This 4-day Northern circuit safari takes you through iconic parks, staying in comfortable lodges and tented camps. Enjoy diverse wildlife and landscapes, from elephants among acacias to lions and vast plains filled with wildlife in Serengeti National Park, home to over 3 million animals. After the safari, continue to Zanzibar for 4 days, where you will relax on white-sand beaches, enjoy the Indian Ocean, and unwind in a tropical paradise.
Note: On this tour, you will stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps
Accommodation can be upgraded to lodge for extra cost
Life on Safari
After breakfast in your hotel in Arusha, your safari guide will drive you to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is best known for its elephant families, savannah, iconic baobab trees, seasonal swamps, and the life-giving Tarangire River. Animals gather at the river to drink and cool off from the hot African sun. You will see giraffe, bushbuck, and hartebeest.
The park is also home to buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest. These animals are closely followed by a range of predators such as lions and leopards. From the open roof of the vehicle, you will be able to take in the landscape and watch the variety of wildlife. You will enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, which includes coffee and soft drinks.
After a full day in the park, you will be driven to Suricata Boma Lodge, where you will check in, enjoy dinner, and spend your overnight stay.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Suricata Boma Lodge
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast not included)
After breakfast, you will drive up the crater highlands, stopping at the rim for a spectacular view of the Ngorongoro Crater, and continue as far as the eye can see, taking in the vast view of the Serengeti. Serengeti means “endless plain” and is inhabited by more than 2 million wildebeest and other wildlife. From January to April, the wildebeest, plains zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle give birth to their calves. Large predators, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, are drawn to the area by this abundance of prey, which migrates throughout the park. Many smaller animals like rock hyrax, bat-eared fox, mongoose, honey badger, jackal, monkey, baboon, and African hare also inhabit the area. There are also over 500 species of birds.
After this exciting game drive, you will return to camp for dinner and your overnight stay.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: An’gata Serengeti Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will rise very early and enjoy a sunrise game drive to spot animals when they are more active, and also to witness a fantastic African sunrise, one of the most spectacular sights one can experience. You will then return to camp for breakfast, check out, and travel to the Ngorongoro Crater.
This vast crater is home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet, with almost every species indigenous to East Africa, including the rare black rhino. The crater contains a river, several swamps, a soda lake that, from the top, looks like steam, a forest, and open plains. The large bull elephant that resides here has extremely large tusks due to the rich mineral content of the volcanic soil and its grasses. You will enjoy lunch during this extraordinary game drive.
You will spend the night at Karatu (the hotel is outside the Ngorongoro Crater).
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Farms of Dreams Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. You will descend down a steep track into the caldera to enjoy your last game drive. You will experience a breathtaking range of animals and birds. The caldera (a collapsed volcano) is home to over 25,000 mammals ranging from the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard) to over 500 species of birds. You will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater and then make your way back up the crater rim in the afternoon.
You will then drive back to Arusha to the hotel we will book, the Urbanview Hotel.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Urbanview Hotel (Mid-range hotel located in Arusha city)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha by our driver and transferred to Arusha Airport to catch your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the accommodation we have booked in Zanzibar, where you can relax and enjoy your stay.
Main Destination: Zanzibar Island
Accommodation: Amaan Beach Bungalows (Mid -range hotel located on Zanzibar)
Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
This day, you will spend your time in Zanzibar, enjoying the island’s stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical surroundings. Relax and soak in the serene atmosphere while experiencing the unique charm and vibrant culture of this beautiful island paradise.
Main Destination: Zanzibar Island (Tanzania Beaches)
Accommodation: Amaan Beach Bungalows
Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
This day, you will spend your time in Zanzibar, enjoying the island’s stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical surroundings. Relax and soak in the serene atmosphere while experiencing the unique charm and vibrant culture of this beautiful island paradise.
Main Destination: Zanzibar Island (Tanzania Beaches)
Accommodation: Amaan Beach Bungalows
Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
After spending a few relaxing hours on Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches, you will be transferred to Zanzibar Airport to catch your international flight, bringing your unforgettable safari and beach adventure to a wonderful close.
Main Destination: Zanzibar Airport (Zanzibar)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner not included)
High demand: This safari books 4–8 weeks ahead during peak season (June–October).
Kids under 15 receive a special discount. Contact us when booking.
Hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti can be added for $600/person.
- All national park entrance fees and conservation levies
- Accommodation as specified
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Soft drinks and bottled water (minimum 3 litres per person per day)
- All scheduled internal flights as listed in the itinerary
- Transportation in a custom 4×4 safari jeep with pop-up viewing roof and guaranteed window seating
- Expert English-speaking guide/driver (15+ years Tanzania experience)
- Vehicle inverter for device charging, FM radio communications, electric cooler and filtered water
- Government taxes and VAT
- Tips for guides and cook (guideline: $10–15/day guide, $5–8/day cook)
- International flights
- Additional accomodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tanzania e-visa ($50 USD)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Hot-air balloon safari in Serengeti ($600/person add-on)
- Personal purchases, laundry and phone calls
- Alcoholic beverages
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
"Our guide Emmanuel was incredible — he spotted a leopard and two lion cubs that three other vehicles completely missed. The most magical experience of our lives."
"The private setup meant we could spend 45 minutes with a cheetah and cubs without feeling rushed. The lodges were far beyond what we expected."
"As first-time safari travelers, we were nervous. From the moment we arrived, Serengeti African Tours took care of everything. The Ngorongoro Crater literally took our breath away."
"Booked through SafariBookings and couldn't be happier. Every detail was handled perfectly. Guide Abouh is extraordinary — his knowledge of wildlife is encyclopaedic."
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Everything You Need to Know
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What is the best time of year for the 8-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Vacation Tour?
This itinerary runs year-round, but June to October is best for dry-season visibility and easier wildlife tracking. If your tour includes migration-focused zones, we guide you on the best travel window before confirmation.
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What animals am I most likely to see on this tour?
On this route through Zanzibar, Arusha, Tarangire, guests usually see elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffes, and often lions. Leopard and cheetah sightings depend on timing and luck, but your guide uses radio updates to improve chances.
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What are the accommodation options on this tour?
We use clean and trusted safari camps or lodges based on your selected comfort level and budget. Upgrades to higher-category lodges are available before departure, subject to room availability.
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How many people will be in my group?
Private departures are only for your booking party. Joining options are usually small groups, typically up to 6–7 travelers in a custom safari vehicle with guaranteed window seats.
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What should I pack for this itinerary?
Please pack neutral-color clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, sun protection, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and personal medication. A small soft duffel and camera with spare batteries are strongly recommended.
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Can I upgrade from camping to a lodge, and are there hidden costs?
Yes, we can upgrade your accommodation category before final booking confirmation. We provide a transparent quote that lists all park fees, accommodation and transport, so you can see exactly what is included.
