18 DAYS TANZANIA SAFARI TOUR – WILDLIFE VIEWING, CULTURE, & ZANZIBAR TOUR
18 Days Tanzania Safari Tour – SAFARI OVERVIEW
This 18 days Tanzania safari tour is a relaxed 17 nights / 18 days safari in Tanzania holiday, offering you spectacular scenery, superb wildlife viewing adventures, and unique cultural experiences, coupled with peace and relaxation on the pristine white-sand beaches of Zanzibar – all at a great price!
Your 18 days Tanzania safari tour takes in all the classic wildlife destinations of northern Tanzania. You’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of Arusha National Park, explore the giants of Tarangire National Park – elephants and baobab trees – and visit Lake Manyara National Park, where lions climb trees and baboon troops thrive.
Next, explore the endless plains of Serengeti, where you can witness the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration in season and millions of other African wildlife. Move on to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a Natural Wonder and one of the few places in Africa, where it is possible to see all of the Big Five in a single day.
After a thrilling safari, jet off to the tropical island paradise of Zanzibar for a classic combination of sand, sea, and sun. This 18 days Tanzania safari tour also offers many opportunities to learn about Tanzania’s rich culture and history.
If you’d like to book or customize this tour to suit your special Tanzania safari interests – please let us know.
18 Days Tanzania Safari Tour – PRIME SAFARI ACTIVITIES
- Cultural walk around Arusha
- Classic safari game drives
- Guided nature walks
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in season
- Big 5 game viewing
- See Big Cats (Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs)
- Spot huge elephant herds in Tarangire
- Fantastic birdwatching
- Explore the natural wonder of Ngorongoro Crater
- Visit Olduvai Gorge (the cradle of mankind)
- Cultural walk in Mto wa Mbu village
- Maasai Village visit
- Relaxation on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar
- Walk the historic streets of Stone Town
- Optional water sports: scuba diving, snorkeling, kite-surfing, jet skiing, etc
- Optional hot-air balloon safari
18 Days Tanzania Safari Tour – FEATURED SAFARI DESTINATIONS
Day 1, 2 & 3: Arusha – Arusha National Park
Day 4, 5, & 6: Tarangire National Park
Day 7 & 8: Lake Manyara National Park & Mto wa Mbu Village
Day 9, 10, & 11: Serengeti National Park & Olduvai Gorge
Day 12: Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Maasai Village
Day 15, 16, 17 & 18: Zanzibar & Stone Town
18 Days Tanzania Safari Tour– SAFARI HIGHLIGHT
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport & transfer to Arusha.
Day 2: Cultural Walks around Arusha & Relaxation.
Day 3: Walking safari & game drive in Arusha National Park
Day 4: Transfer to Tarangire National Park for a game drive
Day 5: Unlimited game drives in Tarangire National Park
Day 6: Whole day game drives in Tarangire National Park
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park. En route cultural walk in Mto wa Mbu Village & game drive on arrival.
Day 8: Full-day game drive in Lake Manyara National Park
Day 9: Transfer to Serengeti National Park & enjoy a game drive
Day 10: Unlimited game drives in Serengeti National Park
Day 11: Full-day games drive in Serengeti National Park
Day 12: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation via Olduvai Gorge
Day 13: Full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Day 14: Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk & Maasai Village Visit.
Day 15: Transfer back to Arusha for your flight to Zanzibar.
Day 16: Relax & unwind on Zanzibar beaches.
Day 17: Tour the historic Stone Town & relax in the afternoon
Day 18: Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for departure
18 Days Tanzania Safari Tour – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport & Transfer to Arusha.
Your fantastic 18 days Tanzania safari tour begins in Arusha, your gateway to the incredible national parks of Tanzania. On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you’ll be met by our company representative who will help load the bags into our comfortable 4×4, air-conditioned vehicle before he takes you to your hotel in the nearby Arusha town for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Legendary Lodge/Kibo Palace Hotel/Arusha Coffee Lodge
Midrange: – Outpost Lodge
Meal Plan: – Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Airport pick-up
- Transfer to a hotel
- Safari briefing
Day 2: Cultural Walks Around Arusha & Relaxation.
