11-Day Tanzania Safari and Spice Island Holiday
11-Day Tanzania Safari and Spice Island Holiday
Tanzania is a land where the rhythm of nature still reigns supreme — a country where endless savannas meet snow-capped peaks, where lions rule the plains, and where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean cradle ancient coral islands. An 11-Day Tanzania Safari and Spice Island Holiday offers an immersive experience through some of Africa’s most celebrated landscapes — from the wildlife-packed plains of the Serengeti and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater to the powdery beaches and cultural charm of Zanzibar, the fabled Spice Island.
This journey is the perfect combination of wilderness adventure and island relaxation. It invites you to witness nature in its purest form and then unwind in paradise, tracing the heartbeat of Africa from the roar of the lion to the whisper of the sea breeze.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit
Your journey begins in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, located at the foot of Mount Meru and in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by a representative from Moreen Tours & Travel, who will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha.
After check-in, take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your flight. You may enjoy a stroll through Arusha’s bustling markets, where colorful fabrics and aromatic spices fill the air, or visit the Cultural Heritage Centre, which showcases Tanzanian art, jewelry, and carvings.
Dinner and overnight in Arusha, preparing for the safari adventure ahead.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobabs
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, located about two hours southwest of Arusha. Often referred to as “the park of giants,” Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and golden savanna landscapes.
Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive through the park’s rolling plains and acacia woodlands. The Tarangire River — the park’s lifeline — draws wildlife in great numbers, especially during the dry season. You’ll encounter elephants bathing in the river, zebras and wildebeest grazing, and predators like lions and leopards waiting patiently nearby.
As the sun sets, check into your lodge or tented camp overlooking the park, where the evening sounds of Africa — the call of a nightjar or the distant roar of a lion — lull you to sleep.
Dinner and overnight in Tarangire.
Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park – The Lake of Flamingos
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but incredibly diverse ecosystem famous for its tree-climbing lions and colorful flamingos. The park is nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, creating stunning scenery that changes with every turn.
Your game drive takes you through lush forests alive with baboons and blue monkeys, open grasslands dotted with buffalo and giraffes, and the shimmering lakeshore where flocks of pink flamingos feed in the shallows.
If time allows, visit the Mto wa Mbu village, a melting pot of Tanzanian cultures, where you can interact with locals, sample traditional food, and learn about banana beer brewing.
Dinner and overnight near Lake Manyara.
Day 4: Drive to Serengeti National Park – The Endless Plains
After breakfast, continue your journey toward the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel and home to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth — the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The drive takes you through the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with breathtaking views of rolling plains stretching into infinity. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, an archaeological site known as the “Cradle of Humankind,” where early human fossils were discovered by Dr. Louis Leakey.
Arrive in the Serengeti by afternoon and embark on your first game drive. The vast savanna teems with life — elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and predators like cheetahs, leopards, and lions. The name “Serengeti” means “endless plains” in the Maasai language, and as the golden grass ripples under the setting sun, you’ll understand why.
Dinner and overnight at your safari camp in the Serengeti.
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in the Serengeti – Witness the Wild
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti, one of the most extraordinary wildlife areas in Africa. After breakfast, set out for a morning game drive, when predators are most active.
Depending on the season, you might witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, a breathtaking movement of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traveling across the plains in search of greener pastures. Even outside migration season, the Serengeti offers unmatched wildlife encounters — from lion prides basking in the sun to elephants marching in family herds and elegant giraffes moving gracefully across the horizon.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush, followed by an afternoon drive through different habitats. The diversity of landscapes — from acacia-dotted savanna to granite kopjes — makes each hour a new discovery.
Return to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the serene wilderness.
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater – The Eighth Wonder of the World
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders. En route, enjoy a final game drive before climbing the crater rim.
Upon arrival, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a vast volcanic caldera often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The crater floor is home to an astonishing concentration of wildlife — including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, flamingos, and the elusive black rhino.
