Best 14-Day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar 2027, 2028 & 2029

Explore Tours

The 14-Day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar package brings together two of Tanzania’s most rewarding travel experiences: wildlife viewing across the northern safari circuit and a relaxing beach holiday beside the Indian Ocean.

The journey begins in Arusha before continuing to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. After several days of private game drives, you will fly to Zanzibar to explore Stone Town, visit a spice farm and relax on the island’s tropical beaches.

This itinerary is suitable for couples, honeymooners, families, photographers and private groups. Gowitos Safaris and Holidays can arrange the trip using comfortable mid-range lodges, luxury camps, premium beach resorts or a combination of accommodation categories.

Tour Overview

Tour information	Details
Duration	14 days and 13 nights
Starting point	Kilimanjaro International Airport
Ending point	Zanzibar International Airport
Tour type	Private wildlife safari and beach holiday
Safari destinations	Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti
Beach destination	Zanzibar Island
Transport	Private 4×4 safari vehicle and domestic flight
Accommodation	Mid-range, luxury or customized
Suitable for	Couples, families, honeymooners and private groups
Best travel period	Throughout the year

Highlights of the 14-Day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

See large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
Explore the forest and wetlands of Lake Manyara
Descend into the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater
Spend three nights exploring Serengeti National Park
Search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses
Witness seasonal wildebeest migration activity
Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
Fly from northern Tanzania to Zanzibar
Explore the historic streets of Stone Town
Learn about spices and tropical fruits
Enjoy a traditional Zanzibar marine excursion
Relax on beautiful Indian Ocean beaches
Choose from several optional island activities
Customize the journey around your interests and budget

Detailed 14-Day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative from Gowitos Safaris and Holidays will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha.

The drive provides your first views of northern Tanzania’s communities and landscapes. On clear days, you may see Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru from parts of the route.

After checking in, you can relax at the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, your safari representative will conduct a short briefing covering the itinerary, accommodation, game drives and domestic flight to Zanzibar.

Accommodation: Hotel or lodge in Arusha
Meals: According to your hotel plan

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, your professional safari guide will collect you from the hotel and drive to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is known for its ancient baobab trees, seasonal wetlands, riverine habitats and large elephant population. The Tarangire River provides an important source of water during the dry season.

Your first game drive may reveal:

African elephants
Lions
Giraffes
Zebras
Wildebeest
Cape buffaloes
Impalas
Waterbucks
Warthogs
Baboons

Leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs also inhabit the greater ecosystem, but sightings are less predictable.

After a picnic lunch, you will continue the game drive before traveling to your lodge or tented camp.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Tarangire or Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park Safari

After breakfast, travel to Lake Manyara National Park, situated beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

The park contains groundwater forest, acacia woodland, open areas, wetlands and lakeshore habitats. This variety supports elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, baboons and blue monkeys.

Lake Manyara is also associated with tree-climbing lions. However, these lions move naturally, and finding them cannot be guaranteed.

The park offers excellent birdwatching. Pelicans, storks, herons, hornbills, kingfishers and birds of prey may be observed. Flamingo numbers vary with lake conditions and seasonal food availability.

After the game drive, continue to your accommodation in Karatu.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Begin the day with an early breakfast before traveling to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

You will descend along the crater road to its floor for an extensive game drive. The Ngorongoro Crater contains grasslands, woodland, wetlands and a seasonal soda lake.

Its permanent water and grazing areas support a high concentration of animals, including:

Lions
Elephants
Cape buffaloes
Zebras
Wildebeest
Hippos
Gazelles
Warthogs
Spotted hyenas

The Ngorongoro Crater is also an important location for searching for the endangered black rhinoceros. Sightings depend on the animal’s location and cannot be guaranteed.

You will stop for a picnic lunch at an authorized location before continuing the afternoon game drive. Later, ascend to your lodge near the crater or in the surrounding highlands.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp near Ngorongoro
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, you will travel through the conservation area toward Serengeti National Park.

The scenery gradually changes from the green Ngorongoro highlands to the open Serengeti plains. Your guide will stop at viewpoints and wildlife sightings along the way.

An optional visit to Olduvai Gorge can be arranged at an additional cost. The area is internationally important for research into early human history.

You may also add a respectful Maasai Village visit to learn about local traditions and livestock-based life.