Day two of your 18 days Tanzania safari tour will also be spent in Arusha to allow you time to acclimatize. You will start a leisurely breakfast at 8.00 am at the hotel, before embarking on a cultural walk/tour around Arusha.
You will visit the local markets and get a feel for African local life in Tanzania. You may like to visit the Natural History Museum, Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, or beautiful nature or try out local food while visiting a Tanzanian restaurant. If you feel more energetic, you can even opt for a cycling tour through villages and beautiful nature.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Kibo Palace Hotel/Arusha Coffee Lodge/Impala Hotel
Midrange: – Outpost Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 3: Walking Safari & Game Drive in Arusha National Park
After breakfast on day three of your 18 days Tanzania safari tour, take a 45-minute drive to Arusha NP for a morning walking safari and afternoon game drive.
This beautiful, quiet park of 137km2, comprises Mount Meru (4,566m), ancient fig tree forests, alkaline lakes, volcanic craters, meandering mountain streams, and waterfalls. You’ll start your day with a guided nature walk through the park’s scenic landscapes as you make your way to a beautiful waterfall.
You have a chance to see many wildlife species, including Colobus monkeys, Giraffes, Zebras, Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Dik-dik, and Warthog. You also have a chance to observe over 400 bird species.
After a nature walks, enjoy a picnic lunch, and then embark on an afternoon game drive through the park. Drive past the park landmarks such as the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater – sometimes known as ‘Little Ngorongoro’. At the Momella Lakes, you will see numerous birds including pink flamingos and pelicans. After a game drive, drive back to your hotel for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Kibo Palace Hotel/Arusha Coffee Lodge/Impala Hotel
Midrange: – Outpost Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Game drive
- community walk
Optional Activities:-
- Canoe ride on Momella Lake
Day 4: Transfer to Tarangire National Park & Do A Game Drive.
Your day four of the 18 days Tanzania safari tour starts with breakfast at 7.30 am. After breakfast, you’ll take a beautiful African drive of about 2½ hours southwest to Tarangire National Park. You’ll arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. After lunch, you will take some time to relax and then go for an afternoon 4×4 safari game drive in search of Tarangire’s wonderful wildlife.
Covering an area of 2800km2, Tarangire NP is an incredibly beautiful park, comprising granite ridges, river valleys, mixed vegetative landscapes, and swamps. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which attracts thousands of wild animals in the dry season. Its grassy plains are dotted with Africa’s iconic Baobabs – some over 1000 years old and home to a high concentration of area wildlife.
Elephants are mainly plentiful here, with some herds reaching up to 300 strong. Due to its low visitor numbers, Tarangire provides a serene and intimate wildlife-viewing experience. After a wildlife drive, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Midrange: – Tarangire Kirurumu Camp
Budget: – Roika Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: – Approx. 150km/2 hours
Activities & Services: –
- Transfer to Tarangire
- Game drive
Optional Activity: –
- Night game drive
Day 5: Unlimited Game Drives in Tarangire National Park
On day five of your 18 days Tanzania safari tour, you have a full day in beautiful Tarangire. You’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, returning to the lodge or camp for lunch and a short rest in the day’s hottest hours.
During the game drives, explore the park as you look for the huge herds of African elephants and the giant baobab trees. Visit the Silale Swamp, a significant part of the Tarangire ecosystem. The swamp covers an area of 70km2 and it acts as a giant sponge during the rainy season, and slowly releases water during the dry season, attracting thousands of thirsty wild animals.
It is where you can see a mix of animals of all shapes, including the Big Cats (Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah). Silale swamp is a great place to see Tarangire’s unusual tree-climbing lions as well as leopards and African wild dogs. Adding to the collection, the Swamp is also known as a great place to see massive African Rock Pythons. After the game drive, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Midrange: – Tarangire Kirurumu Camp
Budget: – Roika Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Game drives
Day 6: Whole Day Game Drives In Tarangire National Park
Today, enjoy another full day of game drives in wonderful Tarangire. You will look out for the animals and birds you may have missed out on during your previous excursions. You will again return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax before going out again on an afternoon game drive.
