one of the largest intact calderas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable crater formed millions of years ago during a volcanic eruption, and today it hosts an astonishing diversity of wildlife within its fertile basin.

After descending into the crater, prepare for an unforgettable day of game viewing in this unique ecosystem. The crater floor is a microcosm of Africa’s wildlife, hosting large populations of lions, buffalo, elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and the rare black rhino. The landscape is dotted with lakes, swamps, and grasslands that provide essential water and food sources.

Enjoy a picnic lunch within the crater surrounded by breathtaking views, with the towering crater walls rising on all sides. Your guide will help spot wildlife and interpret behaviors, bringing the ecosystem to life.

Later, ascend the crater rim and continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight. The Ngorongoro O’ldeani Mountain Lodge or other handpicked accommodations offer stunning vistas and comfortable amenities, a perfect place to rest after a day in the wild.

Flight to Zanzibar — Welcome to the Spice Island Paradise

After breakfast and a relaxing morning at your lodge near Ngorongoro, your private guide will transfer you to the local airstrip for your short scenic flight to Zanzibar, Tanzania’s renowned spice island. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Indian Ocean and the Zanzibar archipelago, setting the tone for the tropical paradise that awaits.

Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, you will be warmly received by your local guide who will escort you to your accommodation. Zanzibar’s warm coastal breeze and vibrant culture immediately captivate visitors, offering a refreshing contrast to the rugged wildlife adventures of the past days.

Your accommodation options span from cozy beachfront resorts to luxury boutique hotels. The island is famed for its powdery white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Here, time seems to slow down, inviting you to unwind and immerse yourself in island life.

In the afternoon, explore your resort or take a leisurely walk along the beach. Dine on freshly caught seafood infused with exotic spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon—flavors that have earned Zanzibar its nickname, “The Spice Island.” This day offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion, setting the stage for the exciting experiences ahead.

Discover Zanzibar — Beaches, Stone Town & Spice Tours

Today is dedicated to exploring the rich heritage and natural beauty of Zanzibar. Begin with a visit to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its labyrinthine alleys, bustling bazaars, and stunning Arabesque architecture. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through Stone Town’s historic sites including the Sultan’s Palace, the Old Fort, and the House of Wonders.

The town’s narrow streets reveal a melting pot of African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences, visible in the intricately carved wooden doors and vibrant markets. A visit to the former slave market and its memorial offers a poignant reminder of Zanzibar’s complex history.

After lunch, embark on a guided spice plantation tour where you will learn about the cultivation and uses of exotic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla. This sensory journey allows you to taste fresh fruits and spices and understand Zanzibar’s pivotal role in the global spice trade.

In the late afternoon, return to your resort for some beach relaxation or indulge in water-based activities such as snorkeling or paddleboarding in the clear waters. The day combines cultural exploration with the soothing atmosphere of Zanzibar’s coastline, creating a well-rounded island experience.

Leisure and Adventure in Zanzibar — Optional Activities and Beach Time

This day provides a perfect balance of relaxation and optional activities tailored to your interests. You can spend the morning basking in the sun on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches or enjoy a refreshing swim in the Indian Ocean. The island’s coral reefs make for excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, revealing a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish, turtles, and corals.

For the adventurous, consider joining the Safari Blue Tour—a full-day dhow boat excursion exploring the marine park around Menai Bay. This tour includes snorkeling in pristine reefs, dolphin spotting, and a seafood barbecue on a sandbank, providing an unforgettable day on the water.

Alternatively, immerse yourself further in Zanzibar’s culture by visiting local fishing villages, attending a traditional dhow sailing lesson, or exploring Jozani Forest to see the rare Red Colobus monkeys.

As evening falls, savor a sunset dinner on the beach, accompanied by the sounds of the ocean and the gentle tropical breeze. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour journey through Tanzania’s wilderness and coastal paradise, relishing the peaceful and captivating environment.

Final Day in Zanzibar — Leisure Time or Optional Excursions

Depending on your flight schedule, your final day in Zanzibar offers time to relax and soak in the island’s charm. Early risers can enjoy a sunrise walk along the beach or a morning swim before breakfast.

If time permits, you may choose to take a short trip to one of Zanzibar’s nearby islands such as Mnemba Atoll, renowned for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity, perfect for snorkelers and divers. Alternatively, explore more of Stone Town’s shops and cafés, or visit local artisan workshops to pick up unique souvenirs.

This day is about savoring the last moments of your island escape, enjoying the calm atmosphere and the warmth of Zanzibari hospitality.

In the afternoon or evening, your guide will transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable 13-day journey across Tanzania’s wildlife-rich savannahs and the tropical beaches of Zanzibar.

Departure from Zanzibar Airport — Farewell to Tanzania

On this final day, your 13-day Tanzania Wildlife Tour adventure concludes with your departure from Zanzibar International Airport. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed morning and perhaps a last stroll along the beach, capturing those final memories of a truly diverse and enriching holiday.

Your private transfer will ensure a timely arrival at the airport where you will check in for your international flight. Reflect on the incredible wildlife sightings, stunning landscapes, and the warm cultural experiences that have made this journey so memorable.

As you leave Tanzania, know that this country’s beauty and spirit will remain with you, inspiring future travels and stories to share. Terenga Safaris wishes you a safe journey and hopes to welcome you back for more adventures in East Africa.