Luxury Tanzania Safari, A taste of Kilimanjaro – Shira Plateau & Zanzibar’s Island Elegance

Tanzania is arguably East Africa’s premier safari destination, offering an unforgettable adventure centered on phenomenal wildlife viewing. This journey explores the country’s most iconic, game-rich national parks via the classic, luxury Safari Adventure. Experience the legendary Serengeti, stage for the Great Migration, the largest terrestrial mammal migration on Earth. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO site, is a breathtaking, intact caldera and self-contained ecosystem with one of Africa’s highest wildlife densities. 

Beyond the giants, Tarangire is known for enormous elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, while Lake Manyara National Park is famous for tree-climbing lions and thousands of pink flamingos.  Tanzania is a land of dramatic contrasts, from the depths of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake, to the soaring, snow-capped heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain on the planet.  Explore traditional Maasai manyatta villages near the Ngorongoro Highlands, and visit the Hadza hunter-gatherers by Lake Eyasi. Conclude your adventure on the pristine shores of Zanzibar, where you can witness Swahili sailors repairing their traditional dhows. This sight is a powerful testament to the country’s rich maritime history and cultural fusion. Join us to create your own personalized, epic story in one of the world’s last great wild frontiers, forging memories that will change the way you view the world.

ITINERARY

Optional: Pre-Trip Arrival Recommended: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Airport Planet Lodge
book your stay (not included) 
Airport Planet Lodge is conveniently located between Arusha and Moshi, close to Kilimanjaro International Airport. It features modern, individually-styled rooms, a gift shop, and a breakfast room, offering a good base for the next day’s activities. Arriving a day before, allows for rest and relaxation before embarking on Safari adventures. 

Day 1| Monday, June 15, 2026

Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania, the fantastic starting point for your safari! You will begin with an introductory briefing before embarking on your dream trip. Arusha, a busy, essential northern Tanzania hub, offers travelers a glimpse of energetic, colorful streets, whether passing through or staying longer.

Activities Day 1
Airport pick up, Kilimanjaro Airport
Transfer by Road, Kilimanjaro Airport to Forest Hill Hotel

Meal: Dinner
Accommodation Day 1 | Luxury Forest Hill Hotel
Forest Hill Hotel, a tranquil retreat west of Arusha, is conveniently located off the Northern safari circuit road and near the domestic airport, yet feels secluded. Its elegantly designed rooms are in bungalows set in beautiful grounds with stunning mountain views.

Day 2 | Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park will impress you with its fairy-tale landscape of distinct baobab trees and abundant elephants roaming in family groups. Big cats—lions, cheetahs, and leopards—are possible sightings. You are almost guaranteed to see wildebeest, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, and zebra.

Activities Day 2
After breakfast, your safari guide will drive you approximately two hours to Tarangire National Park (Tarangire NP). There, you will embark on a guided game drive to explore the magnificent landscape, searching for lions, elephants, and other wildlife amidst the park’s iconic baobab trees.

Afternoon: In afternoon you will have a delicious lunch at the picnic site and proceed with a game drive, Tarangire National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks during game drives, Beer and wine during game drive

Accommodation Day 2 | Tarangire Safari Lodge
Perched high above Tarangire, this tented camp boasts the best panoramic views of the park’s diverse landscape—forests, rivers, and distant hills. Guests can enjoy these sweeping vistas from their en-suite safari tents and bungalows, with the chance to spot elephants and hear the sounds of zebras.

Day 3 | Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Serengeti National Park
The extraordinary, Unesco-listed Serengeti is a vast savannah that will make you fall in love with Tanzania. It teems with an unimaginable number of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, and countless other species.

Activities Day 3
After breakfast, we journey towards Serengeti National Park, traveling via Ngorongoro. This route offers a spectacular view of the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater before we reach the Serengeti, which is famously known for the great migration of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope.

Afternoon: Along the way in afternoon you’ll take a delicious lunch on a picnic site, Serengeti National Park
Evening: After an extensive game drive, we will drive to the Seronera Valley for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks during game drives, Beer and wine during game drive

Accommodation Day 3 | Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge offers stunning, isolated views from its hilltop location. The well-appointed rooms and central location ensure an immersive wildlife experience. Amenities include a pool, bar, restaurant, spa, and gift shop, all complemented by a friendly welcome.

Day 4 | Thursday, June 18, 2026

Serengeti National Park
Spend another full day immersing yourself in the classic safari scenery of Central Serengeti National Park. This extra time allows for a deeper appreciation of the wild beauty, the landscape, and the colorful array of wildlife, set against a backdrop of stunning acacia trees and savannah grasslands.

