17 Days of Safari Beaches Mountains and Culture Itinerary

Depart early from Arusha and head towards Tarangire National Park (approx. 2 hours drive). Start your day with a morning game drive in Tarangire National Park. Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, this park offers stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots within the park. After lunch, continue exploring the park with another game drive. Look out for lions, leopards, and various antelope species.

Return to your lodge or camp within or near the park for dinner at Tarangire Safari Lodge Restaurant. Relax under the African sky as you listen to the sounds of nature around you.

Leave Tarangire early in the morning and drive towards Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 1 hour drive). Begin your exploration with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos that inhabit its soda lake.

Have lunch at Manyara Serena Lodge before continuing your adventure in the park. In the afternoon, take another game drive or opt for a guided walking safari along the lake shores where you can spot hippos, elephants, and various bird species.

Head back to your accommodation near Lake Manyara for dinner at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge Restaurant. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for more adventures ahead.

Start your day early with a drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 1.5 hours from Lake Manyara). Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most famous wildlife areas in the world. The crater is home to a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five. Enjoy a morning game drive and marvel at the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

Have a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots within the crater. After lunch, continue exploring this unique ecosystem with another game drive. Keep an eye out for rhinos, lions, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras.

Return to your lodge or camp on the crater rim for dinner at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Restaurant. Enjoy breathtaking views of the crater as you dine and reflect on your incredible day.

Depart early from Ngorongoro and head towards Serengeti National Park (approx. 3 hours drive). Begin your exploration with a visit to Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti is renowned for its annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles.

After lunch at Seronera Wildlife Lodge, continue your adventure with an afternoon game drive in central Serengeti. Look out for predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards that follow the migration.

Head back to your accommodation within or near the park for dinner at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti Restaurant. Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars while listening to the sounds of wildlife around you.

Hot Air Balloon Safari over Central Serengeti is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of the landscape and wildlife below. Start your day early with this magical adventure followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Game Drive in Central Serengeti: Continue exploring Central Serengeti with another game drive after lunch at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp. This area is known for its high concentration of big cats, so keep your camera ready!

Return to your lodge or camp for dinner at Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge Restaurant. Enjoy another evening immersed in nature as you prepare for more adventures ahead.

Start your day with a drive to the Northern Serengeti, known for its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. Begin with a morning game drive in Northern Serengeti. This area is particularly famous for the river crossings of the Great Migration, where wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters.

After lunch at Lamai Serengeti Lodge, continue your exploration with another game drive. The Northern Serengeti offers excellent opportunities to see predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards in action.

Return to your lodge or camp for dinner at Sayari Camp Restaurant. Enjoy a relaxing evening under the African sky, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Drive to Mto wa Mbu: Depart early from Northern Serengeti and head towards the vibrant village of Mto wa Mbu (approx. 5 hours drive). This village is a melting pot of cultures and offers a unique insight into Tanzanian life.

Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour: After lunch at Twiga Lodge Restaurant, embark on a cultural tour of the village. Visit local markets, banana plantations, and traditional homes while learning about the customs and traditions of different tribes.

Dinner with Local Family: End your day with a special dinner hosted by a local family. Enjoy traditional Tanzanian dishes while engaging in meaningful conversations about their way of life.

Drive to Lake Eyasi: Start your day with a scenic drive to Lake Eyasi (approx. 2 hours from Mto wa Mbu). This remote soda lake is home to the Hadzabe bushmen and Datoga tribes.

Hadzabe Bushmen Experience: After lunch at Ziwani Lodge, spend the afternoon with the Hadzabe bushmen. Learn about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, participate in traditional hunting techniques, and gain insight into their unique culture.

Sunset at Lake Eyasi: End your day by watching the sunset over Lake Eyasi. Enjoy dinner at Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge Restaurant as you take in the serene beauty of this remote location.

Start your day with a drive to the Ngorongoro Highlands, a region known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk. This guided walk offers stunning views of the crater and surrounding highlands, providing a unique perspective on this iconic landscape.

After lunch at Gibb's Farm, continue your exploration with a visit to a local Maasai village. Engage with the Maasai people, learn about their traditional way of life, and experience their vibrant culture firsthand.

