11-Day Bush & Beach Safari Getaway

11-Day Bush & Beach Safari: Northern Tanzania Circuit + Zanzibar

📅 11 Days / 10 Nights 🚙 Safari + ✈️ Fly to Beach 🦁 Big Five 🏖️ Zanzibar Beach Extension 👥 Private Guide 💵 From $4,800 / person

This 11-day private safari offers an exceptional journey through Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations combined with a relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar. The adventure begins in the northern safari circuit — exploring Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire — before flying to Zanzibar to unwind on white sandy beaches with turquoise Indian Ocean waters.

Carefully designed for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation, this itinerary delivers a complete bush-to-beach experience without compromising on comfort or wildlife encounters.

Trip Highlights

  • Lake Manyara – tree-climbing lions & diverse birdlife
  • Serengeti – big cats & Great Migration ecosystem
  • Full-day Ngorongoro Crater safari (UNESCO site)
  • Tarangire – massive elephant herds & baobab trees
  • Private 4×4 safari with professional guide
  • Scenic Ngorongoro Highlands & Maasai landscapes
  • Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar – bush to beach
  • Stone Town cultural tour (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Day 1 Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park

Your safari begins after breakfast with a drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park — a compact but highly diverse ecosystem at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park offers a striking mix of groundwater forest, open savannah, and an alkaline lake that attracts thousands of flamingos seasonally.

During your game drive, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, hippos, baboons, buffalo, and the famous tree-climbing lions that rest in acacia branches. In the late afternoon, proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

🏨 Lodge: Fanaka Lodge 🍽️ Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 Lake Manyara → Serengeti (via Ngorongoro Highlands)

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, traveling through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Highlands. Along the way, the landscape transforms into rolling hills, Maasai settlements, and endless open plains.

Upon entering Serengeti, your first game drive begins immediately as you explore one of the most famous wildlife ecosystems in the world — home to large populations of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebras. Arrive at camp in the evening for dinner under the African sky.

🏕️ Camp: Serengeti Wild Camp 🍽️ Meals: All Meals
Day 3 Full-Day Game Drive in Serengeti

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the Serengeti's vast wilderness. Your guide will take you across different regions of the park depending on wildlife movement and seasonal patterns, giving you the best opportunities to witness predator–prey interactions.

You may also visit the Seronera Valley or Retina Hippo Pool for close-up wildlife viewing. The Serengeti's endless horizons, golden grasslands, and rich biodiversity create one of the most memorable safari experiences in Africa.

🏕️ Camp: Serengeti Wild Camp 🍽️ Meals: All Meals
Day 4 Serengeti → Ngorongoro Highlands

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Serengeti when wildlife is most active. After breakfast, journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through scenic landscapes with optional cultural encounters such as a Maasai village visit or Olduvai Gorge stop.

By evening, arrive in the Ngorongoro Highlands to relax and prepare for the next day's crater safari.

🏕️ Camp: Ngorongoro Wild Camp 🍽️ Meals: All Meals
Day 5 Ngorongoro Crater → Mto wa Mbu

After an early breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most wildlife-dense areas in the world. The crater floor hosts a remarkable concentration of animals including elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, hyenas, hippos, and the rare black rhino.

The scenery is equally stunning, with grasslands, lakes, and forests forming a natural wildlife sanctuary. After a picnic lunch, ascend the crater and continue to Mto wa Mbu for dinner and overnight.

🏨 Lodge: Fig Tree Lodge 🍽️ Meals: All Meals
Day 6 Tarangire National Park → Arusha

Your final safari day takes you to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The Tarangire River attracts wildlife throughout the year, making it one of the best places for game viewing especially in the dry season.

After your morning safari, drive back to Arusha to rest and prepare for your flight to Zanzibar the following day.

🏨 Lodge: Outpost Lodge 🍽️ Meals: All Meals
Day 7 Flight to Zanzibar – Beach Arrival

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you are transferred to Nungwi Beach on the island's northern coast. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on the beach and enjoying the calm atmosphere of the Indian Ocean.

🏨 Resort: Nungwi Heritage Resort 🍽️ Meals: All Meals
Day 8 Zanzibar – Beach Relaxation

Spend the day at leisure enjoying Zanzibar's tropical beaches. Swim in warm turquoise waters, relax under palm trees, or join optional activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or a spice tour. The island offers a perfect balance of relaxation and light adventure.

🏨 Resort: Nungwi Heritage Resort 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 Zanzibar – Optional Activities / Free Day

Today is flexible and designed for personal exploration. Choose from activities such as scuba diving, dhow sailing, visiting local villages, or simply relaxing at your resort. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful sunset walk along the beach or a fresh seafood dinner.

🏨 Resort: Nungwi Heritage Resort 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 Stone Town Cultural Tour

After breakfast, transfer to Stone Town — Zanzibar's historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its narrow streets, ancient buildings, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks such as the Old Slave Market and Sultan's Palace.

Optional visits to Prison Island or sunset at Forodhani Gardens add depth to your cultural experience.

🏨 Hotel: Maru Maru Hotel 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11 Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your return flight to Arusha or onward international departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable bush and beach safari experience in Tanzania.

🏁 Accommodation: End of Tour 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
✓ Included
  • All park entry fees
  • All safari activities (unless optional)
  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with driver/guide
  • Domestic flights (Arusha – Zanzibar – Arusha)
  • All airport transfers
  • Meals as specified per day
  • All taxes and VAT
✗ Excluded
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance & visa fees
  • Tips & gratuities for guides
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
  • Some meals as specified
  • Optional activities not listed in itinerary