12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari

After a nourishing breakfast at Mount Meru Game Lodge, your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari truly begins as you depart for Tarangire National Park. The scenic two-hour drive takes you through rural Tanzania, passing Maasai villages and small towns, offering fascinating glimpses of local life. Arrive at Tarangire National Park, the sixth largest national park in Tanzania and one of its hidden gems, in time for lunch at Tarangire Safari Lodge. After settling in, embark on an afternoon game drive in this remarkable park, known for its high concentration of elephants and iconic baobab trees that create a landscape straight out of a storybook. The park is bisected by the Tarangire River, which serves as a critical water source during the dry season (June to October), attracting enormous herds of elephants, wildebeest, zebra, and various antelope species. Your guide will track lions lounging in the shade of acacia trees, leopards hiding in riverside vegetation, or the more unusual species that make Tarangire special – such as fringe-eared oryx, lesser kudu, and the long-necked gerenuk standing on hind legs to reach higher branches. As the afternoon light softens, creating perfect photography conditions, observe animals gathering around the river before returning to Tarangire Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. This classic tented camp is perched on a panoramic bluff overlooking the Tarangire River valley, offering spectacular sunset views over the baobab-studded landscape and the opportunity to hear wildlife sounds throughout the night.

Rise early for breakfast before a final morning game drive in Tarangire National Park during your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari. Morning drives often reveal predators returning from night hunts and herbivores actively grazing in the cooler temperatures. After a few hours of wildlife viewing, depart for Lake Manyara National Park, a compact but extraordinarily diverse protected area stretching along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The scenic drive takes you through the agricultural town of Mto wa Mbu, offering fascinating glimpses of local life. Arrive at Lake Manyara in time for a picnic lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive in this remarkable park, known for its famous tree-climbing lions – a behavior rarely seen elsewhere in Africa. The park’s diverse habitats include groundwater forests filled with troops of baboons and blue monkeys, acacia woodlands hosting elephants and giraffes, and the alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingos when conditions are favorable. Your guide will navigate the park’s network of roads, maximizing wildlife sightings in different habitats, from the forest edge where bushbuck hide in dappled shade to the lakeshore where hippos wallow in the shallows. As the afternoon draws to a close, exit the park and drive to the nearby town of Karatu, a charming agricultural community nestled in the fertile highlands between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. Check into Country Lodge, a comfortable property set amid beautiful gardens with views of the surrounding coffee plantations and farmlands. Dinner and overnight at Country Lodge, where you’ll enjoy the cooler highland climate and prepare for tomorrow’s Ngorongoro Crater exploration.

After breakfast at Country Lodge, your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari continues as you drive the short distance to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As you climb higher into the highlands, the landscape transforms dramatically, and you’ll reach the crater rim at an elevation of approximately 2,300 meters (7,500 feet). Stop at the viewpoint for your first breathtaking vista of the crater floor far below – a sight that consistently ranks among Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. Continue to Ngorongoro Farm House, a charming property designed like a colonial farm with cottages spread across expansive coffee gardens. After checking in and enjoying lunch, prepare for one of the highlights of your safari: descending into the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Often called “Africa’s Eden,” the crater is actually the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, spanning 260 square kilometers and creating a natural enclosure for approximately 30,000 animals. Your vehicle will descend 600 meters along the crater’s inner wall on a steep access road, providing stunning views at every turn. Spend the afternoon exploring diverse habitat zones within the crater – from acacia forests where elephants and Cape buffalo roam to the central lake area where flamingos create a pink haze across the water. Your guide will track the movements of the crater’s famous big cats, including lion prides that often hunt on the open grasslands. Watch for endangered black rhinos grazing in the distance, massive tusked elephants, hyenas patrolling their territories, and hippos wallowing in muddy pools. As the afternoon light casts golden hues across the crater floor, begin your ascent back to the rim. Return to Ngorongoro Farm House for dinner and overnight, where you can relax by the fireplace in the main lodge or enjoy the views of the working coffee farm that surrounds the property.

