12 Days Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar Safari 2027

The Ultimate East African Wildlife and Beach Holiday

This 12 Days Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar Safari 2027 combines legendary wildlife destinations, contrasting landscapes and the warm beaches of the Indian Ocean in one carefully planned journey. From the wildlife-rich grasslands of Kenya’s Maasai Mara to Tanzania’s endless Serengeti plains, the natural wonder of Ngorongoro Crater and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar, this package introduces you to some of East Africa’s most remarkable places.

The itinerary is ideal for couples, families, friends, honeymooners and first-time visitors who want to experience both Kenya and Tanzania without ending their holiday feeling exhausted. The route balances exciting game drives with comfortable accommodation, scenic flights and quiet time beside the ocean.

Your journey begins in Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. You then cross into Tanzania and explore Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater before flying to Zanzibar for three peaceful nights.

With Relax Africa Tours & Safaris, the itinerary can be arranged as a private midrange, luxury or premium safari. Accommodation, domestic flights and daily activities can be adjusted to suit your budget, dates and travel preferences.

12-Day Safari at a Glance

Duration: 12 days and 11 nights
Destinations: Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar
Starting point: Nairobi, Kenya
Ending point: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Safari style: Private wildlife safari and beach holiday
Accommodation: Midrange, luxury or premium
Best for: Couples, families, honeymooners and small private groups
Best travel period: June through October and December through March
Main attractions: Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar

Tour Route

Nairobi → Maasai Mara National Reserve → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Arusha → Zanzibar → Departure

Safari Highlights

• Game drives in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Big-cat viewing in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti
• Opportunities to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration
• Cross-border journey between Kenya and Tanzania
• Multiple days exploring Serengeti National Park
• Full Ngorongoro Crater game drive
• Possible sightings of Africa’s Big Five
• Professional English-speaking safari guides
• Private four-wheel-drive safari vehicles
• Scenic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
• Stone Town history and culture
• Tropical beaches and warm Indian Ocean water
• Optional spice tour, snorkelling and marine excursions
• Three nights on Zanzibar Island
• Airport transfers and carefully arranged logistics

Detailed 12 Days Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Welcome to East Africa. After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel.

The drive provides your first introduction to Kenya’s capital, a busy regional centre where modern neighbourhoods, historic districts and national institutions come together. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or arrange an optional Nairobi activity.

Possible optional experiences include visiting the Giraffe Centre, exploring the Karen Blixen Museum or enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Guests arriving late can simply rest and prepare for the journey to Maasai Mara the following morning.

During your safari briefing, the representative will review the itinerary, luggage requirements, border arrangements and the following day’s departure time.

Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Bed and breakfast

Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel toward the Maasai Mara. Depending on your selected package, this journey can be completed by road or scheduled light-aircraft flight.

The flight option significantly reduces travel time and provides aerial views of Kenya’s landscape. If travelling by road, the journey passes through the Great Rift Valley and rural communities before reaching the reserve.

After arriving in the Maasai Mara, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to the lodge or tented camp. Following lunch and time to settle in, depart for your first afternoon game drive.

The Maasai Mara is celebrated for its open grasslands and abundant wildlife. During your first drive, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and several antelope species. Lions, cheetahs, leopards and spotted hyenas are also present, although every sighting remains natural and unpredictable.

Return to your accommodation for dinner and your first night in the East African wilderness.

Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari

Spend a complete day exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve with your professional Kenya safari guide.

An early departure gives you an opportunity to experience the reserve when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is active. Predators may still be hunting, while elephants, antelopes and giraffes move across the plains.

You can return to the lodge for lunch or carry a picnic and remain inside the reserve. The exact route will depend on wildlife reports, road conditions and your interests.

Between approximately July and October, migrating wildebeest may enter the Maasai Mara from the northern Serengeti. However, migration timing is controlled by rainfall and grazing conditions, so particular sightings or river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

Outside the migration period, the Maasai Mara remains a productive wildlife destination because it supports abundant resident animals throughout the year.

An optional hot-air balloon safari can be arranged at an additional cost. The experience begins before sunrise and normally includes an aerial journey over the plains followed by breakfast.

Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Maasai Mara to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, leave the Maasai Mara and begin your cross-border journey into Tanzania.

The precise arrangement may involve light-aircraft flights and a road transfer through the Migori–Tarime connection, or an overland transfer through an approved immigration point. Flight schedules and border procedures will determine the final logistics.

