Review: A Tanzania 10-Day Safari plus a Zanzibar Beach Getaway

So, you’re maybe dreaming of Africa, with sweeping savannas filled with cool animals, but also perhaps picturing turquoise water and pure white sands. Is that something you want? Well, a 10-day Tanzania safari combined with some days kicking back on Zanzibar’s coast might just tick all those boxes. It is something to consider. We took this trip, and I’m going to, in a way, walk you through it, sharing the highs, the things that were good, some possible lows and the things that maybe could have been just a bit better, and give you, very much, the inside scoop for planning something like this yourself.

First Few Days on Safari: Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater

We started out that first chunk of days in Tarangire National Park. Is that a thing that’s familiar? Well, this place is very, very known for its elephant populations. It’s like, seriously, elephant central! The landscape there is scattered with these big baobab trees, what they also call “the Tree of Life” – they’re huge, they look ancient, and they make for just awesome photos. Arguably, we spent two days there, which felt just right. That gave us a solid amount of game viewing without it, maybe, becoming monotonous.

The Ngorongoro Crater was the next stop, and like, what a view. So picture this: is that like a giant, natural amphitheater teeming with lots of wildlife? That is definitely the Ngorongoro Crater. That is, anyway, just a relatively short drive from Tarangire. What’s great is, on the drive down into the crater, you pass through varied landscapes and Masai villages, giving you a bit of a taste of the cultural side, too. We saw lions, rhinos, hippos… it’s like a greatest hits reel of African wildlife all packed into one pretty spectacular place.

Central Serengeti: Following the Great Migration

Then came, actually, the Serengeti. Is that cool or what? To get there, actually, we had what you might think of as a bush flight – an amazing small plane experience that gave us a, just very special, bird’s-eye view of the landscape. Once down on the ground, the Serengeti, basically, lived up to every expectation. We went, it should be said, in time with the Great Migration and to tell you, it was completely unreal to witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras all on the move. It’s almost too amazing to fully take in, and in fact, the experience feels like something out of a nature documentary. Seeing predators like lions and cheetahs on the hunt added like a crazy, extra layer of excitement.

Now, what to expect as part of your visit. Safari lodges and tented camps were comfortable and are actually much more deluxe than you’d expect; just bear in mind you’re very, very still out in the bush, that, incidentally, might mean very early wake-up calls for game drives. Sunrise game drives are almost ridiculously worth it though because they give you a shot at seeing nocturnal animals before they disappear for the day, and that’s very cool. Three days in the Central Serengeti felt about right to, in a way, soak everything in.

Luxury on the Move: A Mobile Camp Experience

If that can be done for you, arguably, consider doing a couple of nights in a mobile camp in the Serengeti? Is that something you think you would want? That gets you that little bit closer to nature and feels much more exclusive, really. These camps are typically well equipped with comfortable beds, private bathrooms (sometimes even with a hot shower!), plus they move with the migration. That is, actually, pretty smart. We stayed at one which offered meals under the stars. We listened to the sounds around the savanna which, is really, really special. I, basically, would 100% recommend that for at least part of the trip, if you can. That makes things feel truly special, and quite an upgrade, maybe, from the typical safari, too.

Zanzibar: Sun, Sand, and Spice

Following all the wildlife viewing, a little while spent chilling on Zanzibar was just that, like paradise. This is actually how it went for us: we hopped on another short flight and were suddenly, seemingly, in a super tropical wonderland. It’s kind of interesting that Zanzibar offers such a blend of experiences too; there’s history to soak up in Stone Town, amazing beaches up north and east, not to mention all those spice farms. It’s just amazing, really.

We allocated, that should be said, five days for Zanzibar, and it’s a very nice, round number; giving us a good chunk of time to properly unwind, to be fair. The first day, or thereabouts, we spent wandering the stone, just twisting streets of Stone Town; that is a UNESCO place. The rest of the time, as you do, was very much about kicking back. Is that fun for you? Because we split our time between the beaches of Nungwi and Paje; so, Nungwi is known for its calm waters. Great for swimming! Paje is where all the kite surfers tend to hang out because it is known for its great breezes. We did some snorkeling, ate plates and plates of fresh seafood, and just really embraced doing nothing. In a way, exactly what we both desperately needed at the time.

Booking and Logistics: Tips for Planning Your Trip

Doing something like this takes a lot of organizing. If you’re going to do this yourself it can get a little overwhelming, but so, many companies offer packages which wrap up just all your transport, accommodations and tours into one single price, which, makes life rather easier. What to bear in mind is you want to actually look at different operators, and make sure that their itineraries very closely match, very nearly, what it is you really want. Is that fair enough? And see how that goes.

Bear in mind this type of travel package involves the logistics, such as, permits to enter the national parks. You need to think about whether your food or soft drinks are going to be included, plus the amount you would tip your guides and drivers. So, these kinds of things are worth working out ahead of time. What you should actually expect in terms of price range is likely to depend on how swanky the accommodation is, but maybe expect anything from, so, $6,000 to $12,000 per person for 10 days all in.

Essential Tips for the Traveler

What would make the trip a better experience? So, packing strategically helps a bit! You would think, but neutral-colored clothing for safari trips makes good sense because it helps you not stand out in the bush and it reduces how much you maybe attract bugs! Layers, even, can be smart for early morning game drives. Of course you need the essentials like sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, and a good camera for the wildlife moments, just so, you can capture everything in its true beauty. Also a decent pair of binoculars is more important than you might actually realize when you are planning.

From a health point of view, always consult a doctor about any required vaccinations and malaria preventatives. Drink only bottled water and be mindful of what you are actually eating to sidestep any stomach issues. We did encounter some mosquitos but not like plague proportions, but it’s smart to put insect repellent on. This is very sound travel advice, naturally!

#safari #tanzania #zanzibar #travel #adventure #beachholiday