12 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Twelve relaxed days that begin with a classic northern Tanzania safari through Serengeti, Ndutu, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, then finish with three nights on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar with warm turquoise water.
12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar overview
During this 12 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday, you move through a complete northern Tanzania circuit before ending with quiet days beside the Indian Ocean. Your route begins in Arusha and continues into the wide Serengeti plains, the seasonal Ndutu area in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Ngorongoro Crater floor, and the forested lakeshore of Manyara. Afterward, a short flight takes you to Zanzibar for three relaxed nights by the beach, which creates a natural pause at the end of your safari days.
Because each safari day is private, your guide adjusts the pace to your preferences. Some guests enjoy early starts and long game drives, while others prefer later mornings and time to rest in camp. Either way, the schedule adapts to your interests. When you reach Zanzibar, the rhythm naturally slows with warm water, soft sand, and optional coastal activities such as boat trips or village walks.
Who this 12 day safari and beach combination suits
This 12 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itinerary works well for couples, families, and small private groups who want an unrushed balance between wildlife and beach. It also appeals to honeymooners and travellers celebrating special occasions because the first part of the trip feels adventurous while the beach section creates space to unwind. In addition, the route is simple enough that first time visitors can follow it comfortably.
Before choosing dates, you can compare this plan with the broader Tanzania safari cost guide. If you prefer a shorter journey, you may also consider the 8 day Tanzania safari or the 4 day fly in safari from Zanzibar. These alternatives follow the same hosting style while keeping fewer nights on the ground, which can help if you are fitting this trip into limited annual leave.
12 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach itinerary
Routing and lodge names can adjust with season while keeping the same balance between wildlife and beach time on this 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday.
Day 1. Arrival at Kilimanjaro and transfer to Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a Hazina Afrika visa specialist greets you in the arrivals area and assists with your tourist visa. You receive help with your luggage and are guided through customs, which takes the pressure off the first hour on the ground.
Outside the secure area a Hazina transfer representative welcomes you and begins the short road journey to Arusha. The drive takes around one hour and offers a first calm look at the countryside of northern Tanzania. After check in at Four Points by Sheraton Arusha or a similar central hotel you settle into your deluxe room and enjoy dinner. During a simple briefing you hear more about the days ahead so you know what to expect from this 12 day Tanzania private safari and Zanzibar trip.
Days 2 and 3. Fly to central Serengeti
After an early breakfast, a Hazina representative transfers you to Arusha Domestic Airport for your morning flight to central Serengeti. The route often passes over Ngorongoro Crater and the southern plains, giving you a helpful view of the ground you will explore later.
Upon landing at Seronera Airstrip, your driver guide meets you and your Serengeti safari begins immediately with a game drive toward camp. Over the next two days, you explore the Seronera Valley and surrounding plains, an area known for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large numbers of plains animals. Because each day is private, the pace follows your interests, whether you prefer long early outings or a slower morning with more time in camp. Meanwhile, your evenings are spent at Pumzika Serengeti Camp or a similar semi mobile camp in central areas where you can share stories by the fire.
Days 4 to 6. Ndutu and the southern plains
Once you complete a final central Serengeti game drive, you begin the journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Ndutu region. The landscape shifts from thicker woodland to open short grass plains scattered with acacia trees. During the green season, large sections of the Great Migration often gather here with wildebeest, zebras, eland and gazelles spread across the plains.
Throughout your stay in Ndutu, you follow the herds when they are close and spend time with the predators that work the edges. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals are active in this region, especially when young animals are present. When conditions align, the combination of open sightlines and gentle light creates ideal conditions for extended wildlife viewing. Therefore, many travellers see this as one of the highlights of their 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday. Nights are spent at Angata Migration Camp or a similar seasonal property that follows the movement of the herds.
Day 7. Olduvai and Ngorongoro highlands
After breakfast you leave the Ndutu woodlands, complete a last game drive on the plains and continue toward the high walls of Ngorongoro. On the way you stop at Olduvai, one of the most important prehistoric sites in Africa. The small on site museum explains how the Leakey family and other researchers uncovered hominid fossils and tools from many different layers of time.
Later in the day the road climbs through forest and small villages toward the crater rim. As you gain height the air cools and views open across the surrounding highlands. By mid or late afternoon you reach Ngorongoro Serena Lodge or similar accommodation perched on the rim with wide views down into the caldera where you will spend the next morning. In the evening you can sit on the terrace and watch the light change across the crater floor.