Your passports and East African entry requirements will be checked during immigration. Relax Africa Tours & Safaris will explain the planned connection before arrival, but travellers remain responsible for obtaining the correct visas and ensuring their passports meet entry requirements.

After entering Tanzania, continue to Serengeti National Park and meet your Tanzanian driver-guide. Depending on the arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive on the way to your accommodation.

This is an exciting transition. While the Maasai Mara and Serengeti form part of a connected ecosystem, each area offers a distinct sense of space and safari character. Serengeti’s landscapes range from open grassland and acacia woodland to kopjes, river valleys and seasonal wetlands.

Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti National Park Safari

Wake up in Serengeti National Park and prepare for a full day of wildlife exploration.

The Serengeti is known for its vast landscape, large predator population and annual wildebeest migration. The official Tanzania Tourism Board’s Serengeti guide identifies the park as one of Tanzania’s defining wildlife destinations.

Your guide will select the best game-drive area according to the season and recent wildlife information. Central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera region, is known for reliable year-round wildlife. River valleys and rocky kopjes provide suitable habitat for lions, leopards and other predators.

During migration periods, your itinerary can be positioned in southern, western or northern Serengeti:

• January to March generally favours southern Serengeti and Ndutu.
• May and June often favour central and western areas.
• July to October commonly favours northern Serengeti.
• November and December may find the herds returning south.

Because nature does not operate according to a fixed calendar, flexibility is valuable. Read our complete wildebeest migration guide before selecting your 2027 travel dates.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or return to your accommodation for a hot meal, depending on your daily plan.

Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Second Full Day in Serengeti

A second full day gives you more time to understand the Serengeti instead of rushing through it.

Wildlife sightings change from one game drive to another. One morning might focus on a pride of lions near a kopje, while the afternoon could bring elephants, hippos, giraffes or a leopard resting in an acacia tree.

Travellers often ask how much time they need in Serengeti. Although short visits can be rewarding, several nights improve the experience because the park is enormous and animals move freely. Our guide to how many days to spend in Serengeti explains the advantages of allowing additional time.

Today can also be adapted for photographers, birdwatchers or families. Photographers may request an early departure and extended game drive, while families may prefer returning to camp during the warmest part of the day.

An optional Serengeti balloon safari may be available at an additional cost, depending on location and season.

Return to your accommodation for dinner, conversation around the campfire and another night surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Accommodation: Serengeti lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Enjoy a final morning game drive as you leave Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The journey passes through changing habitats, providing further opportunities to see wildlife. You may stop for a picnic lunch before continuing toward the Ngorongoro highlands.

Depending on the route and available time, an optional visit to Olduvai Gorge or an authorized Maasai cultural boma can be arranged. Cultural visits should be approached respectfully and should provide genuine benefits to participating communities.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is different from a conventional national park because it has a multiple-land-use history and contains important wildlife, geological and cultural features. Visitors can learn more from the official Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority.

Arrive at your lodge during the afternoon. Accommodation may be positioned near the crater rim, in the highlands or around Karatu. Crater-rim properties provide remarkable views but are generally more expensive. Karatu offers a broader selection of comfortable midrange and luxury lodges.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro or Karatu lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Transfer to Arusha

After an early breakfast, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for an extended game drive.

The crater floor contains grasslands, wetlands, woodland and permanent water sources within a relatively compact area. This habitat variety supports buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hippos, elephants, spotted hyenas and lions.

Black rhinoceros may sometimes be observed from a distance, although sightings are never guaranteed. Leopards are present in the wider conservation area but are less commonly seen on the open crater floor.

Stop at a designated picnic site for lunch while enjoying the landscape. Your guide will follow crater regulations and choose a route based on wildlife movements and road conditions.

After completing the game drive, ascend the crater wall and continue toward Arusha. The journey passes through the highlands and farming areas surrounding Karatu before descending toward Lake Manyara and continuing east.

Arrive in Arusha during the late afternoon or evening and check into your hotel.

Accommodation: Arusha hotel
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 9: Flight From Arusha to Zanzibar

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight to Zanzibar.

The flight replaces the dusty safari roads with views of Tanzania’s landscape and, depending on the route and visibility, distant mountain scenery and the Indian Ocean.

Upon arriving at Zanzibar’s airport, meet the island representative and transfer to your hotel. You may begin with Stone Town or continue directly to a beach resort in areas such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Paje or Jambiani.

Stone Town is ideal for history, architecture and food, while the coastal resorts provide beaches, ocean activities and a slower pace. The best location will depend on your interests and selected accommodation category.

