Day 1

Tanzania

12-Day Tanzania & Pemba Island Safari

A safari and a beach holiday joined into one continuous itinerary: the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti plains, and five nights closing on Pemba Island's reef.

Duration12 days11 nights

From$10,800per person sharing, US$. Estimate, subject to availability

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Trip overview

Three nights on the Ngorongoro rim, three full days on the plains of the Serengeti, then a flight east to Pemba Island for five nights on the Indian Ocean. The whole route is joined by scheduled flights.

Two separate descents onto the crater floor are built in, and the Serengeti days are left open to follow the herds wherever the month places them.

CountryTanzaniaTanzania

Duration12 days11 nights

ArrangementPrivateyour own vehicle and guide

Starts & endsKilimanjaroEnds Zanzibar

Itinerary12 daysDay by day below

Best timeJun – Oct

From$10,800Per person sharing, in US dollars. An indicative starting price: your exact rate is quoted for your dates and party size, subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.

Map route

The route, stop by stop

Ngorongoro Days 1 to 4 · 3 nights

Serengeti Days 4 to 7 · 3 nights

Pemba Island Days 7 to 12 · 5 nights

What you are likely to see

Wildebeest Zebra Elephant Lion Buffalo Black rhino Cheetah Leopard

Solid tone means often seen on this route. Outline means possible, and worth the patience. Sightings vary with season and luck, and nothing wild is guaranteed.

Best months to travel

Best Quieter Green season

Book this safari Enquire Go to the day by day itinerary

Go to the day by day itinerary

Gallery

The ground this safari covers

Day by day

12 days, in order

Each day lists the route, the meals included and the lodge for that night. Ask us for the expected driving time on any day.

Ngorongoro

Arrival at Ngorongoro

The flight into Kilimanjaro is met by a private driver, and the road runs west past Arusha and up into the Ngorongoro highlands, the air cooling as it climbs through farmland and then forest. Lunch is taken on arrival at the lodge on the crater rim.

The rest of the day is unhurried, and the view does most of the work: the whole caldera spread out below, its floor two thousand feet down, the herds on it just visible as specks.

Private arrival transferAfternoon at leisure

Day 12 photos

Ngorongoro Crater from the rim — The crater floor from the rim

Wildlife on the Ngorongoro crater floor — Down inside the caldera

Accommodation

Night 1 of 3

2 photos Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Ngorongoro Crater rim Lodge · 2 photos View lodge & photosClose

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, looking down into one of Africa’s great wildlife arenas. It is made up of three small camps, North Camp, South Camp and Tree Camp, the last tucked into woodland near the rim. Each suite is built in the style of a Maasai […]

Night 1 of 3 on the Ngorongoro rim, at a property such as Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater

The morning goes to the crater floor, a half day tour of one of the densest concentrations of wildlife on earth, inside walls that rise two thousand feet on every side. Lion, buffalo, black rhino, zebra and wildebeest share the enclosed grassland, with hippo in the pools and, in the right season, flamingos on the soda lake.

The afternoon is left free, back on the rim, where the evening air turns cold at that altitude.

Half day crater tourAfternoon at leisure

Day 22 photos

Accommodation

Night 2 of 3

2 photos Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Ngorongoro Crater rim Lodge · 2 photos View lodge & photosClose

A second night at the same property on the Ngorongoro rim.

Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater, Second Descent

A slow morning at the lodge, then a second descent in the afternoon, when the light is lower and the floor quieter than at midday. The crater looks different at that hour: the animals moving again after the heat, and the shadows reaching out across the grass from the western wall.

It is the last look at Ngorongoro before the road turns west.

Morning at leisureAfternoon descent

Day 32 photos

Accommodation

Night 3 of 3

2 photos Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Ngorongoro Crater rim Lodge · 2 photos View lodge & photosClose

A third night at the same property on the Ngorongoro rim.

Ngorongoro to Serengeti

Ngorongoro to the Serengeti

Leaving the highlands, the road drops down the western side of the crater rim and out onto the Serengeti plains, a descent that makes the scale of the land obvious within minutes. A picnic lunch is taken along the way.

