21 days Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar Beach - 3 Weeks in Northern and Southern Tanzania

Experience the best of Tanzania’s wildlife with a 21-day safari that includes Nyerere National Park, one of the most underrated parks in Tanzania. This safari will take you through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the Nyerere National Park/Selous Game Reserve, before ending with a visit to the relaxing spice Islands of Zanzibar.

A 3 week Tanzania safari that winds up in Zanzibar is the ultimate safari experience. You’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the most famous parks in Tanzania, along with the lesser-known but equally breathtaking Nyerere National Park. With a combination of game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris, you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five and a wide range of other wildlife, while also taking in the stunning landscapes and cultures of Tanzania. And what better way to end your adventure than with some relaxation and beach time on the beautiful island of Zanzibar?

Best time to visit Northern & Southern Tanzania

Best Time for Northern Tanzania: June to October for dry season wildlife viewing, and January to March for calving season in the Serengeti.
Best Time for Southern Tanzania: June to October for the best game viewing conditions.

Southern and Northern Tanzania Safari Combo

This long safari is adventure-filled, no bout as you will combine the best of both sides of Tanzania. Featured destinations in this safari include Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks from the Northern Circuit, then there is Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, formerly the Selous Game Reserve.

Zanzibar Beach Getaway after a Long Safari

This tour has a happy ending of course, as you will spend the final few days of this spectacular long safari by lazying around on the pristine white sandy beaches of Zanzibar Spice islands.

Northern vs Southern Tanzania Safaris

The difference between the Northern Tanzania Circuit and the Southern Tanzania Circuit is like day and night. These are two unique destinations offering wonderful experiences in their own unique ways. Both regions offer exceptional safari experiences, rich wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania.

Northern Tanzania Safari

Highlights

Iconic Parks: Home to world-renowned parks like the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.
Great Migration: The Serengeti hosts the Great Migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing.
Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this volcanic caldera is teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
Variety of Landscapes: From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the dense woodlands of Tarangire and the unique soda lake of Manyara.
Accessibility: Easier to access with well-developed infrastructure and shorter travel distances between major parks.

Experience

Tourist Numbers: High tourist traffic, especially during the peak season from June to October.
Accommodations: A wide range of accommodations, from luxury lodges and tented camps to budget-friendly options.
Activities: Game drives, hot air balloon safaris, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and bird watching.
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season) for the best wildlife viewing, and January to March for the Serengeti calving season.

Southern Tanzania Safari

Highlights

Remote Wilderness: Selous Game Reserve (now part of Nyerere National Park) and Ruaha National Park are among the largest and least visited parks, offering a more exclusive and intimate safari experience.
Diverse Wildlife: High concentrations of elephants, large prides of lions, and a variety of other species, including the rare African wild dog.
Birding Paradise: Rich birdlife with numerous endemic and migratory species, making it ideal for bird watchers.
Rivers and Wetlands: The Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park and the Great Ruaha River in Ruaha National Park provide unique opportunities for boat safaris and viewing water-dependent wildlife.
Unspoiled Landscapes: Vast, pristine landscapes with fewer tourists, allowing for a more authentic wilderness experience.

Experience

Tourist Numbers: Lower tourist traffic, offering a more secluded and tranquil experience.
Accommodations: Fewer lodges and camps compared to the north, but still offering a range of options from luxury to mid-range and budget.
Activities: Game drives, walking safaris, boat safaris, and fly camping for a truly immersive experience.
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season) for the best game viewing, and January to March for fewer tourists and lush landscapes.

Comparative Overview

Wildlife and Scenery

Northern Tanzania: Renowned for its iconic wildlife spectacles and diverse landscapes, offering a classic safari experience with high wildlife densities and famous landmarks.
Southern Tanzania: Offers a sense of true wilderness with fewer tourists, vast landscapes, and unique safari activities like walking and boat safaris.

Accessibility and Infrastructure

Northern Tanzania: More developed with well-established infrastructure, making it easier to travel between parks and access accommodations.
Southern Tanzania: More remote with less developed infrastructure, requiring longer travel times and potentially internal flights, but offering a more exclusive experience.

