Tanzania to Zanzibar: White Sands & the Wilderness
9-day itinerary
This nine-day route covers Tanzania's greatest hits, from safari drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to the ferry ride over to Zanzibar for a few days of beach life and history in Stone Town.
This is the classic Tanzania speed-run: safari and beach in just over a week. The route strings together the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater for a few days of intense wildlife spotting from a 4x4, then makes a hard pivot south to the coast for the ferry to Zanzibar. It's built for anyone who wants the big safari moments but doesn't have the time or budget for a longer overland trip. Expect basic digs, long drive days, and a solid crew to split the cost of drinks with in Stone Town.
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Book Tanzania to Zanzibar: White Sands & the Wilderness by G Adventures.
From $1,839 USD $2,299 · 9 days · max 20 travelers · Basic hotels & hostels + safari vehicle & ferry + select meals trip code DTSZPrices in USD. Your local currency is shown on G Adventures.
Each leg of the journey mapped out — where the day takes you, what's actually on the ground, and things to consider when planning this tour.
Day 1 of 9
Arusha
Arrival in Arusha
Land in Arusha, get to the hotel, and drop your bags. The first night is about meeting the rest of the crew. The plan is usually a local bar for a few Tuskers—a good chance to trade travel stories and figure out the plan for the days ahead.
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Day at a glance
Arrive at any time and settle into your hotel
Meet the rest of the crew for drinks at a local bar
Accommodation: Comfort Eland Hotel
Meals: No meals included
Day 2 of 9
Serengeti National Park
Into the Serengeti
This is the start of the classic safari. The morning involves packing into 4x4s and heading out of Arusha towards the Serengeti. It’s a long drive, but the scenery shifts from town to the vast, acacia-dotted plains you've seen in photos. Once inside the park, the roof of the truck pops up for the first wildlife drive.
The goal is to spot the big stuff—elephants, lions, buffalo—as you make your way to the campsite for the night. The excursion is a full three-day, two-night affair inside the park and the Ngorongoro area, so settle in.
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Day at a glance
Full-day wildlife safari drive in Serengeti National Park
Overland journey from Arusha to the Serengeti (approx. 320km)
Travel in a specialized 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
Camp overnight inside the park at Seronera Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 of 9
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti Sunrise & Crater Views
It's an early start for one last morning safari drive through the Serengeti. The light is better and the animals are more active before the day heats up. Afterwards, you'll break down camp and drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The main event here is the view from the crater rim—a massive, wildlife-filled caldera stretching out below.
The campsite is near the rim, so you'll set up in the late afternoon. It gets cold at this altitude, so you'll want to have extra layers ready for the evening.
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Day at a glance
Morning wildlife safari drive in Serengeti National Park
Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti
Travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 160km)
Camp near the crater rim with expansive views
Accommodation: Simba Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Book Tanzania to Zanzibar: White Sands & the Wilderness by G Adventures.
From $1,839 USD $2,299 · 9 days · max 20 travelers · Basic hotels & hostels + safari vehicle & ferry + select meals