The final approach to camp is worked as a game drive, so the Serengeti introduces itself with animals already on the move: gazelle, zebra, and depending on the month, the migrating herds.

Drive with picnic lunchAfternoon game drive

Day 42 photos

Northern Serengeti landscape — The northern Serengeti

Serengeti plains — Endless plains, which is what the name means

Accommodation

Night 1 of 3

5 photos Migration Sanctuary Camp Serengeti National Park, mobile camp following the migration Tented camp · 5 photos View lodge & photosClose

Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp is an intimate mobile tented camp that moves through the Serengeti during the year, relocating between set locations to stay close to the great wildebeest migration. This gives guests the chance to be right among the herds and the predators that follow them, whether on the open southern plains or further […]

Night 1 of 3 in the Serengeti, at a property such as Migration Sanctuary Camp. The exact lodge is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Serengeti

Full Day in the Serengeti

Lion and cheetah are at their most active in the early hours, so the first of two full days on the plains starts early, timed around the herds rather than the clock. The open grassland shows all its movement: gazelle, topi, zebra and, in season, wildebeest in their thousands.

Midday is for lunch and rest at camp, and the afternoon drive goes back out for the best of the light.

Morning and afternoon drivesMigration plains

Day 52 photos

Accommodation

Night 2 of 3

5 photos Migration Sanctuary Camp Serengeti National Park, mobile camp following the migration Tented camp · 5 photos View lodge & photosClose

A second night at the same property in the Serengeti.

Serengeti

Second Full Day in the Serengeti

Whatever the Serengeti offers that morning sets the plan for the second full day, whether it is a pride on a kopje, a cheetah on the hunt or a leopard asleep in the branches of a sausage tree.

The scale of the place is what stays with most travellers longest: grass running to every horizon, and the sense that the herds on it have been moving this way for a very long time.

Morning and afternoon drivesBig cats

Day 62 photos

Accommodation

Night 3 of 3

5 photos Migration Sanctuary Camp Serengeti National Park, mobile camp following the migration Tented camp · 5 photos View lodge & photosClose

A third night at the same property in the Serengeti.

Serengeti to Pemba Island

A morning flight to Arusha connects onward to Pemba Island, and the change could hardly be greater: the dust and gold of the plains exchanged for green clove plantations, mangroves and the blue of the Indian Ocean.

The transfer reaches the beach hotel in time to settle in, and the evening is free.

Flight via ArushaBeach arrival

Accommodation

Night 1 of 5

8 photos Fundu Lagoon Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

Fundu Lagoon is a secluded beach resort on Pemba Island, the quieter and greener northern neighbour of Zanzibar. It sits on a private beach that can only be reached by boat, which adds to the sense of escape. Accommodation is in suites and bungalows linked by wooden walkways. Beachfront superior suites have two terraces, a […]

Night 1 of 5 on Pemba Island, at a property such as Fundu Lagoon. The exact property is confirmed with the final itinerary.

Pemba Island

Pemba lies north of Zanzibar and sees a fraction of its visitors, and the first full day at leisure makes the difference plain. The beach, the reef and the resort's own slow pace are all there is to choose between.

The island has long been known as the clove island, and its hills are still covered in plantations. For now, though, the day asks nothing at all.

Full day at leisure

Accommodation

Night 2 of 5

8 photos Fundu Lagoon Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

A second night at the same property on Pemba Island.

Pemba Island

A second day at leisure, and a chance to see what lies beneath the water. Pemba's reefs are known for their clear water, steep coral walls and very few other divers, and both diving and snorkelling can be arranged directly through the resort.

Misali Island, a marine conservation area off the west coast with white beaches and superb coral, is a favourite trip for either.

Full day at leisure

Accommodation

Night 3 of 5

8 photos Fundu Lagoon Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

A third night at the same property on Pemba Island.

Pemba Island

By the third day the pace is set entirely by the ocean rather than the itinerary: the tide running out across the flats, dhows heading for the fishing grounds, the heat of the afternoon spent in the shade.

Anything more active, from a boat trip to a walk into the island's villages, can be arranged through the resort.

