6 Days Ngorongoro and Zanzibar safaris.
This perfectly paced six-day itinerary provides the ultimate East African blend: two days dedicated to the concentrated wildlife spectacle of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, followed by three days of the pure relaxation and aquatic adventure on the beaches of Zanzibar. This safari is the best for the travellers who want to experience both the African savanna’s ‘’Big five’’ and the Swahili coast’s exotic charm within a limited timeframe.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands.
Day 2: Ngorongoro crater descent-wildlife spectacle.
Day 3: Fly to Zanzibar-Transition to the coast.
Day 4: Zanzibar-Beach Relaxation and Ocean Exploration.
Day 5: Stone Town and Spice tour immersion.
Day 6: Departure.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands.
On the 1st day of the safari, your expedition begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Internation Airport (JRO). You will be met by your professional safari guide from African Vacation Safaris guide and he will welcome you and then brief you about the safari. After you will start on the scenic drive towards the cooler fertile Ngorongoro Higlands.
This journey takes you across the Great Rift Valley, offering dramatic views of the escarpment. You will bypass the bust safari towns and head straight to the charming Karatu area, just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) gate. Upon arrival at your lodge or tented camp, you will have lunch and then spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying in the beautiful farm views and preparing for the early start tomorrow. Later you will enjoy dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 2: Ngorongoro crater descent-wildlife spectacle.
On the 2nd day of the safari, today is the core of your safari; an early morning descent into the magnificent Ngorongoro crater. This immense, perfectly preserved caldera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often called the ‘’Eighth Wonder of the world.’’ Because the crater walls act as a natural enclosure, it has an astonishing high concentration of animals, making it the best place in Tanzania to spot the Big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and critically endangered black rhinoceros) in a single day.
Your full-day game drive will take you across the crater floor, exploring the soda lake (Lake Magadi) the open grasslands, and forested areas. You will enjoy a picnic lunch right inside the caldera, surrounded by this incredible concentration of the wildlife. In the later afternoon, you will ascend out of the crater and return to the lodge for your relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 3: Fly to Zanzibar-Transition to the coast.
After a relaxed breakfast, you will have a final opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of Ngorongoro Highlands. Your guide will drive you back to Arusha (or a nearby airstrip) for your scheduled mid-day domestic flight to Zanzibar (ZNZ). The short flight provides a dramatic change of scenery as you leave the dry savannas behind and approach the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Upon your arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you will be met by a driver and be transferred directly to your beach resort, likely located on the famous North (Nungwi) or East (Paje) coast. You will check in, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the sunset, the sunset, the sea breeze and a relaxing dinner.
Day 4: Zanzibar-Beach Relaxation and Ocean Exploration.
On the 4th day of the safari is dedicated to increasing the island experience. You can choose your pace, wither pure relaxation and gentle aquatic adventure. Many travellers opt to spend the morning relaxing on the soft, white sand beaches, swimming in the warm Indian ocean, or enjoying the facilities of the resort.
In the afternoon, you might consider an optional activity such as a traditional dhow boat cruise at sunset or a snorkelling trip. The coral reefs around the island, particularly the renowned Mnemba Atoll (located off the north-eastern coast) offer world-class visibility and vibrant marine life, allowing for another form of ‘’game viewing,’’ this time beneath the waves.
Day 5: Stone Town and Spice tour immersion.
Today offers the exceptional of history and culture. You will be transferred to the historic capital, Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You will go on a guided walk through its labyrinthine narrow alleyways, exploring the ancient architecture, the sultan’s palace, and the vibrant local markets.
This is an amazing historical experience, revealing the islands’ past as a crucial trading hub for spices and trade. After the Stone Town tour, you will participate in the famous Spice Tour, where you visit a working farm to smell, touch and taste the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla that Zanzibar is famous for. This activity brings to life the island’s nickname, the ‘’Spice Island.’’ You will return to your beach resort in the late afternoon for a final night by the sea.
Day 6: Departure.
On the last day of the safari, enjoy breakfast overlooking the ocean. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a last swim or a souvenir purchase. You will then be transfer from your resort back to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your onward international flight, concluding your spectacle 6-day combination safari.
End of 6 Days Ngorongoro and Zanzibar safaris
Safari inclusions.
Accommodation.
Meals.
Park fees.
Flights: one-way domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar.
Full day game drive in Ngorongoro crater, guided Stone Town tour, spice tour in Zanzibar.
Professional English-speaking guide.
Transport.
Safari exclusions.
International flights.
Gratuities.
Visa/Insurance.
Personal items.
Activities (optional water activities in Zanzibar, snorkeling, diving, and dhow sunset cruises.