An Epic Memorable Journey to Remember: Key Aspects of a 19-Day Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari
What a 19-Day Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari!
Hello Holiday Makers and Honeymooners, are you tired of gray skies and freezing mornings? It’s time to trade the cold for crystal-clear waters and endless sunshine. This winter, treat yourself to a cozy escape in beautiful Zanzibar and wild Tanzania.
What is your next Summer or Vacation dream?
If you’re dreaming of a vacation that combines awe-inspiring wildlife, rich cultural immersion, and idyllic island relaxation, then a Tanzania and Zanzibar safari should be at the top of your list. Spanning nearly three weeks, this journey offers a stunning diversity of landscapes and experiences from the lion-stalked plains of the Serengeti to the spice-scented alleys of Stone Town and the pristine white sands of Zanzibar. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, cultural explorer, or sun-seeking traveler, this itinerary has something for everyone.
What are you dreaming to enjoy yourself, Lover , Family or Group? Below is the Bucket List for you on this Safari.
Wildlife Encounters in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most legendary safari destinations, and for good reason. Over the course of 10 to 14 days, you’ll travel through some of the continent’s most iconic national parks and game reserves. Your journey starts in Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive elephant herds and dramatic baobab trees. Next, you’ll explore Lake Manyara, where flamingos paint the horizon pink and tree-climbing lions are a rare and thrilling sight.
From there, the itinerary takes you to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lush volcanic caldera is packed with wildlife and offers one of the best chances to spot all of the “Big Five” including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros in one day. Finally, you’ll head into the heart of the Serengeti National Park, where endless plains, golden savannah, and the rhythmic drama of the Great Migration await. Seeing thousands of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the landscape is a spectacle that touches the soul.
Cultural Experiences Along the Way
No Tanzania safari is complete without connecting with its people and traditions. This itinerary includes visits to Maasai villages, where you’ll learn about this proud, semi-nomadic tribe known for their vibrant clothing, dance rituals, and deep-rooted customs. It’s a meaningful way to witness local life and gain insights into a culture that has lived alongside wildlife for generations.
In Zanzibar, cultural exploration continues in Stone Town, the historical and cultural heart of the island. As you walk the narrow, winding streets, you’ll discover a blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Visit old forts, sultan’s palaces, and intricately carved wooden doors.
A spice tour introduces you to the island’s aromatic heritage, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg grown in the lush interior. These experiences enrich your journey, turning it into more than a sightseeing trip but it becomes a deeper connection to the people and history of East Africa.
Beach Relaxation in Zanzibar
An Epic Memorable Journey to Remember: Key Aspects of a 19-Day Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari
After the adrenaline and dust of safari days, a flight to Zanzibar offers the perfect contrast with tranquility, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. Your time on the island begins with exploration: three days in Stone Town let you uncover the island’s vibrant past and bustling markets. Then, retreat to the serene beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa, or Matemwe, depending on your travel style.
Zanzibar’s beaches are postcard-perfect with crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and coral reefs alive with marine life. Spend your days snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, or sailing on a traditional dhow at sunset. Or simply enjoy the luxury of doing nothing at all: relax with a massage, sip coconut cocktails, and soak in the endless sea views.
For couples, this is a haven of romance. For families, a safe and stunning place to unwind. No matter your reason for visiting, the rhythm of island life resets your spirit.
Safari & Travel Logistics
A 19-day itinerary through Tanzania and Zanzibar involves both overland and air travel, giving you the best of both adventure and comfort. Northern Tanzania’s parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti are typically accessed via custom safari vehicles. Your guide and vehicle stay with you for much of the journey, offering personal insight, flexible schedules, and local knowledge.
After completing your mainland safari, a domestic flight from Serengeti or Arusha to Zanzibar saves time and provides stunning aerial views. In Zanzibar, transfers are typically by private vehicle, with optional boat trips available for island-hopping or diving excursions. Many itineraries are all-inclusive, covering transport, park fees, accommodation, and meals though it’s always wise to confirm specifics when booking.
Itinerary Highlights of the 19 Days in Tanzania and Zanzibar
Days 1–3: Arrive in Arusha, rest and transfer to Tarangire National Park. Begin game drives and settle into a tented lodge.
