Exploring the Wilderness: A 12 Day Safari and Beach Holiday Adventure in Tanzania

Choosing the Perfect Safari Experience

For my 5th birthday, my parents threw an epic safari-themed bash. Just imagine it: over 20 kids sprinting around our lush front, side, and back yards, all on the lookout for the Big 5 of South Georgia—rhinoceroses, leopards, African buffalos, elephants, and lions. It was a wild adventure!

Fast forward to August 2024, when Jake and I were soaking up the sun in Italy, we started brainstorming our next travel adventure. In classic fashion, the TikTok algorithm took us on a wild ride through a sea of lion videos. That got us thinking—why not make our next trip a safari? After we got back home, we mulled it over some more. Then in October, we hosted our nephew's 5th birthday party, which was safari-themed, of course. Later that night, we caught a showing of The Lion King at The Fox Theatre. As we walked out, I turned to Jake and said, "I’m sold—safari is our next trip, its too many signs not to be!" And just like that, the research began.

After diving deep into research, I was convinced that Shiri Adventures, a local company in Tanzania, was the perfect fit for us. We decided on the 12 Day - Premium Luxury Safari & Beach Holidays All Inclusive package. We were all set to jet off from July 26 to August 6, 2025. Then, about a month before our trip, they introduced us to the Safari Buddy app, which became our go-to for the itinerary, maps, and all the contact info we’d need.

Day 1: Journey Day

We woke up buzzing with excitement for our African Safari, even if the thought of a 20+ hour travel day wasn't quite as thrilling. After a morning packed with errands and last-minute packing, we hit the road to Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. We were flying with the ever-so-delightful Delta Airlines, with a layover in Amsterdam before switching to KLM. A glass of wine, some water, and a few rounds of Gin Rummy (because I never leave home without my cards) in Delta Skyclub set the tone as we made our way to the gate.

I scored an upgrade, which meant my husband and I had to part ways for the first leg of the journey. I happily accepted the extra legroom for 8 hours, even if I was stuck in the middle seat. Luckily, I ended up with two other ladies around my age, so we had a “girls row” filled with cheers, compression socks, and face mask bonding.

My Delta app was acting up, so I had no idea what to expect once we landed in Amsterdam. I overheard a guy in the row behind me reassuring his wife, who seemed just as uncertain, about where to find the transfer information boards. Nothing irks me more than wandering around aimlessly looking for something.

After a quick restroom break to freshen up, we made our way to the gate. We had a two-hour layover, which turned out to be perfect for our transfer. We left Atlanta a bit late, but thankfully had plenty of time. I was nervous that two hours wouldn’t be enough, but it ended up being just right.

On the next leg of our journey, Jake and I were seated together for the 8-hour flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and thank goodness for that. The food from the first flight didn't sit well with me, and I ended up with food poisoning. Let me tell you, KLM’s customer service was unmatched in this situation—they made me a customer for life! I couldn’t keep anything down, but the flight attendant was incredibly professional and caring. She made sure to bring me ginger ale and checked on me every 30 minutes. Once I could keep that down, she offered the blandest options and even packed extras for me to take off the plane.

After that ordeal, I was more than ready to get off the plane and land in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and made our way to the online VISA line. We applied online about two weeks before our trip and got approved the week of departure. The online process was pretty straightforward. I noticed companies that would review and submit for you, but it was easy enough to handle ourselves. You can also get the VISA upon arrival, but the line looked like it moved at a snail's pace.

Once we landed and cleared immigration, we stepped outside where a representative from Shiri Adventures, Remy, helped us with our bags and whisked us off to our first hotel, Gran Melia Arusha. It was 8 PM when we landed, and we were beat. We managed to catch a few hours of sleep on the plane, but I was trying to minimize the effects of jet lag by not sleeping on the plane.

After an hour-and-a-half transfer to the hotel, we were greeted with a welcome drink and instructions for the next day. What a warm welcome! The staff were incredible. We headed straight to dinner, and even though I was still hesitant to eat, I tried a little bit of the food. Once we finished, they helped us with our bags, and we made our way to our room. The room was lovely, and after a quick shower, we were off to bed. By this point, it was around 11:30 PM.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

After a solid night's sleep, we rolled out of bed around 6:15 AM to start the day. Once we packed our bags, we headed down for breakfast. I wasn’t feeling great again, so I just managed a few bites of bread. I made sure to grab my extra sick bags and a wet towel (thanks, KLM), just in case. Thankfully, I didn’t end up needing them, but it was good to be prepared. We met our guide, George, in the lobby and loaded up the bags, ready to kick off our adventure with a local Arushan.

