11-Day Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Luxury Safari

Tour Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 11-day family luxury safari in Tanzania, thoughtfully crafted by M&M Sawa Safaris to deliver an unforgettable blend of wildlife adventure, comfort, and tropical relaxation. This exclusive private family safari tour takes you through Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations before concluding with a serene beach escape on the idyllic island of Zanzibar. Designed especially for families, this itinerary balances exciting safari experiences with luxurious accommodations, child-friendly pacing, and enriching cultural encounters.

Your journey begins in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital, beautifully nestled beneath Mount Meru and serving as the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit. From here, you will venture to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees, sweeping savannah landscapes, and some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. The safari continues to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most unique wildlife ecosystems, where the Big Five roam freely within the crater floor.

Next, you will travel into the Ndutu region, located in the southern Serengeti ecosystem, renowned for hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration during the calving season. This region offers exceptional predator action, vast open plains, and remarkable photographic opportunities. Your safari adventure culminates in the legendary Central Serengeti National Park, where endless grasslands, dramatic river systems, and abundant wildlife create one of Africa’s most iconic safari experiences.

After days filled with thrilling game drives and unforgettable wildlife encounters, you will board a scenic flight to Zanzibar Island, where turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and rich Swahili culture await. Spend your final days unwinding at a luxury beachfront resort, exploring historic Stone Town, or enjoying optional water-based activities. This luxury family safari and beach holiday in Tanzania is ideal for travelers seeking comfort, exclusivity, and lifelong memories in Africa.

Day To Day

Day 1

Arrival In Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide from M&M Sawa Safaris and transferred to your luxury hotel in Arusha. The drive from the airport to Arusha covers approximately 55 km and takes about 1–1.5 hours, offering scenic views of Mount Meru and local Maasai communities along the way. Arusha is a vibrant town surrounded by lush landscapes and serves as the starting point for Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

Once checked in at your elegant accommodation, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing your family to relax after the flight, enjoy the hotel facilities, or take in the peaceful surroundings. For those who wish to explore, optional activities include a guided Arusha city tour, a visit to local markets, or a cultural experience at a nearby coffee plantation. This gentle introduction ensures a comfortable start to your luxury safari adventure.

Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha – Family Room
Meals: Breakfast

Suggested Accommodations

Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha
Ritzy Acardia Cottages

Day 2

Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast, depart Arusha for Tarangire National Park, located approximately 120 km away, with a driving time of about 2.5 to 3 hours. The journey passes through picturesque Maasai villages and open countryside before entering one of Tanzania’s most underrated wildlife parks. Tarangire is renowned for its massive elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and the life-giving Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year.

Enjoy a full-day game drive inside the park, where you may encounter elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a wide variety of bird species. The park’s diverse landscapes provide excellent photographic opportunities and a quieter safari experience compared to other parks. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in a scenic spot within the park before continuing your exploration.

Optional extra activities in Tarangire include a guided walking safari for a more intimate nature experience or a night game drive to observe nocturnal wildlife behavior. In the late afternoon, transfer to your luxury tented camp, beautifully set within the wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Suggested Accommodations

Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Tarangire Treetops by Elewana

Day 3

Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater

Following breakfast, depart Tarangire for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a journey of approximately 145 km, taking around 3 to 4 hours. As you ascend into the Ngorongoro Highlands, the scenery changes dramatically, with misty forests and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the crater rim. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Descend over 600 meters into the crater floor for a full-day game drive, where an extraordinary concentration of wildlife awaits. Here, you may spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, flamingos, and the rare black rhinoceros, all thriving within this natural enclosure. The crater’s permanent water sources support wildlife year-round, making it one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool before continuing your exploration. In the late afternoon, ascend back to the crater rim and check in at your luxury lodge, offering breathtaking views over the crater.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Suggested Accommodations

Ngorongoro Lions Paw
Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp
Ngorongoro Lodge by Meliá

Day 4

Ngorongoro to Ndutu Region

Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive covers approximately 90 km and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, passing through vast open plains and seasonal lakes. Ndutu is particularly famous during the Great Migration calving season, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests give birth.

Enjoy a full-day game drive across the Ndutu plains, where large herds of wildebeest and zebra attract predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. The open terrain allows for excellent wildlife viewing and dramatic safari moments. Your guide will focus on tracking migration movements and predator interactions.

Optional activities include a photographic safari or a guided nature walk around the seasonal lakes. As evening approaches, settle into your luxury tented camp, offering comfort, privacy, and an authentic safari atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Suggested Accommodations

Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Nyumbu Luxury Camp

Day 5

Full Day in Ndutu Region

witnessing dramatic migration scenes and predator action. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide the best opportunities for photography and wildlife sightings, while midday relaxation allows families to unwind at camp.

An optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged at an additional cost, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the Serengeti plains at sunrise, followed by a champagne bush breakfast. Other optional activities include extended game drives or educational talks about wildlife conservation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Suggested Accommodations

Lake Masek Tented Lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Nyumbu Luxury Camp

Day 6

Ndutu to Central Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for the Central Serengeti, also known as Seronera, covering approximately 100 km in 3 to 4 hours, including game viewing en route. The Central Serengeti is the heart of the park and boasts year-round wildlife thanks to the permanent Seronera River.

Enjoy a full-day game drive, encountering large prides of lions, leopards lounging in acacia trees, elephants, giraffes, and vast herds of plains game. This region is renowned for classic African safari scenery and exceptional wildlife density.

Optional activities include a sunset safari, bush dinner, or guided photography session. In the evening, relax at your luxury lodge overlooking the endless plains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Suggested Accommodations

Moyo Tented Camp
Signature Serengeti Tented Camp
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 7

Domestic Flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar Island

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, when predators are most active. After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar Island, a journey of approximately 2–3 hours.

Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you will be transferred to your luxury beachfront resort, where crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches await. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, or enjoying the resort’s amenities.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Suggested Accommodations

Fun Beach Hotel
Tembo House Hotel
The Mora Zanzibar

Day 8 - 10

Exploring the Zanzibar Island.

Spend the next three days at leisure on Zanzibar Island, enjoying a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. Optional activities include a guided Stone Town tour, spice farm visits, snorkeling, scuba diving, dhow cruises, or dolphin tours. Families can also enjoy water sports, spa treatments, or cultural experiences.

Meals: Breakfast

Suggested Accommodations

Fun Beach Hotel
Tembo House Hotel
The Mora Zanzibar

Day 11

Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for Departure

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Ready to turn your dream safari into reality?

Now is the perfect time to experience Tanzania at its finest. Book this unforgettable safari with M&M Sawa Safaris today and allow our team of expert local specialists to design a seamless, private, and deeply immersive journey tailored entirely to your travel style, interests, and pace. From hand-picked lodges and exceptional wildlife encounters to professional guides and personalized service at every step, we take care of every detail so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure. Availability is limited, especially during peak safari seasons, secure your preferred travel dates now and begin your once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience with confidence.

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