Tanzania is the ultimate destination for travelers seeking wildlife adventures and tropical relaxation. The 13-day Tanzania Big Five and Beach itinerary combines thrilling safaris in northern Tanzania’s iconic national parks with a luxurious beach stay on Zanzibar, making it the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers wanting to experience the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos—while also enjoying pristine beaches and turquoise waters at the end of their safari journey.
A 13-day itinerary offers a comprehensive safari and beach experience:
Big Five Safari: Explore Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti for top predator and wildlife sightings.
Migration Viewing: Depending on the season, witness wildebeest and zebra migration in the Serengeti.
Beach Relaxation: End your adventure on Zanzibar’s sandy beaches and coral reefs.
Cultural Experiences: Visit Maasai villages and local communities for immersive cultural interaction.
Photography Opportunities: From wildlife to scenic landscapes and ocean sunsets.
Timing is important for wildlife and beach conditions:
Dry Season (June – October): Best for game drives, wildlife sightings, and migration tracking.
Wet Season (November – May): Lush green scenery, birdwatching, and fewer tourists; some roads may be muddy.
Zanzibar Beaches: Ideal conditions from June to March, with calm seas and sunny days.
For an ideal combination of safari and beach, June to October is highly recommended.
Here’s a detailed day-by-day itinerary:
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport.
Transfer to a hotel in Arusha for overnight rest.
Meet your safari guide for a briefing on the itinerary.
Drive to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2-3 hours).
Check into your lodge or tented camp (e.g., Tarangire Safari Lodge or Swala Camp).
Afternoon game drive to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Early morning game drive to see wildlife at sunrise.
Explore baobab forests, swamps, and floodplains.
Picnic lunch in the park.
Optional night drive to see nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight at your lodge.
Drive to Lake Manyara National Park (approx. 1.5 hours).
Game drive to spot tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and birdlife.
Optional visit to Mto wa Mbu village for cultural immersion.
Overnight near Lake Manyara.
Depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 1-2 hours).
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.
Picnic lunch inside the crater while observing Big Five wildlife.
Overnight at a lodge on the crater rim (e.g., Ngorongoro Serena Lodge).
Early morning drive to Serengeti National Park (approx. 4-5 hours).
Afternoon game drive in the central Serengeti for sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wildebeest.
Overnight at a lodge or tented camp (e.g., Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge).
Early morning game drive to catch predators hunting at sunrise.
Explore Seronera Valley and Moru Kopjes.
Picnic lunch in the park.
Optional hot air balloon safari for breathtaking aerial views.
Overnight at your lodge or camp.
Full-day game drive to track wildebeest and zebra herds during migration season.
Visit Western Serengeti or Grumeti River areas depending on the season.
Enjoy sunset game drive and photography opportunities.
Overnight at lodge or camp in Serengeti.
Morning game drive or leisure breakfast at lodge.
Drive back to Arusha (approx. 5-6 hours).
Overnight in Arusha for rest before beach transfer.
Transfer to Arusha Airport for a short flight to Zanzibar.
Arrive and transfer to your beach resort.
Relax on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches and enjoy the Indian Ocean.
Overnight at the resort.
Leisure day for snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, or spa treatments.
Optional spice farm tour to explore Zanzibar’s rich agricultural heritage.
Sunset dhow cruise for a memorable evening.
Overnight at your beach resort.
Optional cultural and historical tours in Stone Town.
Visit local markets, spice farms, and traditional villages.
Afternoon relaxation on the beach or water activities.
Overnight at your resort.
Breakfast at the resort.
Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight.
Optional extension: Combine with Kilimanjaro trekking or additional beach days.
Travelers can expect to see:
Big Five: Lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos.
Migration Herds: Wildebeest and zebras during migration season in Serengeti.
Other Wildlife: Cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, impalas, and baboons.
Birdlife: Flamingos, pelicans, storks, and over 500 bird species.
Scenic Highlights: Baobab forests in Tarangire, Lake Manyara’s flamingos, and Ngorongoro Crater’s stunning ecosystem.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge: Luxury with panoramic wildlife views.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge: Overlooks the crater with modern amenities.
Tarangire Safari Lodge: Elevated lodges with scenic river views.
Zanzibar Beach Resorts: Baraza Resort, Zuri Zanzibar, and Kendwa Rocks.
Maramboi Tented Camp (Tarangire): Comfortable and eco-friendly.
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge: Convenient and cozy.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge: Centrally located for safari drives.
Guesthouses, small lodges, and campsites provide authentic experiences at affordable rates.
Pack Smart: Neutral safari clothing, swimwear, sunhat, sunscreen, binoculars, and camera.
Health Precautions: Anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, and travel insurance recommended.
Stay Hydrated: Carry water during game drives.
Early Morning Drives: Wildlife is most active at sunrise.
Respect Wildlife and Local Communities: Follow your guide’s instructions.
Book Early: Peak season (June–October) requires advanced booking for lodges and camps.
Complete Safari Experience: Northern parks for Big Five, migration, and iconic landscapes.
Beach Relaxation: Zanzibar offers sun, sand, and water sports.
Cultural Exposure: Maasai village visits and Stone Town explorations.
Balanced Pace: Time for game drives, photography, beach activities, and cultural tours.
Family-Friendly: Suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Q: Will I see the Big Five on this itinerary?
A: Yes. Northern parks like Ngorongoro and Serengeti provide excellent Big Five sightings.
Q: Can I see the wildebeest migration?
A: Yes, depending on the season (June–October is ideal).
Q: Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
A: Absolutely. Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination with safe beaches and water activities.
Q: Can this itinerary be extended?
A: Yes. You can extend your stay in Zanzibar or combine with Kilimanjaro trekking.
The 13-day Tanzania Big Five and Beach itinerary offers the perfect combination of thrilling safari adventures, cultural encounters, and tropical relaxation. From Tarangire’s elephants, Lake Manyara’s flamingos, and Ngorongoro Crater’s Big Five, to Serengeti migration experiences, this itinerary is a wildlife photographer’s dream. Ending on Zanzibar’s beaches provides the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.
Book your 13-day Tanzania Big Five and Beach itinerary today for a truly extraordinary journey!
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination with many adventures being offered all over the country. For optimal wildlife sightings, the dry season from June to October is your best bet! Read more on when to visit Tanzania
Both have their perks with Big Five national parks, the incredible Great Migration and that quintessential African experience we all dream of. Check out our article on Serengeti vs Masai Mara to help you decide.
They both have such different safari experiences! Tanzania offers Big Five game reserves on classic dusty desert plains, rather South Africa partners the Big Five animals with luscious winelands. Both are just as good, but it depends on your safari style.
That’s a tough one! Botswana is home to herds of elephants at Chobe and the sparkling Okavango Delta, and Tanzania has the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro and Great Migration. Check out our article on Botswana vs Tanzania safaris to help you decide.
Tanzania is in general a safe, hassle-free country. However, like most places, you do need to take precautions and listen to your tour guide. It also pays to read our articles on ‘Things to know before going to Tanzania’.
A camera and binoculars are a must. You’ll regret it if you don’t take them! As for clothing, definitely pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Remember, Tanzania is an arid country so the days can get quite hot. Read more on what to pack for a safari in Tanzania in our travel magazine
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