Tarangire, Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in a comfortable, unhurried loop.
A visit to Lake Eyasi and the Hadzabe, for a look at a very different way of life.
Four nights on Zanzibar, including Stone Town and a spice farm.
Overview
If you have twelve days and want to see the best of Tanzania, this is the trip. It covers the northern parks at a pace that lets you enjoy them, adds a day among the Hadzabe and a Maasai boma, and ends with time to swim.
It is the itinerary we recommend most often for first-time visitors with a couple of weeks. See the 9-day safari and Zanzibar for a shorter version.
Airport meeting, transfer to your hotel and a briefing.
Day2Tarangire National ParkTarangire National Park
A full day of game drives among elephants and baobabs.
Day3Lake Manyara and Mto wa MbuLake Manyara National Park
A morning game drive in Manyara and an afternoon bike ride through Mto wa Mbu village.
Day4Lake Eyasi and the HadzabeLake Eyasi
A dawn walk with Hadzabe hunters and a visit to a Datoga blacksmith.
Day5To Ngorongoro highlandsNgorongoro Conservation Area
A slower morning, then a drive to the crater rim for the evening.
Day6Ngorongoro Crater and on to the SerengetiNgorongoro Conservation Area
A morning crater game drive, then a drive across the highlands into the Serengeti.
Day7Central SerengetiSerengeti National Park
Full-day game drives on the plains and along the rivers.
Day8Northern or western SerengetiSerengeti National Park
A move to where the herds are, depending on the month, for more big-cat and migration viewing.
Day9Fly to ZanzibarZanzibar Stone Town
A flight from the Serengeti to Arusha or Dar and on to Zanzibar, with a transfer to your beach hotel.
Day10Stone Town and spice farmZanzibar Stone Town
A guided walk in the old town and a visit to a spice farm.
Day11Beach and snorkellingNungwi
A free day, with the option of a Mnemba snorkelling trip or a sunset dhow cruise.
Day12DepartureZanzibar Stone Town
A transfer to Zanzibar airport for your flight home.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
Park and conservation fees for the itinerary as written
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a TeenVibe driver-guide
Nights in the lodges or tented camps on your quote, on the meal plan stated
Bottled water in the vehicle
Airport or hotel collection at the start, and drop-off at the end
Emergency air-evacuation cover while you are on safari
Not included
International flights and Tanzania visa
Drinks at lodges, laundry, and tips for guides and camp staff
Optional activities not written on the day plan (balloon flights, cultural visits)
Travel insurance, which is required
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
High season
1 Jun – 31 Oct
$4,380
Shoulder season
1 Jan – 31 Mar
$4,075
Shoulder season
1 Nov – 15 Dec
$4,075
Green season
Best value
1 Apr – 31 May
$3,725
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Green season rate.
1 traveller
$5,662
--52%
2 travellers
$3,725
-0%
3 travellers
$3,613
-3%
4 travellers
$3,539
-5%
5 travellers
$3,464
-7%
6 travellers
$3,390
-9%
7 travellers
$3,353
-10%
8 travellers
$3,315
-11%
Frequently asked questions
Can we reverse the order?
Yes. Starting with the beach can be a soft landing after a long flight, but most people like to finish on the beach.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every safari can be adapted: dates, lodges, number of nights and the parks you visit. Tell us what matters and we rebuild the plan.
What is the best time to go?
Wildlife viewing is good all year. The dry season from June to October is easiest for game drives, while the green season has fewer visitors and lower prices.
