13 Days Tanzania Christmas Big Five Safari | Zanzibar New Year Tour

We begin the holiday safari with a morning departure from Arusha toward Tarangire National Park. During December, seasonal rainfall may change the park's appearance, so our guide checks road conditions and selects suitable routes before entering. We explore the Tarangire River and baobab woodland in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and lions.

Our guide allows enough time for wildlife photography and watching animals from the safari vehicle. We arrange a picnic lunch during the day before continuing through another section of the park. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the Lake Manyara area, where your midrange accommodation is arranged.

Time: Approximately 7–9 hours, including transfers and game drive
Attractions: Tarangire River, elephants, baobab trees, lions, giraffes
Distance: Approximately 180–220 km, excluding game-drive detours

Destination:

Tarangire

Overnight:

Manyara Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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After breakfast, we travel through the Karatu highlands toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The highland scenery can be green during the December and January period, depending on recent rainfall. After completing the entrance formalities, our guide drives down to the crater floor, where we search for lions, black rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, and zebras.

We explore the crater's grasslands, lakes, and woodland while allowing time to observe the wildlife. After a picnic lunch at an approved site, we continue the game drive before climbing back to the crater rim and transferring to your midrange accommodation.

Time: Approximately 6 hours inside the crater, plus transfers
Attractions: Ngorongoro Crater, black rhinos, lions, buffaloes, hippos
Distance: Depends on the starting lodge and game-drive route

Destination:

Lake Manyara

Overnight:

Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We leave the Ngorongoro area in the morning and continue toward Serengeti National Park. The journey takes us across open plains where zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and other grazing animals may be seen along the way. Our guide explains how the seasonal rains influence wildlife movements across the Serengeti ecosystem.

After reaching Central Serengeti, we begin an afternoon game drive around the Seronera Valley, looking for lions, leopards, elephants, and other resident wildlife. We allow time for photographs before continuing to your midrange tented camp or lodge.

Time: Approximately 5–7 hours of travel and afternoon wildlife viewing
Attractions: Serengeti plains, Seronera Valley, lions, elephants, giraffes
Distance: Approximately 180–220 km

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight:

Tanzania Bush Camp Central Serengeti

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Our guide begins the day with an early game drive through Central Serengeti, exploring the Seronera Valley and surrounding grasslands. We look for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife while following suitable routes according to seasonal road conditions. The December landscape can include fresh grass in some areas, attracting grazing animals when the rains have arrived.

We take a picnic lunch at an authorized location before continuing the afternoon game drive. If your travel dates place Christmas Day here, our team can help arrange an available festive dinner at your camp or lodge. We return to your midrange accommodation after the wildlife activities.

Time: Approximately 6–8 hours of game driving
Attractions: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Seronera Valley
Distance: Flexible wildlife-viewing route

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Tanzania Bush Camp Central Serengeti

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We spend another full day exploring Central Serengeti, following routes through open grasslands and wooded areas. Our guide searches for cheetahs, lions, elephants, giraffes, and grazing animals while considering recent sightings and the day's weather conditions. We allow time to observe wildlife and take photographs rather than moving quickly between locations.

After lunch, we explore another section of the park, looking for animals that may not have appeared during the previous game drives. We return to your midrange camp or lodge in the afternoon, where any confirmed seasonal hotel activities can be enjoyed during the evening.

Time: Approximately 6–8 hours of wildlife viewing
Attractions: Cheetahs, lions, elephants, giraffes, Serengeti grasslands
Distance: Flexible game-drive route

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Tanzania Bush Camp Central Serengeti

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Today we explore additional wildlife areas in Central Serengeti, giving us time to revisit locations where interesting animal activity has been reported. Our guide may select routes through rocky areas, river sections, or open plains according to road conditions and sightings. We search for lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and other wildlife while making suitable photography stops.

We arrange lunch during the safari and continue exploring through the afternoon. If this day falls on Christmas Day, we can coordinate an available festive dinner at your accommodation without changing the scheduled game drive. We return to camp and confirm the flight arrangements for the following morning.

Time: Approximately 6–8 hours of game driving
Attractions: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Serengeti landscapes
Distance: Flexible game-drive route

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Tanzania Bush Camp Central Serengeti

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We begin with a final morning wildlife drive before heading to the Serengeti airstrip. Our guide plans the route around the confirmed flight departure, allowing time for additional sightings while avoiding delays. At the airstrip, we assist with luggage and check-in procedures for your flight to Zanzibar.

