Safari Itinerary · Tanzania · Northern Circuit Safari
10 Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
From $7,700 per person
This ten day trip pairs a northern Tanzania safari with a beach stay in Zanzibar. You start in Arusha. You drive to Tarangire for elephants and baobab trees. You spend two nights in the Serengeti. You finish the safari at Ngorongoro Crater, then fly to Zanzibar for four nights by the Indian Ocean.
Your private guide sets each safari day around animal movement, weather and park conditions. After the flight, your schedule is yours. You rest, swim and explore at your own pace.
Duration · 10 days
From, per person · $7,700
Flights & transfers · Included
About this itinerary
This route splits the trip into six days of wildlife and four days of rest. The northern circuit gives you elephants in Tarangire, big cats in the Serengeti and rhino in Ngorongoro Crater. Zanzibar follows with white sand, warm water and the old streets of Stone Town. You reach the island by a short flight from Arusha, so you skip a long day of travel.
Best suited to: couples, families, first-time safari travelers and private groups.
Itinerary
Each day has been structured to give you time for wildlife, scenery and comfortable travel between destinations.
Day 1
Arusha to Tarangire
Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari gateway, where your Realm Tanzania Adventures team will welcome you.
Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to rest at your accommodation or enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city.Leave after breakfast. The drive to Tarangire takes about three hours. Spend the afternoon on a game drive along the Tarangire River.
Overnight: Merera Valley Lodge
Day 2
Karatu to Manyara
After breakfast, depart from Karatu and drive to nearby Lake Manyara National Park.
Explore the park through forests, woodland, open plains, and the shores of Lake Manyara. Watch for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, baboons, hippos, and colourful birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the scenery and continuing your wildlife exploration. Later, leave the park and return to your accommodation in Karatu for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
South to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, begin your journey from the southern Serengeti towards the central Seronera area. Enjoy a game drive along the way, watching wildlife across the changing landscapes of the Serengeti.
The route offers opportunities to see wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, and cheetahs. Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing through the plains towards central Serengeti.
Overnight: Sound of Silence
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Central to Northern Serengeti
After breakfast, leave central Serengeti and travel north through areas rich in wildlife. Continue with a game drive as the landscape changes from open plains to rocky hills and woodland. Keep an eye out for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and large herds of wildebeest. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the journey before continuing towards the northern Serengeti.
Arrive in the northern region for dinner and overnight near the migration area.
Overnight: Nyikani Migration
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Full Day Northern Serengeti
After breakfast, depart from Karatu and drive towards the southern Serengeti through the Ngorongoro highlands. Continue through scenic landscapes, with views of rolling hills, grasslands, and traditional Maasai areas. Enter the southern Serengeti and begin a game drive while searching for wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, lions, and cheetahs. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your afternoon wildlife exploration. Arrive at your camp or lodge in Southern Serengeti for dinner, relaxation, and overnight.
Overnight: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Northern Serengeti to Ngorongoro
After breakfast, leave Northern Serengeti and begin the scenic journey towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Continue with wildlife viewing along the route, with opportunities for additional game sightings.
Pass through changing landscapes as the Serengeti plains give way to the highlands around Ngorongoro. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before continuing towards your accommodation near the crater.
Overnight: Lion’s Paw Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Ngorongoro flight to Zanzibar
After breakfast, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable morning game drive. Explore the crater floor and search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, and rhinos. Enjoy a picnic lunch before ascending from the crater and transferring towards the airstrip. Board your flight from the Ngorongoro area to Zanzibar and enjoy the scenic journey across Tanzania.
Arrive in Zanzibar, transfer to your hotel, and relax for the evening.
Overnight: Zanzibar Cofee House Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
Stone Town Tour
Drive to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide walks you through narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, the old fort and the Forodhani waterfront. Learn about the island’s history as a trading hub for spices and ivory. On the way back, stop at a spice farm. Smell and taste cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Return to the resort for the evening.
Overnight: Nungwi Dreams
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9
Kendwa Beach
Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful white sands of Kendwa Beach.
Swim in the clear turquoise waters and enjoy the calm tropical atmosphere along the coast. Take time for beach activities, water sports, or a peaceful break beside the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch or other local dishes while taking in the coastal scenery.
End the day with a spectacular sunset before returning to your accommodation.
Overnight: Sandies Baobab
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10
Nungwi Beach & Departure
After breakfast, head to Nungwi Beach, one of Zanzibar’s most popular coastal destinations. Enjoy the soft white sand, warm turquoise water, and lively atmosphere around the northern coast.
Choose from swimming, snorkelling, boat trips, or relaxing beside the ocean.
End of trip: Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast
The complete package
Everything included.
STAY
TARANGIRE
1 Night · Lodge or tented camp
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
KARATU / NGORONGORO
1 Night · Selected lodge
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
SERENGETI
2 Nights · Lodge or tented camp
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
ARUSHA
1 Night · Selected hotel
Breakfast included
Zanzibar
4 nights, beach resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Experiences
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Game drives through Tarangire’s wildlife-rich landscapes, with opportunities to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife.
Serengeti National Park
Two nights and one full day of game drives. Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs and large plains herds.
Ngorongoro Crater
Half-day game drive on the crater floor. Black rhino, hippo, buffalo and flamingos live here.
Stone Town and spice farm
Guided walking tour of the old town, followed by a spice farm visit.
Zanzibar beach
Three free days to swim, snorkel and rest.
Travel
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop up roof
Every guest gets a window seat.
Experienced English speaking driver guide
Experienced local driver guide throughout your journey.
Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar.
Speak to a safari specialist
Let's plan your journey.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours
Everything included
A clear overview of what is covered in your safari package. Your final proposal will list the exact accommodation, activities and transport arrangements.
Transport
Private safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, fuel and park transfer costs.
Accommodation
Accommodation according to the selected package and the final itinerary confirmation.
Meals
Meals are provided according to the meal plan shown in your confirmed itinerary.
Park Fees
Applicable national park and conservation fees included according to the confirmed route.
Usually excluded: international flights, visas, travel insurance, personal purchases, tips and items not listed in your confirmed proposal.