8 Days Midrange Big Five Safari with Friends and Zanzibar Beach Time

Our representative meets your party at Kilimanjaro International Airport and helps organise the luggage for the transfer. We cover approximately 50–60 kilometres (31–37 miles) to Arusha in around 1–1.5 hours. The route passes farmland and towns, with no scheduled wildlife activity. If friends arrive on different flights, we agree on separate collection arrangements before travel. Once everyone is settled, our team explains the departure time and checks the group’s main interests. This gives the guide a useful starting point for the safari.

Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Overnight:

Tulia Boutique Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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We collect the group early for the approximately 120-kilometre (75-mile) drive to Tarangire. The entrance normally takes 2–2.5 hours to reach before the permit procedures. Our guide then begins exploring woodland and river tracks.

Elephants, giraffes and zebras are among the animals we search for during the day. We allow time for everyone to look and take photographs, with fair use of the vehicle’s viewing space. Our guide explains the sightings and discusses whether to stay longer or explore another area.

A stop at an approved picnic site breaks up the game drive. We later leave for the Manyara area, approximately 70–100 kilometres (43–62 miles) away, taking another 1.5–2 hours. The evening remains free after the full day.

Destination:

Tarangire

Overnight:

Manyara Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We make an early start through Karatu towards Ngorongoro. The journey to the descent area covers approximately 90–110 kilometres (56–68 miles) and takes around 2–3 hours with entrance formalities. The road climbs through farmland and wooded hills.

On the crater floor, our guide explores grasslands for lions, buffaloes, zebras and wildebeest. We also visit suitable wet areas to look for hippos and scan farther across the open ground for black rhinos.

The group’s interests help shape the time spent at sightings, while our guide keeps enough time for the remaining route. We pause at an approved picnic area before continuing the game drive. In the afternoon, we ascend to the Ngorongoro area.

Today combines the journey into Serengeti with wildlife viewing along the route and in the central area. Depending on the starting location, we cover approximately 140–180 kilometres (87–112 miles). Allow around 4–5 hours for driving and gate procedures before extended animal stops.

The transfer crosses higher ground and open plains, with rough or dusty sections. Keep cameras and small bags secure between stops, while leaving water and personal items within reach. Our guide uses suitable places to break the journey. During the afternoon, we explore Seronera for elephants, giraffes and lions. Trees and river corridors also provide places to search for leopards, although sightings depend on their movements. We reach the evening stop before dark and explain any camp safety arrangements. Our team also confirms the airstrip departure and reminds everyone to prepare luggage within the flight allowance.

We fit the final wildlife drive around the confirmed flight schedule. The route may cover approximately 20–60 kilometres (12–37 miles), with around 1–3 hours for driving and sightings if time allows. Our guide stays within practical reach of the airstrip.

We help the group check in for the scheduled Zanzibar flight. It may carry other passengers and include intermediate stops, with the details shown on your tickets. Our island representative transfers your party to the Stone Town area after arrival. Allow approximately 8–15 kilometres (5–9 miles) and 20–40 minutes on the road. We leave the evening open rather than add another organised activity after the flight.

Destination:

Central Serengeti

Overnight:

Kisiwa House

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Our local guide meets the group for a Stone Town walk lasting around 2–3 hours with pauses. We explore selected lanes, market areas and the waterfront, keeping everyone together while allowing time for photographs. The guide sets clear meeting points if a short independent break is agreed. We then drive to a spice farm for a guided walk through cultivated gardens. The host explains the plants and their uses, with questions welcome along the route. Any tasting follows the farm’s guidance and the group’s dietary requirements.

The day involves approximately 40–60 kilometres (25–37 miles) of driving, usually taking 1–1.5 hours in total. We return to Stone Town afterwards. This is a town and farming visit rather than a wildlife excursion.

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, usually 0–10 kilometres (0–6 miles) and up to 30 minutes. Before the private boat departure, the crew explains seating, life jackets and boarding. The crossing to Prison Island commonly takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on the sea.

Our guide introduces the island’s history and accompanies the group to the giant tortoise enclosure. We allow time for observation while following the visitor rules. The island itself may be busy with other groups. We continue towards Nakupenda when the tide permits. Friends can choose whether to swim or rest during the sandbank stop, with the crew explaining the suitable areas. We return to Stone Town according to the agreed route and conditions.

Destination:

Prison Island

Overnight:

Kisiwa House

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We leave with the group’s luggage for Jozani and the move to Jambiani. Across the full route, expect approximately 65–85 kilometres (40–53 miles) and 1.5–2.5 hours of driving. The forest visit is additional to this road time.

At Jozani, a local guide leads the walk to look for red colobus monkeys. We keep the group on the agreed trails and give the animals space. A mangrove boardwalk may be included according to the route and access conditions.

After reaching Jambiani, we introduce the beach area and confirm any remaining arrangements. The afternoon is free, allowing friends to spend time together or relax separately. No further group excursion is scheduled.

Destination:

Jozan Forest Tours

Overnight:

Blue Oyster Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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We keep the last day flexible at Jambiani Beach. Swimming depends on the tide and sea conditions, while any optional activity would require a separate arrangement. There is no scheduled wildlife excursion today. For departure, we coordinate the airport transfer with the group’s flights. The journey covers approximately 55–70 kilometres (34–43 miles) and normally takes 1–1.5 hours, plus check-in time. Different departure times may require separate transfers, which we confirm before booking.