Return to your lodge or camp in the highlands for dinner at Ngorongoro Farm House Restaurant. Enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the serene beauty of the highlands.

Drive to Lake Natron: Depart early from the Ngorongoro Highlands and head towards Lake Natron (approx. 4 hours drive). This remote and otherworldly lake is known for its striking red waters and as a breeding ground for flamingos.

Lake Natron Flamingo Tour: After lunch at Lake Natron Tented Camp, embark on a guided tour of Lake Natron. Learn about the unique ecosystem of this alkaline lake and observe thousands of flamingos that flock here during breeding season.

Sunset Hike to Engare Sero Waterfall: End your day with a hike to Engare Sero Waterfall. Enjoy the refreshing waters and breathtaking views as you watch the sunset over this remote landscape. Return to your camp for dinner at Natron River Camp Restaurant.

Drive to Karatu: Start your day with a drive to Karatu (approx. 3 hours from Lake Natron). This bustling town is located near the entrance to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers rich cultural experiences.

Karatu Market Visit: After lunch at The Plantation Lodge, explore the vibrant local market in Karatu. Interact with local vendors, sample fresh produce, and purchase handmade crafts as souvenirs.

Dinner at Local Restaurant: End your day with dinner at Happy Days Restaurant. Enjoy delicious Tanzanian cuisine while soaking in the lively atmosphere of this charming town.

Start your day with a flight from Arusha to Zanzibar (approx. 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, head to Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar. Begin with a visit to Stone Town Walking Tour. This guided tour will take you through the narrow streets and bustling markets of Stone Town, where you can learn about its rich history and cultural heritage.

After lunch at Emerson on Hurumzi, continue your exploration with a visit to the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. These iconic landmarks offer a glimpse into Zanzibar's past and its significance as a trading hub.

End your day with dinner at The Rock Restaurant. Located on a rock in the Indian Ocean, this unique dining experience offers stunning views and delicious seafood.

Drive to Nungwi Beach: Start your day with a drive to Nungwi Beach (approx. 1 hour from Stone Town). This pristine beach is known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. Spend your morning relaxing on the beach or swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.

Snorkeling Tour at Mnemba Atoll: After lunch at Kendwa Rocks Beach Restaurant, embark on a snorkeling tour to Mnemba Atoll. Discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life as you explore this underwater paradise.

Sunset Dhow Cruise: End your day with a sunset dhow cruise along the coast of Zanzibar. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset over the ocean while sipping on refreshing drinks. Return to shore for dinner at Langi Langi Beach Bungalows Restaurant.

Relaxation at Paje Beach: Spend your final morning in Tanzania relaxing on Paje Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore, swim in the warm waters, or simply soak up the sun.

Visit to Jozani Forest: After lunch at The Green Room, head to Jozani Forest (approx. 30 minutes drive). This lush forest is home to the rare red colobus monkeys and offers beautiful walking trails through mangroves and mahogany trees.

Farewell Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: End your Tanzanian adventure with a farewell dinner at The Rock Restaurant. Located on a rock in the Indian Ocean, this unique dining experience offers stunning views and delicious seafood as you reflect on your incredible journey.

Drive to Jambiani: Start your day with a drive to Jambiani (approx. 1 hour from Nungwi). This charming fishing village offers an authentic glimpse into local life on Zanzibar.

Jambiani Village Tour: After lunch at PiliPili House, embark on a guided tour of Jambiani village. Visit local homes, schools, and community projects while learning about traditional Swahili culture.

Dinner at The Nest: End your day with dinner at The Nest, a popular restaurant in Jambiani known for its delicious food and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes while reflecting on your cultural experiences.

Drive to Paje: Start your day with a drive to Paje (approx. 30 minutes from Jambiani). This laid-back beach destination is perfect for water sports and relaxation. Begin your morning with a visit to the beautiful Paje Beach, known for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters.

Kitesurfing Lesson: After lunch at Mr. Kahawa, take a kitesurfing lesson on Paje Beach. The consistent winds and shallow waters make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced kitesurfers.

Dinner at The Waterfront Zanzibar Beach Hotel: End your day with dinner at The Waterfront Zanzibar Beach Hotel. Enjoy delicious seafood dishes while taking in the stunning ocean views.