This 7-day Tanzania adventure offers a perfect blend of wildlife exploration, Kilimanjaro trekking, and relaxation on Zanzibar's stunning beaches. Starting in Arusha, you'll visit Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara National Parks, where you'll encounter a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and the rare black rhino. A day trek at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro provides breathtaking views and a taste of Tanzania's iconic peak. The trip concludes with a relaxing stay on Zanzibar, where you can unwind on white-sand beaches or explore the island's cultural treasures. This budget-friendly tour covers all essential experiences for an unforgettable Tanzanian holiday.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

1. Departure: You’ll depart from Arusha at 8 am, heading towards Tarangire National Park. The drive is scenic, taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (120km) through the Maasai steppe and past local villages.
2. Morning Activities: Upon arrival, after a short stop at the park entrance for restroom use while your guide handles the registration, you'll begin your morning game drive. Tarangire is famous for its large elephant population, towering baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts a variety of wildlife.
3. Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch at a picnic site within the park.
4. Afternoon Activities: Continue with an afternoon game drive, where you'll have the opportunity to see lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more. The park's diverse habitats range from swamps to woodlands, offering rich wildlife experiences.
5. Evening: After your game drive, exit the park and head to Fig Tree Lodge & Camp in Mto wa Mbu. This small town is located near Lake Manyara and offers a glimpse into local culture.
6. Meals: All meals are included, with dinner served at the lodge.
7. Accommodation: Fig Tree Lodge & Camp is a budget-friendly option, offering comfortable rooms and a peaceful environment.

Day 2: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater

1. Departure: After an early breakfast, you’ll depart for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive (43 km) from your lodge.
2. Morning Activities: Upon arrival, after a brief stop at the entrance, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. The crater is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera and is home to an incredible concentration of wildlife.
3. Game Drive: As you drive across the crater floor, you'll likely encounter lions, black rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species. The Ngorongoro Crater also boasts a large population of hyenas and a dense concentration of predators.
4. Lunch: You'll enjoy a packed lunch at the scenic Engoitoktok picnic site, where you can take in views of the crater and its wildlife.
5. Afternoon Activities: After lunch, continue your exploration of the crater. The mix of forests, swamps, and lakes makes this area incredibly diverse in terms of habitats and species.
6. Evening: In the late afternoon, you’ll exit the crater and return to Fig Tree Lodge & Camp for dinner and relaxation.
7. Meals: All meals included.
8. Accommodation: Fig Tree Lodge & Camp offers a cozy stay with easy access to the Northern Circuit’s major parks.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha

1. Departure: After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and drive approximately 30 minutes (28km) to Lake Manyara National Park.
2. Morning Activities: Lake Manyara is a small but diverse park known for its soda lake, large flocks of flamingos, and tree-climbing lions. Your morning game drive will take you through various ecosystems, from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands.
3. Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a designated picnic site within the park, surrounded by the natural beauty and sounds of wildlife.
4. Afternoon Activities: Continue exploring the park in the afternoon. Besides large mammals, Lake Manyara is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded.
5. Evening: After the game drive, return to Arusha, where you’ll check in at the Arusha Tourist Inn Hotel for your overnight stay. This hotel is centrally located, making it convenient for exploring the city or relaxing after your safari.
6. Meals: All meals included.
7. Accommodation: Arusha Tourist Inn Hotel provides budget accommodation with essential amenities and a friendly atmosphere.

Day 4: Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar

1. Morning Departure: Start your day with an early breakfast at 7:00 am. You’ll be picked up at 7:30 am by your guide and driver for the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro Trek: Upon arrival at the park gate, you'll spend about 10 minutes for registration before beginning your trek through the montane rainforest. The trail leads you to Mandara Hut, passing through lush vegetation and offering the chance to see wildlife like colobus monkeys and various bird species.
3. Elevation: Start at 1,860m (6,100ft) and ascend to 2,720m (8,875ft).
4. Distance: 8km (5 miles).
5. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
6. Habitat: Montane forest.
7. Maundi Crater: A side trip to Maundi Crater offers panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya, along with a closer look at the unique flora of the region.
8. Afternoon Activities: After descending, you'll head to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight to Zanzibar.
9. Evening: Upon arrival in Zanzibar, you’ll be transferred to Mr. Kahawa Waterfront Suites, where you’ll spend the night.
10. Meals: All meals included.
11. Accommodation: Mr. Kahawa Waterfront Suites offers budget-friendly accommodation with a beachfront location, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Day 5: Zanzibar City Tour and Prison Island

1. Morning Activities: After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of Zanzibar City, focusing on the historic Stone Town. Explore its narrow alleys, bustling markets, and significant landmarks like the Old Slave Market, the Old Fort, and Freddie Mercury's house.
2. Cultural Exploration: Learn about Zanzibar's rich history, including its role in the spice trade and as a former hub of the East African slave trade. The diverse architectural styles in Stone Town reflect the island's multicultural heritage.
3. Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or picnic site in the city.
4. Afternoon Activities: After lunch, take a boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu Island), where you’ll see giant tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old. The island also offers beautiful views and a chance to learn about its colonial history.
5. Evening: Return to Mr. Kahawa Waterfront Suites for dinner and overnight stay.
6. Meals: All meals included.
7. Accommodation: Mr. Kahawa Waterfront Suites provides a comfortable stay with easy access to the beach and local attractions.

Day 6: Safari Blue Experience

1. Morning Departure: After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at 8 am for the Safari Blue tour, one of Zanzibar’s most popular water-based adventures.
2. Sailing and Snorkeling: Sail on a traditional dhow to explore the islands off Zanzibar's coast. You’ll visit stunning beaches, snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, and possibly see dolphins in the wild. The tour includes two snorkeling stops where you can see a variety of colorful fish and marine life.
3. Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch on a sandbank or one of the islands, depending on the tide and weather conditions. Fresh tropical fruits and soft drinks are also provided.
4. Afternoon Activities: After lunch, relax on the beach or take a swim in the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The day is flexible, allowing for additional activities like beachcombing or exploring the mangroves.
5. Evening: Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.
6. Meals: All meals included.
7. Accommodation: Mr. Kahawa Waterfront Suites offers a relaxing atmosphere with beachfront access, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Day 7: Spice Tour and Beach Day

1. Morning Activities: After breakfast, you’ll embark on a spice tour. Visit an organic farm where you’ll see how various spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla are grown, harvested, and processed. Zanzibar is famously known as the “Spice Island,” and this tour offers a deep dive into its agricultural heritage.
2. Market Visit: After the spice tour, visit a local market where you can purchase fresh spices to take home. The market experience gives you insight into the daily life of Zanzibari people and the island's vibrant culture.
3. Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling dishes flavored with the spices you’ve learned about.
4. Afternoon Activities: Head to Kendwa Beach, one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the idyllic surroundings.
5. Evening Departure: In the late evening, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure or to your hotel if you’re extending your stay.
6. Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

Included:

1. Park fees for non-residents
2. All activities (unless optional)
3. All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
4. Professional driver/guide
5. All transportation (unless optional)
6. All flights during the tour
7. All Taxes/VAT
8. Roundtrip airport transfer
9. Meals (as specified day-by-day)
10. Drinking water on all days

Excluded:

1. International flights (from/to home)
2. Additional accommodation before and after the tour
3. Tips (US$10.00 per person per day guideline)
4. Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
5. Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees