Northern Circuit Tanzania Safari & Beach

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly greeted by a professional Lion King representative who will assist with your transfer and ensure a smooth introduction to your Tanzania safari experience. You will then be driven through the scenic surroundings of northern Tanzania to your accommodation in Arusha, the vibrant gateway city to some of Africa’s most famous safari destinations, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Once at your lodge, you will check in and have time to unwind after your journey. This is a calm and comfortable stopover where you can rest, refresh, and begin to absorb the atmosphere of your upcoming wildlife adventure across Tanzania’s iconic national parks.

Your accommodation will be at the welcoming mid-range Arusha Planet Lodge, known for its tranquil setting, lush gardens, and comfortable rooms—an ideal place to relax before beginning your safari itinerary.

Meals & Drinks: at your own expense.

In the morning you will be collected from your lodgings in Arusha by our safari guide. We set out for Tarangire National Park on a good tarmac road across gently rolling Maasai plains with scattered acacia trees. As we zip along we pass many Maasai in their colorful dress walking on the roadside, riding bicycles, herding cattle, and driving donkey’s carts. Tarangire National Park, well known for its large elephant herds, is also host to a multitude of other creatures. From the open roof of our state-of-the-art safari jeep, we experience the seasonal swamps, savanna, and life-giving Tarangire River, endeavoring to encounter a multitude of creatures, from zebra to wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, and giraffe, to name a few. We may glimpse lions stalking prey or leopards watching, relaxing in the trees above.

you will drive to one of our carefully selected luxury partner lodges for dinner in a tasteful restaurant, a pool at hand to soothe us, and a most capacious.

Accommodation

Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn

Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included

After breakfast, you will continue towards the fertile highlands where wheat and corn are grown by the Iraqw people. Along the way, we’ll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to see baboons or even leopards and elephants in the dense undergrowth. Passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you will be able to see the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater before traveling onwards to the Serengeti National Park, which you will reach by midday. The Serengeti National Park is the largest in Tanzania with diverse landscapes and habitats, such as grassy plains, swamps, lakes, savannahs, and mountains.

After an extensive game drive, we drive to the Seronera Valley for an evening meal and overnight stay at your accommodation.

Accommodation

Luxury: Nyota Luxury Camp

Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included

This entire day is set aside for game drives upon the Serengeti. The Serengeti, the habitat of an abundance of wildlife such as impala, buffalo, crocodile, and hippo, is more well-known for its great migrating herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest. The animals’ trek is determined by the rainfall and varies from year to year. In November and December, the animals move from the northern region, dominated by woodlands and hills, to the grassy plains of the south. During the longer rainy season from April to June, they return to the north. Apart from the migrating herds, we may have the opportunity to see the resident predators, leopard, cheetah, and lion, fulfilling their role in the circle of life.

After an extensive game drive, we head for our accommodation for a hearty dinner and another night by the fire of relaxation and conversation under the sweeping majesty of the star-bright African night out upon the ‘Endless Plain’.

Accommodation

Luxury: Nyota Luxury Camp

Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included

After our scrumptious breakfast, we head out of Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater. We may spot the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard – before embarking on our journey to The Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the seven wonders of Africa, formed millions of years ago, is 600 m deep and covers roughly around 260 square kilometers. Due to its dense animal population of approximately 25,000 ungulates, the crater offers the best game viewing of all the parks in Tanzania. We arrive at the Crater rim before lunch, descending into the Crater, we very quickly view wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, elephant, and some of the more than 500 bird species in the area. With a little luck, we may catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino through the grass. After our lunch and a full afternoon inside the Crater, we head to our lodgings for delightful dining and our night of rest amid the plains and her multitudinous animal life.

Accommodation

Mid-range: Eileen’s Tree Inn

Meals & Drink: All meals included, Drinks not included

After breakfast, we drive to our final destination on this epic safari – Lake Manyara National Park. This relatively small but diverse park, 120km west of Arusha, named for the shallow, salt lake that covers a large area of the park, flooding and drying with the seasons, is home to thousands of flamingos and over 500 other bird species. On our exploration of the park, we will see monkeys, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephants, and with some luck, lions lounging in the trees. The park is known for its diverse landscapes; not only open grassy plains but also primate-filled woodlands and baobab dotted cliffs. After our lunch, we head back to Arusha where we arrive in the late afternoon for our flight to Zanzibar (Stone Town).

