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12 days Classic Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Escape | Great Wildebeest Migration Experience

From the Hearts of the Serengeti and the Indian Ocean – A Journey That Touches the Soul

This 12-day Classic Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar beach escape is a beautifully balanced journey that captures the very essence of East Africa — from the raw drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti to the soothing elegance of Zanzibar’s white-sand shores and turquoise waters.

Thoughtfully designed to flow naturally from one destination to the next, the safari begins in Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife regions. Explore the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire National Park, descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and venture deep into the Serengeti, where vast plains come alive with migrating wildebeest, prowling predators, and unforgettable safari moments. Each day brings intimate wildlife encounters, guided by experienced professionals who understand the rhythm of the land.

The journey then softens as you fly to Zanzibar, where palm-lined beaches, warm Indian Ocean breezes, and unhurried days invite you to relax and reconnect. Here, luxury meets simplicity — time slows, sunsets linger, and the memories of the wild gently blend with barefoot beach living.

Ideal for honeymooners, couples, and travelers seeking a timeless Tanzania and Zanzibar safari, this experience combines iconic wildlife, refined comfort, and meaningful moments. Crafted by Africa Pathways, it is a journey that feels seamless, personal, and deeply connected to Africa — classic, elegant, and unforgettable.

Why This Safari

  • Perfect Tanzania Flow
    Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Zanzibar, paced naturally with no rushing.

  • Iconic Wildlife Experiences
    Big Five safaris, Serengeti game drives & a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon flight.

  • Romance Meets Adventure
    Champagne bush breakfast, luxury lodges & relaxed Zanzibar beach days.

  • Zanzibar Done Right
    Two full free days to unwind on white-sand beaches — not just a quick add-on.

  • Designed by Africa Pathways
    Locally crafted, privately guided & deeply personal from start to finish

Tour Features:

Game Drives

Safaris include daily game drives in a high quality Land Cruiser, suitable for up to 6 people.

Luxury Safari

Elevate your travel experience with private, tailor-made luxury safari tours to Tanzania created by our experts. Africa Pathways Expeditions is proudly based in Tanzania and offers bespoke Tanzania Safari Packages, including accommodation, meals, all-ground transport, and activities.

Recommended dates

Jan–Mar: Calving season in Southern Serengeti (newborns & predators) ----Jun–Jul: Grumeti River crossings in Western Serengeti ----- Aug–Oct: Iconic Mara River crossings in Northern Serengeti

Arusha Town 3

Day 1 – Arrival in Tanzania | A Warm African Welcome

Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed by your Africa Pathways private guide and transferred to your elegant boutique retreat near Arusha. As Mount Kilimanjaro watches quietly from afar, settle in and let Africa’s rhythm gently embrace you.

This evening, enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner — the first of many unforgettable moments on your safari journey.

Accommodation options

58215526 - group of elephants shot at the back in amboseli, kenya. wide view. shot at sunset.

Day 2-3: Tarangire National Park

Day 2 – Into the Wild: Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds.

Enjoy your first authentic safari game drive before arriving at your treetop lodge, dramatically perched on a kopje overlooking the Tarangire River and Silale Swamp — a wildlife magnet year-round.

As the sun sets, sip a drink on your private terrace while elephants wander below.

Day 3 – Full Safari Day in Tarangire

Wake to the sounds of the bush and spend the day exploring Tarangire’s diverse ecosystems.

Morning and afternoon game drives reveal elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and elusive leopards along the riverbanks. Mid-afternoon, return to the lodge for relaxation — a swim, a massage, or simply watching wildlife from above.

This is safari at an unhurried, intimate pace.

 

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lengai masai top

Day 4 - 5 - Maasai Culture & Ngorongoro Crater

Day 4 – Maasai Culture & Journey to Ngorongoro

This morning, visit a traditional Maasai village, where ancient customs and stories are shared with warmth and pride. Enjoy a special bush lunch surrounded by open landscapes.

Later, travel to the Ngorongoro Highlands, arriving at your lodge with breathtaking views over the famous crater — a place that feels timeless and sacred.

Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater & Oldupai Gorge

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called Africa’s Garden of Eden. Within this natural amphitheater, encounter the Big Five amid grasslands, forests, and shimmering lakes.

Continue to Oldupai Gorge, cradle of humankind, where the story of early human life comes alive through expert interpretation.

By late afternoon, journey across endless plains into the Serengeti National Park — a moment every traveler remembers forever.

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Migration grumeti

Day 6 – Serengeti Safari | The Endless Plains

Today is dedicated entirely to the Serengeti ecosystem.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic game drive north toward the Northern Serengeti, arriving near the legendary Mara River, where the Great Migration drama unfolds.

Check in to your luxury tented camp and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon migration-focused game drive, tracking wildebeest and zebra as they gather near the riverbanks.

Enjoy time at leisure before an evening briefing for tomorrow’s magical adventure

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balloon-safari ndutu

Day 7 – Hot Air Balloon Safari Over the Serengeti

Before sunrise, lift gently into the sky on a hot air balloon safari — drifting silently over wildlife as dawn paints the plains in gold.

Touch down for a champagne breakfast in the bush, one of Africa’s most romantic experiences. Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive before a final elegant dinner in the Serengeti.

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Zanzibar-Island 3

Day 8 -11 : Zanzibar

Day 8 – Fly to Zanzibar & Stone Town Exploration

After a final morning in the Serengeti, fly to Zanzibar, where Africa meets the Indian Ocean.

Discover historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Swahili, Arab, and European influences. Wander narrow streets, carved doors, and vibrant markets.

Check in to your luxurious oceanfront hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 9 – Free Day in Zanzibar | Beach & Relaxation

Today is completely yours.

Relax on powder-white beaches, enjoy the spa, swim in turquoise waters, or simply do nothing at all. This is a day to slow down and savor paradise at your own rhythm.

Day 10 – Dhow Cruise & Indian Ocean Safari

Set sail aboard a traditional dhow for an Indian Ocean experience unlike any other. Watch for dolphins, swim in crystal-clear waters, and snorkel near vibrant coral reefs.

Return in the afternoon and enjoy a special farewell dinner, celebrating an extraordinary journey shared.

Day 11 – Zanzibar at Leisure | Free Beach Day

Another full day to relax, reconnect, and enjoy Zanzibar your way.

Optional activities include spa treatments, beach walks, or private dining by the sea — the perfect romantic pause before departure.

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7121644 - tanzani volcano, ol doinyo lengai, tanzania, africa

Day 12: A spice tour, then homeward bound

Tour ends: Zanzibar. If you wish, join our local guides for a "spice tour" of Stone Town this morning, or just enjoy some time at leisure before checking out of your hotel. Allow 3½ hours for flight check-in. Note: International flights out should be booked after 5:00 PM. 

The package includes:

  • Personalized meet & greet on arrival in Tanzania

  • Private airport transfers and ground transportation throughout

  • All accommodation as specified (luxury lodges & beach hotel)

  • All meals as outlined in the itinerary

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

  • Professional English-speaking safari guide

  • All park entrance fees and conservation fees

  • Game drives in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti

  • Maasai village cultural experience

  • Oldupai Gorge visit with museum entry

  • Hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti with champagne breakfast

  • Domestic flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar

  • Stone Town guided tour

  • Traditional dhow cruise on the Indian Ocean

  • All government taxes and service charges

The package excludes:

  • International flights to/from Tanzania

  • Visa fees and travel insurance

  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, tips, spa treatments)

  • Tips & gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff

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