12-day Tanzania Bush to Beach Safari

Combine the thrill of a Tanzanian safari with the serene beauty of Zanzibar’s beaches on this 12-day adventure. Perfect for families and honeymooners alike, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through the Northern Parks of Tanzania followed by a relaxing retreat on the Spice Island of Zanzibar.

Start your adventure in Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephant herds, then explore Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions. Visit the stunning Ngorongoro Crater before heading to the Serengeti, home of the Great Migration. Conclude your trip with several days of leisure on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha Karibu Tanzania – Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival, your naturalist guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Receive a brief overview of your upcoming adventure.

Overnight: Grand Melia Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tarangire National Park After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park with a packed lunch. Known for its diverse landscapes and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, and many more. Enjoy sundowners with views over the Tarangire River and acacia woodlands.

Overnight: Tarangire Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park with a packed lunch. The park’s varied ecosystems include groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands, supporting wildlife such as flamingoes, baboons, elephants, giraffes, and the famous tree-climbing lions. End the day with sundowners and scenic views.

Overnight: Marera Valley Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti Start with an early breakfast and then enjoy a morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater. Expect to see a wide range of animals including lions, elephants, zebras, and rhinos. After lunch in the crater, drive to the Serengeti for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Serengeti Hippo Trails
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Serengeti National Park Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti. Known for the Great Migration, the park is home to over 2 million ungulates, 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, and 500 bird species. Consider a sunrise hot air balloon safari for a unique perspective.

Overnight: Serengeti Hippo Trails
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Serengeti National Park Enjoy another full day of game drives in the Serengeti, tailored to your preferences. You can opt for a morning and afternoon drive with a return to camp for lunch, or a full-day drive with a picnic lunch.

Overnight: Serengeti Hippo Trails
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar After breakfast, take a morning game drive en route to Seronera Airstrip for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Stone Town for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Stone Town and Spice Tour Explore Stone Town’s rich history with a guided walking tour, visiting landmarks like the House of Wonders and the former slave market. In the afternoon, enjoy a Spice Tour to learn about Zanzibar’s famous spices. Transfer to your beach resort in Nungwi.

Overnight: Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Zanzibar Beach Relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Optional activities include a snorkeling tour in Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve.

Overnight: Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Zanzibar Beach and Jozani Forest Spend the day at leisure or opt for a tour of Jozani Forest, home to the red colobus monkey and other unique wildlife. Visit the mangrove swamp and explore the forest’s rich biodiversity.

Overnight: Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Prison Island and Beach Relaxation Visit Prison Island, known for its giant Aldabran tortoises and rich history. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and return to your beach resort for relaxation.

Overnight: Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Departure After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home, concluding your incredible Tanzanian adventure.

This 12-day Bush to Beach Safari offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, providing an unforgettable experience in Tanzania’s most iconic locations.