Mainland + Zanzibar in 9 Days!

We're thrilled to take you on a journey through the best of Tanzania, starting in Arusha, where you'll dive into local culture with a coffee tour with the Chagga tribe and a visit to a Maasai village. From there, get ready for thrilling days in Serengeti National Park, before wrapping up your trip in the paradise of Zanzibar.

Tanzania is a beautiful country, full of rich history, wildlife, and of course, Zanzibar—the Spice Island. If you’re looking for an express tour that captures the essence of this amazing country, The Short & Sweet Tour is perfect for you. Let’s make this an unforgettable experience!

Economy Tier

Arusha:  Sanna Boutique, Under the Shade Safari Lodge or similar

Room Category: Standard

Meal Plan: Half Board(Breakfast and Dinner)

Serengeti National Park:  Signature Serengeti Luxury Camp or similar

Room Category: Luxury Tent

Meal Plan: Full Board(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Zanzibar(Kendwa/Nungwi):  Nungwi Beach Resort by Turaco, RIU Jambo, or similar

Room Category: Partial Ocean View

Meal Plan: Half Board(Breakfast and Dinner)

Arrival Airport

Mt. Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO)

Departure Airport

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport(ZNZ)

Our team will be awaiting your arrival at Mount Kilimanjaro International Airport and transport you to your hotel accommodation.

Free time:  6:00am - 11:59am

Hotel Departure:  12:00pm

Drive time from Arusha to Serval Wildlife:  1:30 to 2 hours

Serval Wildlife (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

At Serval Wildlife, you're not just a spectator—you're part of the adventure! Get up close and personal with some of Africa's most iconic animals. Hand-feed zebras, marvel at the towering giraffes, and snap incredible photos with wildebeests, kudos, and even the mighty lion. This isn’t your typical wildlife experience—it's a chance to connect with these majestic creatures in a way you’ll never forget!

Drive time from Serval Wildlife to Coffee Tour:  1 hour

Coffee Tour (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

We will get things started with a coffee and banana tour by the Chagga tribe. Tanzania is the 3rd largest producer of Arabica coffee in Africa.  You’ll be taught the entire process of making coffee.

Drive time from Coffee Tour to Arusha:  1 to 1:30hr

Hotel Arrival: 7:00pm - 7:30pm

**Times are estimates, several facts like traffic may alter the schedule**

Duration:  8 hours

Check-out and Departure time:  7:30am - 8:00am

Drive time from Arusha for Ngorongoro Crater Viewpoint:  3 hours

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater used to be mountain larger than the size of Mount Kilimanjaro!  Two to three million years ago, the mountain erupted and collapsed on itself creating the world's largest intact caldera.  From the viewpoint you'll be able to see inside of Ngorongoro Crater from above.

Those that have booked the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience will have your safety briefing will at the Ngorongoro Checkpoint Gate.

Ngorongoro Gate to Local Maasai Village:  30min to 1 hour

Local Maasai Village 

The Maasai Tribe is a nomadic tribe that resides in Kenya and throughout Northern Tanzania.  Their cattle and sheep are of high importance to them and a sign of wealth.  They can easily be identified by their bright garments.  The men are known for their high jumps.

You'll immerse, interact, dance, and sing with the Maasai tribe.  You'll also have an opportunity to buy traditional Maasai jewelry.

Local Maasai Village to Serengeti National Park:  1-2 hours

Total Duration:  8 hours

Pick-Up for Hot Air Balloon Participants: 5:00am

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience(Optional/Highly Recommended)

Some things are worth getting up early for and this is certainly one of them. Rising before the birds and heading out in the silence of the pre-dawn towards the launch-site is all part of the anticipation. Perhaps one of the Serengeti’s more elusive inhabitants will be caught in the headlights on this nocturnal game drive. 

You'll then soar to new heights, as you witness the sun rising, and see the Serengeti plains in dramatic fashion.  It includes breakfast and a champagne toast.  Following this experience, you'll rejoin the group for the day game drive.

Departure time:  9:00am (For clients NOT doing the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon)

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is one of the oldest and most scientifically significant ecosystems on the planet. Its weather patterns, fauna and flora are believed to have changed very little over a million years, giving the area a prehistoric feel.

The greater Serengeti ecosystem includes Serengeti National Park proper; Ngorongoro Conservation Area; Maswa Game Reserve; Loliondo, Grumeti, and Ikorongo Game Controlled Areas; and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

10:30am - 5:00pm:  Day Game Drive

Check-out/Departure time:  9:00am

You'll bid farewell to Serengeti National Park and fly to the beautiful island of Zanzibar.

Upon arrival, our Zanzibar team will be awaiting and transport you to your accommodations in Kendwa/Nungwi.

This is a busy itinerary and you deserve to take a day to yourself.  Today is just that.  Do as little or as much as you like.  You may book a spa treatment at your hotel or one of our exciting excursions below.

Stone Town Tour
Explore the heart of Zanzibar with a tour through Stone Town, where every narrow alleyway and bustling market tells a story. You’ll see intricately carved doors, historical buildings, and a mix of cultural influences that make this UNESCO World Heritage site so unique. Stone Town is a beautiful blend of African, Arab, and Indian heritage, creating a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget.

Arab Slave Trade Tour
This tour offers a powerful look into Zanzibar’s past as the center of the East African slave trade. You’ll walk through somber chambers and learn about the history of the Arab slave trade, visiting a museum that brings this dark chapter to life. This experience honors the resilience of those who endured it and provides meaningful insight into a part of history that shaped Zanzibar.

Sandbank Experience w/Professional Photo Shoot

Zanzibar is home to some of the best beaches in the world, this includes some picturesque, unforgettable sandbanks.  Today, you'll have the opportunity to visit one the most beautiful sandbanks in Zanzibar.  Our professional photographer will be on hand, to take some amazing photos of you to cherish these memories for a lifetime.

Today is your second day to unwind and enjoy as you like. Take time to relax at the hotel, soak up the surroundings, or explore the area on your own. For those looking to add something extra, we also have an array of optional excursions available to book—from thrilling activities to cultural immersions—that will make the day uniquely yours.

For those with afternoon/evening departing flights:

Rock Restaurant(optional)

Advise in advance if this is something that you would like to do.

Souvenir Shopping

You'll have the opportunity to do last minute souvenir shopping throughout the streets of Stone Town.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

We hope that you've enjoyed this journey and that we've exceeded your expectations.  If this was your first time in Africa, we hope it won't be your last.  Be sure to share your journey with friends and family, with hopes they too will partake in this unforgettable experience in the near future.  

Safiri Salama(Safe Travels),

from your Melanated Safaris Family