Enjoy a full-day game drive inside the crater with a picnic lunch near the hippo pool. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular — rolling grasslands, shimmering lakes, and forested slopes teeming with life.
In the late afternoon, ascend back to the crater rim for dinner and overnight with breathtaking views of this natural amphitheater.
Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha – Return to the City of Safari
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely drive back to Arusha. Stop at local markets or roadside stalls along the way for souvenirs and cultural interactions.
Arrive in Arusha in the afternoon, where you’ll relax at your hotel, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and landscapes you’ve witnessed over the past week.
Dinner and overnight in Arusha, preparing for the next leg of your journey — the Spice Island of Zanzibar.
Day 8: Fly to Zanzibar – The Spice Island Welcomes You
After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar, Tanzania’s crown jewel in the Indian Ocean. The flight is short, but the transition is dramatic — from the dusty savannas to shimmering turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
Upon arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a Moreen Tours & Travel representative and transferred to your beach resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the pristine shores, enjoying a swim, or simply soaking in the tropical tranquility.
Dinner and overnight at your beachfront resort.
Day 9: Explore Stone Town and the Spice Plantations
Today, immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s rich history and culture. Begin with a Stone Town tour, wandering through narrow alleys lined with carved wooden doors, ancient mosques, and lively markets. Visit landmarks such as the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, and the Former Slave Market, where you’ll learn about Zanzibar’s complex and fascinating past.
In the afternoon, take a spice tour through Zanzibar’s fragrant plantations. Discover how cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and other spices are grown and processed — the very reason Zanzibar earned its nickname “The Spice Island.” You’ll sample fresh fruits and herbs while learning about their medicinal and culinary uses.
Return to your resort in time for sunset, when the sky turns shades of gold and crimson over the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight in Zanzibar.
Day 10: Leisure in Paradise – Beach, Sea, and Adventure
This day is dedicated to relaxation and optional adventures. Spend the morning basking on the beach or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Mnemba Atoll, a marine paradise teeming with colorful coral and tropical fish.
Alternatively, sail on a traditional dhow boat at sunset, gliding across the waves as you sip fresh coconut juice and watch the horizon fade into twilight. For those seeking cultural immersion, visit local fishing villages or explore the Jozani Forest, home to the rare red colobus monkeys.
Return to your resort for a candlelit dinner under the stars — the perfect way to celebrate the magic of your journey.
Day 11: Farewell to Zanzibar – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy your final moments on the Spice Island — perhaps a morning walk along the beach or a refreshing swim in the Indian Ocean. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.
As the plane ascends over the turquoise waters, you’ll carry with you the memories of Tanzania — from the roar of the Serengeti lions to the whispering palms of Zanzibar — a journey that captures the very soul of Africa.
The Spirit of the Tanzania Safari and Spice Island Holiday
This 11-day adventure is the perfect expression of Tanzania’s dual identity — wild and serene, untamed and soothing. It begins with the pulse of the savanna, where nature’s greatest dramas unfold, and ends on the tranquil shores of Zanzibar, where time slows to the rhythm of the sea.
You’ll stand before the majesty of the Ngorongoro Crater, follow the tracks of lions in the Serengeti, and then trade safari boots for barefoot walks on the beach. It’s a journey that connects the raw power of Africa’s wilderness with the gentle allure of its islands — a journey of contrasts, discovery, and deep peace.
Why Travel with Moreen Tours & Travel
A journey this extraordinary deserves the guidance of a trusted and experienced travel partner. Moreen Tours & Travel is a premier East African tour operator, specializing in bespoke safaris and island holidays across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
With years of expertise and a passion for delivering authentic, sustainable, and seamless experiences, Moreen Tours & Travel ensures that every moment of your journey is thoughtfully curated. Their professional driver-guides, handpicked accommodations, and personalized itineraries guarantee comfort, safety, and genuine connection to the destinations you explore.
Whether you’re witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or exploring Zanzibar’s spice-scented streets, Moreen Tours & Travel makes every adventure unforgettable — blending luxury with meaning, adventure with tranquility, and discovery with care.