During our hour-long transfer, we took a few delightful stops that allowed us to soak in the vibrant sights of Arusha. First, we picked up our lunch cooler, which was filled with delicious goodies for the day ahead. Then, we stopped by a charming coffee shop. I wasn’t quite ready for coffee yet, but Jake couldn’t stop raving about how fantastic it was!

With our snacks in hand, we were all set for our next exciting destination: our very first National Park, Tarangire National Park. This park is known for its elephants and baobab trees - hello circle of life moment coming! The anticipation was building, and I couldn't wait to see what adventures awaited us there!

Upon our arrival, George handled the paperwork, and we took some photos with the national park sign and the local Masai. In front of the office, there was a display of animal bones that we would have the opportunity to see later. We set off to spot the Big 5!

What is truly so wild, the first animal we saw - two male lions! They were just resting under a set of trees. I won't ever forget the piercing eyes. We couldn't believe our safari started with checking off one of the big 5! Next we saw a herd of zebras with giraffes roaming the plains. I couldn't believe the zebras were just running across the road right in front of us, with the little baby zebras trying to keep up! Little did we know, our second of the big 5 was coming up next, an elephant! Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant population. Next up, wildebeast! While not something I necessarily went into the trip super excited to see, but man, when the herd is together it is magical.

For the rest of the day, we saw herds of wildebeast and zebras together due to their symbiotic relationship - hello biology class! Zebras have great eye sight and can spot predators further away. Wildebeast have superior smelling senses for detecting predators. On the way to our lunch while in the park, we saw more elephants, zebras and wildebeest.

The picnic site was along the Tarangire River, which runs through the park and is the main source of water for the animals. At the picnic site, there were so many vervet monkeys! While George set up lunch, we enjoyed following around the monkeys! We had a hot lunch each day on safari. Usually a meat with rice and vegetables. Fruit always available for dessert!

After lunch, we grabbed a beer from the beverage truck and we set off on the afternoon game drive. We saw elephants eating, wildebeest and zebras grazing, and lots of baobab trees. On our way out of the park, we stopped by a giant baobab tree that was used by poachers back in the day. We were able to climb inside the tree and look around.

We were off to our first hotel stay on safari - or so we thought. Part of the booking process with Shiri Adventures is they send you several hotel options per night and you pick. Then they build your trip around it. We were so excited for Manyara's Secret. It was a beatiful hotel that was truly breathtaking. Upon checking in, we had a welcome drink and were shown to our room. It was stunning with a dip pool, but something seemed off. There were rose petals on the bed in a heart, a chilled bottle of champagne and a note with a different Sara's name. I asked if we were in the right room and they assured us we were. I pointed out that wasn't our surname and they were so apologetic and left us be. We popped open the bottle of champagne and headed to the dip pool. About 15 minutes later, the phone rang. We were told that not only was this not our room, we didn't have a reservation. We packed up and met George out front who was as equally confused. He got on the phone with the office and we moved to another hotel about 30 minutes away. Don't worry, they made everything better and I couldn't have been happier with how they handled everything!

At this point, it was dark and we were all tired. We ate dinner and went to our room at Kirurumu Tented Lodge, hoping to wake up the next day feeling better and with a better attitude after the hotel mix up.

Day 3 – Serengeti National Park

We woke up to a lovely view and a pep talk that we are lucky to have had somewhere to sleep to put it in perspective. Our only comment was while the sunset at Manyara Secret would have been magical, this was lovely too and we were able to experience both hotels.

As we kicked off day 2 of our game drives, we were already buzzing with excitement after checking off two of the Big 5! After a quick stop to pick up some refreshing beer, we settled into the SUV, ready for the journey to Serengeti. The itinerary promised a dual experience of travel and game viewing, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that it truly delivered. The drive through the Ngorongoro National Park Conservation Area was nothing short of breathtaking, with the vibrant landscapes of the mountains and sightings of zebras, giraffes, and even wild dogs adding to the thrill.

Upon arriving at Serengeti National Park around lunchtime, our guide efficiently handled the park paperwork while we enjoyed a meal, our anticipation building for the adventure ahead. Little did we know, this day would turn out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip!

From the moment we entered, it was clear why Serengeti became our favorite park—it felt magical! We decided to spice things up for the rest of our game drives by placing friendly bets on which animal we would spot first. This playful competition really helped us bond with our guide and create some inside jokes! Our first sighting was a graceful giraffe. Did you know that giraffes are the only animals that walk with a unique gait, moving both legs on one side at the same time? We were so close to a tower (that’s what a group of giraffes is called) that it felt like we could reach out and touch them!

