This luxury safari-and-beach combination blends Zanzibar’s turquoise shores with Tanzania’s greatest wildlife destinations during the spectacular Ndutu wildebeest calving season.
The journey begins with relaxation along Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches before flying inland to explore Tarangire National Park, Southern Serengeti (Ndutu), Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—some of Africa’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems. Guests then return to Zanzibar for further coastal indulgence, cultural excursions, and optional spice tours and marine encounters.
Travel is conducted in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and professional guide, staying in hand-picked luxury lodges and villas throughout.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a balance of big-game safari thrills, dramatic predator action, and Indian Ocean relaxation.
Arrive at Zanzibar International Airport and meet your local driver for a scenic transfer to the tranquil shores of Matemwe Beach on the island’s northeast coast.
If time permits, enjoy a brief introduction to Zanzibar’s cultural heritage with a short Stone Town orientation en route before continuing to your beachfront hotel. The rest of the day is reserved for unwinding after travel — stroll along powder-soft sand, listen to the waves of the Indian Ocean, or relax at the pool.
Accommodation: Villa Kiva Hotel
Meals: Half Board
Today is dedicated entirely to relaxation and independent exploration on Zanzibar.
After breakfast, guests may enjoy swimming, spa treatments, fitness sessions, or simply lounging beneath palm trees. Zanzibar is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, hospitable culture, and pristine beaches — making this the perfect place to slow down before the safari adventure begins.
Accommodation: Villa Kiva Hotel
Meals: Half Board
Another free day on Zanzibar allows for optional excursions such as:
• Swimming with turtles
• Dolphin tours
• Snorkeling offshore reefs
• Relaxing at the beach
• Fitness or wellness sessions
Those preferring cultural exploration may opt for historical walks or island tours arranged locally.
The evening is spent again enjoying ocean views and sunset cocktails at the hotel.
Accommodation: Villa Kiva Hotel
Meals: Half Board
Early morning transfer to Zanzibar Airport for a scheduled domestic flight to Arusha. Upon arrival, meet your safari guide and immediately begin the drive to Tarangire National Park for a full game drive with hot picnic lunch inside the park.
Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migration along the Tarangire River — the park’s lifeline during the dry season. Lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and zebra are frequently encountered.
In the late afternoon, drive to your lodge near Ngorongoro for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: The Retreat at Ngorongoro
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, depart toward the legendary Ndutu region, located between Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
This area becomes the heart of the Great Migration between December and March, when thousands of wildebeest calves are born each day — attracting large numbers of predators. The Ndutu plains are among the best places in Africa to spot six species of big cats, including lion, cheetah, leopard, serval, caracal, and African wildcat.
Enjoy extensive game drives en route before arriving at your lodge overlooking Lake Ndutu.
Accommodation: Ndutu Safari Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Spend the entire day exploring the wildlife-rich Ndutu plains.
During calving season, enormous herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope graze across fresh green pastures while predators patrol nearby — producing dramatic predator-prey encounters rarely seen elsewhere.
Game drives traverse acacia woodland, open grasslands, and seasonal lakes before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Rise early and depart Ndutu for one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders — the Ngorongoro Crater.
Descend 600 meters into the volcanic caldera for a full-day safari among dense wildlife populations. Expect buffalo, zebra, hippos, flamingos, hyenas, and excellent chances of seeing the endangered black rhinoceros. Lions and elephants roam year-round, making this one of Tanzania’s premier game-viewing locations.
After a picnic lunch on the crater floor, ascend in the afternoon and continue to Karatu town for overnight.
Accommodation: Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge
Meals: Full Board
After breakfast, depart Karatu and drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a final mainland safari experience.
This lush park lies beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment and is famous for its groundwater forests, open floodplains, and soda lake that attracts thousands of flamingos during certain seasons. Game drives search for elephants moving through fig trees, giraffes browsing along woodland edges, buffalo herds, zebra, baboons, warthogs, and — with luck — the park’s legendary tree-climbing lions.
A picnic lunch is enjoyed inside the park, with a stop at the hippo pool allowing guests to stretch their legs while watching these massive animals wallow in the water.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Arusha Airport for a scheduled flight back to Zanzibar, landing in time for evening arrival and coastal relaxation.
Accommodation: Moja Tuu – The Luxury Villas & Nature Retreat
Meals: Half Board
These three days are dedicated entirely to leisure along Zanzibar’s stunning coastline at Kiwengwa.
Guests may relax at the resort’s pool and private beach or select from a range of optional excursions, including:
• Guided Spice Farm Tour followed by a cultural walk through Stone Town
• Visit to Prison Island
• Swimming with turtles at Baraka Aquarium
• Freshwater cave swimming
• Snorkeling or reef excursions
• Wellness treatments and spa time
Those interested in Zanzibar’s history will enjoy wandering through Stone Town’s narrow alleys, bustling markets, and historic Swahili-Arab architecture.
Accommodation at Moja Tuu provides spacious villas, landscaped gardens, and premium facilities — perfect for unwinding after intense safari days.
Accommodation: Moja Tuu – The Luxury Villas & Nature Retreat
Meals: Half Board
Enjoy a relaxed final morning at the resort before check-out.
At the appropriate time, a private transfer is arranged to Zanzibar International Airport for onward international departure, marking the conclusion of this unforgettable safari-and-beach adventure.
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Half Board
12-Day Northern Circuit Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape – Ndutu Calving Season
$3,740
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