15-Day African Big 5 Luxury Safari & Spice Island Escape

From

$3,900

Tour Overview

This thoughtfully paced 15-day itinerary is designed for travelers who seek both iconic and lesser-known destinations. Begin in Arusha with a visit to Arusha National Park and cultural highlights, followed by two nights in the rarely explored Mkomazi National Park, known for rhino conservation and wild dog sightings. After revisiting Arusha for a rest stop, continue your safari through Tarangire, Central Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater. The journey ends with a flight to Zanzibar, blending cultural heritage in Stone Town with beach relaxation on the Eastern Coast.

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where your guide will meet and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha. Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha National Park Exploration

Enjoy a day trip to Arusha National Park, offering lush scenery, wildlife such as giraffes and colobus monkeys, and optional walking safaris or canoeing on Momella Lakes. Return to your lodge in the evening.

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

Day 3: Arusha – Mkomazi National Park

Travel east to Mkomazi National Park (approx. 4–5 hours), a true hidden gem bordering Tsavo in Kenya. After lunch, head out for your first game drive in this dry, open savannah park with striking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro on clear days.

Accommodation: Bandas

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Full Day in Mkomazi – Rhino Sanctuary Visit

Spend the day exploring Mkomazi, known for its wild dogs, elephants, oryx, and rare birds. Visit the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary, where black rhinos are bred under protection.

Accommodation: Bandas

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Mkomazi – Return to Arusha

After a relaxed morning or optional short game drive, return to Arusha for overnight before heading out to the northern safari circuit.

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

Day 6: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant populations, ancient baobab trees, and scenic landscapes. Enjoy a full afternoon game drive.

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

Day 7: Flight to Central Serengeti – Game Drive

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airstrip and fly to Central Serengeti. Upon landing, begin your game drive in the famous Seronera Valley, home to year-round predator activity.

Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Days 8 & 9: Full Days in Central Serengeti

Spend two full days exploring the Serengeti’s endless plains, focusing on lion prides, cheetahs, leopards, and vast grazing herds. Optional hot air balloon safari available.

Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a morning game drive, then drive toward the Ngorongoro Highlands, with wildlife viewing en route. Overnight near the crater rim or in Karatu.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Fly to Zanzibar

Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five and hundreds of bird species. After a half-day crater tour and picnic lunch, drive to Arusha and fly to Zanzibar. Overnight in Stone Town.

Accommodation: Tembo House Hotel / Dhow Palace
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12: Stone Town – Transfer to Zanzibar East Coast

After breakfast and a relaxed Stone Town walking tour, transfer to your beach resort on the East Coast of Zanzibar. Enjoy your first swim in the warm Indian Ocean.

Accommodation: Next Paradise Boutique Resort
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner