10-Day Tanzania Bush to Beach Experience - Overview

This meticulously designed 10-day itinerary offers an immersive journey through Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife regions, seamlessly combined with a tranquil beach retreat on the island of Zanzibar.

The experience begins in Northern Tanzania’s famed safari circuit, where you will explore diverse ecosystems including the baobab-dotted landscapes of Tarangire National Park, the expansive savannahs of Serengeti National Park, and the extraordinary wildlife haven of the Ngorongoro Crater - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your journey then transitions effortlessly to the tropical shores of Zanzibar, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture provide the perfect contrast to your safari adventure.

This itinerary is ideally suited for discerning travelers, honeymooners, and small groups seeking a balanced combination of exploration, comfort, and relaxation.

Highlights

Arusha

Tarangire National Park

Central Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Zanzibar Island

Vehicles

Our vehicles

Our 4x4 safari Land Cruisers are designed for comfort, safety, and exceptional game viewing. Each vehicle features a pop-up roof, spacious seating, and large windows for photography. Well-maintained and driven by professional guides, they ensure a smooth and reliable safari experience across Tanzania’s diverse terrain.

Map

Tanzania

Start Point: Arusha

Day 1

Arusha Arusha Planet Lodge

Day 2

Tarangire NP Farm of Dreams Lodge

Day 3 - 4

Central Serengeti NP Harmony Safari Camps

Day 5

Ngorongoro Crater Farm of Dreams Lodge

Day 6

Zanzibar Stone Town Tembo House Hotel & Apartments

Day 7 - 9

Zanzibar Island Smiles Beach Hotel

Day 10

Zanzibar Island (No accommodation)

End Point: Zanzibar Island

Day 1

Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are met by your dedicated safari representative.

Transfer to a carefully selected lodge in Arusha, a tranquil town nestled at the base of Mount Meru. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to recover from travel.

A comprehensive safari briefing will be conducted, outlining logistics, wildlife expectations, and personalized adjustments to your journey.

Optional Experiences (subject to arrival time):

- Guided coffee plantation visit
- Cultural tour of Arusha town
- Visit to local artisan markets

Activities Day 1

Afternoon

We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport this afternoon and take you to the next stage of your journey.

Evening

We'll drop you off at your hotel in Arusha this evening in one of our vehicles.

Accommodation – Day 1

Budget Arusha Planet Lodge

You'll hardly know you're in the city while staying at Arusha Planet Lodge. Plenty of trees surround the rooms, which have balconies and colorful safari decor, and the quiet suburban location keeps traffic noise to a minimum. The onsite restaurant and bar add to the appeal of staying here while in Arusha.

Meal Plan Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Day 2

Day 2 Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Following breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, a park renowned for its ecological diversity and high density of elephants.

Tarangire’s landscape is defined by towering baobab trees and the life-sustaining Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year.

A full-day game drive offers opportunities to observe:

- Elephant herds in large numbers
- Predators such as lions and leopards
- Plains game including zebras, wildebeests, and giraffes
- Over 500 species of birds

A picnic lunch is served within the park, maximizing your time in the field.
Late afternoon transfer to Karatu, located on the outskirts of the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Activities Day 2

Morning

Transfer by Road, Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Rest of Day

Explore fantastic Tarangire on a guided game drive that will take you out among the baobab trees to look for lions, elephants and more.

Evening

Transfer by Road, Tarangire National Park to Karatu

Accommodation – Day 2

Mid-Range Farm of Dreams Lodge

You'll enjoy the quiet, palm-fringed surrounds of Farm of Dreams Lodge, close to Karatu and just off the road between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. Large rooms with mosquito nets, earth colors and safari prints make for a good night's sleep, while the swimming pool and restaurant might make you feel like you never want to leave.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Day 3

Day 3 Karatu – Serengeti National Park

Depart after breakfast and journey through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a scheduled stop at the Ngorongoro Crater viewpoint.

Proceed into Serengeti National Park, one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations globally.

Your game drive begins upon entry, with chances to witness:

- Large predator populations
- Seasonal Great Migration movements
- Extensive herds of herbivores

Arrive at your lodge or tented camp in the Central Serengeti.

Activities Day 3

Early Morning

Keep an eye out for wildlife early this morning as our transfer to the next part of your safari doubles as a game drive.

Rest of Day

Join us for a guided game drive through the fabulous wildlife country of the Central Serengeti. It's an experience you'll never forget.

Accommodation – Day 3

Mid-Range Harmony Safari Camps

You'll be staying at Harmony Safari Camps while you're in Central Serengeti National Park. It's a good place to return to at the end of your safari day.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Day 4

Day 4 Full-Day Serengeti Exploration

A full day dedicated to in-depth exploration of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Game drives are strategically planned during peak wildlife activity hours, increasing the likelihood of observing:

- Lion prides in hunting formation
- Cheetahs utilizing open plains
- Leopards in riverine forests
- Elephants and buffalo in large numbers

Optional Premium Experience:
Hot air balloon safari at sunrise, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.

