7 Days Ultimate Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari from Arusha

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, your safari guide will pick you up and start your journey towards Serengeti National Park, via the high-lying farmlands of Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Karatu.

You will then descend into the far distance and head to the central area of the park called the Seronera Area, which is one of the richest wildlife spots. The Seronera River supplies water to this particular area and has attracted wildlife that is dependent on it. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon game drive.

[205km: 6 hrs. Approx.]

Accommodation & meals.

Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge.
Mid-Range: Asilia Dunia Camp/Osinon camps and lodges.
Budget: Usanja Camp.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Wake up early for a pre-breakfast and be fortunate to glide in a hot air balloon, which will reveal spectacular views of animals and landscapes in the Serengeti plains. You will be able to float silently above the bushes while sighting different wildlife, local villages, and rivers as you enjoy the scenery of the best African National Park.

After breakfast, enjoy game viewing along the famous Sogore River Circuit, which enters into the plains of the Seronera River, a convenient spot to view lions, topis, Thomson Gazelles, ostriches, and cheetahs. Reach the Visitors’ Center after the morning game drive. It’s beautifully designed and offers interesting wildlife displays, along with a gift shop that sells maps of the area as well as informational leaflets. You can also get cold drinks and snacks from the centre. Enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch at the centre within the shade of the acacia trees.

Later in the afternoon, you will follow the Kopjes Circuit that goes anti-clockwise around the Masai Kopjes, which usually attracts many lions and large cobras. The Kopjes are weathered granite outcrops around the plains, and most of these are miniature ecosystems that provide shade and act as drinking water spots. They are easy spots for viewing wildlife, such as lions, which sit near them waiting for prey to come to drink water. After this tight engagement, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Your breakfast will be served early enough as you prepare to transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area on a scenic drive. You will check in at the lodge upon arrival and then enjoy a delicious lunch.

On your afternoon game drive, you will descend over 600 metres into the crater in order to view wildlife for the rest of the day. Being supported by a year-round water supply and fodder, Ngorongoro crater harbors lots of wildlife, including zebras, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, giant African elephants, and herds of wildebeest.

The park also has a dense population of predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, etc. You will also visit Lake Magadi, a large but shallow alkaline lake found in the south-western corner and the main feature of the crater. This shallow lake also harbours lots of birds, flamingos, and hippos.

Accommodation & meals.

• Luxury: Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge.
• Mid-range: Ngorongoro Wildlife lodge/Hhando coffee lodge.
• Budget: Plantation Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

You will catch a flight from Serengeti’s Seronera Airstrip to Zanzibar. This archipelago is regarded as one of East Africa’s most beautiful island destinations. Upon arrival at the airport, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your beach hotel. After unpacking, feel free to kick back on the sand amid the tall palms and enjoy the fantastic views of the Indian Ocean.

Depending on the hotel you select, you could have all modern conveniences and creature comforts at your disposal, such as a private butler or chef, a rooftop deck, and a plunge pool overlooking the stunning coastline. If that’s the case, you may want to spend the day at your villa and later enjoy a romantic evening. You will also explore the alleys in Stone Town, enjoy a tour around the historical town, or visit Darajani Market.

Accommodation & meals:

• Midrange Tour: Double Tree by Hilton Hotel.
• Midrange Tour: Sarabi beach Hotel/The Loop.
• Luxury Tour: Zanzibar palace hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.   

With the main attraction being its inviting and captivating beaches, there are a number of optional activities to keep you busy in Zanzibar. You will spend the next couple of days relaxing on one of these prized stretches of sand. Or, if you’re feeling social, there’s no shortage of beach clubs and party vibes in the coastal village of Nungwi. If calm and relaxation are your goals, head to Michamvi Kae for some isolation.

Maybe you’d prefer a snorkeling or diving tour. Matemwe, on the northeast coast, is the best place for either activity, as it provides access to the coral reefs around the Mnemba Atoll. Or spend a day at Jozani Forest, home to exotic animals like the red colobus monkey.

Explore the Kuumbi Caves in Jambiani on the southeast coast for more nature. There are other options besides swimming and hiking, like surfing, kayaking in mangrove forests, or cycling around the island. You could also head out to sea for a sport-fishing adventure to reel in some marlin and sailfish.

You’ll want to spend time in the main town, too. Besides beaches and nature, Zanzibar boasts a rich history. The medieval centre of the capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This warren of alleyways, shops, bazaars, and mosques is home to some of Zanzibar’s most historic buildings. One standout is the Arab Fort, a defensive fortification built in the 17th century.

A great activity is strolling through Stone Town and admiring its unique mix of Arabic architecture and Indian influences. You can also visit the solemn site of a former slave market and learn about this sad part of the island’s history.

After having breakfast, it’s time to leave the tropical paradise. You may lazily pack up your baggage and transfer to Zanzibar’s airport in the morning and fly to Arusha, where you’ll catch your connecting flight home.

• No accommodation.
• Meals: Breakfast.

End of the 7 Days Serengeti and Zanzibar Safari.