This 11-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday pairs the greatest wildlife show on earth with one of Africa’s most atmospheric islands. Two nights in Tarangire, two on the Ngorongoro Crater rim and three in the Serengeti, then three nights by the sea on Zanzibar. Every stop is at least two nights, so nothing feels rushed.
On safari you are guided privately by one of Dexter Kariuki’s licensed Tanzanian partner guides, with the whole trip planned directly with Dexter. Expect Tarangire’s baobabs and elephant herds, a dawn descent into the Ngorongoro Crater in search of black rhino, and long days on the Serengeti following the great migration.
Then a light aircraft carries you from the plains to the coast. Zanzibar is a world apart: the winding alleys and carved doors of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spice farms in the interior, and beaches of fine white sand on a warm, turquoise sea.
Met at Kilimanjaro airport, you drive west into Tarangire’s baobab country. A day and a half of drives along the river, where elephant herds, lion and huge flocks of birds gather in the dry months.
Up into the cool highlands to a lodge on the crater rim. Descend at dawn onto the caldera floor for a full day among lion, buffalo, hyena and, with luck, black rhino, before climbing back up for the views at sunset.
Three nights on the endless plains, placed wherever the migration is that month. Calving and predators on the southern grass early in the year; river crossings in the north from around July. Long drives, bush breakfasts, and the sheer scale of it all.
A final morning drive, then a light-aircraft flight to Zanzibar. On the way to your beach hotel, wander the lanes and carved doorways of Stone Town, then swap your boots for sandals as evening settles over the Indian Ocean.
Two full days on the island’s coast. Swim and snorkel in the warm Indian Ocean, take a spice tour in the interior or sail a dhow at sunset. The pace is entirely yours.
A last morning by the water, then a transfer to Zanzibar airport for your onward flight.
8 days The classic northern Tanzania circuit, timed to the migration: Tarangire's baobabs and elephants, a day inside the Ngorongoro Crater, then three nights in the Serengeti wherever the herds are that month.
9 days The great migration from both sides of the border: the Masai Mara with Dexter, then the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater with his trusted Tanzanian partner. One trip, one point of contact, two countries.
Send Dexter your dates and he'll plan the Serengeti around the migration, then find the right stretch of Zanzibar's coast for you.
It's in Nairobi Dexter replies usually within a day