Activity Day 4

Rest of Day

You'll be joining us in Central Serengeti National Park for a guided game drive. It's a fantastic opportunity to see some of the animals you came so far to see.

Accommodation – Day 4

Mid-Range Harmony Safari Camps

Spend another night in Harmony Safari Camps.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Day 5

Day 5 Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

After an early breakfast, depart from Serengeti National Park with a scenic game drive en route toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This final drive through the Serengeti offers one last opportunity to spot predators, grazing herds, and other wildlife as the landscape gradually transitions from open plains to the lush highlands.

Upon arrival at the Ngorongoro Crater, descend approximately 600 meters into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera-often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden.” The crater floor hosts an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, making it one of the best locations in Tanzania to spot the Big Five within a single day.

Enjoy a half-day game drive across the crater floor, exploring its diverse habitats including open grasslands, acacia forests, and soda lakes. Wildlife sightings may include lions, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, hippos, flamingos, and with some luck the endangered black rhino.

A picnic lunch will be served at a designated site, often near the hippo pool, allowing you to relax while surrounded by the natural beauty of this unique ecosystem.

In the afternoon, ascend the crater walls and continue your journey to the nearby town of Karatu, located on the edge of the Ngorongoro Highlands. The cooler climate and green surroundings provide a peaceful setting to unwind after an eventful day.

Seneto Descent Road down into the Crater

Activities Day 5

Early Morning

Keep an eye out for wildlife early this morning as our transfer to the next part of your safari doubles as a game drive.

Rest of Day

Your guided game drive down into and around Ngorongoro Crater, is one of the best safari experiences you can have in East Africa. Watch for lions, hyenas, black rhinos and more as you spend most of the day exploring the crater floor.

Evening

Transfer by Road, Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu

Accommodation – Day 5

Mid-Range Farm of Dreams Lodge

Sleep another night at Farm of Dreams Lodge as you again pass through Karatu.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Day 6

Day 6 Karatu – Arusha Airport – Flight to Zanzibar

After breakfast at your lodge in Karatu, you will depart for Arusha with a comfortable drive through the scenic highlands and rural landscapes. The departure time will be carefully scheduled according to your flight timing to ensure a smooth and stress-free transfer.

Upon arrival at Arusha Airport (or Kilimanjaro International Airport depending on your flight), you will check in for your domestic flight to Zanzibar.

Enjoy a short and scenic flight over Tanzania’s landscapes before arriving on the beautiful island of Zanzibar.

Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your beach hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure - relax by the ocean, enjoy the resort facilities, or take in your first sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Activities Day 6

Depends on your Flight Time

Transfer by Road, Karatu to Arusha Airport

Afternoon

Fly to zanzibar, Zanzibar City

Evening

One of our company representatives will drop you off this evening at your hotel in Zanzibar Stone Town.

Accommodation – Day 6

Mid-Range Tembo House Hotel & Apartments

Stay right by the water at Tembo House Hotel & Apartments in Zanzibar's Stone Town. Traditional decorations are found in both the public areas and accommodation (rooms and apartments) and they give this place a real sense of local character. Watch the wooden boats (dhows) in the water just off the hotel's beach, swim in the pool and dine well in the restaurant.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Day 7

Day 7 Stone Town Tour – Transfer to Beach Hotel

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up by your guide for a guided tour of historic Stone Town, the cultural and historical heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This fascinating walking tour takes you through narrow winding streets lined with coral stone buildings, intricately carved wooden doors, and bustling local markets. Your guide will share insights into Zanzibar’s rich history influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures.

Highlights of the tour include:

- The House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib)
- The Old Fort
- The Sultan’s Palace
- The former Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral
- Local spice and food markets

After the tour, enjoy some free time for shopping, photography, or a refreshing drink at a local café.

Later in the day, transfer to your beach resort, Smiles Beach Hotel, located on the northern coast of Zanzibar, known for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.

The remainder of the day is at leisure - relax by the beach, swim in the ocean, or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your resort.

Activities Day 7

Morning

Zanzibar became wealthy as an Indian Ocean trade hub. This morning, on a city tour, you'll visit the main historic landmarks that line the old waterfront and alleys.

Evening

Transfer by Road, Zanzibar Stone Town to Smiles Beach Hotel

Accommodation – Day 7

Mid-Range Smiles Beach Hotel

Smiles Beach Hotel can feel like your very own Zanzibari hideaway. It's right on the northwestern tip of the island, and promises fine ocean views, a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. You can also look forward to bright, superbly comfortable rooms. And it has a real beachfront feel, from the sand under your feet to the proliferation of palm trees across the property.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Non-alcoholic drinks Drinking water Packed lunch

Day 8

Day 8 Zanzibar Beach Relaxation & Leisure

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure at Smiles Beach Hotel, set along the beautiful northern coastline of Zanzibar.

