16 Day Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Luxury Safari

Tour Overview

This extraordinary 16 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday is a carefully crafted journey designed by NK Safaris Arusha Tanzania, combining iconic wildlife destinations, authentic cultural encounters, and idyllic Indian Ocean relaxation. The itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a deep and immersive Tanzania wildlife safari, complemented by meaningful interactions with local communities and a luxurious Zanzibar island holiday. Beginning in Northern Tanzania, guests will explore some of Africa’s most celebrated national parks, including Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the endless plains of Serengeti National Park, and the world famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

This safari goes beyond game drives, offering unique cultural experiences such as visiting the Hadzabe hunter gatherer tribe at Lake Eyasi and participating in a vibrant Mto wa Mbu cultural village tour, giving travelers insight into traditional Tanzanian lifestyles. The journey through Serengeti is thoughtfully paced, allowing exploration of both Central Serengeti Seronera Area and the remote Northern Serengeti, renowned for its dramatic Great Migration river crossings depending on season.

After days filled with unforgettable wildlife sightings including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, and abundant birdlife, the adventure transitions seamlessly into relaxation. A domestic flight takes guests from Arusha to the spice scented shores of Zanzibar Island, where turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, rich Swahili culture, and historical Stone Town await. The Zanzibar portion blends leisure and exploration, allowing travelers to unwind while still discovering the island’s heritage, marine life, and tropical beauty.

Designed with comfort, flexibility, and depth in mind, this itinerary is suitable for honeymooners, families, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. With professional guides, handpicked accommodations, and personalized service, NK Safaris ensures a memorable and seamless Tanzania safari and Zanzibar tour experience from arrival to departure.

Day To Day

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers from Arusha town with a transfer time of about one hour, guests are warmly welcomed by a professional representative from NK Safaris. After a short meet and greet, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, passing through scenic landscapes dotted with coffee plantations and Mount Meru views. This day is dedicated to rest and recovery after your international flight, allowing you to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. A detailed safari briefing is provided in the evening, covering route plans, wildlife expectations, and safety information.

Main activities include airport transfer, safari briefing, and relaxation

Optional activities
Arusha city tour
Coffee plantation visit
Local market visit

Suggested Accommodations

Ritzy Acardia Cottages
Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, you depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 120 kilometers taking around two and a half hours. Tarangire is famous for its vast elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the life giving Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife year round. Upon entering the park, a full day game drive begins, offering opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a wide variety of bird species. The park’s rolling savannah and seasonal swamps make it one of the most picturesque parks in Northern Tanzania.

Main activities include full day game drive and wildlife photography

Optional activities
Night game drive outside the park
Guided walking safari
Sundowner experience

Suggested Accommodations

Conserve Safari Tarangire Camp
Tarangire Safari Lodge
Elewana Tarangire Treetops

Day 3

Lake Eyasi and Hadzabe Tribe

Today you drive southwest to Lake Eyasi, approximately 150 kilometers from Tarangire, with a travel time of about three to four hours. This remote and culturally rich area is home to the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last remaining hunter gatherer communities in Africa. In the early morning, you join the Hadzabe men on a traditional hunting excursion, learning about their survival skills, tools, and deep connection to nature. Later, you visit the Datoga tribe, known for their blacksmith craftsmanship. The alkaline Lake Eyasi itself is a beautiful seasonal lake attracting flamingos and other birdlife.

Main activities include cultural interaction, hunting experience, and village visit

Optional activities
Bird watching at Lake Eyasi
Photography tour
Cultural storytelling session

Suggested Accommodations

Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge
Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
Ziwani Luxury Lodge

Day 4

Lake Manyara and Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

After breakfast, you drive to Lake Manyara National Park, located about 80 kilometers from Lake Eyasi, taking roughly two hours. Lake Manyara is renowned for its diverse ecosystems ranging from groundwater forests to open grasslands and the soda lake itself. The park is famous for its tree climbing lions, large baboon troops, elephants, hippos, and over 400 bird species. After a half day game drive, you proceed to Mto wa Mbu village, a multicultural town where more than 120 tribes live together. The guided cultural tour includes visits to local homes, banana farms, traditional food tasting, and art workshops.