Relax Africa Tours & Safaris can arrange the island portion as bed and breakfast, half board or all-inclusive.

Accommodation: Zanzibar hotel or beach resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Zanzibar Stone Town and Spice Experience

After breakfast, explore Zanzibar’s cultural and historical character.

A guided Stone Town tour introduces you to narrow streets, carved doors, markets and buildings reflecting African, Arab, Indian and European influences. Your guide can explain how trade, religion and migration shaped the island.

Depending on your interests, the excursion may include the Old Fort, Forodhani area, local markets and other historic landmarks. Entrance fees depend on the final program.

Continue with an optional spice-farm tour to see, smell and taste some of the crops associated with Zanzibar’s history. These may include cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, nutmeg and tropical fruits.

After the excursion, return to the hotel or transfer to your coastal resort. Spend the remainder of the afternoon beside the pool or on the beach.

For additional ideas, explore our guide to Zanzibar beach holidays or visit the official Zanzibar Commission for Tourism.

Accommodation: Zanzibar hotel or beach resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation

Today is reserved for relaxation after your Kenya and Tanzania safari.

Wake up without an early game-drive schedule and enjoy breakfast overlooking tropical gardens or the Indian Ocean. Spend the day swimming, walking along the beach, resting beside the pool or enjoying your resort facilities.

Optional activities can be arranged at an additional cost:

• Snorkelling excursion
• Diving
• Mnemba-area marine excursion
• Sunset dhow cruise
• Jozani Forest visit
• Prison Island excursion
• Village tour
• Cooking experience
• Spa treatment
• Romantic beach dinner

Ocean activities depend on tides, weather and sea conditions. Wildlife encounters, including dolphin sightings, cannot be guaranteed. Travellers should choose responsible operators who maintain appropriate distances from marine animals.

Those wanting additional island time can extend the package using one of our Zanzibar holiday packages.

Accommodation: Zanzibar beach resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Zanzibar Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast and, depending on your international flight time, spend your remaining hours relaxing at the hotel.

You will be transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 12-day Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar journey.

Travellers with an evening flight may request late checkout, lunch or an additional activity, subject to availability and extra charges.

Relax Africa Tours & Safaris will confirm your transfer time in advance and ensure that you arrive at the airport with sufficient time for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

What Is Included?

The final inclusions will depend on your selected accommodation and transportation plan. A standard package can include:

• Airport arrival transfer in Nairobi
• Airport departure transfer in Zanzibar
• Accommodation specified in the confirmed itinerary
• Meals stated in the daily program
• Private safari transportation in Tanzania
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Kenya safari arrangements and transfers
• Park and conservation-area entry fees
• Ngorongoro Crater service fee
• Scheduled cross-border transportation or flights
• Flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
• Unlimited scheduled game drives
• Bottled drinking water during safari
• Government taxes and tourism levies
• Emergency support during the trip
• Zanzibar airport and hotel transfers
• Stone Town or spice excursion if stated in the quotation

What Is Excluded?

Unless specifically added to your quotation, the following are generally excluded:

• International flights
• Kenya and Tanzania visa fees
• Travel and medical insurance
• Vaccinations and medical expenses
• Optional balloon safaris
• Optional Zanzibar excursions
• Tips for guides, drivers and lodge staff
• Alcoholic and premium beverages
• Personal shopping and souvenirs
• Laundry services
• Telephone calls and personal expenses
• Changes caused by delayed international flights
• Activities not identified as included
• Zanzibar infrastructure or tourism taxes payable locally
• Additional accommodation before or after the itinerary

Best Time for This Safari in 2027

This package can operate throughout the year, but the best period depends on your priorities.

June to October

These generally drier months offer excellent wildlife viewing in Kenya and Tanzania. Vegetation becomes less dense, animals gather near water and road conditions are usually favourable.

July through October can provide opportunities to see migrating herds in northern Serengeti or Maasai Mara. River crossings remain unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.

December to March

This period is particularly attractive for Tanzania’s southern Serengeti and Ndutu region. January through March normally brings green landscapes and wildebeest calving activity.

Zanzibar is warm throughout the year, although weather and humidity vary.

April and May

These months can bring heavier rainfall in parts of East Africa. Benefits may include greener scenery, fewer safari vehicles and seasonal accommodation offers. Some remote camps may close temporarily, and road conditions can be more challenging.

Read our best time to visit Tanzania guide for more seasonal information.

Midrange, Luxury and Premium Options

The itinerary can be customized in three principal styles.