Activities Day 4
After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided game drive through the Central Serengeti, offering fantastic opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery and spot incredible wildlife. Your driver will ensure you are taken to the key areas within Serengeti.
Afternoon: You will take a moment to enjoy a picnic lunch and continue with a game drive, Serengeti National Park
Evening: After your full day game drive you head back to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks during game drives, Beer and wine during game drive
Accommodation Day 4 | Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Day 5 | Friday, June 19, 2026

Western Serengeti National Park
The Western Serengeti offers prime park experiences, including abundant wildlife with potential sightings of big cats and elephants. The migration dramatically increases animal numbers. The landscape features grasses and low hills.

Activities Day 5
Rise above the savannah on a hot-air balloon ride in the Serengeti.  This fantastic experience begins before dawn and is one of the best possible ways to see the landscapes and wildlife of the park.  Start your day with an unforgettable bush breakfast, one of the most cherished experiences on any safari. Afterward, an expert guide will lead you on a game drive through the Western Serengeti National Park, immersing you in the fascinating world of its diverse wildlife as you search for animals.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch inside the park, Western Serengeti National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks during game drives, Beer and wine during game drive

Accommodation Day 5 | Lahia Tented Lodge
Lahia Tented Lodge, set on a hill, offers elegant, spacious tents with wood floors and large terraces overlooking the central Serengeti. Guests can enjoy superb views from the swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. The area also boasts outstanding wildlife viewing.

Day 6 | Saturday, June 20, 2026

Ngorongoro Highlands
Explore Tanzania’s cool Ngorongoro Highlands, high-altitude forests near the crater. Enjoy spectacular views of mountains and craters, and watch for wildlife like lions, buffaloes, and leopards.

Activities Day 6
After an early breakfast, our exciting day begins with a game drive in the Western Serengeti National Park. This is your chance to search for the renowned “Big Five”—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. Following the drive, we will immerse ourselves in a wonderful cultural experience with a visit to a traditional Maasai Village.

Afternoon: You will arrive at Ngorongoro in afternoon and do a half day game drive, Ngorongoro Crater

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks during game drives, Beer and wine during game drive

Accommodation Day 6 | Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Serena’s Ngorongoro outpost offers high comfort and expansive crater views from its position just below the rim. Look out over the magnificent caldera, where even elephants appear tiny. Enjoy large, lovely rooms and excellent, casual service.

Day 7 | Sunday, June 21, 2026

Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most beautiful features—a vast, yet intimate, 19 km (12 mi) natural bowl viewed from the rim. High crater walls protect this self-contained ecosystem, which boasts diverse habitats like the Lereal Forest and Lake Magadi. Inside, lions and hyenas hunt wildebeest and Grant’s gazelle near elephants and black rhinos. Your day will reveal these habitats and the gently rolling plains.

Activities Day 7
After breakfast, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This drive provides a remarkable chance to see the Big Five, various bird species, and the black rhino, with lunch served right on the crater floor.

Afternoon: You will begin your ascent from the Ngorongoro Crater after a game drive of approximately 6 to 7 hours on the crater floor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks during game drives, Beer and wine during game drive

Accommodation Day 7 | Acacia Farm Lodge
Acacia Farm Lodge, situated near Karatu between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, offers stylish, quiet rooms, a bar, restaurant, and massage services, all with sweeping views of one of Tanzania’s greenest areas.

Day 8 | Monday, June 22, 2026

Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi, with seasonal water levels, feels remote, nestled between the Eyasi escarpment and the Kidero Mountains. It is also home to the Hadza, one of the last remaining traditional hunter-gatherer groups.

Activities Day 8
After breakfast at Acacia Farm Lodge, you will be transferred by road to Lake Eyasi. Here, you will take a guided tour to meet the Datoga tribe, as well as the Hadzabe (Bushmen) who still live in the area and hunt for their food.

Afternoon: A picnic lunch of fine food and take advantage of the lovely open-air location.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks during game drives. Beer and wine during game drive

Accommodation Day 8 | Acacia Farm Lodge

Day 9 | Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Lake Manyara is a world-class safari destination known for unique experiences. It is one of the few places where lions are known to climb trees, and it’s famous for its elephants, often encountered crossing forest tracks. The superb setting features a thin, dense strip of forest nestled between a bird-rich lake and the steep Rift Valley escarpment.

Activities Day 9
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will journey by road to Lake Manyara National Park. An expert guide will accompany you on a wonderful game drive through the forests and along the lakeshore, offering a chance to spot elephants and the famed tree-climbing lions of the park.

Afternoon: Enjoy fine foods in a beautiful open-air setting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks during game drives, Beer and wine during game drive
Accommodation Day 9 | Return to Forest Hill Hotel

Day 10 | Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Mount Kilimanjaro, Complement your adventure with a refreshing day hike on the Shira Plateau for a balanced taste of Kilimanjaro’s grandeur before departure.