Main activities include game drive and cultural village tour

Optional activities
Canoeing on Lake Manyara
Cycling tour in Mto wa Mbu
Local cooking class

Suggested Accommodations

Moonbow Lodge
Farm Of Dreams Lodge
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Luxury Lodge

Day 5

Drive to Central Serengeti Seronera Area

Today marks the journey into the legendary Serengeti National Park, driving approximately 205 kilometers from Lake Manyara to Central Serengeti, taking around five to six hours including scenic stops. As you pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands, the landscape opens into endless plains teeming with wildlife. The Seronera Area is known for its year round water sources, making it one of the best regions for predator sightings, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. An afternoon game drive introduces you to the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Main activities include en route game drive and wildlife viewing

Optional activities
Hot air balloon safari
Sundowner experience
Photography safari

Suggested Accommodations

Moyo Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Day 6

Drive to Northern Serengeti

After breakfast, you continue your safari towards the remote Northern Serengeti, a drive of approximately 150 kilometers taking about four to five hours. This region is characterized by rolling hills, woodlands, and the famous Mara River, where dramatic wildebeest river crossings occur during the Great Migration season. Along the way, you enjoy game drives and scenic views, with chances to spot elephants, giraffes, and big cats.

Main activities include scenic drive and game viewing

Optional activities
Extended river tracking
Private photography sessions

Suggested Accommodations

Nyikani Migration Camp
Nyuki Migration Camp
Serengeti Mara River Camp

Day 7

Full Day in Northern Serengeti

This day is dedicated to a full day game drive in Northern Serengeti, focusing on the Mara River area. Depending on the season, you may witness the iconic Great Migration river crossings, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on earth. Even outside migration season, the area supports abundant resident wildlife including lions, leopards, hyenas, hippos, and crocodiles. The remote nature of the region provides a true wilderness experience with fewer vehicles.

Main activities include full day game drive and migration tracking

Optional activities
Hot air balloon safari
Extended bush picnic

Suggested Accommodations

Nyikani Migration Camp
Nyuki Migration Camp
Serengeti Mara River Camp

Day 8

Return to Central Serengeti

You begin your journey back to Central Serengeti, covering approximately 150 kilometers over four to five hours with game drives along the way. This return allows exploration of different Serengeti landscapes and wildlife zones, offering fresh sightings and photographic opportunities. The afternoon is spent on a relaxed game drive around the Seronera Valley.

Main activities include en route game drive

Optional activities
Leopard tracking
Sunset photography

Suggested Accommodations

Moyo Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Day 9

Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

kilometers taking four hours. You ascend into the lush highlands, enjoying panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The area is rich in wildlife and Maasai pastoral culture.

Main activities include scenic drive and crater viewpoints

Optional activities
Maasai village visit
Nature walks along the crater rim

Suggested Accommodations

Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp
Ngorongoro Lions Paw
Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá

Day 10

Drive Back to Arusha for Domestic Flight to Zanzibar

You depart Ngorongoro for Arusha town, approximately 190 kilometers away with a drive time of about four to five hours. Upon arrival, you transfer to Arusha Airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar Island. After landing in Zanzibar, you are transferred to your beach resort for relaxation.

Main activities include transfer and domestic flight

Optional activities
Arusha shopping tour

Suggested Accommodations

Tembo House Hotel
Villa Kiva
Gold Zanzibar

Day 11 to 15

Zanzibar Island Exploration and Relaxation

These days are spent enjoying the tropical paradise of Zanzibar Island, known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. Guests can relax on the beach or participate in guided excursions such as Stone Town historical tours, spice farm visits, snorkeling and diving, and sunset dhow cruises. The island offers a perfect balance between leisure and cultural discovery.

Main activities include beach relaxation and optional excursions

Optional activities
Stone Town tour
Spice tour
Snorkeling and diving
Prison Island visit
Dhow sunset cruise

Suggested Accommodations

Tembo House Hotel
Villa Kiva
Gold Zanzibar

Day 16

Departure from Zanzibar

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you are transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward international departure, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday with NK Safaris.

At NK Safaris, we believe every safari should be as unique as the traveler experiencing it. Our journeys are thoughtfully designed with flexibility at their core, allowing us to craft tailor made itineraries that match your interests, travel style, and preferred pace. From the very first conversation, our experienced safari specialists work closely with you to understand your vision and transform it into a seamless and unforgettable adventure across Tanzania. This is more than a holiday, it is your personal safari story, carefully curated, expertly guided, and delivered with passion, authenticity, and attention to every detail.

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