Accommodation

Midrange: Maru Maru Hotel

Meals & Drink: Bed & Breakfast, Drinks not included

At a time that suits your schedule, you will be transferred to Nungwi, located at the northern tip of the beautiful island of Zanzibar. This scenic coastal journey introduces you to one of the island’s most famous beach destinations, where turquoise Indian Ocean waters, swaying palm trees, and soft white sands create a true tropical paradise.

Once a traditional dhow-building village, Nungwi has preserved its authentic Swahili heritage while evolving into one of Zanzibar’s most popular beach resorts. It is widely known for its postcard-perfect coastline, calm swimming conditions throughout the day, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in East Africa.

Today, Nungwi is a vibrant hub for Zanzibar beach holidays and ocean adventures. Visitors can enjoy world-class diving and snorkeling on coral reefs, deep-sea fishing excursions, dhow sailing trips, and a variety of water sports. Whether you are seeking relaxation or adventure, Nungwi offers the perfect blend of cultural charm and coastal beauty on your Zanzibar safari extension.

From Nungwi on the northern coast of Zanzibar, you can easily access some of the island’s most renowned dive and snorkeling sites, making it a prime base for a Zanzibar beach holiday and Indian Ocean adventure. Popular underwater excursions include trips along the island’s eastern coastline, as well as boat journeys to the pristine reefs around Mnemba Island and the coral-rich waters near Tumbatu Island, both celebrated for their vibrant marine life, clear visibility, and rich biodiversity.

Thanks to Nungwi’s unique coastal geography and mild tidal variations, swimming is possible throughout the day, unlike many other parts of Zanzibar where tides strongly affect beach access. This makes it an ideal destination for both relaxed swimming and full-day beach enjoyment.

Beyond the ocean activities, Nungwi also offers a range of inland and cultural experiences. Visitors can take part in guided village tours to explore local Swahili culture, enjoy cycling routes through coastal paths, or unwind with yoga sessions overlooking the Indian Ocean. This combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery makes Nungwi one of the most versatile and attractive destinations in Zanzibar.

From Nungwi on the northern coast of Zanzibar, you can easily access some of the island’s most renowned dive and snorkeling sites, making it a prime base for a Zanzibar beach holiday and Indian Ocean adventure. Popular underwater excursions include trips along the island’s eastern coastline, as well as boat journeys to the pristine reefs around Mnemba Island and the coral-rich waters near Tumbatu Island, both celebrated for their vibrant marine life, clear visibility, and rich biodiversity.

Thanks to Nungwi’s unique coastal geography and mild tidal variations, swimming is possible throughout the day, unlike many other parts of Zanzibar where tides strongly affect beach access. This makes it an ideal destination for both relaxed swimming and full-day beach enjoyment.

Beyond the ocean activities, Nungwi also offers a range of inland and cultural experiences. Visitors can take part in guided village tours to explore local Swahili culture, enjoy cycling routes through coastal paths, or unwind with yoga sessions overlooking the Indian Ocean. This combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery makes Nungwi one of the most versatile and attractive destinations in Zanzibar.

At a time that suits your schedule, you will be transferred to Nungwi, located at the northern tip of the beautiful island of Zanzibar. This scenic coastal journey introduces you to one of the island’s most famous beach destinations, where turquoise Indian Ocean waters, swaying palm trees, and soft white sands create a true tropical paradise.

Once a traditional dhow-building village, Nungwi has preserved its authentic Swahili heritage while evolving into one of Zanzibar’s most popular beach resorts. It is widely known for its postcard-perfect coastline, calm swimming conditions throughout the day, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in East Africa.

Today, Nungwi is a vibrant hub for Zanzibar beach holidays and ocean adventures. Visitors can enjoy world-class diving and snorkeling on coral reefs, deep-sea fishing excursions, dhow sailing trips, and a variety of water sports. Whether you are seeking relaxation or adventure, Nungwi offers the perfect blend of cultural charm and coastal beauty on your Zanzibar safari extension.

On the final day of your Tanzania safari or Zanzibar beach holiday, you will begin the morning with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, surrounded by the last moments of tropical calm and reflection on an incredible journey through East Africa’s most iconic destinations. This is a peaceful time to take in the memories created during your adventure, from unforgettable wildlife encounters in Tanzania’s national parks to the scenic beauty of the African landscapes.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport or seaport, depending on your onward travel arrangements. Our professional team will ensure a smooth and comfortable departure, assisting you all the way until your journey home begins. As you leave, you will carry with you lasting impressions of the African wilderness, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking safari moments that define a true Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday experience.

This marks the end of your tour.

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)