Activities Day 10
Following a hearty breakfast, you and your professional guide will embark on an unforgettable introductory day hike to the vast Shira 1 Plateau. Reaching an impressive elevation of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), this hike offers panoramic views, an introduction to the unique alpine desert environment, and a profound sense of the scale of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Afternoon: You will enjoy a scenic picnic with delicious food at Mount Kilimanjaro, surrounded by nature and breathtaking views of the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks

Accommodation Day 10 | Airport Planet Lodge
Airport Planet Lodge is conveniently located between Arusha and Moshi, close to Kilimanjaro International Airport. It features modern, individually-styled rooms, a gift shop, and a breakfast room, offering a good base for the next day’s activities.

Day 11 | Thursday, June 25 | Departure for Zanzibar

Your incredible safari journey in Tanzania concludes today. After a relaxing breakfast and lunch at the lodge, we will depart for the one hour and 25 minute flight to Zanzibar, where a change of pace and relaxation awaits.  Zanzibar Island offers tourists a unique blend of experiences: relaxing on stunning beaches, exploring coral reefs and islets, and discovering the historic Stone Town. This old town boasts handsome architecture, reflecting Zanzibar’s past as a wealthy hub for Indian Ocean trade and a major producer of cloves and spices.

Activity Day 11
Welcome to Zanzibar!  Upon landing at Abeid Amani Karume Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver-guide.  You will then be transferred (approximately 20 minutes) to your hotel located in Stone Town, the historic quarter of Zanzibar City.

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation Day 11| Zanzibar’s Historical Gem, Tembo Hotel
Tembo House Hotel, Zanzibar’s premier beachfront hotel and a hospitality landmark, enjoys a prime location within Stone Town, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Its exceptional position provides easy access for guests to explore the ancient town’s famous sights, including its labyrinthine streets, the Old Fort, Forodhani Gardens, the Palace Museum, the Peace Memorial, and Tippu Tip’s house. Continuing a celebrated legacy, Tembo House Hotel has proudly hosted a distinguished roster of guests, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Henry Morton Stanley, Ludwig Krapf, and Freddie Mercury. Welcome to Tembo! (Karibu Tembo!)

Day 12 | Friday, June 26, 2026

Zanzibar Stone Town
Explore the historic streets of Zanzibar’s Stone Town and immerse yourself in its history. The vibrant Swahili architecture is a testament to a rich and diverse past, showcasing influences from Arabia, Asia, and other cultures across the Indian Ocean. However, the town’s true magic is felt as the aroma of spices and the Muslim call to prayer drift through the captivating alleys toward the ancient waterfront.

Activity Day 12
Following a leisurely breakfast, your expert guide will lead you on a cultural tour of Stone Town, the vibrant heart of Zanzibar’s diverse history. The exploration begins at the bustling local market, before delving into Stone Town’s intricate, maze-like alleys to appreciate the distinct Arab and Indian architectural styles. Key historical sites on the tour include the Old Fort, Tip Tip House, and the People’s Palace Museum.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water, Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 13 | Saturday, June 27, 2026

Spice Farm Zanzibar, Josan Forest & Nungwi beach
Nungwi, one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful and popular beaches, is a prime spot for sunset viewing and was historically a major dhow-building center. You will visit the Mnarani Aquarium, a sanctuary dedicated to endangered sea turtles. This offers a memorable way to connect with marine life, see juvenile and adult turtles, learn about their rescue and release program, and even participate in feeding sessions, all while supporting local conservation.

Activity Day 3
Explore Nungwi, starting with a beach excursion. The Mnarani Aquarium in Nungwi offers a close-up look at various marine creatures that are rarely seen in their natural habitat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Drinking water

Day 14 | Sunday, June 28, 2026
Departure Day from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

Meal: Breakfast

Included:

* Double Occupancy luxury Safari lodges and 5 star historic luxury resorts
* Gourmet meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), along with snacks and refreshments.
* Luxury bush lunches
* Standard alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, wines and beers during game drives
* Private Safari Tours
* Unlimited Game Drive
* Hiking Lowlands of Kilimanjaro
* Zanzibar Beach Activities
* Cultural Maasi village visit
* Hot-air balloon ride Serengeti plans
* Visit to Chemka hots springs
* Roundtrip airport transfer
* All transportation during game drives
* Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
* Park fees, taxes, VAT, entry and conservation fees
* Expert professional guides
* Tanzania SIM Card with 4GB
* AMREF Flying doctor insurance
* Free Wi-Fi during tours
* Yoga & Meditation
* Welcome EPIC gift bag with/ Safari essentials

Excluded:
* International flight
* Travel Insurance & Visa fees
* Spa Treatments
* Gratuity for guides

Deposit
* Initial deposit of $2000 per person is required to secure your spot
* Remaining balance is due 60 days prior to start date

Cancellation Policy
More than 60 days prior to the start date, 5% of the total cost is forfeited.
Less than 60 days prior to start date, 20% of total cost is forfeited.
Less than 30 days prior to the start date, total cost is forfeited.

For inquiries regarding deposits, trip planning, flight logistics, travel insurance, immunizations, and other details, please contact hello@epic-retreats.com.

Detailed planning guide, terms and conditions, will be provided up initial deposit.