5 Days Private Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Snorkelling - Midrange

On arrival — A direct transfer to your hotel Your driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and take you to your midrange hotel in Arusha. The journey usually takes approximately one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic and the hotel’s location. Settle into your room and take time to rest after your flight. Later — Discuss your interests with the safari team During your briefing, you will review the route and the following morning’s departure. Tell your representative what you most enjoy, whether it is photography, animal behaviour or simply spending time watching wildlife. Your guide can consider these preferences when planning stops within the itinerary.

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Kibo Palace Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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6:00 AM to 12:30 PM — Travel into the highlands and explore the crater

After breakfast, leave Arusha with packed lunches and travel towards Ngorongoro. Allow approximately three to four hours to reach the crater area, including entrance procedures and suitable stops. Your vehicle is reserved for your party, making it easier to coordinate comfort breaks around your needs.

Descend into the crater and begin exploring its grasslands, wetlands and woodland. You may encounter buffaloes grazing, elephants feeding and lions resting near the tracks. Your guide will also search for the elusive black rhino while explaining the animals and their surroundings.

12:30 PM to early evening — Picnic lunch and further wildlife viewing

Stop at a designated picnic area for lunch before continuing your game drive. With your own guide, you can discuss which sightings interest you most and spend longer observing them where practical. Look for hippos, birds and other wildlife as you move through different habitats.

Approximately five to six hours are allocated to the crater visit, including lunch. Later, ascend and transfer to your midrange lodge in the Ngorongoro highlands or Karatu area for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight:

Acacia Farm Lodge

  luxury 5 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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7:00 AM to 1:00 PM — Journey towards the Serengeti plains

Enjoy breakfast before setting off for Serengeti National Park. Depending on your lodge, road conditions and gate formalities, the journey takes approximately four to six hours. Some sections are rough and dusty, with suitable breaks arranged along the route.

Watch the landscape change from highland slopes to open plains. After entering the park, pause for your packed lunch before continuing towards the central Serengeti.

2:00 PM to early evening — Follow the wildlife at a thoughtful pace

Explore grasslands, rocky outcrops and riverine habitats in search of giraffes, elephants, lions and other animals. Your guide will choose the route according to current conditions and sightings, while considering your interests.

You might spend time watching a herd interact or wait quietly as a resting predator becomes active. These unhurried moments are part of the appeal of having your own safari vehicle. Arrive at your midrange camp or lodge before dark, followed by dinner and an overnight stay

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight:

Serengeti Heritage Tented Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Around 6:00 AM onwards — A final private game drive

Head out around sunrise, subject to your confirmed flight time. The cooler air and soft morning light offer another opportunity to enjoy the plains and search for animals you have not yet encountered.

Breakfast will be served at camp or packed for the morning. Your guide will coordinate the drive and airstrip transfer, allowing enough time for check-in.

Late morning or afternoon — Fly to Zanzibar and settle in

Board your scheduled flight to Zanzibar, shared with other passengers and potentially including intermediate stops. On arrival, meet your driver for a private transfer to your midrange hotel.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing. Your hotel’s location will determine whether you have easy access to the beach or Stone Town surroundings, and the team will explain the arrangements for the following morning.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Kisiwa House

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Around 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM — Transfer and boat journey to Prison Island

After breakfast, travel to the Stone Town departure point and meet your private boat crew. Following a briefing, cross to Prison Island, normally a journey of approximately 20 to 30 minutes in suitable conditions.

Explore with your guide, learn about the island’s former quarantine role and see the giant tortoises. Take time for photographs while following the sanctuary’s visitor guidance. Although your boat and guide are privately arranged, you will share the attraction with other visitors.

Late morning to afternoon — Enjoy Nakupenda at a comfortable pace

Continue to Nakupenda Sandbank for time beside the ocean. Walk along the exposed sand, relax beneath the shade arranged by your crew or swim where conditions are suitable. A sandbank lunch can be included in your booking, with dietary preferences confirmed in advance.

Your crew will plan the visit around the tide, which may mean stopping at Nakupenda before Prison Island. Return to Stone Town and transfer privately to your hotel after the excursion.

Destination:

Prison Island

Overnight:

Kisiwa House

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Morning — Explore the permitted reefs near Mnemba

Your driver will collect you at the confirmed time and take you to the boat departure point on Zanzibar’s northeastern coast. Meet your crew, check your equipment and receive a briefing before heading towards suitable snorkelling areas near Mnemba.

Your private boat allows the crew to organise the outing around your party’s experience and comfort within the available conditions. Follow your guide through the water, looking for reef fish and coral formations without touching or disturbing them.

Early afternoon onwards — Return to your hotel and unwind

After snorkelling, return to shore and continue with lunch according to your confirmed arrangements. Transfer back to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon.

The excursion takes place in permitted waters near Mnemba; landing on the private island is not included. Enjoy your final overnight stay at your midrange Zanzibar hotel.

Destination:

Mnemba

Overnight:

Amaan Beach Bungalows

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Enjoy breakfast and any remaining free time before your private airport transfer. Your driver will arrange pickup to reach Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport approximately three hours before your international departure. Plan Your Private Escape Share your travel dates, group size, room preferences and snorkelling experience with Burigi Chato Safaris. Your quotation will confirm the private transport and guiding arrangements, scheduled flight, accommodation, boat excursions, equipment and meal inclusions.