Hippos

Lilac Breasted Roller

Dowh Boat

Hippos

1/12

Get ready for 21 days of wild adventure and lazy relaxation.

This immersive itinerary takes you from Tanzania’s legendary northern parks to the unspoiled wilderness of the south — and finishes with a blissful beach escape on the tropical island of Zanzibar.

Marvel at the majesty of the Serengeti, explore the untamed beauty of Ruaha and Nyerere, and slow down on soft white sand.

This is the ultimate private safari and barefoot island getaway.

Wild & Lazy

21 days - 20 nights

Day 1 - Arrival in Tanzania

After a warm welcome by your private guide at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or lodge in Arusha for your first overnight stay.

Meal plan:

Bed only

Day 2 - Your Safari Begins: Tarangire National Park

Kick off your safari with a drive to Tarangire National Park, home to Tanzania’s largest elephant population. Discover a landscape dotted with ancient baobab trees, where herds of elephants roam freely and predators lurk in the tall grass. Your first game drive offers sightings of giraffes, lions, and countless antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views of the Tarangire River—a vital lifeline for wildlife during the dry season.

Overnight at:

Meal plan:

Hotel/lodge

Full board

Day 3 - Tarangire’s Untamed Beauty

Rise early for a full-day safari adventure in this lesser-known gem of the northern circuit. Tarangire is not only quieter than other parks, but also incredibly rewarding—especially for birdwatchers, with over 500 bird species recorded. Explore woodlands, wetlands, and sweeping savannahs in search of lions, leopards, and massive herds of buffalo. End the day with sundowners overlooking the wilderness.

Overnight at:

Meal plan:

Hotel/lodge

Full board

Day 4 - Maasai Culture & Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, visit a traditional Maasai boma for an authentic cultural encounter. Learn about their ancient customs, colorful dress, and proud warrior traditions. Continue to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingo-filled lake, and lush groundwater forest. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through this biodiverse park before heading to your cozy hotel/lodge/tented camp in Karatu.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 5 - Into the Iconic Serengeti

Today you travel to Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most celebrated safari destinations. Along the way, witness animals roaming the open plains as you enter the heart of Africa’s wildlife kingdom. Your drive transforms into a game drive as you spot giraffes, wildebeests, and possibly big cats. Arrive at your tented safari camp and soak in the classic "Out of Africa" ambiance under a star-filled sky.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 6 - Full-Day Game Drive in the Serengeti

This is the Serengeti at its finest. Spend a full day tracking the Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat. Depending on the season, you may witness part of the Great Migration—a bucket-list wildlife spectacle involving over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras. Whether it’s lions lazing in the sun, a cheetah on the hunt, or elephants bathing in a river, this is a day you’ll never forget.

Overnight at:

Meal plan:

Hotel/lodge

Full board

Day 7 - Scenic Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final morning in the Serengeti with a last chance to spot wildlife you haven’t yet seen. Then begin your journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel across changing landscapes—from endless plains to highland forests—until you reach your lodge near the crater rim or Karatu, offering incredible sunset views.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 8 - Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight at:

Meal plan:

Hotel/lodge

Full board

Day 9 - Resting Day

After the adventures of the northern parks, take a full day to rest and recharge in Arusha. Let the experiences sink in before your journey south begins.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 10 - Travel to Dodoma

Your driver/guide will pick you up early for a scenic full-day journey to Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma. Arrive by sunset for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 11 - Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, travel to Ruaha National Park — Tanzania’s second largest park and one of its most dramatic. Arrive at your tented camp in the late afternoon.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 12 - Ruaha National Park

Enjoy a full day of game drives in this remote park where wildlife is less accustomed to vehicles. Expect unique, close-to-nature encounters and an unforgettable sundowner at camp.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 13 - Mikumi National Park

With a packed breakfast and lunch, drive to Mikumi National Park (approx. 6 hours). Known for its lions, giraffes, hippos, kudus, and bush babies, this park is full of surprises.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 14 - Mikumi National Park

Explore Mikumi on full-day game drives. Its terrain includes savannahs dotted with acacias, baobabs, tamarinds, and rare palm trees. Don’t miss the hippo pools and the park’s 400+ bird species.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 15 - Nyerere National Park

Today you journey from Mikumi to Nyerere National Park. The changing scenery — from open plains to dense forests — is all part of the experience. Prepare for the magic of the Rufiji River.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 16 - Nyerere National Park

A full day of adventure awaits in Nyerere, where lions, giraffes, elephants, and hippos thrive. With vast open spaces and abundant birdlife, the park offers a truly wild safari experience.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Full board

Day 17 - Zanzibar

It’s time to say goodbye to your guide — and hello to the beach! Transfer to a nearby airstrip for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your beach hotel or resort.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Half board

Day 18 -> 20 - Beach Life

After all your safari adventures, it’s time to unwind. Spend three relaxing days on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. Prefer activity over sunbathing? Snorkeling, spice tours, and a visit to Stone Town can all be arranged.

Overnight at:

Hotel/lodge

Meal plan:

Half board

Day 21 - Departure

All good things come to an end. After breakfast, a hotel representative will transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam and onward international departure.

End of Service

Price Indication

From $7,595 per person based on 2 travelers

From $5,945 per person based on 4 travelers

Please note: These starting prices are indicative for travel during the high season (July/August) and based on hand-picked select accommodations. Prices may be lower during the low season, with favorable exchange rates, or when traveling with more people and/or children. During holidays or in case of an unfavorable exchange rate, prices may be higher.

For a complete, tailor-made package including transfers, accommodations, and more – contact us for a personalized quote! All our published prices are subject to our Terms and Conditions. For full details, we kindly invite you to review them by clicking [here].