As we continued our adventure, we stumbled upon a mama lion with her adorable cubs, peacefully napping and nursing under a bush. It was incredible how close we could get without disturbing them. With the beauty of the Serengeti surrounding us, we cracked open a beer and set off to see what other wonders awaited us!

When we came upon a pride of lions, it was the most we saw in a group for the whole trip! There were several lioness nursing their cubs and resting. I could have stayed there for hours watching them in their environment. As we listened to the guide's radio crackle to life, our hearts raced with anticipation. We could hardly contain our excitement at the thought of spotting a cheetah! And there she was—a mama cheetah, gracefully leading her four playful cubs.

By this time it was late afternoon, and as much as we wanted to linger, we knew it was time to start our journey back to the hotel. On our way, we were treated to a breathtaking parade of elephants, their majestic presence captivating us at every turn. We marveled at the herds of zebra and wildebeest, along with various types of antelope that seemed to dance across the landscape. But nothing could compare to the moment we caught the sunset on the Serengeti plains. Surrounded by zebras and elephants, the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, etching this experience into our hearts as a core memory we would cherish forever.

We arrived at Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, our cozy retreat for the next two nights, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. Nestled in the heart of the Serengeti, with breathtaking views of the sprawling savannah, this place truly felt like a dream come true. We chose this lodge intentionally, hoping to immerse ourselves in the authentic beauty of the landscape, and it certainly delivered—while still offering a touch of luxury that made our stay incredibly special.

As we sipped on our welcome drinks, the warm breeze and the sounds of nature wrapped around us, making it feel like we were part of something magical. Dinner was a delightful experience, filled with delicious flavors and the company of fellow travelers. Afterward, we made our way to our private lodge, where we could unwind and reflect on the day's adventures, knowing we had an early morning ahead of us. It was the perfect way to end our first day in this stunning part of the world.

Day 4 – Serengeti National Park

When we were planning our adventure with Shiri Adventures, the option to add a hot air balloon ride caught our eye. Neither of us had ever experienced that before, and we thought, "What better place to try it than here?" So, with a thrilling sense of anticipation, we set our alarms for 4:15 AM and got ready for the day ahead.

As we made our way to the base camp, the excitement bubbled within us. Upon arrival, we were greeted with steaming cups of hot tea, which warmed us up as we listened to the safety briefing. It was a perfect moment to bond and share our eagerness for what was to come.

Finally, we climbed into the basket, and before we knew it, we were soaring into the sky! The feeling of rising with the sun was magical, and the view was breathtaking. Below us, we spotted land cruisers, graceful giraffes, playful antelope, and even majestic elephants roaming the savannah. It felt surreal to witness such beauty from above.

As we landed, we celebrated our adventure with a champagne toast, savoring the moment. We then made our way to the breakfast site, where we enjoyed a delicious meal surrounded by the stunning landscape of the savannah. That breakfast, with the sounds of nature all around us, is a memory I will cherish forever!

Upon meeting up with George, we couldn't wait to share what we had seen! We made our way back out into the plains! We spotted nile crocodiles, hippos in the water (boy were they smelly), and then the radio chatter picked up! We knew this meant we would see something spectalur. Cue checking off our fourth of the big 5 - Leopard! Difficult to spot, this tree climbing cat was quick from walking on the plains to up a tree it went! We thought there was no way anything else would top our day.

We were completely taken by surprise! On our way to a lovely picnic spot for lunch, we spotted a Land Cruiser parked by the river. Our guide, filled with excitement, thought it might be a lion, so we quickly did a U-turn and headed back. To our amazement, we found two lionesses waking up from a cozy nap. Watching them yawn and stretch was nothing short of magical, and we even noticed one of them twitching her nose. This moment turned out to be one of the highlights of our safari adventure.

We felt so lucky to witness these magnificent creatures, strong and powerful, as they stirred awake and began to scent the air, catching the whiff of their potential prey. We decided to track them along the river for about half a mile, but eventually lost sight of them in the tall grass. We parked our vehicle near a herd of zebras, filled with anticipation. After about 15 minutes of waiting, we agreed that if nothing happened in the next 5 minutes, we would move on. And then, just like that, the two lionesses sprang into action, chasing after the herd of zebras! The zebras scattered in every direction, and in a stunning display of nature, each lioness managed to catch her lunch. It was survival of the fittest at its most raw and exhilarating.

It was fascinating to witness! One lioness stood on each side of the river, keenly aware of where their prey was. One took her place on a rock, overseeing both kills, while the other went off to fetch the cubs and the male lion for feeding. Cue the Lion King moment! Words can't truly capture how fortunate we felt to observe such a breathtaking scene unfold before our eyes!