Our Zanzibar representative welcomes you on arrival and provides a private transfer to your midrange beach hotel. We confirm the upcoming excursions and any festive activities requested in advance, leaving the remainder of the day free for relaxation.

Time: According to the confirmed flight schedule
Attractions: Serengeti wildlife, aerial landscapes, Zanzibar coastline
Transport: Morning game drive, domestic flight, private hotel transfer

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Tembo House Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We collect you from the hotel for a guided walking tour through Stone Town, where our local guide introduces Zanzibar's historic streets, markets, and traditional Swahili buildings. We visit selected public landmarks and learn about the island's trading history while allowing time for photographs and exploring local shops.

During the festive season, some popular sightseeing areas may receive additional visitors, so we organize the walking route and departure time accordingly. After completing the tour, we transfer you back to your hotel, leaving the afternoon free for beach relaxation or any confirmed seasonal activities.

Destination:

Stone Town Zanzibar

Overnight:

Tembo House Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We arrange a boat journey from Stone Town to Prison Island, where our guide introduces the island's history and takes you to the giant tortoise sanctuary. After exploring the permitted visitor areas, we continue toward Nakupenda Sandbank, where you can enjoy the sandy surroundings and shallow water when sea conditions allow.

We coordinate the boat excursion in advance, especially during the busy Christmas and New Year holiday period. After swimming and beach relaxation, our boat crew organizes the return journey before we transfer you to your midrange hotel.

Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Attractions: Prison Island, giant tortoises, Nakupenda Sandbank
Activities: Boat excursion, swimming, beach relaxation

Destination:

Prison Island

Overnight:

Tembo House Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We begin with a guided visit to a Zanzibar spice farm, where you can see cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, and tropical fruits growing. Our local guide explains how these crops are used in Zanzibar cooking and the role spice farming plays in local communities. We allow time for photographs and seasonal fruit tasting before continuing to Jozani Forest.

At Jozani, we take a guided walk along the designated trails to look for Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. Depending on the visitor route, we may also explore the mangrove boardwalk before returning to your hotel.

Time: Approximately 5–7 hours, including transfers
Attractions: Spice plantations, tropical fruits, Jozani Forest, red colobus monkeys
Activities: Spice farm visit, guided forest walk, wildlife observation

Destination:

Spice Plantations

Overnight:

My Blue Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We arrange a snorkeling excursion in the waters around Mnemba Atoll, where suitable sea conditions may allow you to observe colorful fish and coral. Our boat crew provides snorkeling equipment and a safety briefing before taking you to the selected reef areas. We follow the operator's instructions and avoid disturbing marine life during the activity.

After snorkeling, we return to the departure beach and arrange your transfer to the hotel. If the evening coincides with a holiday celebration, our team can assist with any available event or dining arrangements requested in advance.

Time: Approximately 3–5 hours, plus transfers
Attractions: Mnemba Atoll, tropical fish, coral reefs, Indian Ocean
Activities: Snorkeling, boat excursion, marine wildlife viewing

Destination:

Mnemba

Overnight:

My Blue Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We travel to Nungwi on Zanzibar's northern coast, where you can enjoy the beach, see traditional fishing boats, and explore the surrounding coastal area. Our guide introduces the local fishing traditions and allows time for photographs before we continue to Kendwa Beach.

At Kendwa, you can relax on the sand, swim when sea conditions are suitable, or enjoy optional beach activities. If your dates place New Year's Eve on this day, we can help check available beach celebrations and hotel events in advance. We arrange your return transfer according to the confirmed day's program.

Time: Approximately 5–7 hours, depending on hotel location
Attractions: Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach, fishing boats, Indian Ocean
Activities: Beach sightseeing, swimming, optional festive activities

Destination:

Nungwi Village

Overnight:

My Blue Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We leave the final tour day free so you can relax along Zanzibar's coastline without a fixed sightseeing schedule. You can enjoy the beach, swim, walk along the shore, or spend time at your midrange hotel's facilities. Our team can also help arrange optional snorkeling, kayaking, or a sunset dhow cruise according to availability.

For travelers whose dates include New Year's Day, we can assist with suitable hotel dining or beach activities if requested. Otherwise, you can enjoy the day at your own pace after the mainland safari and island excursions.

Time: Full day at leisure
Attractions: Zanzibar beaches, Indian Ocean, coastal scenery
Activities: Beach relaxation, optional water activities, New Year celebrations