Luxury Tanzania Safari & Beach

Tanzania is such an exceptional safari destination because of the amount of space dedicated to conservation and the diversity of its destinations. You have the inland parks and conservancies, with the crater, lakes, endless plains, rivers, and hills dedicated to creating a protected space for African fauna and flora to thrive. Then there is the coast and Zanzibar Island. A tropical haven with picturesque white sandy beaches, palm trees, and a slow, content pace to life. To top it off, Tanzania has a rich history, a colorful culture, and a welcoming spirit.

This remarkable Tanzanian itinerary combines flagship national parks and a blissful beach retreat. Experience the land, its wildlife, natural beauty, and the warmth of the Tanzanian people. You being your journey with an overnight at Legendary Lodge in Arusha. From there, venture into Karatu where Gibb’s Farm awaits. Based in the foothills of the Ngorongoro Crater, and within an easy distance from Lake Manyara National Park and Lake Eyasi, you can experience something new each day.

Next, the renowned Serengeti beckons. Namiri Plains Camp in the east offers fantastic big cat and general game viewing, intimate dinners under the stars, and beautiful accommodations. Sayari Camp is perfectly located for incredible year-round game viewing but also the Great Migration in season. At the right time of year and with a bit of luck, you can witness the herds’ daring dashes across the Mara River into the Masai Mara. After an incredible safari experience, relax on Zanzibar Island at the Zawadi Hotel. Dive into the azure sea, explore the pristine coastline, or simply bask in the tropical sunshine.

Day 1: Overnight in Arusha | 1 Night

Arusha, Tanzania

After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are greeted by your driver who will transfer you to Legendary Lodge. The lodge is situated on a working coffee plantation and is perfect for a quick stopover before heading into the famed national parks of Tanzania. If you arrive early enough, take the day to explore Arusha or make use of the lodge’s modern facilities to unwind from your long journey to Africa and rest up for your exciting safari!

Day 2-4: The Foothills of Ngorongoro Crater | 3 Nights

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

After a delicious breakfast at Legendary Lodge, overlooking the lush gardens, your driver guide will arrive. You have a private vehicle and guide for the duration of your stay in Karatu, at Gibb’s Farm. Its location on the forested slopes outside of the Crater in Karatu makes this beautiful property an ideal base from which you can explore key destinations Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Lake Eyasi.

Included in your stay here is a full-day trip into the Ngorongoro Crater. With your private guide and vehicle, you’ll have the flexibility to enjoy the day out at your own pace, stopping at each sighting for as long as you want. The crater is a centuries-old volcanic caldera that has over the years become a thriving habitat and conservation success story protected by the Tanzanian government. Enjoy thrilling game viewing, breathtaking views, a picnic lunch, and drinks stops before making your way back to camp where you can indulge in a hot bath followed by a delicious dinner and end off with a cozy nightcap next to a crackling fire.

When not out exploring the nearby parks, Gibb’s Farm has plenty to offer. Visit the working coffee plantation, dairy farm, and piggery, get involved with some farm-related chores, or join the farm’s coffee roasters to experience traditional coffee roasting methods. Stroll through the old farmyard, and the flower and vegetable garden, or head further out for a guided forest walk to discover a seasonal waterfall and mystical elephant caves. For more extensive outings, you can head out on a guided walk up to the rim of the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, or visit the variety of community projects and initiatives to learn more about rural living in Tanzania.

Day 5-7: Quintessential Safari in the Serengeti | 3 Nights

Serengeti, Tanzania

Savor your last morning and breakfast at the beautiful Gibb’s Farm, after which your driver will take you through to Manyara Airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Seronera Airstrip. Here you’ll meet your guide for a quick road transfer to your Serengeti base for the next three nights, the beautiful Namiri Plains Camp.

Take a moment to settle into your tent, and savor that ‘wow’ moment when you first lay your eyes on the room and the view of the endless Serengeti plains outside. High tea snacks and your appetite should be ready by then. Head to the main lodge area to enjoy the spread of sweet and savory eats before heading out for your first Serengeti game drive. The Serengeti offers incredible year-round game viewing and Namiri is located in an area where big cats, particularly cheetahs, are prevalent.

In between activities, take time to enjoy the lodge and its facilities. Have a refreshing dip in the pool, relax on the plush loungers, and sip on a cold drink as you watch a herd of elephants or buffalo pass by. Arrive back to camp each evening to a campfire where you can gather to connect and recount your safari stories and experiences.

Day 8-10: The Serengeti Adventure Continues | 3 Nights

Serengeti, Tanzania

You’ve had a taste of safari in the eastern Serengeti and likely experienced some incredible big cat sightings. We always recommend a minimum of three nights in this extraordinary wilderness, but this brief taste of safari will leave you yearning for more. That’s why we have designed this itinerary to double your time in the Serengeti, allowing you to explore both the eastern and northern regions and sink into the wonderful routine of life on safari.

After a final breakfast at Namiri Plains, your guide will take you through to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Kogatende Airstrip. A guide will be waiting to meet you and drive you to your next stop, Sayari Camp. Located in the remote northern Serengeti, Sayari provides a true safari on the great wildebeest migration route with access to several river crossing points. The herds pass through the northern Serengeti from approximately May to July.

An optional, yet not-to-be-missed add-on while in the Serengeti is a hot-air balloon safari. Truly a magical experience floating over the savannah as the sun peeks over the horizon and concludes with a champagne breakfast out in the bush. This activity is best done while at Sayari, as the camp is closer to the launch site than Namiri Plains Camp.

Day 11-14: Unwind in Paradise on Zanzibar Island | 4 Nights

Tanzania

We cannot say that by now you will have had your fill of safari, as that’s unlikely ever to be the case. However, the trip isn’t over yet and you can look forward to a different sort of incredible as the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar Island await!

Bid farewell to the wonderful staff at Sayari as you head back to Kogatende Airstrip. From here you board your flight to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. A driver will meet you on arrival for your road transfer to the beach resort, Zawadi Hotel. Look forward to four nights here to relax, slow down, and soak in some tropical sunshine. Zawadi is idyllically located on a long stretch of pristine beach extending down the quieter southeast coast.

There is a wide range of activities to enjoy throughout the resort. Head to the water sports center for kayaking and snorkeling equipment or diving lessons. Head to the spa for a rejuvenating treatment, or just pop to the beach to enjoy a swim and relax taking in the gentle lapping of the waves.

Day 15: Your Time in Tanzania Comes to an End

On your fifteenth and final day, bid the sandy shores of Zanzibar Island goodbye. As you’re driving through the island roads back to Zanzibar’s airport for your trip home, you’ll have two weeks of wonderful experiences to look back on.