At this point, it was early afternoon and time for our own lunch. We saw more elephants, giraffes and hippos on the way to lunch! This particular site had shops. We ate, shopped and then were ready to head back out! We knew the afternoon drive wouldn't be too late so we could go back and enjoy the infiniti pool overlooking the savannah! We saw more of the same animals, never taking a sighting for granted!

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

After a warm breakfast, at the lodge, we packed up and were sad to say good bye to the Serengeti! It was about a 2 hour drive out of the park (doubles as a game drive - lots of lions, giraffes and zebra spotting!) as we headed to Ngorongoro Crater, where we hoped to check off the last of the big 5, the rhinoceros. Another highlight was stopping along the Olduvai Gorg, where some of the earliest human remains were found. We also saw several Maasai tribes throughout the drive, while our guide gave us a lesson on their history.

Upon arriving at the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, our guide took care of the fees, and we eagerly descended to the crater floor! I was thrilled to declare myself the winner of today's wildlife bet: zebras were everywhere, creating a stunning black-and-white tapestry across the landscape!

This park truly captivated my heart. We were surrounded by vibrant flamingos, playful hippos, and a chorus of various birds frolicking together in harmony. The highlight of our adventure came when we stumbled upon a pride of lions, comprised of majestic females, playful cubs, and one of the oldest males in the park. It was a privilege to witness the old fella in his natural habitat!

After about an hour of soaking in the sights, we made our way to a picnic site that offered the most lovely view. With mountains framing the backdrop and a serene pond filled with hippos in the foreground, it was a picture-perfect moment. We made sure to keep our distance from the edge, savoring the beauty around us.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we loaded back into the vehicle, crossing our fingers as we set out to find a rhino—the last piece of our big 5 checklist! After driving around for about an hour, we spotted a large gathering of animals in the distance, with several Land Cruisers parked nearby. We whipped out our binoculars, scanning the horizon with anticipation. And there they were! Nestled among a group of zebras and buffalo were two rhinos! We watched in awe, taking in the moment with a cold beer in hand, toasting to completing our big 5 adventure!

We embarked on our trek to Melia Ngorongoro Collection, filled with excitement to soak in the breathtaking views and unwind by the pool before dinner. As we sipped on our welcome cocktails, the stunning panorama of the crater left us in awe. We lingered in the pool, laughing and sharing stories, truly savoring the moment. Eventually, we made our way back to our room to freshen up, all while anticipating the magical sunset we would enjoy over drinks before dinner. The day felt special and bittersweet as we knew our safari time was coming to an end.

Day 6: Lake Manyara National Park

We woke up for our last day of safari, filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Our guide had prepped us that this was the smallest of the parks we had visited, and while it might not have been our favorite, we were determined to make the most of it. As we drove into the park, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible journey we had experienced so far. To our surprise, this park was alive with all different types of monkeys! Each playful leap and cheeky chatter brought smiles to our faces, reminding us that every moment in nature holds its own magic, even in the places we least expected.

This park is a tapestry of diverse terrains, from dense forests to marshland, and the striking alkaline lake that seems to grow more expansive each year. It's fascinating to witness how the lake continues to encroach upon the land, reshaping the environment and prompting the animals to adapt in remarkable ways.

As we ventured deeper into the park, we stumbled upon a lioness and her playful cub. This encounter felt uniquely different from our previous lion sightings; the lioness was on high alert, clearly unaccustomed to the presence of vehicles and onlookers. She moved gracefully yet cautiously, while her curious cub basked in the attention, playfully prancing around. Respecting her need for space, we chose a different path to our picnic area, allowing her to feel secure.

On our way, we were treated to a delightful display of wildlife, particularly a variety of monkeys: Vervet Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Olive Baboons. The large troop of baboons was especially captivating to observe as they went about their daily routines—moms nurturing their babies, grooming one another, and enjoying their meals. It was a heartwarming sight that added to the magic of our day.

As we journeyed through the marshland, we were struck by the sight of the lake gradually reclaiming the land, with only the treetops peeking above the shimmering water line. It felt like a scene straight out of a storybook. Along the way to our picnic area, we were delighted to encounter zebras, giraffes, and impalas, each adding a touch of magic to our adventure.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, it was time to bid farewell to the park and make our way to Arusha for our final night on the mainland. The anticipation of five days of relaxation in Zanzibar was already dancing in our minds. Just as we were about to leave, we stumbled upon a herd of elephants. It was the perfect finale to our safari experience. We watched in awe as these gentle giants grazed, played, and showcased their playful nature. It was a moment filled with joy and wonder, a beautiful reminder of the incredible wildlife we had the privilege to witness during our time on safari.

