11-Day Luxury Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday | From $3,663

Location Overview
This signature 11-day luxury journey combines the complete UNESCO Northern Circuit Big Five experience with the ultimate Indian Ocean honeymoon finale on Zanzibar’s east coast. Safari destinations lie 120–250 km west and northwest of Arusha (1,400 m/4,600 ft), East Africa’s most elegant safari gateway beneath Mount Meru. The adventure then leaps by short flight to Zanzibar’s spice-scented shores, where powder-white beaches and coral atolls create the world’s most romantic post-safari escape.

Tarangire National Park (2,850 km²): 140 km southwest of Arusha. Rolling golden hills stitched with Africa’s highest density of ancient baobabs and the life-giving Tarangire River. Dry-season elephant super-herds of 3,000+ animals (June–October peak) share waterholes with leopard-rich sausage trees in uncrowded splendour.

Serengeti National Park – Central/Western & Eastern sectors (14,763 km² total): 200–250 km northwest of Arusha. The legendary “endless plains” studded with granite kopjes and acacia woodlands. Year-round stronghold of black-maned lions, leopards, cheetahs, and resident herds, framed by the most cinematic African sunsets on Earth.

Ngorongoro Crater (260 km² floor): 180 km west of Arusha within the 8,300 km² Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The planet’s largest intact volcanic caldera – a 600 m-deep natural amphitheatre cradling 25,000+ large mammals year-round, including critically endangered black rhinos, tusker elephants, and Africa’s densest lion population.

Zanzibar: Zanzibar is an archipelago about 35 km off the Tanzanian coast, and the classic way to end a safari. The main island, Unguja, has white-sand beaches on every coast, warm turquoise water and a history going back centuries as a trading hub for spices, ivory and dhows.

Paje and the south-east coast: Your hotel, Aluna Paje, sits on one of the island’s widest, whitest beaches. The tide here goes out a long way, uncovering sandbars and warm, shallow pools, then comes back in to fill the lagoon for swimming. Steady winds have made Paje one of East Africa’s best-known kitesurfing spots.

Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is a maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, markets and coral-stone mansions that reflect its Swahili, Arab, Indian and European history. Highlights include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the former slave market memorial and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace.

Mnemba Atoll: Off the north-east coast, Mnemba is protected marine water with some of the clearest snorkelling around the island. Expect coral, reef fish and turtles, and often dolphins.

When to go: June to October and December to February are the best months, with sunny, dry weather. The long rains (April to May) bring heavy downpours, and some hotels close for that season.

Geography & Access
Terrain: Baobab savannah, endless grasslands, volcanic caldera, coral-reef lagoons, and powder-sand beaches.
Altitude Range: 950–2,400 m (3,100–7,870 ft) on safari; sea level on Zanzibar.

Travel Times (road on mainland): Tarangire 2 hrs; Central Serengeti 4.5–5.5 hrs; Ngorongoro 3–3.5 hrs. Day 6: 75-minute scheduled flight Arusha → Zanzibar (included).
Gateway: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) → Arusha (45 min private transfer).
Year-round access via private pop-up roof 4×4 on the mainland and short flight to paradise; dry season (June–October) delivers dust-free Big Five photography and perfect beach weather, while green season (January–March) brings newborn calves, dramatic light, and 20–25 % savings on the exact same luxury lodges and villas.

FAQ section

Is the flight to Zanzibar included?
Yes. The 75-minute scheduled flight from Arusha to Zanzibar is included, along with all airport transfers.

What meals are included?
Full board on safari (Days 1–6) and bed and breakfast at Aluna Paje in Zanzibar. Lunch is included on the spice tour and Mnemba days. Other meals in Zanzibar are at your own cost.

Is this tour suitable for a honeymoon?
Yes. Many couples book it as a honeymoon, and we can add special touches on request. If you want more time on the beach, see our 13-day honeymoon package.

Can I see the Great Migration on this tour?
The central Serengeti has excellent wildlife all year. The large migration herds move around the Serengeti throughout the year, and we can adjust your lodge location to your travel dates to put you close to them.

When is the best time for this safari and beach holiday?
June to October offers the best game viewing and dry beach weather. December to February is also excellent. April and May bring heavy rains.

Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every departure is private, so we can add days, upgrade lodges, include Lake Manyara or add a hot air balloon flight.