Tarangire is one location in Tanzania where rare dry-country antelopes (Beisa Oryx and Gerenuk) are often seen. The park is also home to over 500 kinds of birds, including the dazzling Yellow-collared Lovebird, Common Ostrich (the world’s biggest bird), and Kori Bustard (the heaviest flying bird).
You’ll again return to the lodge for your final dinner and overnight here.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Midrange: – Tarangire Kirurumu Camp
Budget: – Roika Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Full-day game drive
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park. En-Route Cultural Walk in Mto wa Mbu Village & Afternoon Game Drive on Arrival.
After a relaxed breakfast, embark on a 2-hour drive north to Lake Manyara. En route, take a cultural walk in Mto wa Mbu to learn about life in this charming small village; a fascinating snapshot of small-town African life, home to some 18,000 residents from 120 different Tanzania tribes! Visit the village’s local market; farmer’s fields, meet artisans in their shops, and see how huts are constructed.
After a village walk, continue to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive around Lake Manyara NP. A spectacular part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara’s rich variety of habitats are set around the soda lake, described by Ernest Hemingway as the ‘loveliest I have seen in Africa’.
The lake hosts flamingos and other waterbirds. The forested valleys and open savannah plains support a large population of African elephants, as well as Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeests, Buffalos, Blue monkeys, Baboons, and Antelopes. There are fewer predators but topping the list are the famed Manyara’s tree-climbing lions.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Midrange: – Manyara Kirurumu Camp
Budget: – Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: – Approx. 110km/2 hours
Activities & Services: –
- Transfer to Lake Manyara
- Mto wa Mbu Village walk
- Afternoon game drive
Day 8: Full-Day Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park.
After an early breakfast go on a full-day game drive. You either have a packed lunch or stay in the park the whole day or return to the lodge for lunch and some time for relaxation before going for another game drive in the afternoon.
One of the main reasons why travelers visit Lake Manyara National Park is the birds. The park is a paradise for bird lovers, thanks to the combination of wetlands, woodlands, and hot springs. Over 400 bird species have been recorded including big flocks of flamingos that feed along the edge of the lake in the wet season.
In 1991, there were an estimated 2 million Flamingoes and 200,000 Great White Pelicans here! Although you won’t get to see all that, there are still some excellent species you can look for. These include Abdim’s stork, African jacana, African spoonbill, African fish eagle, Baglafecht weaver, crowned eagle, Comb duck, Grey-crowned crane, Hottentot teal, Sacred ibis, Little stint, etc…
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Midrange: – Manyara Kirurumu Camp
Budget: – Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Full-day game drive
Optional Activity:-
- Night game drive
Day 9: Transfer to Serengeti National Park & Enjoy A Game Drive.
Day nine of your 19 days Tanzania safari tour starts with a good breakfast at around 6.30 am. Then, take a fascinating 5-6 hour drive through rural Masai villages, crater highlands, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Leaving behind the crater highlands, descend into the endless plains of Serengeti National Park known to the local Maasai people as Siringeti, ‘the place where the land moves on forever. Covering some 1,4000km2, the endless plains of Serengeti are home to one of the greatest concentrations of wild animals on planet earth.
The ecosystem present here also ranks among the oldest on earth, and the flora and fauna of the Serengeti have remained unchanged for millions of years. Serengeti is renowned for the Great Migration of over 1.5 million wildebeests – the largest animal migration on the planet, and one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
This afternoon, you’ll enjoy a bush picnic lunch and game drive on your way to your accommodation in Central Serengeti. This area contains the fabulous Seronera Valley, one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Cats on thrilling hunts.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Serengeti Sopa Lodge/Serengeti Serena Lodge
Midrange: – Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: – Approx. 250km/5-6 hours
Activities & Services: –
- Transfer to Serengeti
- Evening game drive
Day 10: Unlimited Game Drives in Serengeti National Park
Unrivaled concentrations of wildlife, breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and vast pristine areas make Serengeti NP one of the best game viewing areas.
