From Bush to Beach Safari Adventure
About this Tour
- 12 Days
- 11 Nights
Area to Visit
Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and Zanzibar
Discover Tanzania’s wildlife at its purest, followed by time on the shores of Zanzibar. This 12-day safari adventure delivers close encounters with the country’s landscapes and cultural mosaic that tend to stay with you long after you leave Africa. Over twelve days, travel through the Serengeti plains, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, observe the forest and lake eco-systems of Lake Manyara, and the varied wildlife of Tarangire National Park, where seasonal movement defines daily animal life.
The trip concludes with five days in Zanzibar, reserved for the beach, the history, and a slower change of scene. Together, these experiences present a clear and balanced view of the country, from mainland ecosystems to the luxury of the beach.
Full Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at (Jro) - Transfer to Hotel in Arusha
Today, one of our safari representatives will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After you’ve finished all the immigration and custom formalities, walk through the arrival’s lounge to be met by our representative who will be holding a placard that displays our company logo, ready to usher you into the embrace of your booked hotel in Arusha.
Having arrived at the hotel, he will assist you with check-in formalities so you can relax and unwind after what’s probably been a long flight. Unwind in the comfort of your hotel and anticipate the best of what Tanzania has in store for you in the next 9 days of your Tanzania safari.
Meal Plan: Dinner
- Day 2: Fly to Central Serengeti
Following an early morning breakfast, a seamless transfer to Arusha Airport takes center stage, where you’ll take flight to the iconic Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice that as your safari jeep departs from the airstrip, it weaves its way through herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles.
The plains seem to stretch endlessly, with misty mountains faintly visible on the horizon, the plains are encircled by trees, but soon, only an occasional and solitary tree punctuates the golden grass. After settling into your accommodations, embark on a thrilling game-viewing drive across the Serengeti plains. Encounter the majestic inhabitants of the African savannah; lions, elephants, hippos, buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards, and giraffes.
As the sun begins its descent, your game drive concludes, leading you back to the lodge perched on a ridge, offering panoramic views of the endless plains. Here, in the heart of the African wilderness, find comfort, serenity, and the promise of an extraordinary safari experience.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Serengeti - Full Day
Today brings into your hands a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the very essence of an African wildlife safari in style. Derived from the Maa name “Siringit,” meaning “Endless Plains,” the Serengeti is a primeval garden of Eden par excellence and holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dotted with flat-top acacia trees, which are considered the icon of this windswept wilderness, Serengeti supports the highest concentration of wildlife populations found anywhere on Earth. More than any other place in Africa, it is common to spot a pride of lions, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeests, zebras, and a myriad of avian species. The landscape, with its captivating beauty and thriving wildlife, makes the the park a captivating and awe-inspiring destination for any safari enthusiast.
In the afternoon, return to the lodge for lunch, setting the stage for another game drive until early evening when you return to the lodge for dinner and a good night sleep.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater
Today, unlike others, an early morning calls for a sunrise breakfast, bidding farewell to the beautiful Serengeti. We then head to Ngorongoro Crater, a piece of heaven like no other, armed with a packed lunch to fuel your adventure. Upon arrival, we descend nearly 2,000 feet to the crater floor, spanning an expansive 102 square miles.
The Ngorongoro Crater boasts impressive dimensions, measuring about 20 kilometers wide and ranking among the largest calderas globally. Within its steep, unbroken walls unfold a captivating drama, where lions, elephants adorned with exceptionally large tusks due to the fertile volcanic soil, buffaloes, and various plains herbivores such as wildebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, and reedbucks roam the grasslands, swamps, and forests on the crater floor.
Encounters with black rhinos are also common. The crater’s birdlife is equally remarkable, particularly around Lake Magadi, a soda lake at the crater’s base that entices hundreds of flamingos to its shallows. As the day’s light softens, we ascend the crater walls and head to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Ngorongoro Highlands - Lake Manyara National Park
Following a delectable breakfast at the lodge, we venture out on another incredible adventure to Lake Manyara National Park. While it may lack the sheer abundance of wildlife found in other destinations, its secluded vegetation zones unveil a unique treasure trove of natural wonders. Named after its dominant feature, an alkaline lake at the base of wooded cliffs, Lake Manyara National Park offers more than you can expect.
Our favorite highlights include the habituated baboon troops, blue monkeys in the groundwater forest, and diverse mammalian fauna such as elephants, buffaloes, Maasai giraffes, hippos, and antelopes. Noteworthy is the skittish leopard, the famous tree-climbing lions (though sightings are rare), its rich avian population, and the alkaline lake, which, during certain seasons, becomes a haven for tens of thousands of flamingos.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the afternoon and resume game-viewing activities before returning to the lodge in early evening for dinner and good night sleep.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Tarangire National Park – Full Day
Right after breakfast, leave for Tarangire National Park for a full day game-viewing drive. After you’ve checked-in at the entrance gate, anticipation begins to kick-in and drive further into the beautiful landscapes of Tarangire.
