Tarangire National Park
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Zanzibar Islands
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for rest and safari briefing.
Located just a 2.5-hour drive from Arusha, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems — often described as a quiet and authentic alternative to the more famous Serengeti. But what makes Tarangire truly special is its stunning landscapes, massive elephant herds, and iconic baobab trees that dot the rolling savannah.
After breakfast, you’ll begin a spectacular overland journey from Karatu or Ngorongoro toward the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the stunning Ngorongoro Highlands — a region of rolling green hills, volcanic peaks, and Maasai villages scattered across the landscape. From there, you’ll descend into the open short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti — a dramatic shift in scenery that signals your arrival into one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries on earth. Upon entering the Serengeti, your en-route game drive begins. You'll travel slowly across the plains toward your camp, searching for wildlife along the way. This is often when guests have their first glimpse of the Big Cats, large herds of wildebeest and zebras, and the vast, endless horizon that gives Serengeti its name — which means "endless plains" in Maasai.
Today is a full day dedicated to exploring the heart of Serengeti National Park, one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world. You'll begin the day with an early breakfast at your lodge or camp before heading out into the vast plains for a day filled with adventure and discovery. Morning Game Drive- As the sun rises over the savannah, the park comes alive. This is the best time to see predators in action — lions returning from a night hunt, cheetahs scanning the horizon for prey, and leopards descending from the trees. The golden morning light offers perfect conditions for photography and wildlife sightings. Picnic Lunch in the Bush- In the middle of the day, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch at a safe and scenic location — often under an acacia tree or at a designated viewpoint. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature all around you. Afternoon Game Drive- Continue exploring the Serengeti in the afternoon as animals begin to stir again in the cooler hours. Look out for herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and thousands of wildebeest and zebras grazing or moving across the plains. By late afternoon, return to your camp or lodge with a heart full of memories and a camera full of photos.
Morning game drive in Serengeti offers a final chance to spot predators and plains game in the golden light. Afterward, begin your journey to Ngorongoro with an optional cultural visit to a traditional Maasai village for insight into their customs and way of life.
Descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the rare black rhino. This massive volcanic caldera, formed over 2.5 million years ago, is home to over 25,000 animals and offers dramatic scenery, from acacia forests and open savannah to seasonal lakes and swamps. Enjoy a full game drive across the crater floor, where predators and prey share the same space in a remarkable natural ecosystem.
Begin your final safari day with a morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but ecologically diverse reserve nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is well known for its tree-climbing lions, often seen resting on branches, as well as its large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and other water birds that line the soda lake. Drive through lush groundwater forests, home to baboons, blue monkeys, and elephants, and across open plains where giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest graze. After the game drive and a picnic lunch or brunch, you will begin your journey back to Arusha, arriving in the afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Zanzibar Island, where a representative will greet you on arrival and escort you to your beachfront hotel. Enjoy scenic coastal views on the way as you transition from safari adventure to tropical relaxation. The rest of the day is yours to unwind by the ocean, take a dip in the warm turquoise waters, or simply relax under the palm trees as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
After your flight and transfer, settle into your beach resort on Zanzibar’s beautiful coastline. Spend the rest of the day relaxing — dip your feet in the Indian Ocean, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, or sip a drink while watching the sun set over the horizon.
In the morning, enjoy a guided Spice Farm Tour, where you'll learn about Zanzibar’s spice heritage and sample fresh cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and more. Continue to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a walking tour through narrow alleyways, historical sites, markets, and architecture influenced by Arab, Indian, and European traders.
Today you can explore Zanzibar’s marine life. Head to Mnemba Atoll or Chumbe Island for a snorkeling trip with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and tropical fish. You may also spot dolphins along the way. Non-divers can enjoy kayaking or swimming.
Enjoy a full day at your own pace. Relax by the pool, read a book under the palm trees, or treat yourself to a spa session or massage. You may also explore the local village nearby or take part in a cooking class or Swahili cultural activity.
Spend your final full day enjoying more of what you love — whether that’s a quiet day at the resort or one last adventure like a Jozani Forest tour (home to the rare red colobus monkey) or a visit to Prison Island.
Depending on your flight time, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international departure.
"Beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife. Our guide's tracking skills were impressive - we saw lions on a hunt! Only wish we had booked a longer safari."
"This safari was beyond amazing! The wildlife encounters were breathtaking, and the lodges were luxurious yet authentic. Highly recommended to Obag Africa Safaris!"
"Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made sure we saw the Big Five. The attention to detail in planning was impressive. Will definitely book with Obag again!"
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