Massive herds of grazers and various predators can be observed – wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, leopard, buffalo, lion, cheetah, elephants, giraffe, topis, impalas, warthog, hyena, hippo, and ostrich – and the interaction between numerous species offers some of the world’s finest wildlife viewing opportunities.
Enjoy your first full day safari in Serengeti on day ten of your 19 days Tanzania safari tour. You can go on a whole-day wildlife drive with a packed picnic lunch in the park or set out just before daybreak to enjoy a magical African safari in Serengeti at sunrise. It is a lovely time in the Serengeti, with soft light dappling the landscape, birds awakening and the sense of adventure begins to unfurl.
Also, not so many predators hunt during the heat of the day, so the best time to witness lions, hyenas, and leopards, on thrilling hunts is in the early morning. With a sunrise safari, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and some downtime before heading out on safari again in the afternoon.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Serengeti Serena Lodge/Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Midrange: – Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Budget: – Kijereshi Tented Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Game drives in Serengeti
Optional Activity: –
- Hot air balloon safari
Day 11: Full-Day Games Drive In Serengeti National Park
Have another full day in Serengeti today. Serengeti NP supports the world’s highest concentrations of large predators, including about 9000 spotted hyenas, 3000 lions, and 1000 leopards. In general, cheetahs live at much lower densities than other large predators. However, the Serengeti boasts the highest density of cheetah in Africa.
The Serengeti National Park is also home to over 500 bird species. Several of the Serenget’s fantastic birds can be see during the game drive, including Fischer’s Lovebird, Kori Bustard, Saddle-billed Stork, Coqui Francolin, Temminck’s Courser, Secretary bird, Red-fronted Parrot, Southern Ground Hornbill, Martial Eagle, Rüppell’s Vultures, Eurasian Roller, and Barn Swallows.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Serengeti Serena Lodge/Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Midrange: – Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Budget: – Kijereshi Tented Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Full-day Game drive
Optional Activities:-
- Hot air balloon safari
Day 12: Transfer to Ngorongoro via Olduvai Gorge.
Your day 12 of the 19 days Tanzania safari tour starts with a leisurely breakfast at the camp. Thereafter, enjoy a game drive that will take you out from the grassy plains of Serengeti to the rugged forested hills of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area passing amazing Masai villages en route.
In Ngorongoro, visit Olduvai Gorge. It is here in 1960, that the remains of Homo habilis, the first representative of the Homo genus and an immediate ancestor of the modern human, were discovered by Louis Leakey. The site offers a fascinating insight into the origin and evolution of man in these African plains. After the gorge visit, continue to your lodge near the Ngongoro Crater rim for relaxation, dinner, and overnight. Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed cater is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The caldera which is about 260km2 wide is filled with over 30,000 wild animals, making for some of the easiest game viewing anywhere on the continent and the place, where you are most likely to see all of the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo) in a single game drive.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge/Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Midrange: – Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
Budget: – Karatu Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & Time: – Approx.140km/3-4 hours
Activities & Services: –
- Transfer to Ngorongoro
- Game drives
Day 13: Full-Day Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater.
After an early breakfast today, go on a full-day game drive inside the magnificent Ngorongoro crater. Within this crater lies every type of ecosystem, including riverine forests, open plains, and freshwater and alkaline lakes. The scenery is stunning as you descend almost 2000 feet down to the crater floor.
Within its 260 square kilometers lies a remarkable concentration of wildlife, so on your game drive you all, of the ‘big five’ animals that rule here, including the highly endangered Black rhinos. Enjoy a bush picnic lunch on the crater floor before continuing with your game drive. In the late afternoon, retire to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Ngorongoro Serena Lodge/Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Midrange: – Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
Budget: – Karatu Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Full Game drive
Optional Activity:-
- Visit a Maasai Village
Day 14: Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk & Maasai Village Visit.