Days 4–6: Drive to Lake Manyara and then onward to the Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy full-day game drives in both locations.
Days 7–10: Continue to the Serengeti, visiting both central and northern regions. Time your trip with the Great Migration for added drama.
Days 11–13: Fly to Zanzibar and explore Stone Town. Enjoy cultural tours and local cuisine.
Days 14–18: Transfer to a beach destination (Nungwi, Kendwa, or Matemwe). Enjoy snorkeling, diving, or sunset dhow cruises.
Day 19: Return to Zanzibar airport for international departure or extend your stay for additional beach days.
19-Day Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari Day by Day Itinerary
Days 1–3: Arrival in Arusha and Tarangire National Park
Your journey begins in the vibrant gateway town of Arusha, where you’ll be welcomed upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After immigration and customs, a private transfer will take you to your overnight lodge or boutique hotel nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru. This first day is all about rest and adjusting to the rhythms of East Africa.
On Day 2, after a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic drive toward Tarangire National Park, renowned for its towering baobab trees and dense elephant populations. You’ll enter the park with your expert guide and begin your first game drive en route to your accommodation in a charming tented camp or safari lodge with views over the savannah.
The following day is devoted to a full-day safari across Tarangire’s varied terrain, from riverbanks to acacia forests. The park teems with wildlife, including lions, giraffes, wildebeest, zebra, and more than 500 bird species. After a magical day in the bush, return to your lodge for sundowners and storytelling around the campfire under an endless African sky.
Accommodation Suggestion: Tarangire Safari Lodge, Oliver’s Camp, or similar.
Days 4–6: Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater
Leaving Tarangire behind, you’ll drive a short distance to the lush, emerald landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park. Though smaller than some of Tanzania’s other parks, Manyara is packed with biodiversity. You may spot baboon troops, flamingos wading in the lake, or even the park’s famed tree-climbing lions. After a picnic lunch inside the park, you’ll continue to your overnight lodge perched on the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offering sweeping views over the lake.
The next day, your journey continues to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, stop for a cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village where you’ll be welcomed with singing, dancing, and insight into one of Tanzania’s most iconic communities. Your lodge for the next two nights will likely be set along the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering stunning sunset views.
On Day 6, rise early and descend into the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. The Ngorongoro Crater is a wildlife haven, home to all members of the Big Five and many other species, making for one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Africa.
Accommodation Suggestion: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, or similar.
Days 7–10: Serengeti National Park Safari
After breakfast, continue your journey westward into the vast plains of the Serengeti. On the way, you’ll stop at Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological site famous for the discovery of some of the earliest human fossils. Upon entering the Serengeti, the scenery opens into a golden sea of grasslands, dotted with acacias and home to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Spend your first two nights exploring the Central Serengeti (Seronera region), a wildlife-rich area where you’re likely to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and possibly leopards.
On Day 9, journey north if traveling between June and October to witness the world-famous Great Migration. This annual spectacle of over a million wildebeest and zebras crossing rivers and dodging predators is unforgettable. Your safari will be guided by local experts who tailor each game drive to your interests, ensuring the best possible sightings.
End your final Serengeti day with a bush dinner or an optional hot-air balloon ride at sunrise. On Day 10, after a final morning game drive, you’ll board a light aircraft flight bound for Zanzibar, trading savannahs for seascapes.
Days 11–13: Zanzibar – Stone Town and Cultural Discovery
Your arrival in Zanzibar marks a shift from wild landscapes to cultural richness. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a living museum. Wander the maze-like alleys lined with carved wooden doors, Arab-influenced architecture, and lively bazaars.
The following day is devoted to cultural immersion. Take a guided walking tour through the historical quarters, visit the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, and the Old Slave Market. In the afternoon, a visit to a spice plantation gives you a hands-on introduction to the island’s rich spice trade heritage. You’ll see and taste cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and tropical fruits in a lush setting.
Day 13 offers options to explore more of Stone Town or take a half-day trip to Prison Island, home to giant tortoises and coral reefs. In the evening, enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean, the call to prayer mingling with the sea breeze as you reflect on the journey so far.
