5-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar Island

On the first day of your 5 days safari adventure; pick up from your Zanzibar hotel at dawn and transfer in a private car to the Airport, where you will catch a flight to Arusha.

Your safari then starts as you depart from the safari hub of Arusha, located in northern Tanzania. Traveling along the picturesque Arusha – Dodoma highway, you’ll embark on a scenic drive towards the renowned Tarangire National Park. Along the way, there’s an opportunity to stop by a supermarket for any last-minute personal necessities, should you wish to make any purchases.

The drive unfolds through the captivating Masai Steppe, a landscape that adds to the visual allure of the journey. After approximately two hours, you’ll arrive at the gates of Tarangire National Park. Your driver will handle the necessary paperwork at the park’s entrance, allowing you to smoothly transition into the heart of this wildlife sanctuary.

Prepare for your inaugural game drive within the expansive Tarangire National Park, celebrated for its vast herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees that punctuate the grassy plains. A well-deserved lunch break awaits at a designated picnic site, offering a moment of relaxation amidst the natural splendor.

The adventure continues with afternoon game drives, extending into the late afternoon. As the day draws to a close, you’ll journey to the tranquil town of Karatu, where you’ll check in for the night.

Overnight will be at Marera Valley Lodge or Country Lodge in Karatu, where you will also have dinner. Picnic Lunch and dinner included.

Begin your second day with a delightful breakfast, bidding farewell to the comforts of your Karatu lodge. The day unfolds with a scenic drive towards the iconic Serengeti National Park, traversing the captivating Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

If you wish (at a small extra fee), you may make a brief stop at the Olduvai Gorge, a significant archaeological site where the Leaky family unearthed fossils of Australopithecus Boisei, a hominid that played a pivotal role in establishing Africa as the cradle of mankind. Here, a brief lecture will provide insights into this groundbreaking discovery and the broader theory it contributed to.

Continuing your journey, you’ll cross the Naabi Hill Gate, pausing briefly for registration. Armed with a picnic lunch, you’ll dive into an afternoon of exhilarating game drives across the vast Serengeti plains. This part of the adventure promises encounters with the untamed beauty of the park, where wildlife roams freely against the backdrop of endless horizons.

As the sun begins its descent, you’ll make your way to the camp, where a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay await. This immersive day, filled with both cultural and natural wonders, sets the stage for more extraordinary experiences in the legendary Serengeti.
Overnight at Tukaone Serengeti Camp. All meals included.

Brace yourself for a day of pure enchantment as you delve into the mesmerizing landscapes of the Serengeti National Park. The adventure begins with the option of embarking on a morning game drive at the break of dawn (if you wish), an opportunity to witness the transition from the nocturnal realm to the awakening of diurnal species beneath the golden African sun. The magical moments of nature unfolding at sunrise will leave an indelible mark on your safari experience.

After this captivating start, return to your lodge or camp for a hearty breakfast, fortifying yourself for a day of exploration on the Serengeti’s endless plains. Armed with a lunch box, set out for a full day of game drives, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of wildlife that calls the Serengeti home.

The Serengeti, depending on the time of your visit, might unveil the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration. Witness over a million and a half wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, engaging in the largest mass movement of animals on the planet. As you traverse the park, encounter resident wildlife such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, topis, elands, dikdiks, baboons, and an array of bird species that contribute to the park’s avian diversity.

Throughout the day, the Serengeti’s raw beauty and prolific wildlife offer a sensory feast, making every moment a testament to the untamed wonders of the African wilderness. As the sun begins its descent, return from your full day of adventure, carrying memories of an extraordinary day etched against the backdrop of the Serengeti’s sweeping plains. In the late afternoon or at your own time of preference, you can be taken back to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight. Overnight is at Tukaone Serengeti Camp. All meals included.

On this fourth day of your 5-day safari from Zanzibar, the day begins with an early breakfast, setting the stage for a transition from the expansive Serengeti to the breathtaking wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater. Retrace your path through the Naabi Gate, crossing the scenic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Arriving at the Seneto Gate, take a moment for the necessary registration before the grand descent to the Ngorongoro Crater floor. From the crater rim, soak in breathtaking views that serve as a prelude to the remarkable wildlife spectacle awaiting you.

Descend the crater’s 600-meter walls, entering a world where the possibility of encountering the Big Five in a single day is more than just a hopeful notion. The Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for its exceptional concentration of wildlife and birdlife. Zebras, topis, elands, warthogs, hartebeests, and an array of other species freely roam the crater floor, creating a wildlife mosaic that seems almost unreal.

As you explore the diverse ecosystems within the crater, keep your eyes peeled for the inhabitants that make this natural amphitheater their home. From the powerful lions to the graceful zebras, and the elusive leopards to the spirited warthogs, the list of potential sightings is endless. The late afternoon sees you ascending the Crater Rim, leaving behind this natural wonderland and returning to your lodge in Karatu. Reflect on the day’s wildlife encounters as you look forward to more adventures in the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife-rich landscapes. Overnight is at Marera Valley Lodge or Country Lodge or any similar midrange lodge.

Upgrades are also available at a supplement. Please let us know if you need any.

Last Day of your Five days safari adventure from Zanzibar. As the first rays of sunlight grace the Tanzanian sky, indulge in an early morning breakfast, preparing for a day of exploration in the enchanting Lake Manyara National Park. Alternatively, carry a packed breakfast and lunch to maximize your time in this captivating haven nestled within the Great Rift Valley.

Descend into the depths of the Great Rift Valley, where Lake Manyara National Park unfolds its wonders. The name “Manyara” is derived from the Masai word for the euphorbia tirucalli tree, abundant in the park and used by the nomadic Masai people to create protective hedges for their homesteads and livestock. The park’s distinctive features include these trees and the renowned tree-climbing lions, often spotted taking a leisurely afternoon siesta on the branches.

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes, encounter a variety of wildlife, from graceful giraffes and imposing buffaloes to elegant impalas. At the park’s entrance lies an underground water forest, serving as a haven for Blue monkeys, baboons, bushbucks, and majestic elephants seeking shelter from the afternoon sun.

As you journey further, discover the Hippo pools and the shores of Lake Manyara, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe these aquatic giants alongside a vibrant array of birds, including the iconic flamingoes, pelicans, Egyptian geese, and cormorants.

Engage in game drives until midday, absorbing the sights and sounds of Lake Manyara’s diverse ecosystems.

After a satisfactory safari in Lake Manyara, drive back to Arusha, where you’ll be dropped off at Arusha Airport approximately one hour before your 1635Hrs flight back to Zanzibar. Depending on flight availability, we may also take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for an evening flight back to Zanzibar.