After entering the Serengeti, you will begin an afternoon game drive. Possible sightings include lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, gazelles and spotted hyenas.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Full-Day Central Serengeti Safari

Today is dedicated to exploring the Central Serengeti, also known as the Seronera region.

The area contains open grasslands, river valleys, acacia woodland and rocky kopjes. Permanent water sources support wildlife throughout the year, making Central Serengeti particularly suitable for predator viewing.

You may encounter lions resting near kopjes, leopards hidden in trees and cheetahs scanning the plains. Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and antelopes are also present.

You can return to the camp for lunch or carry a picnic meal for a longer game drive. Because this is a private safari, your guide can adjust the pace according to your interests and wildlife activity.

An optional Hot Air Balloon Flight can be arranged in advance at an additional cost.

Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Serengeti Wildlife and Migration Safari

After an early breakfast, continue exploring the Serengeti. Your guide will select the day’s route according to recent wildlife information and seasonal conditions.

Depending on your travel dates, you may encounter part of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

The herds are generally found in different regions during the year:

December to March: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu
April to June: Central and western regions
July to October: Northern Serengeti and Mara River region
November: Movement toward the central and southern plains

These periods are approximate because rainfall and grazing conditions determine the migration’s exact timing and route.

Although river crossings and calving activity are major attractions, neither can be guaranteed on a specific day.

Accommodation: Lodge or seasonal tented camp in Serengeti National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Final Serengeti Game Drive and Flight to Zanzibar

Begin with an early-morning game drive in the Serengeti. Morning temperatures are cooler, and predators may remain active before resting during the warmer hours.

After breakfast or brunch, your guide will transfer you to a Serengeti airstrip for the scheduled flight to Zanzibar Island.

The flight reduces the long road journey back to Arusha and provides aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes.

Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, a representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Stone Town.

Domestic flight schedules may change. Final pickup and transfer times will be confirmed before travel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Stone Town
Meals: Breakfast; other meals according to your hotel plan

Day 9: Stone Town and Zanzibar Spice Tour

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historical center.

The old town is known for its narrow streets, carved doors, markets and architecture influenced by African, Arab, Indian and European history.

Your guide will introduce you to important landmarks, local businesses and everyday life. Entrance to specific museums or historical buildings depends on the confirmed program.

After Stone Town, continue to a spice farm. You will learn how cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, black pepper, nutmeg and tropical fruits are cultivated. The plants and fruits available for tasting depend on the season.

Following the tour, transfer to your beach resort.

Accommodation: Zanzibar beach resort
Meals: Breakfast; other meals according to your resort plan

Day 10: Safari Blue Zanzibar Experience

Today, you can enjoy a full-day Safari Blue Zanzibar excursion, subject to weather and marine conditions.

The experience normally involves sailing aboard a traditional-style dhow or similar boat through the Menai Bay area. Depending on conditions, the day may include swimming, snorkeling, a sandbank visit and a seafood lunch.

Exact stops depend on tides, weather and the operator’s safety assessment.

Guests who do not eat seafood should communicate their dietary requirements in advance. Marine-life sightings cannot be guaranteed.

After the excursion, return to your beach resort.

Accommodation: Zanzibar beach resort
Meals: Breakfast and excursion lunch; dinner according to your resort plan

Day 11: Zanzibar Beach Leisure

Today is reserved for relaxation beside the Indian Ocean.

You can swim when conditions are suitable, walk along the beach, enjoy the swimming pool or use the resort’s facilities. Beach conditions vary according to tides, weather and location.

Optional activities may include:

Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Kayaking
Stand-up paddleboarding
Sunset cruise
Spa treatment
Village visit
Private beach dinner

This free day creates a comfortable balance after the active safari and sightseeing sections of the 14-Day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar.

Accommodation: Zanzibar beach resort
Meals: According to your resort plan

Day 12: Optional Jozani Forest or Prison Island Tour

Enjoy another flexible day on Zanzibar. You may relax at the resort or select an optional excursion.

A Jozani Forest Tour offers an opportunity to learn about Zanzibar’s forest environment and search for red colobus monkeys.

Alternatively, a Prison Island Tour can introduce you to the island’s history and resident giant tortoises.