Day 8. Ngorongoro Crater and on to Karatu
At first light you descend into Ngorongoro Crater to take advantage of cool temperatures and quieter tracks. This natural bowl holds a concentrated mix of wildlife including black rhino, buffalo, hippo, lions and many plains animals that graze the open floor. Because the walls rise steeply on all sides the viewing is often very productive in a small area.
After a picnic breakfast you continue to explore different parts of the crater floor, from lake edges to grasslands and small wooded sections. In early afternoon you drive back up to the rim, leave the conservation area and continue to Endoro Lodge in the nearby town of Karatu. The gardens and forest edge location offer a peaceful place to rest after a focused wildlife day and to prepare for the final steps of your 12 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar combination.
Days 9 to 11. Lake Manyara and fly to Zanzibar
Morning in Lake Manyara
After breakfast at Endoro Lodge, you drive about thirty minutes to Lake Manyara National Park. The entrance track leads into lush groundwater forest, a sharp contrast to the open crater floor and wide plains you experienced earlier. Elephants, baboons and many bird species move through this shaded habitat, and the lakeshore sometimes reveals flamingos and other water birds. Tree climbing lions are occasionally seen, although sightings remain a welcome bonus rather than a guarantee.
Flight to Zanzibar and beach check in
By mid morning you exit the park and continue to Manyara Airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. The journey usually includes a short stop at Arusha Airport before continuing to the coast. On arrival in Zanzibar, a transfer representative greets you and drives you to Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel or a similar northern beach property. Your three nights here include half board and time for swimming, shoreline walks, village visits or simple rest under the palms. As a result, this coastal section often becomes the most peaceful part of the 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday, especially after several early mornings on safari.
Day 12. Zanzibar and departure
During your final morning on the beach you can take a last swim, walk the shoreline or simply enjoy the view from the shade. After an early lunch a transfer representative collects you from Ras Nungwi and drives to Zanzibar airport. You then take your Auric Air flight from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam.
On arrival a short transfer brings you to Hotel Slipway for a comfortable day room where you can rest and repack. Later in the evening you return to Dar es Salaam International Airport for your onward flight. The team remains available for any assistance until you are checked in and ready to travel. In this way your 12 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar tour closes with a gentle transition from the coast to your journey home.
How this 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip is balanced
This itinerary keeps strong game viewing in Serengeti, Ndutu, Ngorongoro and Manyara before giving you enough time on the coast to slow down and enjoy the Indian Ocean. The rhythm suits guests who want a complete 12 day Tanzania safari and beach holiday with space to rest at the end.
Serengeti for big cats and open plains
Central Serengeti offers a reliable mix of lions, leopards, cheetahs and general game. Because you have two full days here, you can repeat productive areas and wait quietly when something interesting is unfolding. This slower approach works very well for photography and longer field time, particularly for travellers interested in big cats.
Ndutu for migration in season
From December to March Ndutu and the surrounding southern plains often hold large parts of the Great Migration. Calving season usually falls in this window. As a result, the 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itinerary is especially strong in February when short grass and young animals draw predators to the area and create intense yet natural drama.
Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro Crater condenses wildlife viewing into a small area, which keeps the day full from start to finish. Lake Manyara adds a different forest and lake environment with rich birdlife and strong primate numbers. Together, these parks round out the northern Tanzania safari circuit before you fly to the coast and change pace.
Zanzibar beach time
The three nights on Zanzibar at the end allow your body to rest after early safari mornings. You can mix simple beach time with snorkeling, village walks or boat trips according to your energy and interests. For couples this 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package works very well as a honeymoon or special anniversary trip, while families often enjoy the safe swimming and soft sand.
Typical price for this 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip
Rates below are per person in USD for two travelers sharing. Final quotes adjust with season, exact lodges and the balance between drive in and fly in sections.
- Prices include private 4x4 safari vehicle and professional driver guide during the safari section, park and conservation fees, named internal flights, airport transfers and full board on safari with half board on Zanzibar.
- They exclude international flights, some lodge drinks, visas, travel insurance and tips, which remain at your discretion.
For most guests a 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday costs between 4,200 and 7,000 USD per person based on two travelers sharing, with private guiding on safari and comfortable beach accommodation in Zanzibar. Prices move up or down with season, lodge category, internal flights and any extra nights you add. In addition, family rooms or triple occupancies can reduce the per person cost slightly.
You can compare these ranges with the broader Tanzania safari cost guide before requesting a confirmed quote for your dates or for a shorter 12 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package from Arusha.
Best time for a 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday
This 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itinerary works throughout the year, with the feel of each day changing with season. The notes below give a simple starting point before we look at your exact dates and preferences together.
