Two of Africa's most vibrant and authentic getaways, the Serengeti and Zanzibar create an indelible mix of safari, beach, and local culture. Both are filled with ancient fables, the tales stretching from iconic grasslands to the spice island. From a million wildebeest rumbling across the grasslands to an evocative maze of Swahili coral houses, lion prides battling with hyenas to empty white beaches that stretch for miles, these legendary World Heritage destinations are unchanged.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Ngorongoro Crater – Gazing down into the World Heritage Crater
Tanzania's history is evoked by gazing down into Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. The woodland spirals up the steep sides, and you glimpse the odd elephant rumbling down the slopes; a lake is tinged pink by flamingoes, contrasting the green of the surrounding grasslands; and the patchwork of dark dots you see are wildebeest and zebra grazing far below. Take in the panorama, and it's almost impossible to believe that such a place exists, that 30,000 wild mammals could occupy the remains of a volcano. And as you're inspired by this scale, a buffalo herd marches by, making their daily journey into the crater. The safari has already started, even though you're just gazing out from the lodge. Today you'll land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer onto a local flight to Manyara, where you're greeted by your guide for the short journey into Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a lodge on the crater rim.
What's Included:
Day 2
Ngorongoro Crater – Charming Game Drive through Tanzania's Garden of Eden
Day 3
Ndutu (Serengeti) – Olduvai Gorge and Descending onto the Epic Plains
Day 4
Ndutu (Serengeti) – Big Game Safari in Southern Serengeti
Day 5 - 6
Central Serengeti – Immersed in the Safari Wonders of the Serengeti
Day 7
Stone Town – Touching down on the Spice Island
Day 8
Stone Town – Evocative World Heritage History in Stone Town
Day 9
Stone Town – Spice Plantations and Slave Caves of Zanzibar
Day 10
Dongwe – White Beach Paradise in Eastern Zanzibar
Day 11
Dongwe – Swimming with Wild Dolphins
Day 12 - 13
Dongwe – Tropical Bliss on an Untouched Zanzibar Beach
Day 14
Stone Town – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Explore the epic grasslands, surrounding yourself with over a million mammals during four full days of safari in the Serengeti
- Continually encounter the big cats and watch the fabled hunters prowl for prey across the open plains
- Spend a charming day in Ngorongoro Crater, another of Tanzania's World Heritage sites and an idyllic introduction to the wildlife world of Africa
- Discover both the Southern Serengeti and Central Serengeti areas, tracking the herds and encountering all the giants, like hippos, elephants, buffalo, and more
- Lose yourself in Stone Town's ancient maze of coral houses, absorbing the mystical atmosphere of a town untouched for centuries
- Explore Zanzibar's World Heritage sites and connect with all sides to its history, including spice plantations and slave caves
- Complete the safari with four days of white-sand bliss on Zanzibar's east coast, where Indian Ocean waters lap gently against a beach without footprints
- Swim with wild dolphins at Zanzibar's southern tip, a dawn start enabling you to be in the water with entire pods
Detailed Description
Tanzania is a land of fables, where the narratives of ancient history continue to play out uninterrupted. Two million mammals roam around the Serengeti plains, with wildebeest and zebra continuing their annual migration routes. Enchanting coral houses fill the narrow labyrinth of Stone Town, an inspiring ode to Swahili history and trading along Africa's Indian Ocean coast. Across the Serengeti, there are countless prints, made by lions chasing gazelle or elephants on long nomadic journeys. On Zanzibar's coastline, there's hardly a mark in the white sand, the turquoise ocean washing the beach clean every high tide. The World Heritage sites of Serengeti and Zanzibar make for a legendary mix of bush and beach, combining epic big game safari with serene island bliss. But this isn't the typical bush and beach getaway, as it's also a wonderful immersion in the ancient fables of lands unchanged.
This 2-week escape combines six nights on safari with seven nights in Zanzibar. The destinations visited shouldn't be rushed but savored; explored not only for the sights but for their ambiance and feelings. Go on a Serengeti safari for a day, and you'll see animals; spend six days on safari, and you'll lose yourself in the ancient rhythm of the wild. Visit Zanzibar for two days, and you can see a white beach and a hypnotic old town; stay for a week, and you're immersed in the beautiful nuances and serene atmosphere of the old spice island.
Your safari starts in Ngorongoro Crater, another of Tanzania's World Heritage sites. Descend onto the crater floor for a charming game drive through contrasting habitats, each few moments bringing another inspiring sight. This ancient volcanic caldera is home to the full big five, and an early start helps you see rhinos and lions on the move, along with some of Africa's largest elephant bulls. Next, you descend onto the Serengeti grasslands and explore the southern plains, a mystical home of prowling predators and roaming herds. This is a wonderful showcase of both the enormity and intricacy of the Serengeti; you're completely surrounded by animals. Explore the Central Serengeti the next few days, the beating heart of the landscape a prime place to see lions on their rocky perches. Regardless of the time of year, you will see huge herds of wildebeest and zebra, along with the vibrant collection of predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, jackal, vulture, and a series of eagles.
Your week in Zanzibar is split between Stone Town and the idyllic beaches of the east coast. Both immerse you in a timeless atmosphere, from the 17th-century maze of coral houses to the white sand and turquoise waters. Private guided tours evoke the history of the island, including visits to the slave caves, old palaces, and spice plantations. On the beach, it's easy to take off the shoes and forget about time, with four days in Dongwe centered around Indian Ocean bliss. One iconic morning excursion is to the southern tip, where you can swim with pods of wild dolphins; it's an astonishing to be up close with dolphins in their natural habitat.
Starting Price
$10,700 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.92 stars based on 456 reviews.
This was the finest trip we have ever taken. Nothing could have made it better; it was perfect.
Reviewed By Jacquie L.
The travel company was outstanding. We received Exceptional service and attention to detail. Zicasso's tour company absolutely delivered on everything they promised. We could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, courteous, and professional guide than ours. He was simply extraordinary. The travel company and our trip coordinator had the entire trip meticulously organized.
Reviewed By Wayne K.
Zicasso’s trip coordinator was very easy to work with. I asked for several modifications to the itinerary, which she handled expediently and everything went on without a hitch. The tour operator was excellent. They met with us "in the field" to answer any questions and I had a direct line to them in Tanzania for any issues. It was nice to deal with someone in the U.S. while in the planning stage. Not necessary, but definitely a luxury.
Reviewed By Belinda B.
The trip was the best we have ever had. Africa is a very special place. Zicasso's travel expert did a fantastic job of organizing the itinerary. The only disappointment was that we were not scheduled to see the mass migration across the river.
Reviewed By Andrew K.
The trip was exhilarating and the job done by our Zicasso travel agent was second to none.
Our trip was 20 days, with multiple locations, flights, and activities. Our agent arranged things so well, we hardly had to do anything. Guides and contacts always arrived on time and led us through each location efficiently and safely.
The gorilla trek in Rwanda was amazing. On safari, we saw the Big Five by the end of day two and saw many, many unique animal encounters. We did a walking safari one day, which was also a highlight. Our agent recommended the Lewa Conservancy as a stop and this was wonderful for seeing many black and white rhinos.
I would give our travel company a 10/10 for personal care and attention. I highly recommended them for a high-quality, memorable African adventure!
Reviewed By Michael D.
This was an amazing trip. It was well planned by Zicasso's travel company and executed to perfection. The lodges were beautiful and strategically located. The game drives were so much fun. The guides were tremendous. I have never been on such a well-designed trip.
Reviewed By Gina I.