Midrange Safari

Midrange packages use comfortable lodges and permanent tented camps with private bathrooms, good meals and convenient locations. This category provides excellent value without removing the atmosphere of an authentic safari.

Luxury Safari

Luxury packages use more spacious rooms, refined service, higher-quality dining and carefully selected camps positioned near important wildlife areas. Internal flights may be used to reduce driving time.

Premium Safari

Premium packages prioritize exclusive camps, superior room categories, private experiences and seamless flight connections. Zanzibar accommodation may include luxury beachfront resorts, private villas or boutique hotels.

Your choice of accommodation has a major effect on the final price. Location is particularly important in Serengeti and Maasai Mara because a cheaper camp far from your intended wildlife area can result in long daily drives.

Essential Travel Information

Travellers should carry a passport valid for the required period and containing sufficient blank pages. Kenya and Tanzania have separate entry requirements, so confirm the regulations that apply to your nationality before travelling.

Visa rules, health requirements, flight schedules, park fees and border procedures can change. Relax Africa Tours & Safaris can provide planning guidance, but each traveller is responsible for confirming official requirements with the relevant authorities.

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. The policy should cover medical treatment, evacuation, trip interruption, lost luggage and activities included in the itinerary.

For light-aircraft flights, luggage is commonly restricted and soft-sided bags may be required. Exact allowances will be provided after flights are confirmed.

Why Book With Relax Africa Tours & Safaris?

Relax Africa Tours & Safaris is a locally based Tanzanian travel company specializing in private safaris, wildlife adventures, Kilimanjaro trekking and Zanzibar holidays.

We plan this multi-country journey around practical connections rather than simply listing famous destinations. Our team coordinates guides, accommodation, border transfers, regional flights and Zanzibar arrangements so that each section connects properly.

When you book with us, you receive:

• Personalized itinerary planning
• Clear communication before arrival
• Carefully selected lodges and camps
• Experienced local safari professionals
• Private and flexible Tanzania game drives
• Assistance with regional travel logistics
• Honest seasonal wildlife information
• Support throughout the journey
• Safari and Zanzibar arrangements in one package

You can also compare this itinerary with our seven-day Kenya and Tanzania fly-in migration safari or our longer 13-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 12 days enough for Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar?

Yes. Twelve days provides enough time for Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and a short Zanzibar beach stay when flights and cross-border transfers are carefully planned.

Can this be a private safari?

Yes. The Tanzania section can use a private safari vehicle and dedicated driver-guide. Kenya services can also be arranged privately or on a fly-in package basis.

Can we start in Tanzania and finish in Kenya?

Yes. The itinerary can be reversed, although flight schedules and your international tickets may determine which direction is most efficient.

Will we see the Big Five?

The safari visits areas known for diverse wildlife and possible Big Five sightings. Nevertheless, animals move freely, and no particular species can be guaranteed.

Can we see the wildebeest migration?

The itinerary can be adjusted according to the expected seasonal location of the herds. Migration sightings and river crossings cannot be guaranteed because rainfall influences wildlife movement.

Is the package suitable for children?

Yes. Family-friendly lodges, larger rooms and a comfortable pace can be selected. Parents should share the children’s ages when requesting a quotation.

Can we add more Zanzibar nights?

Yes. Additional beach nights can easily be added. Travellers wanting a slower holiday may prefer 14 or 15 days.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Most camps and hotels can accommodate common dietary requirements when informed in advance. Severe allergies should be discussed clearly during booking.

Is Zanzibar part of Tanzania?

Yes. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania and is reached easily by scheduled flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti or Dar es Salaam.

How much does the 12-day safari cost?

The price depends on the travel month, number of guests, lodge category, room arrangement, available flights and optional activities. Request a personalized quotation for an accurate cost.

Book Your 12 Days Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar Safari 2027

Experience the open plains of Maasai Mara, the wildlife of Serengeti, the natural beauty of Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar’s warm Indian Ocean coastline in one complete East African journey.

The 12 Days Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar Safari 2027 can be customized for couples, families, honeymooners and private groups. Tell us your travel dates, number of guests, preferred accommodation category and approximate budget, and our team will create a suitable proposal.

Contact Relax Africa Tours & Safaris to begin planning your 2027 East African safari and Zanzibar holiday.

Email: info@relaxafricasafari.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +255 624 050 652
Location: Arusha and Moshi, Tanzania

Explore more Tanzania safari packages and let our local team design a journey that matches your interests, comfort level and travel dates.