After breakfast at Ngorongoro Farm House during your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari, depart for the legendary Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s highlands, with opportunities to spot wildlife and traditional Maasai villages where red-cloaked pastoralists tend their herds much as they have for centuries. En route, make a fascinating stop at Olduvai Gorge (also called Oldupai), one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites where Louis and Mary Leakey discovered fossils that revolutionized our understanding of human evolution. Visit the small but informative museum and viewpoint, where you’ll learn about these significant findings that have earned this location the nickname “Cradle of Mankind.” Continue your journey as the landscapes gradually transform from highlands to the iconic endless plains that give the Serengeti its name. Enter Serengeti National Park through the Naabi Hill Gate, stopping for a picnic lunch with panoramic views over the plains. Spend the afternoon on an extended game drive as you make your way to central Serengeti, where your accommodation is located. This introductory game drive offers excellent opportunities to spot the big cats – lions resting on kopjes (granite outcrops), cheetahs scanning the plains, and if you’re lucky, leopards draped over acacia branches. Arrive at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp by late afternoon, allowing time to settle into your luxury tent before dinner. This contemporary tented camp combines modern comfort with authentic safari atmosphere, featuring spacious canvas tents with private verandahs overlooking the plains.

Day 6 is dedicated to comprehensive exploration of the magnificent Serengeti National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive, departing at dawn when predators are most active and the light is perfect for photography. Your expert guide will track wildlife movements and recent sightings to maximize your chances of witnessing extraordinary animal encounters – perhaps a lion pride on the hunt, a leopard with its kill hoisted into a tree, or cheetahs teaching cubs hunting skills. Return to camp for a late breakfast and a relaxing mid-day break during the hottest hours when wildlife is less active. Enjoy the camp facilities, which include a swimming pool with views over the plains and comfortable lounge areas where you can share sightings with fellow travelers. Afternoon game drives resume as temperatures cool, offering different wildlife viewing opportunities as diurnal animals become active again and nocturnal species begin to stir. Depending on the season and your interests, your guide will suggest different regions to explore – perhaps the Seronera Valley with its year-round resident game, the Western Corridor where the migration might be passing (May-July), or the open plains where cheetahs prefer to hunt. As the sun sets over the Serengeti, casting golden light across the savanna, return to Kubu Kubu Tented Camp for dinner and your second overnight, falling asleep to the authentic sounds of the African wilderness.

Enjoy an additional day in the Serengeti for further wildlife exploration, or use this as a transition day depending on flight schedules from the Serengeti to Zanzibar. If spending an extra day in the Serengeti during your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari, begin with another early morning game drive to search for wildlife you may not have encountered yet. The Serengeti ecosystem is vast and diverse, with each area offering different wildlife viewing opportunities. Your guide might suggest exploring a different section of the park than previous days, perhaps venturing to the kopje-studded eastern plains or the riverine forests along the Grumeti River, depending on seasonal wildlife movements. Return to camp for brunch and relaxation during midday. In the afternoon, consider an optional visit to a Maasai village on the outskirts of the park to learn about their traditional lifestyle and changing relationship with the wildlife around them, or continue with game drives focusing on photography or specific animals of interest. If this is your transfer day, enjoy a final morning game drive before proceeding to the Seronera Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. The aerial departure from the Serengeti offers spectacular views of the plains and a deeper appreciation of the vastness of this ecosystem. Overnight at Kubu Kubu Tented Camp if staying an extra night in Serengeti, or begin your Zanzibar experience as detailed in Day 8.

After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti during your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari, transfer to the Seronera Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar, marking the transition from “bush” to “beach” in your safari adventure. The scenic flight offers spectacular aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes, from the vast Serengeti plains to the turquoise waters surrounding Zanzibar Island. Upon arrival at Zanzibar Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative who will transfer you to Tembo House in Stone Town, a beautifully restored historic building that once served as an American consulate. This charming hotel is located directly on the seafront, offering easy access to Stone Town’s attractions while providing comfortable accommodations with authentic Zanzibari style. After checking in, enjoy lunch at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant offering local Swahili cuisine. Spend the afternoon acclimating to Zanzibar’s relaxed island pace with a leisurely walk along the seafront promenade, watching traditional dhow sailing boats against the sunset. Your guide can recommend nearby shops, cafes, and points of interest for independent exploration. If time permits, visit Forodhani Gardens for the evening food market, where local vendors set up stalls selling freshly grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugar cane juice, and other local delicacies – a perfect introduction to the island’s culinary scene. Dinner can be enjoyed at the hotel’s restaurant or at one of Stone Town’s atmospheric rooftop restaurants. Overnight at Tembo House, where the sound of the Indian Ocean waves will lull you to sleep in this historic portion of your journey.