Your day 14 of the 18 days Tanzania safari begins with a relaxed breakfast.
Then, you take a guided walk along the crater rim for dramatic crater photographs. Also hike through gorgeous vegetation with colorful birds, wildflowers, and lush trees. Your guide will teach about the traditional medicinal uses of the various plants, as well as point out animal tracks and scat.
After an exciting nature walk, return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, visit a Maasai village in the Ngorongoro highlands. Spend time with the villagers, learn about their way of life, and join in their lively singing and dancing. There is then the opportunity to discover some of their customary practices such as beadwork and fire-making.
After a village visit, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Ngorongoro Serena Lodge/Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Midrange: – Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge
Budget: – Karatu Simba Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Crater rim walk
- Maasai village visit
Day 15: Transfer Back To Arusha for Your Flight to Zanzibar.
After breakfast, embark on a drive of about 5-6 hours back to Arusha town. On arrival, continue to Arusha Airport to catch your flight to Unguja, the biggest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. Fly over the turquoise blue waters of the beautiful Indian Ocean, before landing on the island – a sunny place with pristine sand beaches and a blend of diverse cultures.
Most of the finest beaches are on the east coast, and you will travel through beautiful local villages, vibrant markets, and spice plantations on the way to wherever you are staying on the beach today. Relax for the rest of the day.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – The Residence Zanzibar/Baraza Resort & Spa
Midrange: – Reef & Beach Resort/Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Meal Plan: – Sunshine Hotel, Zanzibar/Pongwe Beach Hotel
Activities & Services: –
- Drive back to Arusha
- Fly to Zanzibar Island
Day 16: Relax & Unwind On Zanzibar Beaches.
On day sixteen of your 18 days Tanzania safari tour, enjoy your free time in this beautiful archipelago. There are several ways you can spend your day – maybe talk to your guide for any suggestions he might have.
You can go snorkel in the transparent waters, take a traditional dhow cruise, go scuba diving, walk the stretch of powder white sand, tour a spice plantation, dine on freshly caught sumptuous seafood or simply relax in a hammock underneath a palm tree with a good book. Zanzibar’s tropical setting, unique culture, and active beach-party scene make this place a delightful East African Indian Ocean experience.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – The Residence Zanzibar/Baraza Resort & Spa
Midrange: – Reef & Beach Resort/Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort
Budget: – Pongwe Beach Hotel/Sunshine Hotel Zanzibar
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Day 17: Tour the Historic Stone Town & Relax In the Afternoon
After breakfast, take a walking tour of historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its range of architectural styles and sights of many cultures (Asian, Arab, African, and European) this town has been a trading center for mellenias. You will walk through bustling narrow streets while admiring the historical old. Explore local fruits and vegetable markets, fish markets, Tip tipu houses, the House of Wonders, and the National Museum.
Visit the Old Slave Market, now the Anglican Cathedral Church, that houses some memorials to the city’s sorrowful history, including an altar built over the spot where the whipping post stood. All newly captured Africans were tied to the tree here and whipped to test their mettle. You retire in the afternoon for leisure, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Jafferji House & Spa/Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Midrange: – Dhow Palace Hotel/Shaba Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Activities & Services: –
- Stone town walking tour
Day 18: Transfer to Zanzibar Airport for Departure.
Your 18 days Tanzania safari tour comes to an end today. You’ll be picked up and taken to the Zanzibar Airport for your departure flight home.
End of the 18 Days Tanzania Safari Tour
18 Days Tanzania Safari Tour − SAFARI INCLUSIONS
- Full Board Accommodation on Safari
- Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof &AC
- Fuel
- Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
- Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
- Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
- Bottled water while on safari
- Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
- Concession and Park fees
- Airport Transfers
18 Days Tanzania Safari Tour − SAFARI EXCLUSIONS
- General tips for the driver guide, site guides, and service staff at the lodges
- Laundry Services
- Other Beverages/drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
- International Flights (Arranged on request)
- Visas
- Optional Activity fees
- Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary