10-day tour of the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro crater and then a short stay on Zanzibar Island
Highlights
Incredible wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater, Endless savannahs of the Serengeti National Park, Coral reefs and beautiful beaches of Zanzibar
Itinerary
Leaving the vibrant bustle of Nairobi behind, we journey south towards the Tanzanian border. Once the border formalities are complete, we continue to the lively town of Arusha, where we will settle in for the night. This region of Northern Tanzania serves as the gateway to the iconic landscapes of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Route: Nairobi to Arusha
Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Room with Shared Ablutions
OVERNIGHT:
Njiro Legacy
MEALS:
Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We are collected this morning in safari style vehicles and depart Arusha early , heading directly towards the Serengeti National Park. In the afternoon, we will arrive at our camp in the Seronera region located in the heart of the Serengeti. The camp is surrounded by spectacul ar views and abundant wildlife and this evening, while sipping on a cold b everage, we will enjoy the sights and sounds of nature passing right in front of your meru style tent
Route: Arusha to Serengeti National Park
Facilities - Camping: Two per permanent tent with en - suite bathroom
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per permanent tent with en - suite bathroom
OVERNIGHT:
Seronera Private Tented Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
This morning we rise early to enjoy a full day’s game drive through Serengeti National Park. Famous for the abundant wildlife that exists in the park, we will spend most of our day in search of the animals that reside here.
Included Highlight: Full day game Drive through Seronera, Serengeti National Park
Facilities - Camping: Two per permanent tent with en-suite bathroom
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per permanent tent with en-suite bathroom
OVERNIGHT:
Seronera Private Tented Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We spend the morning commuting towards Ngorongoro Crate r where we will enter the conservation area and explore the crater floor in search of the animals which roam the plains. After our exploration, we exist the crater and make the short journey to Karatu where we will overnight.
Included Highlight: Morning excursion to Ngorongoro Crater
Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Room with Shared Ablutions
OVERNIGHT:
Kudu Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Shortly after departing Karatu, we visit the vibrant Mto wa Mbu Market, nestled in the heart of this bustling village. Renowned for its abundant rice crops and famous red bananas, the town serves as a vital link between Arusha and the iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.
Today’s drive showcases Tanzania’s diverse beauty, transitioning from the fertile highlands and verdant coffee estates of Karatu, through sweeping open savannahs and traditional rural settlements, to the lush landscape at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arriving in Moshi, enjoy a relaxed evening at your leisure, perhaps catching a glimpse of Kilimanjaro's peak (weather permitting) as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure.
Route: Karatu to Moshi
Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Room with Shared Ablutions
OVERNIGHT:
Njiro Legacy
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Off to an early start, we begin our journey to our overnight accommodation on the sunny coast towards the town of Bagamoyo. The town of Bagamoyo lies north of the port of Dar es Salaam and was formerly known as the epicentre of the East African slave trade. The atmosphere of African travel envelopes us as we experience the hustle and bustle of one of Africa’s major travel routes. Taking in the buzzing markets and rural villages, we are able to take a glimpse into the window of African rural life. Our evening shall be spent relaxing and preparing for our exciting Zanzibar Excursion that begins tomorrow.
Route: Arusha to Bagamoyo
Facilities - Camping: Campsite with shared ablutions
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Room with Shared Ablutions
OVERNIGHT:
FireFly Lodge
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today, we take a short drive towards Dar es Salaam where we leave our truck behind and take a leisurely ferry ride to Zanzibar Island. We'll then drive north through the island to the coastal town of Nunwi which will be our base for the next couple of days. There are plenty of excursions both on land and on the water which you can enjoy and your guide will be on hand to help arrange these.
Route: Bagamoyo to Nungwi (Zanzibar)
Included Highlight: Zanzibar Excursion
Facilities - Camping: Two per Room with En-Suite Bathroom
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Room with En-Suite Bathroom
OVERNIGHT:
Zanzibar bay
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Your day is free today to enjoy some of the many attractions and activities on offer, or just to chill out and relax. Nungwi offers fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and various boat safari activities. You can also rent a scooter to explore the island independently.
Local options: Fishing, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Turtle Sanctuary Visit, Village Tours and more
Facilities - Camping: Two per Room with En-Suite Bathroom
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Room with En-Suite Bathroom
OVERNIGHT:
Zanzibar bay
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we journey by road towards the historic Stone Town. En route, we pause for an immersive guided spice tour, winding through local villages and aromatic plantations. You will have the opportunity to watch skilled farm workers scale towering trees and identify exotic plants, with the chance to purchase fresh spices directly from the source.
We then continue to Stone Town, a vibrant port city steeped in history. Once a pivotal landmark on the global spice and slave trade routes, the town remains a fascinating cultural crossroads. Our visit includes a guided walking tour to explore its iconic sites, including the birthplace of legendary Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury.
Included Highlight: Stone Town walking city tour, Spice Tour
Facilities - Camping: Two per Room with En-Suite Bathroom
Facilities - Accommodated: Two per Room with En-Suite Bathroom
OVERNIGHT:
Paradise Inn
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Options available while on tour (KEOVSS)
We bid farewell to our fellow travellers in the early afternoon, where your tour will come to an end in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
included with
9 nights accommodation camping or in hotels/lodges/guesthouses (supplement applies)
Ngorongoro and Serengeti excursion
All transport using our 25-seat expedition vehicle
All 'included highlights' as mentioned in the itinerary
2 truck crew (driver/guide plus assistant/cook)
Local guides for sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
excluded by
International flights (available on request)
Visas
Locally available options
'Accommodated hotel upgrade' (hotels/lodges/permanent camps instead of camping)
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guides and drivers
Entrance fees and activities not mentioned above
Any other items not mentioned above
Extras /
Upgrades
Locally available options:
A range of optional activities and tours are available from local activity providers during the tour. Details of some of these are given on our website, but prices may vary and your contract will be with the local provider.
We also offer the following additional options on all our Overland tours:
- Single room supplement (compulsory for solo travellers if we are not able arrange a same-sex room share for you)
- Extra nights pre-tour (many of our tours leave the start location on the first morning so at least one extra night pre-tour is always recommended).
- Extra nights post-tour (giving you more time to enjoy the final destination on the tour)
- Arrival and departure airport transfers (only available if your accommodation booking that day has been made through us)
Detailed Description
A perfect mix of wildlife and relaxation, this tour combines the amazing wildlife of the Serengeti National Park with the relaxing tropical paradise that is Zanzibar Island, and offers a great introduction to Tanzania. This is an overland tour, travelling in a fully equipped comfortable expedition truck, combined with 4x4 safari vehicles and a minibus on Zanzibar.
Arriving in Nairobi we head south across the border to Arusha, gateway to the wildlife heart of Tanzania. From here we head into the Serengeti National Park, making stops at the Ngorongoro crater, home to an unrivalled density of wildlife, and then the Seronera region of the park.
After our wildlife experience we head towards Zanzibar and the coast. We spend the last three days of our tour relaxing on the tropical paradise that is Zanzibar Island. There is plenty to do including the historic World Heritage Site of Stone Town, bustling markets, spice tours, swimming, snorkelling or just a bit of sunbathing. The trip comes to an end in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
The tour is available either based mainly on camping in traditional 2-person tents (which we provide together with camp beds), or as an upgraded 'accommodated' version where you sleep in lodges, hotels, or permanent camps (with proper beds & facilities). Details of each night's stay are given in the Facilities section of the daily itinerary. Pricing shown is based on camping - please contact us for prices to upgrade to the accommodated level.
2026 Update: Please note that for 2026 we will be replacing 1 night in Arusha with a night in Moshi.
