8 days · Safari + Zanzibar
Tanzania in 8 days
Tanzania in 8 days: Serengeti/Ngorongoro + Zanzibar. Northern safari and Indian Ocean beach without transfer overload.
Northern safari leads; Zanzibar is the prize
In 8 days: Arusha (1) + northern safari (4–5) with Ngorongoro and Serengeti (or Tarangire) + Zanzibar (2–3). Don’t stack Kilimanjaro summit + Selous + Pemba + full Serengeti.
When
Jun–Oct (dry)
Classic safari; Serengeti migration (dates vary). Peak demand — book lodges.
Jan–Mar (calving)
Southern Serengeti: calves and predators. Pleasant Zanzibar.
Apr–May (rains)
Cheaper; rough roads; some camps close. Possible with flexibility.
Budget / day
US$200–500
Safari lodge*
US$80–200
Zanzibar
Park fees*
Parks
US$280–700
Safari total
8 days
Day 1Arusha
Arrive Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha, operator briefing, rest. Don’t force a full city tour.
- Sleep near the airport or in a lodge known to your operator.
Days 2–5Ngorongoro + Serengeti (or Tarangire)
Crater (serious half day), then Serengeti game drives. Shorter alt: Tarangire + Ngorongoro if time is tight.
- One northern circuit well > adding Manyara + express Selous. Park fees are high — choose nights wisely.
Days 6–8Zanzibar
Flight to ZNZ: Stone Town (1 night) + east/north beach (Nungwi/Paje). Snorkel or sea only — don’t force spice tour + dolphins + 3 islands.
- International out of ZNZ if you can — saves returning to JRO.
Practical
Flights & safaris
JRO → northern circuit by 4x4; light Serengeti–Zanzibar flights frequent. Book a package with a solid operator.
Where to stay
Arusha lodge · Serengeti/Ngorongoro rim camps · Stone Town + beach resort.
Health & fees
Yellow fever/malaria: see a doctor. Park fees and concessions belong in the budget. Evacuation insurance.
Food
On safari: typical full-board. Zanzibar: seafood, spices, Stone Town cafés. Constant hydration.
Tips
Serious Ngorongoro half day
Descend into the crater early — not a 45-minute selfie stop.
Kilimanjaro + safari + Zanzibar
The summit deserves its own week. Here safari + beach already fill 8 days.
Stone Town 1 night
History and food; then switch to beach. Two Stone Town nights are excess if you want sea.
Express Selous from the north
Another ecosystem and another airport. Save it for a second trip.
Checklist
Tanzania on TripMatches
Build Serengeti/Ngorongoro + Zanzibar, share nights and align game drives vs beach with your group.
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