We spent our last night back at Gran Melia Arusha, and it felt like the perfect way to wrap up our incredible journey. Arriving mid-afternoon, we were filled with excitement as we anticipated the chance to truly explore the hotel and savor every moment. We wandered through the beautiful gardens, taking in the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. Sitting by the pool with a cocktail in hand, we let ourselves unwind and soak in the atmosphere. It was during these quiet moments that we found the space to reflect on this life-changing trip. We shared our thoughts and feelings, reminiscing about the adventures we had experienced together. It was a reminder of how blessed we are to embark on these journeys side by side, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 7: Transfer to Zanzibar

After a slow morning, we were picked up by Remy from Shiri Adventures, and the excitement began to build as we headed back to Kilimanjaro Airport for our hour-long flight to Zanzibar. The airport experience was incredibly laid back, which felt refreshing. We checked our bags, breezed through Security, and grabbed some Serengeti beers. It was the perfect way to pass the time as we played hands of gin rummy, laughing and reminiscing about our adventures so far.

Once we were picked up by our driver, we embarked on the hour and a half drive to the resort. The scenery along the way was captivating. We spotted children in their school uniforms, and it was heartwarming to catch a glimpse of everyday life on the island. Each moment made us even more excited for our upcoming tour of Stonetown later in the week.

Finally, we arrived at our home for the next five nights, Hotel Melia Zanzibar. From the moment we stepped out of the car, we were greeted with refreshing welcome drinks and an absolutely stunning view of the blue waters surrounded by lush landscaping. We were completely blown away and couldn’t wait to settle in. The staff kindly grabbed our bags, and we hopped on a golf cart that whisked us away to our Ocean Front Bungalow, complete with all-inclusive benefits.

When we entered the room, we were speechless. The views were breathtaking, and we struggled to find the right words to express how we were feeling. To celebrate our arrival, we cracked open a beer and enjoyed the sunset from our balcony, soaking in the beauty around us. After unpacking, we decided to indulge in room service, savoring every moment of this incredible experience.

Day 8-12: Zanzibar

We spent the next five days truly embracing the art of relaxation, savoring countless mojitos along the way! Each morning, we eased into a delightful routine: breakfast, followed by sun-soaked hours at the beach, lunch at our favorite beach restaurant, and lazy afternoons lounging by the pool. It was the perfect way to cap off our trip! The crystal blue waters were mesmerizing, but we quickly learned to watch our step—soft sand versus rocky patches was a lesson we mastered! Once we figured that out, we felt like pros navigating our little paradise.

My favorite part of each day was definitely lunch at Gabi Beach; I looked forward to it every day! We excitedly tried new dishes and shared our favorites from the previous day, turning each meal into a delightful culinary adventure. Dinner at The Jetty Lounge was a highlight too, with an over-water dining experience that was simply magical. Just a tip: bring your sweater, as the wind picks up out there!

We ventured out on two excursions, though we could have done more; we really cherished our downtime. One of the highlights was snorkeling, where we encountered the most vibrant fish darting around the reefs. I have to admit, getting into the small boat for snorkeling made me a bit nervous—something I don’t usually feel on the water. The waves were a little choppy, and the boat was quite small. Thankfully, I had my life jacket as a safety net, which eased my mind! Once we were out there, though, the beauty of the underwater world completely captivated me.

Our second excursion was a tour of Stonetown, once a flourishing stop among the spice trade route! We explored the various markets filled with fish, meat, and spices, bringing home some spices to use in our own cooking! The architecture there is a stunning mix of the different cultures that ruled the island throughout its history, showcasing a unique blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements.

As we packed our bags and said our bittersweet goodbyes to the island, a wave of nostalgia washed over us. Those five days of relaxation had been pure bliss, but the thrill of our next adventure was undeniable! We hopped onto the cozy little 10-seater plane, feeling the excitement build as we prepared for our quick 25-minute flight to Dar es Salaam. It felt like a little leap toward new experiences, and we couldn't wait!

Once we landed, we realized we had arrived way too early for our red-eye flight to Amsterdam. With hours to spare, we made the most of our time together. We found a cozy spot and dove into a spirited game of cards, shared laughs over our social media posts, and indulged in some delicious KFC—because sometimes comfort food is just what you need before a long flight!

We can't wait to share all the incredible moments from our four days in Amsterdam. It was the perfect way to close out our two week vacation, so stay tuned for our next update!