Crowds and Exclusivity

Northern Tanzania: More popular and crowded, especially in peak season, but offers more variety in terms of accommodations and activities.
Southern Tanzania: Less crowded with fewer tourists, providing a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Choosing Your Safari

If you prefer iconic wildlife events and well-known destinations, Northern Tanzania is ideal, especially for first-time safari-goers and those interested in witnessing the Great Migration.
If you seek a more secluded and authentic wilderness experience, Southern Tanzania is perfect, offering vast, untamed landscapes and unique safari activities.

Days 1-7: Northern Tanzania Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your Tranquil Kilimanjaro safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner and safari briefing at your hotel, where you’ll meet fellow travelers and your guide will provide an overview of the exciting journey ahead. Overnight at a luxury lodge or hotel in Arusha.

Day 2-3: Tarangire National Park

Day 2 Morning: Drive to Tarangire National Park, approximately a 2-hour drive from Arusha. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge or luxury tented camp.
Day 2 Afternoon: Embark on an afternoon game drive. Tarangire is known for its large herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and diverse bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full day of game drives in Tarangire. Explore the park’s varied landscapes, including riverine forests, swamps, and savannahs. Spot wildlife such as lions, leopards, and giraffes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and continue your exploration until the evening. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4-5: Lake Manyara National Park

Day 4 Morning: Depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a short drive from Tarangire. Check in at your lodge or tented camp overlooking the lake.
Day 4 Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon game drive. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and diverse ecosystems. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Full day of game drives and exploration. Discover the park’s groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and the expansive soda lake. Keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, and numerous bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 6 Morning: Travel to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge located on the crater rim.
Day 6 Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from your lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 7: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. The crater is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) in one day. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a hippo pool and continue your game drive in the afternoon. Return to your lodge on the crater rim for dinner and overnight.

Days 8-14: Serengeti National Park

Day 8-10: Central Serengeti

Day 8 Morning: Depart for Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Check in at your lodge or luxury tented camp in Central Serengeti.
Day 8 Afternoon: Afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti. The region is known for its year-round abundance of wildlife, including large predator populations. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9-10: Full days of game drives in Central Serengeti. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration. Explore the Seronera Valley and other prime wildlife areas. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay each night.

Day 11-12: Northern Serengeti

Day 11 Morning: Travel to Northern Serengeti, especially recommended during the migration season (July to October). Check in at your mobile camp or lodge.
Day 11 Afternoon: Afternoon game drive. The Northern Serengeti is renowned for dramatic river crossings and predator-prey interactions. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 12: Full day of game drives in the Northern Serengeti. Witness the thrilling river crossings of wildebeest and zebras as they navigate the Mara River. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13-14: Western Serengeti

Day 13 Morning: Travel to Western Serengeti. Check in at your luxury tented camp or lodge.
Day 13 Afternoon: Afternoon game drive in the Western Serengeti. The area is known for its unique landscapes and wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos in the Grumeti River. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 14: Full day of game drives. Enjoy the diverse wildlife and perhaps opt for a hot air balloon safari for a different perspective. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight stay.

Days 15-17: Southern Tanzania Safari

Day 15: Transfer to Nyerere National Park/Selous Game Reserve

Morning: Fly to Dar es Salaam and connect to a flight to Nyerere National Park/Selous Game Reserve.
Afternoon: Transfer to your lodge or tented camp within the reserve.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodge, with dinner and overnight stay.

Day 16-17: Nyerere National Park

Day 16: Full day of activities in Nyerere National Park. Enjoy a boat safari on the Rufiji River, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. Also, partake in walking safaris and traditional game drives. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 17: Another full day of exploration in Selous. Continue to enjoy boat safaris, walking safaris, and game drives. The reserve offers a remote and pristine safari experience with fewer tourists. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Days 18-21: Zanzibar Beach

Day 18: Transfer to Zanzibar

Morning: Fly from Selous to Zanzibar.
Afternoon: Transfer to your beach resort.
Evening: Relax and unwind at your resort. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 19-21: Zanzibar Beach

Day 19: Spend the day relaxing on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, diving, or simply soaking up the sun. Dinner and overnight stay at your resort.
Day 20: Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the rich history and culture, visit the bustling markets, and enjoy a traditional Zanzibari meal. Return to your beach resort for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 21: Final day on the beach. Opt for additional activities such as sailing, visiting a spice farm, or relaxing at your resort. Enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: June to October for dry season wildlife viewing; January to March for calving season in the Serengeti.
Health: Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, and consider anti-malarial medication.
Packing: Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good camera.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

The cost for the whole 21 days Tanzania safari includes and excludes the following items