Accommodation Suggestion: Kubu Kubu Tented Camp, Sayari Camp, or Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Melia Serengeti.
Days 14–18: Zanzibar Beach Escape – Nungwi, Kendwa, or Matemwe
After days of adventure and cultural discovery, it’s time to unwind on Zanzibar’s legendary beaches. You’ll transfer to the island’s northern or eastern coast either Nungwi, Kendwa, or Matemwe each known for stunning white sand and crystal-clear water. Check into your beachfront resort or villa and let the pace slow down.
Day 15 is all about relaxation, sunbathe by the pool, walk along the shoreline, or sip fresh coconut water from a hammock. For water enthusiasts,
Day 16 is ideal for snorkeling or diving at Mnemba Atoll, where vibrant reefs and marine life abound. If you prefer to stay above water, take a traditional wooden dhow for a romantic sunset sail.
Day 17 could include a spa treatment, local market visit, or a Swahili cooking class to learn the island’s culinary secrets.
On Day 18, simply enjoy your final full day in paradise, watch the tides roll in, sample freshly grilled seafood, and toast to your unforgettable safari-to-sea journey. Each night ends with the sound of the ocean just beyond your room and the soft breeze rustling the palms.
Accommodation Suggestion: Zuri Zanzibar, Essque Zalu, Matemwe Lodge, The Mora Zanzibar, Kinasi Lodge
Day 19: Departure from Zanzibar
On your final morning, savor one last walk on the beach before breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. If your international flight is from Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro, you’ll connect via a short domestic hop.
For those not ready to leave, optional trip extensions are available and consider spending a few extra days on Pemba or Mafia Island for diving, fishing, and complete seclusion. Whether you’re heading home or onward to your next destination, you’ll carry with you the memories of an extraordinary adventure: from thundering hooves on the Serengeti plains to the silent, starry nights of the bush, and the soothing lull of Zanzibar’s turquoise tides.
This 19-day Tanzania and Zanzibar safari offers a beautiful balance of discovery and relaxation, a trip that truly touches the soul.
Cost of a Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari
The cost of a Tanzania and Zanzibar safari varies depending on your travel style. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $300–$500 per person per day, staying in mid-range lodges and using shared vehicles. For a luxury experience with boutique lodges, private guides, and charter flights. Expect to spend $800–$1,500+ per person per day.
These rates usually include accommodation, meals, transport, guide services, park entry fees, and domestic flights. Excluded costs often include international airfare, visas, tips, drinks, and optional activities like hot-air balloon rides. Booking through a reputable safari operator like Nextgen Safaris often provides better value and peace of mind, as they handle permits, transfers, and accommodations in a seamless itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania and Zanzibar
The dry season from June to October is widely regarded as the best time to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar. During these months, wildlife viewing is exceptional where animals gather around water sources, and the Great Migration can often be seen crossing rivers in the Serengeti.
In Zanzibar, this same period brings warm, sunny days perfect for the beach, with minimal rainfall and ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling. June and July are particularly good months if you’re aiming to see wildebeest river crossings, one of Africa’s greatest natural spectacles. The short dry window from mid-December to February is also a good alternative, with warm beach weather and newborn wildlife.
Booking Tips and Final Thoughts
To secure the best safari and beach experience, it’s highly recommended to book your Tanzania and Zanzibar safari at least 6–12 months in advance, especially for travel in peak seasons. Look for tour operators specializing in East Africa and compare several itineraries to see which one aligns with your interests and budget.
Check online reviews, request transparent pricing, and don’t hesitate to ask about accommodation standards, guide credentials, or hidden costs. Consider a mix of lodges some luxurious, some more authentic to create a balanced, enriching journey. Your safari is a major life experience and requires you to choose a team that treats it that way.
What a journey to remember!
A 19-day safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar is not just a holiday but a full-sensory journey into the wild heart of Africa and the tranquil shores of paradise. You’ll witness the drama of nature unfold before your eyes, connect with diverse cultures, and end your trip rejuvenated by warm ocean breezes. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, a special anniversary, or simply the trip of a lifetime, Tanzania and Zanzibar deliver magic in every moment.
Are you ready to plan your own African escape? Let the journey begin.
