10 Day Classic Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Escape
10 DaysOverview
This 10-day journey offers an unforgettable introduction to Tanzania’s top safari destinations and exotic
coastal beauty. From the vast elephant herds of Tarangire to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater and the
endless plains of the Serengeti, every moment is filled with wonder. Your safari concludes with a
relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar, where you can unwind after days of game drives and adventure.
Curated with comfort and smooth logistics in mind, this itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who
want to experience Tanzania’s best wildlife areas without rushing. Expect close encounters with the Big
Five, rich cultural insights, and sun-kissed beach moments—all delivered with personalized service from
Neste Uganda Safaris Ltd.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly received by a representative from
Neste Uganda Safaris Ltd and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Nestled at the foot of Mount Meru,
Arusha is the safari capital of Northern Tanzania and serves as a perfect base to begin your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a quiet evening at your lodge or take a short walk around
town. Settle into your accommodation and take time to relax after your journey. Your guide will brief
you on the adventure ahead and ensure you’re well-prepared for the days to come. Enjoy dinner and
overnight in Arusha, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the distant mountains.
After an early breakfast, your driver-guide will meet you and set off for Tarangire National Park, roughly
a 2.5-hour drive. This park is renowned for its vast elephant population and the iconic baobab trees that
scatter the landscape. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy your first game drive in this beautifully rugged terrain.
Expect to see large herds of elephants, as well as zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and possibly even lions or
leopards hiding in the tall grass. The Tarangire River acts as a magnet for wildlife during the dry season,
making for excellent viewing. After your afternoon safari, retire to your lodge within or near the park for
a night surrounded by nature.
Wake up early to enjoy a final game drive in Tarangire, capturing the soft morning light as animals stir
and predators finish their night hunts. The early hours offer a great chance to see wildlife at its most
active. Keep your eyes peeled for lion prides, ostriches, warthogs, and colorful bird species. After
brunch, you’ll begin the drive toward Lake Manyara, a small but biodiverse park set against the
backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your lodge.
Take the evening to rest, enjoy the scenery, and prepare for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Today starts with a game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and
large flocks of flamingos. The park's varied ecosystems—ranging from groundwater forests to alkaline
lakes—create an ideal environment for hippos, baboons, and over 400 bird species. After your safari,
you’ll visit Mto wa Mbu, a nearby cultural village where over 120 tribes coexist. Take part in a guided
walking tour to learn about traditional banana farming, taste local foods, and explore vibrant local
markets. In the afternoon, drive up the escarpment to the Ngorongoro highlands, where you'll overnight
on the crater rim with breathtaking views of the caldera below.
Enjoy an early breakfast before descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
often described as a wildlife Eden. The crater’s floor is home to nearly every species found in East Africa,
including black rhinos, elephants, lions, hyenas, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Spend a full day exploring
the crater floor with a picnic lunch beside the hippo pool. The concentration of animals in such a
compact area makes for incredible photography and wildlife viewing. After your safari, ascend back to
your lodge on the rim or in nearby Karatu for a relaxing evening surrounded by the lush highlands.
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to the Serengeti National Park, passing through the Olduvai
Gorge, a world-famous archaeological site known as the "Cradle of Mankind." Here, you can visit a small
museum and learn about early human evolution before continuing your journey. By afternoon, you’ll
arrive in the southern Serengeti plains, where you'll immediately begin a game drive en route to your
lodge. The Serengeti is synonymous with wildlife and wide-open plains. Watch for lions lazing under
acacia trees, cheetahs scanning the horizon, and herds of wildebeest and zebras migrating depending on
the season.
Spend the day exploring the vast Serengeti, a park that holds one of the greatest concentrations of
wildlife on Earth. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the Great Migration, where
thousands of wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grazing lands, pursued by predators. With
your expert Neste Uganda Safaris guide, you'll track big cats, elephants, and possibly elusive leopards.
Visit different ecosystems, from riverine forests to golden grasslands. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a
shaded acacia and return to your lodge in the evening, heart full from a day of raw, wild beauty.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the nearest airstrip for your scenic flight to Zanzibar Island,
leaving the savannah behind for the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival, you’ll be met
and transferred to your beach resort on the island’s eastern or northern coast.
Check into your accommodation and spend the rest of the day unwinding on the beach or by the pool.
This is your time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the warm ocean breeze. Zanzibar is known for its white sand
beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back island vibe—perfect after a busy safari.
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to take a spice plantation tour, where you’ll
learn why Zanzibar is called the "Spice Island," or head into Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
to explore its winding alleys, vibrant markets, and historic architecture. Alternatively, simply enjoy a lazy
day on the beach, indulge in a spa treatment, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re
seeking adventure or tranquility, Zanzibar offers a beautiful finale to your safari journey.
Enjoy a final breakfast by the sea before your transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your
departure flight. Our team will ensure your schedule runs smoothly, and assist with any last-minute
needs or souvenirs. As your journey with Neste Uganda Safaris Ltd. comes to an end, you leave Tanzania
not just with photographs, but with memories of roaring lions, peaceful sunsets, vibrant cultures, and
the rhythm of the wild still in your heart.




