The Perfect 10-Day Tanzania Itinerary: Safari & Zanzibar Bliss
Discover the two brilliant facets of Tanzania with this perfectly paced 10-day itinerary that combines the thrill of a Northern Circuit safari with the serene beauty of the Zanzibar archipelago.
This journey is crafted for those who want it all: the adventure of tracking the Big Five across vast savannahs and the bliss of unwinding on pristine, white-sand beaches.
Ideal for honeymooners, couples, and families, this itinerary delivers the ultimate, well-rounded Tanzanian experience.
Itinerary at a Glance
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Focus: Big Five Safari, Great Migration, Beach Relaxation, Culture
Destinations: Arusha, Northern Safari Circuit (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro), Zanzibar
Day-by-Day Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Your adventure begins upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your lodge in Arusha to relax and acclimatize.
Spend the day unwinding from your travels and anticipating the incredible safari that awaits. In the evening, you will receive a detailed briefing about the journey ahead, covering both the safari and beach portions of your trip.
Day 2–6: A Comprehensive Northern Circuit Safari
For the next five days, you will be completely immersed in the greatest safari experience on Earth.
This comprehensive journey through the Northern Circuit will be expertly managed by your guide to maximize wildlife viewing.
A typical flow for these five days would be:
You will start in Tarangire National Park, spending a day among its giant baobab trees and immense elephant herds.
The journey will then take you to the vast Serengeti National Park, where you will spend two to three days exploring its endless plains, tracking big cats, and positioning yourself to witness the Great Migration.
The safari culminates with a descent into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife-rich caldera offering a spectacular final game drive with the chance to see the Big Five.
Your nights will be spent in carefully selected lodges and tented camps that keep you close to the heart of the action.
Day 7: Flight to the Spice Island of Zanzibar
After a final morning safari activity, you will be transferred to a nearby airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar.
The short journey offers a dramatic change of scenery, as the golden plains of the savannah give way to the brilliant turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Upon arrival at Zanzibar's airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, ready to begin the next chapter of your adventure.
Day 8–10: Beach Stay with Optional Excursions
The final three days of your journey are dedicated to enjoying the tropical paradise of Zanzibar. You will stay at a beautiful beach resort, where your time is your own. You can choose to do as much or as little as you please.
Spend your days relaxing on the pristine white-sand beaches, swimming in the warm, clear sea, or enjoying the facilities at your hotel.
For those seeking more activity, a variety of optional excursions are available. You can take a guided tour of historic Stone Town, visit a local spice farm to learn about the island's aromatic history, or embark on a snorkeling trip to the vibrant coral reefs.
On your final day, after a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, fully rested and rejuvenated.
Conclusion
This 10-day itinerary delivers the perfect Tanzanian narrative: a story of exhilarating adventure followed by serene relaxation.
From the untamed wilderness of the Serengeti to the tranquil shores of Zanzibar, you will have experienced the very best of both worlds.
This journey of contrasts ensures you depart not only with incredible wildlife sightings but also with the restorative calm of a tropical escape, creating a truly complete and unforgettable memory of Tanzania.