Full day at leisure

Accommodation

Night 4 of 5

8 photos Fundu Lagoon Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

A fourth night at the same property on Pemba Island.

Pemba Island

The last full day on Pemba is spent exactly as little or as much as wanted: a last snorkel over the reef, a long lunch in the shade, a final swim as the sun goes down over the water.

The evening is the last of the trip, and a quiet one, with the sound of the sea close by.

Full day at leisure

Accommodation

Night 5 of 5

8 photos Fundu Lagoon Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago Hotel · 8 photos View lodge & photosClose

A fifth night at the same property on Pemba Island.

Pemba Island to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

Departure

The morning is free for one more swim, and then the transfer runs to the airport for the short flight to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, where the connection is made to the homeward flight.

Flight to Zanzibar or Dar es SalaamOnward connection

Accommodation

No overnight

No overnight. Departure timed to the onward connection.

The price

The price, in full

Written plainly so there are no surprises at the airport. Anything optional can be added to the quote before you pay.

Included

Already in the price you see.

All internal flights
Accommodation as specified
All meals as mentioned
Transfers and game drives
Park fees and entrance charges
Services of a professional guide

Not included

Budget for these separately.

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal expenses, including tips
Drinks and meals not mentioned
Optional activities and excursions

Reviews

Google Reviews

      
   Volcan Tours & Travel
   8 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Eleftheria Kapoula 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family had an absolutely incredible experience with Volcan Tours and Travel during our trip to Africa. Traveling with two young children (a 2 year old and a 6 year old) can sometimes be challenging, but thanks to their excellent organization and attention to detail everything went smoothly from beginning to end.
The entire trip was perfectly planned from the beautiful accommodations to the unforgettable safari experiences. Seeing the wildlife up close was truly magical and everything was arranged in a way that made it comfortable and enjoyable for our whole family.
A special mention to the amazing guides and drivers who were professional, friendly and wonderful with our children. They made us feel safe and welcome at all times and helped create memories that our family will cherish forever.
We are so grateful to the Volcan Tours and Travel team for organizing such a unique and unforgettable journey. We highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Africa, especially families traveling with young children!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matias Agnolin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an unforgettable safari visiting Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, and everything was simply perfect from start to finish. The organization, the lodges, the guides — every detail was beyond expectations.

A very special thank you to Marion, who was incredibly kind, helpful, and always available. She took care of every detail, answered all my questions, and made sure everything went smoothly throughout the trip. Her dedication and warm attitude truly made the experience even better.

I couldn’t have asked for a better safari — the wildlife, landscapes, and people were amazing. I highly recommend this agency and would definitely book with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lydia Collett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a brilliant time doing the day tour of Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Sanctuary & Giraffe centre with Anthony who was super friendly and informative about all the animals! It was a busy and tiring day but totally worth it!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   samuel davis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for making our first trip to Africa such an awesome experience, alway on time, knowledgeable and friendly, and for going the extra mile so we saw all of the "big five" animals on our safari.
Thanks Marion and Ben our guide and Driver.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carleen Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guides were absolutely wonderful.  I can't say enough about the experience.  We definitely will be using their services when we do return to The Motherland. Blessings.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Márcio Santos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did a very good walking tour around Nairobi with Marion. She is kind, helpful and well-informed about the city.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bonface Ngui 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Without doubt one of the favourite game park in Kenya(Amboseli Game Park)

Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by Volcan Tour Guide Marion, our names were mentioned on the board and we felt welcomed and with such a friendly atmosphere we had a fantastic start! The guide and tour was extremely good, very flexible and for that she deserves a special thanks. We had two great days there, which obviously also added up to the experience.

Marion is such a warm personality and highly motivated guide not forgetting -recommendable!. We truly enjoyed walking the six of us through the area. The scenery was beautiful and it was a relieve to walk in such a quiet and peaceful environment. The beautiful animals at the park carried our adventure.

The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home to all of us. All respect for Marion who did a great job there; a true sample of excellent tour guide!

Many thanks again and I recommend Volcan Tour Guide Marion to everyone! Welcome to the great nation of Kenya: HAKUNA MATATA!

