6 Day Zanzibar Beach Trips from Lake Manyara and Tarangire Safari
This 6-day trip is a great wildlife encounters in Tarangire and Lake Manyara with the cultural charm and coastal beauty of Zanzibar. From tracking elephant herds and spotting tree-climbing lions to exploring Stone Town and relaxing on spice-scented beaches, each day offers a distinct experience. The itinerary transitions seamlessly from safari adventure to island serenity, capturing Tanzania’s diverse allure.
The exceptional 6-day itinerary offers a seamless blend of Tanzania’s inland wilderness and coastal charm, beginning with immersive wildlife exploration in Tarangire and Lake Manyara before transitioning to the cultural and tropical allure of Zanzibar. The journey starts in the heart of northern Tanzania, where Tarangire’s ancient baobabs and elephant herds set the stage for a rich safari experience. Moving onward to Lake Manyara, travelers are introduced to a dramatically different landscape lush groundwater forests, alkaline lakes, and the rare spectacle of tree-climbing lions. Each destination is chosen for its ecological diversity and visual contrast, ensuring a dynamic rhythm throughout the first half of the trip.
The second half unfolds on the shores of Zanzibar, where history, spice, and sea converge. Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys and centuries-old architecture offer a glimpse into the island’s Swahili-Arab heritage, while the sunset dhow cruise adds a poetic touch to the day’s end. A visit to the spice plantations provides sensory depth, followed by time to unwind on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. The final day includes a short excursion to Prison Island, home to giant tortoises and coral-fringed waters, before departure. This itinerary is crafted to balance wildlife, culture, and relaxation ideal for travelers seeking a multifaceted experience across Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival at Arusha Airport, Transfer to Tarangire for Game Drives
Day 2: Track Elephant Herds with Other Top Attractions and Proceed to Lake Manyara
Day 3: Continue with a Game Drive for Tree Climbing Lions and Flamingos
Day 4: Fly to Zanzibar, Proceed with Stone Town Tour and Sunset Dhow Cruise
Day 5: Spice Visit with Beach Time
Day 6: Short Visit to Prison Island and Proceed to the Airport
Price Includes:
- All airport pick up and transfers in private car
- Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser
- Services of a professional English speaking safari guide
- Drinking water
- Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority
- All park fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
Price Excludes:
- International Flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff ( please tip separately)
- Travel insurance if needed
- Tanzania Visa
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
- optional activities
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival at Arusha Airport, Transfer to Tarangire for Game Drives
Upon arrival at Arusha Airport, a guide welcomes and transfers guests to Tarangire National Park, known for its iconic baobab trees and large elephant populations. The afternoon is dedicated to game drives across the park’s vast savannah, offering sightings of lions, giraffes, zebras, and migratory birds. Tarangire’s seasonal swamps and riverbanks attract diverse wildlife, making it a prime location for photography and nature observation. This introduction to Tanzania’s wilderness sets the tone for the safari portion of the itinerary before transitioning to Zanzibar beach trips. The combination of rich landscapes and wildlife encounters provides a strong start, blending adventure with natural beauty in one of Tanzania’s most underrated parks
- Day2Track Elephant Herds with Other Top Attractions and Proceed to Lake Manyara
Begin the morning tracking elephant herds as they move through Tarangire’s woodlands and river corridors. Along the way, spot lesser-known species like gerenuks and fringe-eared oryx, adding depth to the safari experience. After lunch, transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, a compact gem nestled beneath the Rift Valley escarpment. Known for its groundwater forest and alkaline lake, the park introduces new terrain and wildlife. Flamingos, baboons, and hippos are commonly seen, while the forest offers shade and serenity. This transition from Tarangire to Lake Manyara bridges the safari with the upcoming Zanzibar beach trips, ensuring a varied and engaging itinerary across Tanzania’s ecological zones
- Day3Continue with a Game Drive for Tree Climbing Lions and Flamingos
Lake Manyara’s morning game drive focuses on spotting its famous tree-climbing lions, often found lounging in acacia branches. The park’s diverse habitats from forest to marshland support a wide range of species, including elephants, buffalo, and abundant birdlife. The lake itself shimmers with thousands of flamingos, creating a vivid pink horizon that contrasts beautifully with the green forest backdrop. This day offers a final immersion into Tanzania’s inland wildlife before shifting gears toward Zanzibar beach trips. The blend of predator sightings and scenic beauty makes Lake Manyara a fitting conclusion to the safari portion, preparing travelers for the coastal relaxation that follows
- Day4Fly to Zanzibar, Proceed with Stone Town Tour and Sunset Dhow Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Zanzibar, where the beach portion of the itinerary begins. Upon arrival, head to Stone Town for a guided walking tour through its UNESCO-listed streets. Discover historic sites like the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and bustling spice markets, all reflecting Zanzibar’s rich Swahili-Arab heritage. In the evening, board a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise along the coast, complete with refreshments and panoramic views. This shift from safari to Zanzibar beach trips introduces cultural depth and ocean serenity, offering a refreshing contrast to the inland wildlife experiences of previous days
- Day5Spice Visit with Beach Time
Start the day with a visit to a spice plantation just outside Stone Town, where guides explain the cultivation of cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, and other aromatic crops. Engage the senses with tastings and hands-on demonstrations, learning why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. After the tour, transfer to one of the island’s pristine beaches for an afternoon of relaxation. Swim in turquoise waters, lounge under palm trees, or enjoy fresh seafood by the shore. This day balances cultural exploration with leisure, making Zanzibar beach trips both enriching and restorative. The combination of inland flavor and coastal calm defines the island’s unique appeal
- Day6Short Visit to Prison Island and Proceed to the Airport
Conclude the itinerary with a short morning visit to Prison Island, located just off Zanzibar’s coast. Explore the historic quarantine buildings and meet the island’s resident Aldabra giant tortoises, some over a century old. The coral reefs surrounding the island offer optional snorkeling opportunities for those seeking a final dip in the Indian Ocean. After returning to the mainland, transfer to the airport for departure. This final chapter of the Zanzibar beach trips provides a gentle wind-down, blending history, nature, and marine beauty. The itinerary closes with a sense of balance safari adventure and coastal charm woven into six unforgettable days