Quick Facts
| Duration | 9 days / 8 nights |
|---|---|
| Route | Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Zanzibar |
| Vehicle | Private customized 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser, pop-up roof |
| Style | Luxury private safari. No groups. No vans. No minivans |
| Start / End | Arusha (JRO or ARK) / Zanzibar (ZNZ) |
| Best Time | June–October for wildlife. Year-round for Zanzibar |
Nine days. Five destinations. One private vehicle. This is a 100% private, fly-out luxury safari in Tanzania. You track elephants in Tarangire, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, and spend two full days in the Serengeti. Then you fly to Zanzibar for three nights of Stone Town and beach time.
Quick answer: The 9-Day Luxury Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Private Tour runs from Arusha to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar. You travel in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof. The Serengeti to Zanzibar flight is included.
Why Private Beats Standard Tours
- One vehicle, one party — you never share a seat, a window, or a schedule
- You set the pace: stay with a leopard for an hour, or skip what you don't want
- Pop-up roof gives every guest a clear line of sight for photos
- Expert driver-guide stays with you from Arusha to the airstrip
- Flexible timing: start at first light and reach key sightings before the crowds
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha Arrival & VIP Briefing
Your driver-guide meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). He takes you to a luxury boutique lodge in Arusha. After you settle in, you meet for a private briefing. He walks you through the route, the wildlife to expect, and the plan for each park. Tell him your priorities — want more time with big cats, or more photography stops? He adjusts the schedule now. This is your only day in town. Rest well; the safari starts tomorrow.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park — Elephant Herds & Baobabs
You leave Arusha after breakfast in your private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser. The drive to Tarangire takes 2 to 3 hours. You enter the park by late morning and start your game drive along the Tarangire River. This park holds some of the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania. Baobab trees line the ridges. You also look for lions, giraffes, buffalo, and wildebeest near the water. The pop-up roof gives every guest a clear view. Your guide stays on the best tracks and avoids the crowds. You reach your lodge in the late afternoon.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater Descent — Big Five Focus
You leave early for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Your private Land Cruiser descends onto the crater floor at first light, the best time for wildlife. The crater holds one of Africa's densest animal populations. Look for black rhino, lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos, and flamingos at the soda lake. Your Ngorongoro crater floor game drive lasts about half a day. You stop for a picnic lunch on the floor, then climb back to the rim. You spend the evening at a luxury lodge with caldera views.
Day 4: Central & Northern Serengeti — Great Migration Tracking
Today you drive from Ngorongoro into the Serengeti. Game viewing starts as soon as you cross the plains. Your guide checks the latest migration reports and picks the best area for your dates. Wildebeest and zebra herds move across the ecosystem all year. Your guide places you where the action is. You reach your Serengeti luxury tented camp in time for an evening game drive. Cats become active as the light drops.
Day 5: Full Day Serengeti — Private Game Drives & Luxury Bush Dining
This is your full safari day. You head out at sunrise in your own Land Cruiser. Follow lions on the hunt. Watch cheetahs scan the plains. Look for leopards along the river. There is no group schedule, so you stay with a sighting as long as you want. Your team sets up a private bush breakfast or lunch in the field. Return to camp for a midday rest or stay out. In the evening, add a sundowner stop on the plains.
Day 6: Serengeti to Zanzibar — Fly-In Safari Transfer
You take a final morning game drive, then transfer to the Serengeti airstrip. Your fly-in safari to Zanzibar begins here. The flight connects via Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Your guide handles check-in and luggage. A driver meets you at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) and takes you to your beachfront resort. Change, walk to the water, and switch from safari mode to beach mode.
Day 7: Zanzibar — Stone Town Spice Tour & Beachfront Resort
You start with a private Stone Town walking tour. A local guide takes you through the old alleys, the markets, and the historic quarter. Next, you visit a spice farm. You see, smell, and taste cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. After lunch, you transfer to your Nungwi or Kendwa luxury beach resort. The Stone Town to Nungwi drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. You arrive with time for a late-afternoon swim.
Day 8: Zanzibar — At Leisure or Coral Reef Excursion
Today is yours. Rest on the white sand or use the resort's pool and spa. Want more? Book a coral reef ocean excursion for snorkeling in warm, clear water. Add a sunset dhow cruise from the north coast if you like. We arrange every activity.
Optional add-ons: coral reef snorkelling excursion, sunset dhow cruise — both available at extra cost.
Day 9: Departure — Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
After a slow breakfast, your private driver takes you to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). We time the transfer to your flight. Evening departure? Ask us about late checkout so you can use the resort until it is time to go.
Get Free Quote ›Tour Cost & Seasonal Pricing Matrix
100% private safari in a dedicated 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser. Prices are in USD per person (pp), based on luxury lodges, tented camps, and beach resorts. Travelling solo, or in a group of 7 or more? Contact us for a custom quote.
Season Guide
- Low SeasonApril–May
- High SeasonJanuary–March, June, November–December
- Peak SeasonJuly–October
Luxury Safari Rates (Per Person)
| Party Size | Low Season | High Season | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Persons | $4,650 | $5,550 | $6,600 |
| 4 Persons | $4,200 | $5,050 | $6,000 |
| 6 Persons | $3,950 | $4,750 | $5,650 |
Travelling solo, or as a group of 7 or more? Contact us for a custom quote.
Get a Live Quote for Your Dates ›What's Included & Excluded
| ✓ | Private customized 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and unlimited mileage |
| ✓ | Dedicated expert English-speaking driver-guide |
| ✓ | 8 nights in luxury lodges, tented camps, and a beachfront resort |
| ✓ | Full board on safari, breakfast and dinner in Zanzibar |
| ✓ | All national park, conservation, and Ngorongoro Crater fees |
| ✓ | Serengeti to Zanzibar flight |
| ✓ | Private Stone Town and spice tour |
| ✓ | All domestic airport, airstrip, and resort transfers |
| ✓ | Bottled water on game drives |
| ✓ | Government taxes and VAT |
| ✗ | International flights |
| ✗ | Tanzania visa fees |
| ✗ | Travel and medical insurance |
| ✗ | Alcohol, premium drinks, and personal items |
| ✗ | Coral reef excursion, dhow cruise, and other optional activities |
| ✗ | Gratuities for guides and staff |
Getting There & Logistics
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main entry point, about 45 minutes from Arusha, and where most international flights land. Arusha Airport (ARK) works best for domestic connections from Nairobi and other Tanzanian hubs.
Visa
Most travelers need a Tanzania e-visa. Apply online before you fly. Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months. Check yellow fever requirements for your route.
Flight to Zanzibar
On Day 6, you fly from the Serengeti airstrip to Zanzibar (ZNZ). The route connects via Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Light aircraft allow about 15 kg per person in soft bags. Store extra luggage at your Arusha lodge. We handle check-ins and all transfers.