8 Days Christmas and New Year Safari with Zanzibar Beach Time | Midrange

Our airport representative welcomes you and assists with your luggage before the transfer to Arusha. We drive approximately 50–60 kilometres (31–37 miles), normally taking 1–1.5 hours through farmland and roadside towns. No wildlife activity is scheduled after arrival. We review the safari departure and any festive arrangements already agreed. The evening remains free so you can rest before the early start. A celebration or special event is not assumed to be included unless confirmed in the booking.

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Gold Crest Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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We begin with an early drive to Tarangire, approximately 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Arusha. The entrance normally takes 2–2.5 hours to reach before entry procedures. Our guide then follows woodland and river tracks for elephants, giraffes and zebras.

If this date is Christmas Day, the main activity remains the planned wildlife safari. We allow time to watch animals and take photographs without adding unconfirmed events that reduce the park visit. Any special arrangement must fit the route and be agreed before travel.

After a picnic break, we continue game viewing before transferring to the Manyara area. This final road section covers approximately 70–100 kilometres (43–62 miles) and takes around 1.5–2 hours. We leave enough time for the journey rather than staying in the park until the last possible moment.

Destination:

Tarangire

Overnight:

Manyara Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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An early departure takes us through Karatu towards Ngorongoro. The route to the descent area covers approximately 90–110 kilometres (56–68 miles), taking around 2–3 hours with entrance formalities. Keep a warm layer accessible for the higher ground.

On the crater floor, we explore grasslands and wet areas for lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and hippos. We also look for black rhinos, although their location and visibility vary. Our guide selects the route according to sightings and conditions.

We break at an approved picnic area before continuing the afternoon search. If a sighting becomes crowded, our guide may suggest another area rather than spend the whole stop among vehicles.

We later ascend to the Ngorongoro area. The evening remains open unless a specific activity has been confirmed.

Destination:

Ngorongoro Crater

Overnight:

Angata Ngorongoro Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We travel towards Central Serengeti, approximately 140–180 kilometres (87–112 miles) from the proposed starting location. Driving and entrance procedures normally take around 4–5 hours before extended wildlife stops. The main game drive follows in the afternoon.

The road crosses higher ground and open plains, with gravel sections affected by recent weather. Our guide adjusts the speed and uses suitable places for breaks. Arrival time can change with road conditions and worthwhile sightings.

Around Seronera, we search for elephants, giraffes and lions while checking suitable trees for leopards. This route does not guarantee a particular migration sighting because animal locations change. We complete the afternoon drive before dark.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Ang’ata Serengeti Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We begin early and devote the day to Central Serengeti without another park transfer. Our guide explores grasslands, river corridors and other suitable areas according to wildlife activity. Lions, elephants, giraffes and hippos are among the animals we may encounter.

The additional day gives us more time to wait at a promising sighting or explore another area. We keep the focus on the wildlife rather than adding festive events during the game drive. A picnic stop provides a break before the afternoon route.

A full outing may cover approximately 80–150 kilometres (50–93 miles), with around 6–8 hours devoted to driving and viewing stops. Actual mileage follows the sightings and conditions. We return before dark and confirm the next morning’s flight schedule.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Ang’ata Serengeti Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We arrange a final game drive around the confirmed departure time. If the flight allows, the route may cover approximately 20–60 kilometres (12–37 miles), with around 1–3 hours available for driving and sightings. Our guide keeps within practical reach of the airstrip.

We assist with check-in for the scheduled Zanzibar service. The flight may carry other passengers and include intermediate stops, with timings and luggage limits confirmed on your ticket.

Our island team meets you and transfers you to the Stone Town area. The drive covers approximately 8–15 kilometres (5–9 miles) and usually takes 20–40 minutes. No festive event is assumed to be included that evening.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Kisiwa House

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We begin with a guided Stone Town walk, allowing around 2–3 hours including pauses. Our guide introduces selected lanes, market areas and waterfront sections. Access to individual visitor sites is checked for your travel date rather than assumed during the holiday period.

We continue by private vehicle to a spice farm. A local host explains the plants and their uses while leading you along the garden paths. The visit follows the activities available on the day and any dietary requirements shared beforehand.

Across the day, road travel totals approximately 40–60 kilometres (25–37 miles), taking around 1–1.5 hours. We return to Stone Town afterwards. Wildlife viewing is not part of today’s programme.

Destination:

Stone Town Zanzibar

Overnight:

Kisiwa House

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We arrange the short waterfront transfer, normally 0–10 kilometres (0–6 miles) and up to 30 minutes. Our private boat crew explains the outing before the crossing to Prison Island. The journey commonly takes around 20–40 minutes each way, subject to sea conditions.

Our guide introduces the island’s history and accompanies you to the giant tortoise enclosure. We allow time to observe the animals while following the visitor rules. The island may be shared with other holidaymakers.

After returning to Stone Town, we collect your luggage and transfer to Nungwi or Kendwa. Allow approximately 55–65 kilometres (34–40 miles) and 1.5–2 hours of driving. If this is 31 December, the evening is available for the New Year’s Eve arrangements confirmed in your booking.

Destination:

Prison Island

Overnight:

Hotel Riu Jambo

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We keep the final day free from an early excursion unless your flight requires departure. If this date is 1 January, it provides a quieter start to the year beside the sea. Swimming depends on conditions, and no organised boat or wildlife activity is included.

For departure, we arrange collection against your confirmed flight. The airport transfer covers approximately 60–70 kilometres (37–43 miles) and normally takes 1.5–2 hours, plus check-in time. A later flight or another night allows more time for the final beach day.