14 Days African Big 5 & Zanzibar Luxury Vacation

From

$3,100

Tour Overview

This 14-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of wildlife, adventure, culture, and beach escape. Begin in Arusha with both nature and city activities, then explore the iconic wildlife parks of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the offbeat beauty of Lake Natron. Continue into the Northern and Central Serengeti for unforgettable safari moments, before flying to Zanzibar. Enjoy a night in historic Stone Town, then unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of the East Coast. Ideal for travelers seeking both exploration and rejuvenation.

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide welcomes you and transfers you to your lodge in Arusha. Settle in and relax after your journey.

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha National Park Safari & Local City Experience

Spend the day in Arusha National Park, spotting giraffes, buffalo, and flamingos with the majestic Mt. Meru in the backdrop. In the afternoon, enjoy a light city tour, visiting a local coffee shop, craft market, or cultural center.

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its massive elephant herds and baobab-dotted landscape. Game drive through the park, with a picnic lunch and photography stops.

Accommodation: Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Tarangire – Lake Manyara / Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

After a short game drive, travel to Mto wa Mbu near Lake Manyara. In the afternoon, take part in a village tour, visit a local market, and enjoy a traditional Swahili meal with a local family.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Cycling Tour & Optional Manyara Game Drive

Today, enjoy a guided cycling tour through banana plantations, rice paddies, and local farms. Stop at a local school or artist’s workshop. Optionally, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Lake Manyara National Park.

Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Lake Manyara – Lake Natron

Drive north through dramatic Rift Valley landscapes to Lake Natron, a remote area near the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. Enjoy a walk along the lake to see flamingos and the surreal terrain.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Natron
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Lake Natron Waterfalls & Maasai Culture

After breakfast, hike to the Ngare Sero Waterfalls, passing through narrow gorges and streams. Later, visit a Maasai boma to learn about their way of life.

Accommodation: Africa Safari Natron
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Lake Natron – Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)

Travel off-the-beaten-path into the Northern Serengeti, famous for wildebeest river crossings (seasonal). Enjoy an evening game drive near the Mara River.

Accommodation: Serengeti Mara Rive Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Full Day in Northern Serengeti

Explore Kogatende with morning and afternoon game drives. Watch for lions, elephants, crocodiles, and possibly the Great Migration depending on the season.

Accommodation: Serengeti Mara Rive Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Northern – Central Serengeti

After breakfast, continue your safari through the Serengeti to the Central Seronera region, known for resident predators and stunning savannah. Game drive en route.

Accommodation: One Nature Nyaruswiga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Full Day in Central Serengeti – Fly to Arusha

Enjoy your final morning safari, then transfer to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Arusha. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your lodge to relax before your beach holiday begins.

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12: Fly to Zanzibar – Stone Town Tour

Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar (morning or mid-day flight). Upon arrival, explore Stone Town, a UNESCO site with winding alleys, spice markets, and historic Arab-Swahili architecture. Optional: spice tour or dhow sunset cruise.

Accommodation: Tembo Hotel Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Transfer to Zanzibar East Coast (Beach Days Begin)

After breakfast, transfer to your resort on the East Coast of Zanzibar, known for turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Spend the day relaxing or snorkeling.

Accommodation: Next Paradise Boutique Resort
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14: Departure

Depending on your flight time, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international departure. Optionally, take a late checkout or book an extra beach night.

Meals: Breakfast