12 Days Tanzania Safaris Adventure
Experience the very best of Tanzania on this unforgettable 12-day safari journey. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater and the pristine shores of Zanzibar, this safari combines world-famous national parks, unique cultural encounters, and relaxing beach time.
This carefully designed itinerary gives you plenty of time to witness the Great Migration (seasonal), spot the legendary Big Five, and immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and traditions of Tanzania.
The accommodations we have chosen for your safari are categorized, Campsite, Lodge/Tent or Luxury Hotels and lodges. The Price on Top can be lower or Higher depends on the type of safari and the season.
Day 1: ARRIVAL
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by your Ventures and Bravo Safaris representative and transferred to your lodge in Arusha. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge or similar
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and large herds of elephants. Enjoy a full-day game drive with picnic lunch in the park.
Accommodation: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions, pink flamingos, and stunning views of the Great Rift Valley. Afternoon game drive before heading to your lodge near Karatu.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4–6: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive toward the world-famous Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel and one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves on Earth. The journey takes you through the stunning Ngorongoro Highlands, offering panoramic views of rolling hills and Maasai villages along the way.
Upon entering the Serengeti, you’ll immediately be greeted by endless golden plains teeming with wildlife. Enjoy an en-route game drive as you make your way to your camp, spotting giraffes, elephants, topi, and, with luck, the first glimpse of the Big Five. The Serengeti’s vast ecosystem hosts the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the savannah in search of fresh grazing — a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Arrive at your tented camp in time for sunset, relax by the campfire, and soak in the sounds of the African night.
Accommodation: Embalakai Tented Camp or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, making the most of the early light when predators are most active. Capture the beauty of the endless plains one last time — lions lounging on kopjes, elephants moving gracefully through the grasslands, and herds of wildebeest scattered across the horizon.
Later, begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural wonders. On the way, stop at the Olduvai Gorge, a world-renowned archaeological site often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind.” Here, you’ll learn about the fascinating discoveries of early human fossils by Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey that shaped our understanding of human evolution.
As you approach the Ngorongoro Highlands, the landscape transforms into lush forests and rolling hills. Arrive at your lodge perched on the crater rim, where you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera below. Enjoy a warm dinner and relax as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventure inside the crater.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Wake up early for a truly unforgettable experience — a full-day exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the natural wonders of Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, descend 600 meters into the crater floor, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
The crater’s unique ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of wildlife in a compact area. As you drive across the lush grasslands, keep an eye out for black rhinos, elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards. The permanent water sources attract large herds of animals, making it one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the Big Five in a single day. You’ll also encounter herds of zebras, wildebeest, and playful warthogs, along with flocks of flamingos wading in the soda lakes.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated scenic spots within the crater, surrounded by breathtaking views of the caldera walls. In the afternoon, continue your game drive before ascending back to the rim. Relax at your lodge, reflecting on a day filled with incredible wildlife encounters and the sheer beauty of this ancient volcanic landscape.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Flight to Zanzibar
Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar for the beach extension of your safari.
Days 10–11: Zanzibar Island
Relax on powder-white beaches, swim in turquoise waters, or explore Stone Town and spice plantations.
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international flight home.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a 12-Day Safari
June to October – Dry season, great for wildlife viewing and the Great Migration river crossings.
December to March – Calving season in the southern Serengeti, perfect for seeing new-born animals and predators in action.
April to May – Rainy season, fewer tourists and lush green landscapes