Inclusive:

All transfers and activities as mentioned above.
Shared rooms during safari/beach in standard rooms unless differently stipulated.
Park fees, Conservation and Community Development fees
Meals as stipulated.
Complimentary mineral water, coffee and tea in the safari vehicle.
4x4 game viewing vehicles plus driver guide (window seat guaranteed).
Domestic flight from Nyerere National Park to Zanzibar.
Domestic flight from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam International Airport.
Services of a professional driver/guide during safari.
AMREF emergency evacuation coverage.

Exlusive:

International Flights.
Tipping can be a sensitive topic in many European/Western countries, but it is a common practice in the tourism industry in East Africa. Check our Travel Guide for references.
Drinks.
Any other personal expenses.
Visa fees and airport departure taxes.
Personal items and anything not specified in the itinerary above.

Tanzania is a land of remarkable cultural diversity, home to numerous tribes, each with its own distinct language, traditions, and heritage. Despite these differences, the nation is united by a harmonious culture built on a deeply rooted social code of courtesy and respect. The country’s climate is predominantly tropical. The hottest months occur from December to February. Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons: the long rains from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to early December. However, these patterns have become less predictable due to climate change. The coolest months, from June to August, bring chilly nights and mornings, especially in high-altitude regions like Kilimanjaro, the Karatu Highlands, and the Ngorongoro Crater, where temperatures can drop close to freezing. This guide offers essential travel tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania.

Climate:

General Weather: Tanzania has a tropical climate.
Hot Months: December to February are the hottest months.
Rainy Seasons: Long rains occur mid-March to late May, while short rains fall in November through early December. Climate change can cause variations.
Cool Months: June to August are the coolest months, with chilly nights and mornings.
High Altitudes: In areas like Kilimanjaro, Karatu Highlands, and Ngorongoro Crater, temperatures can drop near freezing

Safari Preparation:

Clothing:

Headwear: Sun hat with a wide brim or peak.
Eyewear: Sunglasses.
Scarves: Cotton scarf to protect against sunburn.
Shirts: Light cotton, long and short sleeves; avoid dark colors like blue or black (attracts tsetse flies).
Outerwear: Medium-weight fleece for cooler evenings and mornings; lightweight rain jacket.
Pants: Lightweight trousers; convertible zip-off styles are convenient.
Evening Attire: Casual but smart clothing for lodges or tented camps.
Footwear: Walking shoes or trainers; sport sandals. Hiking boots are only necessary for trekking or multi-day walking safaris.
Extras: Torch or headlamp with spare batteries; face masks for COVID-19 protection

Medical Supplies:

Basic medications: headache and diarrhea tablets, rehydration salts, antihistamines.
Sun Protection: SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm.
Insect Protection: Mosquito repellent and bite cream.
Other Essentials: Wet wipes, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, personal prescriptions, and any required vaccines (e.g., yellow fever).

Personal Equipment:

Daypack: lightweight, durable.
Toiletries: some lodges provide basic items.
Camera: spare batteries, and memory cards.
Charging Needs: Multi-plugs; vehicles equipped with British-standard sockets; lodges provide charging facilities.
Binoculars (one per person recommended).

Beach Preparation:

Essentials: Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, reef shoes, and swimwear.
Optional: Snorkeling gear (can be rented locally).
Modesty Guidelines: Cover shoulders and knees in villages or towns (especially in Muslim areas).

Plastic Ban:

Tanzania prohibits all plastic bags, including carrier bags, bin liners, and rubbish bags.
Exception: Small ziplock bags for toiletries per airline regulations, which must be taken out of the country afterward.

Luggage Tips:

Use soft sports bags for easier packing in vehicles and planes. Suitcases can be cumbersome.
Weight Limits: Small aircraft often enforce a 15kg limit.
Lock all bags and keep essential items in carry-on luggage.
Avoid prohibited items in carry-on (e.g., lighters, knives)

Money and Payments:

Bring USD, EUR, or GBP. New USD notes (2016 or newer) are preferred.
ATM machines dispense local currency (Tanzanian Shillings), with daily withdrawal limits.
Credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) are accepted at some lodges, with a 4-5% fee.

Tipping can be a sensitive topic in many European/Western countries, but it is a common practice in the tourism industry in East Africa. Below are our guidelines for your reference.

Tipping Guideline Safari & Beach:

Safari Driver/Guide: $10-$15 person sharing the vehicle (e.g. 4 persons x 4 days @$10 = $160 in total).
Hotels/Lodges/Camps: $5–$7 per guest per night (use communal tip boxes).

Tipping Guideline Kilimanjaro/Meru Climb:

Head Guide: $25-$30 per day / group.
Assistant Guide: $15-$20 per day / group.
Porters: $7-$10 per porter per day / group.
Cook: $12-$15 per day / group.
Camp Master: $10-$12 per day / group.
Toilet Master: $10-$12 per day / group.
Waiter: $12-15 per day / group.

Documents:

Visa (apply online at Tanzania eVisa).
Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
Emergency contacts.
Travel insurance.
Vaccination certificates.

Emergency and Evacuation:

AMREF Evacuation Cover: Built into all itineraries. Provides emergency medical evacuation to the nearest facility in Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa. This supplements personal travel insurance.

Final Notes:

This guide covers the essentials. If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact us. Best of luck from all of us at Genes Adventures!

Prepare well and enjoy your Adventure!

This itinerary is just an example only!

At Genes Adventures, all our itineraries are tailor-made. Whether you're combining your safari with a thrilling Kilimanjaro climb or unwinding on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island, we’ll design a journey that matches your style, interests, and schedule.