Dotted with gigantic ancient baobab trees, Tarangire National Park serves as the perfect destination for the grand finale of your safari. This mesmerizing wildlife reserve is part of an extensive ecosystem where animals roam freely and stretches southeast of the beautiful Lake Manyara National Park around the Tarangire River, providing an excellent opportunity for an authentic and stylish game-viewing experience.
Tarangire is considered a classic dry-season destination, particularly between July and October, boasting one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the country’s northern safari circuit during this period. Legend has it that this is the elephant playground, supported by the highest recorded number of elephants that are easily observable until late October when the short-wet season prompts them to move on to new grasslands. Among the other renowned faunas that you may encounter are hartebeests, wildebeests, zebras, elands, lesser kudus, gazelles, waterbucks, giraffes, impalas, and occasionally leopards or rhinos throughout the year at Tarangire.
In the afternoon, savor a well-prepared packed lunch at a designated picnic location before continuing your game-viewing activity. As the early evening sets in, proceed to your well-appointed lodge for a sumptuous dinner and a restful night.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: Return to Arusha - Fly to Stone Town, Zanzibar
Indulge in a delightful breakfast at the lodge before embarking on your journey back to Arusha. Along the way, relish a scenic drive, passing through diverse zones and terrains, each painting a mesmerizing picture of the African savannah.
Upon arrival in Arusha, your driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon landing, our representative will greet you and guide you to your pre-booked hotel in the spice islands. Zanzibar lives up to every expectation as a rare travel gem. Whether you seek cultural immersion, exhilarating diving adventures, or simply a serene beach retreat, Zanzibar offers it all.
Enjoy a leisurely evening at your lodge, anticipating the delightful beach experiences that await you in the upcoming two days on the enchanting island of Zanzibar.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8 & 9: Stone Town – Full Day
Today offers a unique experience as the captivating images of Tanzanian mainland’s wildlife and landscapes seamlessly blend with your surroundings, creating a holistic holiday experience that not only satisfies but continually excites to the core.
Over the course of these two days, we will seize the wonderful opportunities to bask in laid-back beach retreat or participating on an exhilarating tour to Zanzibar Island’s must-visit spots. Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where architectural influences echo the rich tapestry of cultures, from Portuguese and Arab slave masters to Swahili influences prevalent in the local population. Your guide will lead you through the vibrant market, the serene 19th-century cathedral, and the labyrinthine streets, revealing the distinct styles of Arab and Indian residences.
Alternatively, opt for a spice tour on the 9th day, offering an immersive experience of the Stone Town countryside while on the way to Nungwi, where you’ll enjoy a variety of beach experiences. Engage with rural communities, gaining firsthand insight into their daily lives, and savor a Swahili lunch such as pilau, a spicy rice dish mixed with meat.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10-11: Stone Town – Nungwi Beach
Venture out on a serene transition from exploring Stone Town to the tranquil haven of Nungwi Beach on the north coast. Renowned for its pristine crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands, and romantic accommodations, Nungwi epitomizes the quintessential Zanzibar coastal experience. Despite its popularity among tourists, the beach teems with a myriad of activities.
Engage in thrilling water sports, embark on snorkeling day trips, leisurely stroll along the endless coastline, or even opt for a scenic horseback ride. Nungwi offers an all-encompassing beach getaway. For a slightly different but equally enchanting experience, explore the neighboring Kendwa Beach. Your days at Nungwi promise a blissful blend of relaxation and exploration.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12: Day of Departure
As the curtain falls on this extraordinary 12-day Tanzania safari, embrace the final chapter of your adventure. Begin the day with a delectable breakfast, and our team will ensure a seamless transfer to the airport for your homeward flight or onward travels.
If your departure is slated for later hours, relish a leisurely lunch at the hotel before bidding farewell. From engaging in morning activities to unwinding in serene tranquility at the hotel, the time between waking up and your airport transfer is yours to savor every moment of this memorable journey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Price Includes
Price Excludes
The quoted price includes the following:
- English-speaking chauffeur/guide
- 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicle
- Scheduled flight to Zanzibar
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to/from airport upon arrival/departure
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives as specified in the itinerary
- All Tanzanian government taxes & service charges
The quoted price doesn’t include the following:
- All International flights to / from Tanzania
- Visas
- All items of a personal nature
- Laundry service at your lodges
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks while on safari
- Travel Insurance
- Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon in Serengeti)
- Last-minute changes made by you
Price Includes
From the moment you arrive until your departure, we make sure you are free to relax and enjoy your safari.
- English-speaking chauffeur/guide
- 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicle
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to /from airport / airstrip upon arrival/departure
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- All park entrance fees
- Activities as specified in the itinerary
- All Tanzanian government taxes & service charges
Price Excludes
The quoted price does not include the following:
- All International flights to / from Tanzania
- Visas
- All items of a personal nature
- Laundry service at your lodges
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks while on safari
- Travel Insurance
- Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon in Serengeti).
- Last-minute changes made by you
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