This day is perfect for unwinding after your safari. Relax on the white sandy beach, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of your resort.

For those seeking light adventure, a variety of optional activities can be arranged:

Optional Experiences:

- Snorkeling in nearby coral reefs
- Guided diving excursions
- Beach walks and village visits
- Spa and wellness treatments (available nearby)

In the evening, enjoy a relaxed beachfront setting with fresh seafood and ocean views.

Activity Day 8

Rest of Day

Enjoy the pleasure of time on the beach in Zanzibar Island.

Accommodation – Day 8

Mid-Range Smiles Beach Hotel

Come back for more Zanzibar beach time at Smiles Beach Hotel.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Day 9

Day 9 Zanzibar – Leisure, Culture & Sunset Experience

After breakfast, continue enjoying your stay in Zanzibar with a mix of relaxation and optional exploration.
You may choose to spend the day at the beach or take part in enriching excursions around the island.

Recommended Optional Activities:

- Dhow sunset cruise along the coast
- Visit to local fishing communities
- Snorkeling trip to Mnemba Atoll
- Dolphin tour (south coast excursion)

Alternatively, enjoy a quiet day at the resort—perfect for swimming, reading, or simply taking in the coastal scenery.

In the late afternoon, a traditional dhow sunset cruise is highly recommended, offering a memorable end to your beach stay with panoramic ocean views.

Zanzibar beach overlooking the Indian Ocean

Activity Day 9

Rest of Day

Enjoy the pleasure of time on the beach in Zanzibar Island.

Accommodation – Day 9

Mid-Range Smiles Beach Hotel

This property serves as the main beach accommodation for the Zanzibar extension, offering a comfortable stay in a relaxed coastal setting on the northern shores of Zanzibar.

Guests will enjoy:

- Direct access to Nungwi Beach
- Comfortable rooms with ocean or garden surroundings
- Easy access to optional excursions and activities
- A peaceful base for relaxation after the safari

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Day 10

Day 10 Zanzibar – Departure Transfer

After breakfast at Smiles Beach Hotel, you will enjoy a relaxed morning at the beach or resort depending on your flight schedule.

At the appropriate time, you will be met by our driver for your transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward international flight.

This marks the end of your 10-day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach Escape, concluding a journey filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, and relaxing coastal experiences.

Activities Day 10

Morning

Spend time exploring Zanzibar Island this morning as part of our excursion dedicated to sightseeing.

Afternoon

This afternoon we will take you to the airport.

Meal Plan Breakfast & Lunch All meals Beer and wine Drinking water Non-alcoholic drinks Packed lunch

Ready to Share

10-Day Tanzania Bush to Beach Experience 10-Day Tanzania Bush to Beach Experience

10-Day Tanzania Bush to Beach Experience - Overview

Highlights

Our vehicles

Map

Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania – Arusha

Activities Day 1

Afternoon

Evening

Budget Arusha Planet Lodge

Day 2 Arusha to Tarangire National Park

Activities Day 2

Morning

Rest of Day

Evening

Mid-Range Farm of Dreams Lodge

Day 3 Karatu – Serengeti National Park

Activities Day 3

Early Morning

Rest of Day

Mid-Range Harmony Safari Camps

Day 4 Full-Day Serengeti Exploration

Activity Day 4

Rest of Day

Mid-Range Harmony Safari Camps

Day 5 Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

Activities Day 5

Early Morning

Rest of Day

Evening

Mid-Range Farm of Dreams Lodge

Day 6 Karatu – Arusha Airport – Flight to Zanzibar

Activities Day 6

Depends on your Flight Time

Afternoon

Evening

Mid-Range Tembo House Hotel & Apartments

Day 7 Stone Town Tour – Transfer to Beach Hotel

Activities Day 7

Morning

Evening

Mid-Range Smiles Beach Hotel

Day 8 Zanzibar Beach Relaxation & Leisure

Activity Day 8

Rest of Day

Mid-Range Smiles Beach Hotel

Day 9 Zanzibar – Leisure, Culture & Sunset Experience

Activity Day 9

Rest of Day

Mid-Range Smiles Beach Hotel

Day 10 Zanzibar – Departure Transfer

Activities Day 10

Morning

Afternoon

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

10 Days / 9 Nights

10-Day Tanzania Bush to Beach Experience

Price Information

Included

Excluded

10-Day Tanzania Bush to Beach Experience

10-Day Tanzania Bush to Beach Experience