December to March
Often the key window for the migration around Ndutu and the southern plains, with calving usually happening in this period. Landscapes are green and light can be gentle, which works well for photography. Zanzibar is warm with higher humidity. Many guests choose a 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar in February to be close to the short grass and young animals, especially if they enjoy watching the early life of the herds.
April and May
Long rains can arrive, especially in April, although breaks in the weather often bring clear air and rich colour. Rates can be lower and there are usually fewer vehicles in the parks. Zanzibar can be quieter in this period, which some guests prefer for a more private feel and softer pricing. However, if you dislike the possibility of rain this may not be your first choice window.
June to October
Dry season across most of the route. Game viewing confidence stays high in Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Central Serengeti works well for resident wildlife and the coast often has clear days with comfortable evenings. A 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar in July or August is a good option for families travelling in school holidays and for couples who prefer cooler nights.
November
Short rains may return, with herds starting to move back toward the south. This can be a good month for guests who prefer fewer vehicles, softer light and a mix of green and golden tones both on safari and at the beach. This time also suits travellers looking for a 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package with a quieter feel and more open availability at lodges.
What is included and not included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop up roof and fridge for drinks during the safari section.
- Professional driver guide for the full Tanzania safari days.
- Park, concession and conservation fees on the route.
- Full board at Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, Pumzika Serengeti Camp, Angata Migration Camp, Ngorongoro Serena and Endoro Lodge or similar lodges in the same categories.
- Half board at Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel or a comparable Zanzibar beach lodge.
- Airport and airstrip transfers at the start, between safari and Zanzibar and at the end of your trip.
- Drinking water in the vehicle during all game drives.
Not included
- Some lodge drinks, personal items and laundry.
- Optional activities such as balloon flights in Serengeti, special boat trips in Zanzibar or extra cultural visits that you add outside the quoted plan.
- International flights, visas and travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, camp staff and other services along the way.
Scenes from recent 12 day safaris and Zanzibar trips
These images come from routes close to this 12 day Tanzania safari and beach holiday and show the quiet, patient style of game viewing and coastal time that many guests prefer.
Guest reviews
Guests who choose this 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar combination often mention the smooth flow from bush to beach, careful guiding and the way each day feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Frequently asked questions about this 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip
Is this 12 day itinerary good for first time visitors
This 12 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itinerary works very well for a first visit because it includes classic wildlife areas such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, a varied forest and lake environment at Manyara and then quiet time at the beach in Zanzibar. As a result you see many sides of northern Tanzania in a single journey without having to rush, and you finish in a place where you can rest before flying home.
Can I shorten the trip or remove Zanzibar
The 12 days can be shortened by reducing nights in either the safari section or on Zanzibar. Some guests choose to keep ten nights in total with one night less on the coast. Others remove the beach part and focus only on safari. If you prefer a shorter route you can also consider the 8 day Tanzania safari or the 4 day fly in safari from Zanzibar which focus more tightly on the main parks yet still feel complete.
Is it better to start in Zanzibar and finish with safari
Most guests prefer to start with safari and finish on Zanzibar because this lets you rest after early mornings and long game drives. It is possible to reverse the order, although routing and flight times need to be checked for your dates before confirming. In some cases, for example if your inbound flights arrive late at night in Dar es Salaam, beginning at the coast can still make sense.
How far in advance should I book this 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday
For peak periods such as festive season and February calving months it is helpful to book several months ahead so that camps in the best locations are still available. Outside those periods there is often more flexibility. However, early planning still gives you a wider choice of lodges, internal flights and room types, especially for honeymoon or anniversary dates when you may want specific suites.
Which airport should I use for international flights
You can arrive into either Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam. This itinerary starts most smoothly when you arrive at Kilimanjaro and depart from Dar es Salaam after the Zanzibar section, although other combinations can be arranged once we know your flight options. Many guests book a 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package from Arusha with an open jaw ticket into Kilimanjaro and out of Dar es Salaam.
How much does a 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday cost
For most guests a 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday costs between 4,200 and 7,000 USD per person based on two travelers sharing. This range includes private 4x4 guiding on safari, internal flights and comfortable beach accommodation in Zanzibar. Prices move up or down with season, lodge level and any extra nights you add, so a clear quote is always prepared once we know your dates and preferred comfort level.
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Why book this 12 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package with Hazina Afrika
- Small, owner led safari company based in Tanzania, operating since 2012.
- Private 4x4 vehicle and the same driver guide for your full Tanzania safari days.
- Flexible game drives that adapt to your interests instead of fixed group timetables.
- Clear costs and honest advice on upper mid range, deluxe and luxury lodge options.
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