See all reviews on Google

Before you book

Questions, answered

What travellers ask us most about a safari like this one. Anything else, ask below and a specialist in Nairobi replies within one business day.

Is this a private safari?

Yes. This safari is private: your own vehicle and guide for the whole trip, and we never merge your party with another to cut costs.

How do we book, and how much is the deposit?

Press Book this safari. You can hold your dates for three days without paying while a specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks, or pay a deposit of 30, 40 or 50 percent, or the full amount, by credit or debit card through Pesapal. You can also pay by bank transfer, or in person at our Nairobi office by card. The standard schedule is a 30 percent deposit to confirm and the balance 60 days before arrival; bookings made within 60 days of departure, and gorilla or chimpanzee permits, are paid in full at booking. Card details go to Pesapal, never to Volcan.

Will we see the Great Migration and a river crossing?

The herds usually reach the Maasai Mara around July and stay until about October, crossing the Mara River many times in that period. For the rest of the year they are in the Serengeti in Tanzania. The timing is set by the rains, so no operator can promise a crossing on a given day, but our guides follow the reports every morning and position you as well as experience allows.

Do we need a visa?

Tanzania: visas are issued online through the official immigration portal, visa.immigration.go.tz, and on arrival at some entry points. Rules depend on your passport and change from time to time, so check them before you book flights, and always apply through the official government portal, never a third-party agent. We tell you what applies to your route when we confirm your trip.

Which vaccinations and health precautions do we need?

See a travel clinic at least six weeks before you go. Malaria is present in most safari areas of East Africa, so ask about antimalarials, insect repellent and cover-up clothing for the evenings. A yellow fever certificate can be required depending on your route and where you arrive from.

What vehicle will we travel in?

A Toyota Land Cruiser from Volcan’s own fleet, in the company’s colours, with the same driver-guide from the first day to the last. It is yours alone for the whole safari, and every vehicle carries reusable water bottles.

Can children come on this safari?

Yes, and a private vehicle makes it easy to set the pace around them. Child rates depend on the lodges, and some camps and activities set minimum ages, so tell us the ages of everyone travelling and we confirm what applies before you pay anything.

What happens if we need to cancel?

Tell us in writing as early as possible. The cancellation charges for your trip are set out in your written booking confirmation. Gorilla permits, internal flights and non-refundable lodge deposits already paid on your behalf cannot be recovered, so they are charged in full. Refunds go back to the card or account the payment came from. The detail is in our Booking & Payment Terms.

Enquire

Plan this safari with us

Send your dates and who is travelling. A specialist checks availability with the lodges and parks and replies within one business day with an itemised price.

Free, and no obligation
Ask about changing the dates, lodges or pace
Answered by the team in Nairobi who plan the trip

Availability

12-Day Tanzania & Pemba Island Safari

Dates are held for 72 hours without payment while you check flights. Nothing is charged until the itinerary is confirmed in writing.

From $10,800 Per person sharing, in US dollars. An indicative starting price: your exact rate is quoted for your dates and party size, subject to availability. All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.

Book this safari Enquire first

Prices are for guidance and are confirmed against current lodge and park rates before any payment.

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All prices shown are estimates. Your final price is confirmed in your written quote.

12-Day Tanzania & Pemba Island Safari

The ground this safari covers

12 days, in order

Arrival at Ngorongoro

Accommodation

Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation

Ngorongoro Crater, Second Descent

Accommodation

Ngorongoro to the Serengeti

Accommodation

Full Day in the Serengeti

Accommodation

Second Full Day in the Serengeti

Accommodation

Serengeti to Pemba Island

Accommodation

Pemba Island

Accommodation

Pemba Island

Accommodation

Pemba Island

Accommodation

Pemba Island

Accommodation

Departure

Accommodation

The price, in full

Included

Not included

Google Reviews

Questions, answered

Plan this safari with us

Request this itinerary

12-Day Tanzania & Pemba Island Safari

You might also consider

12-Day Selous & Zanzibar Safari

12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Grand Safari

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Talk to someone who has been there.