Other possibilities include:

Dolphin tour
Snorkeling excursion
Zanzibar Cooking Class
Cultural village visit
Sunset dhow cruise

Optional excursions are not included unless stated in your booking confirmation.

Accommodation: Zanzibar beach resort
Meals: According to your resort plan

Day 13: Final Zanzibar Beach Day

Spend your final full day relaxing on Zanzibar’s coast.

You can enjoy the resort, take photographs, shop for souvenirs or arrange a final optional activity. Couples and honeymooners may request a private dinner or romantic room setup at an additional cost.

Travelers interested in marine activities should follow local safety instructions and avoid touching coral or chasing wild animals.

In the evening, enjoy your final night beside the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation: Zanzibar beach resort
Meals: According to your resort plan

Day 14: Zanzibar Departure

After breakfast, enjoy your remaining time at the hotel, depending on your flight schedule and the resort’s checkout policy.

Your driver will collect you at the agreed time and transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight.

Additional Zanzibar nights or a return flight to mainland Tanzania can be arranged on request.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast

Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit

The northern safari circuit includes several of Tanzania’s most recognized wildlife destinations.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is known for elephants, baobab trees and wildlife gathering near the river during the dry season. Its woodland and seasonal wetlands also support rich birdlife.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara combines forest, woodland, wetlands and lakeshore habitats beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment.

Ngorongoro Crater

The crater provides rewarding year-round wildlife viewing within a compact and varied ecosystem.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti offers expansive landscapes, a strong predator population and seasonal Great Migration activity.

Zanzibar Beach Locations

Different parts of Zanzibar provide different holiday experiences.

Nungwi

Nungwi offers resorts, restaurants, marine activities and attractive sunset views. Its location in northern Zanzibar makes it popular with couples and active travelers.

Kendwa

Kendwa has a broad beach and generally less dramatic tidal changes than many eastern-coast areas. It is a good choice for travelers who prioritize swimming.

Matemwe

Matemwe offers a quieter atmosphere and convenient access to marine excursions around northeastern Zanzibar.

Paje

Paje is popular for kitesurfing, beach walks and its relaxed social environment. Tidal changes are noticeable.

Jambiani

Jambiani combines a peaceful beach setting with opportunities to experience coastal village life.

Gowitos Safaris and Holidays will recommend a beach area according to your interests, preferred atmosphere and budget.

Best Time for the Safari and Zanzibar Holiday

The 14-Day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar can be arranged throughout the year.

June to October

The dry season generally offers excellent wildlife viewing and sunny conditions. It is a popular travel period, so accommodation should be reserved early.

November to December

Short seasonal rains refresh the landscape. Wildlife viewing remains possible, and showers are often followed by clear periods.

January to February

These months are generally warm and suitable for safari and beach activities. The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region may host the wildebeest calving season.

March to May

The long-rain season produces green landscapes and may bring fewer visitors. Heavy rainfall can occasionally affect roads, flights and marine excursions.

Weather patterns are variable, and completely dry conditions cannot be guaranteed in any month.

Is This a Private Tour?

Yes. The mainland safari operates privately for your group with a dedicated vehicle and professional guide.

Zanzibar airport transfers and excursions can also be private when specified in your quotation. Some boat activities may be shared unless a private charter is requested.

A private itinerary provides flexibility for:

Families with children
Couples and honeymooners
Wildlife photographers
Senior travelers
Private groups
Travelers with dietary requirements

Accommodation Options

The package can use:

Comfortable mid-range lodges
Permanent safari camps
Seasonal migration camps
Luxury safari lodges
Boutique Stone Town hotels
Mid-range beach resorts
Luxury beachfront properties
Private Zanzibar villas

The final properties depend on travel dates, room availability and budget.

What Is Included?

Airport pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking safari guide
National park and conservation-area fees
Ngorongoro Crater service fee
Seven nights of mainland accommodation
Safari meals stated in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Scheduled domestic flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar
Zanzibar airport and hotel transfers
Six nights of Zanzibar accommodation
Stone Town and spice-farm tour
Safari Blue excursion when confirmed
Government taxes related to included services
Departure transfer to Zanzibar International Airport

What Is Not Included?

