7-day midrange family safari and beach holiday

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info

Trip Overview

7-day midrange family safari and beach holiday with Gardenia African Safaris offers the ideal mix of wildlife adventure and island relaxation. Begin your journey with immersive game drives in Tarangire National Park and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, home to elephants, lions, flamingos, and the rare black rhino. Stay in comfortable lodges perfect for families, and enjoy expertly guided safaris with picnic lunches in the heart of nature. After your northern Tanzania safari, fly to Zanzibar, where palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters await. Unwind with relaxing beach days and explore Stone Town and coral reefs on a guided tour. This family-focused itinerary delivers unforgettable experiences and cherished memories, blending the thrill of the wild with the peace of the Indian Ocean.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your Gardenia African Safaris guide will warmly welcome your family. Transfer to either Arusha Villa or Planet Lodge, two charming and family-friendly accommodations nestled on the green outskirts of Arusha. Take the afternoon to relax after your journey—enjoy a walk around the gardens, take a dip in the pool, or unwind in your spacious room. This peaceful setting is ideal for resting up before your safari adventure begins. Your guide will meet you in the evening for a short briefing about the exciting days ahead. Dinner is served at the lodge’s restaurant, featuring fresh local ingredients. Rest well tonight—you’re about to embark on an incredible safari filled with wildlife, nature, and unforgettable family experiences.

Accommodation: Arusha Villa or Planet Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 2
Tarangire National Park – Game Drive
After breakfast, set out for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets. Famous for its large elephant herds, massive baobab trees, and seasonal migration of wildlife, Tarangire offers a scenic and uncrowded safari experience. Enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park. Look out for giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, lions, and over 550 species of birds. Kids will love spotting animals in the wild and learning about their behaviors from your knowledgeable guide. Tarangire’s landscapes are varied and vibrant, from riverine valleys to acacia woodlands. In the late afternoon, continue to Karatu, a highland town near the Ngorongoro area. Check in to Marera Valley Lodge or Kankari Lodge, where your family can enjoy a hearty dinner and a restful night.

Accommodation: Arusha Villa or Planet Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater – Flight to Zanzibar
Rise early for a truly breathtaking day at Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Descend 600 meters into this ancient volcanic caldera for a half-day game drive with incredible chances to see the Big Five, including rhinos, lions, and elephants. The lush crater floor is also home to hippos, flamingos, zebras, and hyenas. Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool before ascending the crater and driving to Arusha Airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, a Gardenia African Safaris representative will meet you and transfer your family to your beach hotel. Settle into your tropical surroundings and relax with a refreshing drink as you begin the beach holiday portion of your adventure.

Accommodation: Double Tree by Hlton Stone Town

Meals: Full Board
Day 4
Zanzibar Arrival – Beach Relaxation
Welcome to Zanzibar! Wake up to the sound of the ocean and the scent of tropical flowers. Today is all about relaxation with your family. Enjoy breakfast by the beach, then take time to explore the resort or simply lounge by the sea. Children can swim, build sandcastles, or join in hotel activities while adults unwind with a book or a cocktail. If you’re feeling adventurous, optional short excursions like a spice tour or a dolphin cruise can be arranged. But the real goal today is to slow down, soak up the sun, and reconnect as a family in this Indian Ocean paradise. In the evening, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner under the stars before retiring for a peaceful night at your beachside hotel.

Accommodation: beachside hotel.

Meals: Full Board
Day 5
Full Day at Leisure – Family Fun
Enjoy another full day in Zanzibar’s tropical paradise. Take it slow and enjoy precious family moments by the pool or on the white-sand beach. Some families choose to book a gentle glass-bottom boat ride or kayaking session, while others explore nearby villages for a glimpse into local island life. Your hotel may offer fun kids’ activities, allowing parents some time to relax or enjoy a spa treatment. Lunch is flexible—either at your hotel or a seaside café serving traditional Swahili cuisine. In the afternoon, you might visit a local market or take a walk along the beach at sunset. This unhurried day gives your family the space to relax, explore, and make the most of your time in one of Africa’s most beautiful island destinations.

Accommodation: beachside hotel.

Meals: Full Board
Day 6
Stone Town & Snorkeling Tour
Today combines cultural discovery and marine fun! After breakfast, head to Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed historical heart of Zanzibar. Wander the maze-like alleys with your guide, visiting old forts, spice markets, and ornate wooden doors. Learn about the island’s Swahili, Arab, and colonial heritage in a family-friendly way. After your tour, transfer to a beach for an exciting snorkeling excursion (weather permitting). Explore Zanzibar’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs—perfect for beginners and children with supervision. Spot colorful fish and perhaps even sea turtles! After the tour, return to your hotel for some relaxation before dinner. This day offers the perfect balance of learning and play, adventure and culture, leaving both kids and adults with joyful, lasting memories of Zanzibar’s magic.

Accommodation: beachside hotel.

Meals: Full Board
Day 7
Departure – Farewell to Tanzania
Enjoy your final morning in Zanzibar with a leisurely breakfast and one last walk along the beach. Depending on your flight schedule, take some time for souvenir shopping or a final swim. Your Gardenia African Safaris driver will pick you up and transfer your family to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight home. As your journey comes to an end, take time to reflect on all you’ve experienced—from watching elephants roam the savannah to exploring Stone Town’s spice-scented alleys. This unforgettable family adventure has provided the perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and relaxation. Thank you for choosing Gardenia African Safaris to craft your journey. We hope to welcome you again in the future. Karibu tena—welcome again.