After breakfast at Tembo House during your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari, meet your local guide for a fascinating walking tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural treasure with a history spanning over 1,000 years. Your guided exploration takes you through the labyrinth of narrow winding streets, where you’ll discover architectural marvels that reflect the town’s diverse cultural influences – from massive carved wooden doors (some dating back to the 18th century) to ornate balconies and intricate latticework. Visit key historical sites including the former Slave Market and Memorial, a sobering reminder of Zanzibar’s dark role in the East African slave trade; the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the old slave market; the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib), once the tallest building in East Africa and the first to have electricity and an elevator; and the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), built by the Omani Arabs in the 17th century. Explore the vibrant central market where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, and seafood amidst a symphony of colors, sounds, and aromas. Your guide will share insights into Stone Town’s multicultural heritage, where African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences have created a unique Swahili coastal culture. After lunch at a local restaurant, depart Stone Town for Zanzibar’s eastern coast, a scenic one-hour drive across the island through small villages, spice plantations, and tropical forests. Arrive at Karafuu Beach Resort, a beautiful property set on one of Zanzibar’s most pristine beaches. Check into your room and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing by the pool or strolling along the powder-white beach. Dinner and overnight at Karafuu Beach Resort, where you’ll begin the beach portion of your bush and beach safari.

Days 10 and 11 of your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari are dedicated to complete relaxation and leisure at Karafuu Beach Resort on Zanzibar’s stunning eastern coast. These unscheduled days allow you to set your own pace and create the perfect balance of activities and relaxation after your wildlife adventures. Wake up to the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore and enjoy leisurely breakfasts overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The resort offers multiple swimming pools, spa facilities, and a wide range of water sports and activities that you can enjoy at your discretion. Spend your mornings swimming in the crystal-clear waters, walking along the endless white sand beach, or simply relaxing under a palm tree with a good book. The dramatic tidal patterns of Zanzibar’s east coast create fascinating natural pools at low tide where you can wade among starfish, small tropical fish, and other marine life. For the more active, consider optional activities (at additional cost) such as snorkeling or diving excursions to nearby reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish and coral formations; sailing on a traditional dhow boat; windsurfing or kayaking in the lagoon; or deep-sea fishing expeditions. The resort can arrange a spice tour of the island’s interior, where you’ll learn about Zanzibar’s famous spice trade and see how vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are grown and harvested. Cultural visits to nearby villages offer insights into everyday island life. Each evening, enjoy sumptuous dinners featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine, perhaps followed by drinks under the stars or local cultural entertainment. These free days are yours to design according to your preferences, creating the perfect conclusion to your comprehensive Tanzanian experience.

On the final day of your 12 Days/11 Nights Tanzania Bush and Beach Safari, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Karafuu Beach Resort, savoring your last morning in paradise. Depending on your departure flight time, you might have a few hours for a final swim in the Indian Ocean or last-minute souvenir shopping at the resort’s boutique. Check out from your room and transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your short flight to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city and major international gateway. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you’ll be met by a representative who will transfer you to a local restaurant for lunch. Enjoy your final taste of Tanzanian cuisine while reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past twelve days – from close encounters with Africa’s magnificent wildlife to the cultural richness of Stone Town and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar’s beaches. After lunch, depending on your international flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your departure flight. As you board your plane home, carry with you extraordinary memories and photographs of Tanzania’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and cultures – from the elephant herds of Tarangire to the endless plains of the Serengeti, from the historic alleyways of Stone Town to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. This comprehensive bush and beach safari has provided the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, creating a truly unforgettable Tanzanian experience.