Tanzania northern circuit, Hadzabe and Zanzibar in 11 days (10 nights)

11 days · Tanzania · Arusha → Zanzibar

The trip starts with a night in Arusha. Then the road runs west to Tarangire's baobabs and on through the Ngorongoro highlands to two nights in the Serengeti. On the way back, the route drops into Ngorongoro Crater and continues to Karatu for two nights. The spare day goes to Lake Eyasi to spend time with the Datoga and the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers. After the drive back to Arusha and a flight to Zanzibar, four nights on the island leave time for a Stone Town walking tour and a spice farm.

The route, stop by stop

1. Arusha, Tanzania · 1 night

Arrive by fly — Airport transfer into Arusha

An overnight in the safari hub before the game drives begin.

2. Tarangire, Tanzania · 1 night

Arrive by drive — Morning drive from Arusha with game drives in the park the same day

Baobab country with large elephant herds along the Tarangire River, and an easy first day out of Arusha.

3. Serengeti, Tanzania · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — Drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area onto the Serengeti plains

Two nights give one full day on the plains, with a choice of split game drives or a full day out with a picnic.

4. Karatu, Tanzania · 2 nights

Arrive by drive — Game drive out of the Serengeti, then down into Ngorongoro Crater before continuing to Karatu

A farm-lodge base after the crater day. The second night makes room for a return trip to Lake Eyasi to meet Datoga and Hadzabe families.

5. Zanzibar, Tanzania · 4 nights

Arrive by fly — Drive back to Arusha by lunchtime, then fly to Zanzibar

Beach time, plus optional guided tours of Stone Town's old quarter, a spice farm and Jozani Forest.

Experts who can arrange this trip

• The Safari Vibe, who works in Tanzania.

More trip ideas · Tanzania