International flights
Tanzania visa
Travel and medical insurance
Zanzibar mandatory insurance where applicable
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Optional Zanzibar excursions
Olduvai Gorge entrance fees
Optional Maasai village visit
Hot-air-balloon safari
Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff
Laundry services
Personal expenses
Meals not included in the selected Zanzibar hotel plan
Additional accommodation
Services not listed under the inclusions

What to Pack

For the safari, bring:

Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing
Comfortable closed shoes
Warm jacket or fleece
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Binoculars
Camera with spare batteries
Personal medication
Small day bag

For Zanzibar, add:

Lightweight beach clothing
Swimwear
Sandals
Reef-safe sunscreen
Respectful clothing for Stone Town and villages
Waterproof bag for marine excursions
Light cover-up
Sun protection

Read our complete Safari Packing Guide before departure.

Responsible Travel

During game drives, maintain a respectful distance from animals and avoid loud noises. Never feed wildlife or leave the vehicle outside authorized locations.

Marine excursions should avoid chasing dolphins, touching coral or feeding wild animals.

Visitors should dress respectfully in Stone Town, villages and religious areas. Swimwear is appropriate at beaches and resorts but should not be worn in community areas.

Ask permission before photographing local residents, private homes or children.

Optional Extensions

You can customize the package by adding:

Extra Serengeti nights
12 Days Serengeti Migration Safari
Mto wa Mbu Village Tour
Lake Eyasi experience
Hadzabe and Datoga cultural visit
Kilimanjaro day hike
Additional Zanzibar beach nights
Zanzibar diving package
Honeymoon arrangements
Private photographic safari

Why Book With Gowitos Safaris and Holidays?

Gowitos Safaris and Holidays is a local tour operator specializing in Tanzania wildlife safaris, Kilimanjaro trekking, cultural experiences and Zanzibar holidays.

When you book with us, you receive:

Personalized itinerary planning
Professional local safari guides
Private safari transportation
Carefully selected accommodation
Coordinated domestic flights and transfers
Flexible Zanzibar arrangements
Responsible wildlife-viewing practices
Clear communication and local support

Explore more Tanzania experiences through Gowitos Safaris and Holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 14 days enough for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar?

Yes. Fourteen days provide enough time for several northern Tanzania wildlife destinations and a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday without rushing every section.

Is the safari private?

Yes. The mainland safari is operated privately for your group. Zanzibar excursions may be private or shared according to your booking.

Is the flight to Zanzibar included?

Yes, the scheduled domestic flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar is included when stated in your confirmed quotation.

Can the itinerary follow the wildebeest migration?

Yes. Serengeti accommodation can be adjusted according to the expected location of the migration during your travel dates.

Are migration sightings guaranteed?

No. The herds move according to rainfall and grazing conditions. River crossings and calving events cannot be guaranteed.

Will we see the Big Five?

All Big Five species live within the destinations visited. However, sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed.

Is the package suitable for families?

Yes. Family rooms, child-friendly lodges and a more relaxed schedule can be arranged.

Can this package be arranged for a honeymoon?

Yes. Romantic accommodation, private transfers, special dinners and honeymoon room arrangements can be added.

Which Zanzibar beach should I choose?

Kendwa and Nungwi are suitable for travelers who prioritize swimming and activities. Matemwe, Paje and Jambiani generally offer quieter or more relaxed coastal settings.

Are all Zanzibar meals included?

Zanzibar meal plans vary between breakfast-only, half-board, full-board and all-inclusive. Your quotation will clearly state the selected plan.

Can vegetarian meals be arranged?

Yes. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can normally be accommodated when communicated in advance.

Is Safari Blue included?

Safari Blue is included when stated in your confirmed package. The excursion is subject to weather, tide and marine conditions.

Can I add more beach nights?

Yes. Additional Zanzibar nights can be added according to resort availability.

Can I book for 2027, 2028 or 2029?

Yes. Advance reservations are available for 2027, 2028 and 2029. Final prices depend on travel dates, accommodation category, domestic flight costs and group size.

Book Your 14-Day Northern Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

Explore Tanzania’s northern wildlife destinations before flying to Zanzibar for culture, marine activities and beach relaxation.

Gowitos Safaris and Holidays will customize your journey according to your travel dates, preferred accommodation, Serengeti season, Zanzibar beach location and budget.

Website: Gowitos Safaris and Holidays

WhatsApp: +255 769 100 815

Email: info@gowitossafarisandholidays.com