13-Day Bush to Beach Adventure in Tanzania: Northern Safari & Zanzibar Escape

13-Day Bush to Beach Adventure in Tanzania: Northern Safari & Zanzibar Escape

Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar

From $6,450 / person sharing

Safari overview

13-Day Bush to Beach Adventure in Tanzania: Northern Safari & Zanzibar Escape

Be captivated by extraordinary game viewing and quintessential Tanzania landscapes on this safari through Tanzania.

This bush-to-Beach safari is one of the best tours to the Northern Parks of Tanzania and the fine white sand of Zanzibar.  Experience the game-filled plains of the famed Serengeti National Park, an endless plain and the home of the wildebeest migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park with its large number of elephants and then finally, fly to the beautiful spice island of Zanzibar for the beach leisure and relaxation after a long journey to wild. Let our experts design your a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day by day

13 Days, Planned to the Last Sunset

  1. Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our team will warmly welcome you to Tanzania. After a smooth transfer to Arusha, unwind and settle into your hotel. Use the evening to acclimatize, stroll through the lodge gardens, or visit local shops if time permits. Arusha is known as the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and you’ll feel the anticipation of the days ahead. Rest well to prepare for the start of your safari adventure

    • Half board

    Where you sleep tonight

    Arusha Serena Hotel
  2. After breakfast, set out for Tarangire National Park, about a 2-hour drive from Arusha. Known for its dense elephant population and the striking baobab trees that dot its landscapes, Tarangire offers a classic safari experience. Embark on game drives with your expert guide, who will help you spot elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and more. Watch as herds gather around the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline during the dry season, offering a dramatic and concentrated display of wildlife. Return to the lodge in the evening, where you can relax, recount the day’s sightings, and enjoy a quiet dinner.

    • Full board

    Where you sleep · Tarangire

    Tarangire Sopa Lodge — photo 1
    Stay at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, nestled in the heart of Tarangire National Park. Enjoy spacious accommodations, stunning views, and close encounters.
  3. After breakfast, drive toward the legendary Serengeti National Park, passing through the lush Ngorongoro Highlands. Stop briefly to take in views from the Ngorongoro Crater rim before continuing into the vast Serengeti plains. Known as one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, the Serengeti is home to the famed wildebeest migration and a high concentration of big cats. Today, enjoy a game drive through the central Seronera region, known for lions, cheetahs, and large herds of grazers. Arrive at your lodge in the heart of the Serengeti for a peaceful evening.

    • Full board

    Where you sleep · Serengeti

    Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge — photo 1 Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge — photo 2
    Discover the unforgettable experience of Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge! Nestled in Tanzania’s stunning Serengeti National Park, this luxurious lodge.
  4. Begin early to journey to the northern Serengeti, an area less visited but renowned for its dramatic Mara River crossings during the migration season. Spend the day along the riverbanks, where you may witness thousands of wildebeests and zebras attempting to cross as predators, including crocodiles, lie in wait. Your guide will navigate to the best viewing spots, ensuring you’re in the heart of the action. Absorb the sights and sounds of this unique spectacle before returning to your camp, where a hearty meal and a cozy tent await.

    • Full board

    Where you sleep tonight

    Mara Mara Tented Lodge — photo 1 Mara Mara Tented Lodge — photo 2 Mara Mara Tented Lodge — photo 3
    Discover Mara Mara Tented Lodge, a luxurious escape in the Serengeti. Enjoy elegant tented accommodations, breathtaking views, and unforgettable wildlife.
  5. Head out for an early morning game drive in the serene northern Serengeti. This region is quieter, allowing for intimate wildlife experiences. Watch for large wildebeest herds gathering and various predators like lions, hyenas, and elusive leopards. Spend the afternoon exploring further, observing the behaviors of zebras, gazelles, and a myriad of bird species. After a thrilling day, unwind at the lodge, enjoying stories of the day’s adventures over dinner with fellow travelers.

    • Full board

    Where you sleep tonight

    Mara Mara Tented Lodge
  6. Today, you’ll journey back to the central Serengeti plains, where the landscape shifts from riverine woodlands to open grasslands. The area is abundant with grazing herbivores, attracting predators like cheetahs and lions. Spend the day exploring the scenic terrain, taking in sightings of elephants, buffalo, and large giraffe groups. In the afternoon, you’ll return to your camp, where you can relax with views of the Serengeti as the sun sets over the plains.

    • Full board

    Where you sleep tonight

    Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
  7. Start the day with an early game drive in Seronera, watching the sunrise over the Serengeti and spotting animals in their morning routines. After breakfast, drive south toward Ngorongoro, with the option to stop at the Olduvai Gorge, an important archaeological site. The gorge offers fascinating insights into early human history and is a significant spot for anthropologists and history enthusiasts. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, where your lodge offers stunning views into the crater below.

    • Full board

    Where you sleep · Ngorongoro & Karatu

    Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge — photo 1 Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge — photo 2
    Discover Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, a breathtaking retreat overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater. Learn about the lodge’s amenities, experiences, and why.
  8. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest intact volcanic calderas, hosting a dense concentration of wildlife. Here, you have a high chance of encountering the Big Five, including black rhinos and large lion prides. The crater floor also includes lakes, open savanna, and forests, providing diverse habitats for hippos, flamingos, and buffalo. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before continuing your exploration of this “Eden on Earth.” Ascend back to the rim in the afternoon for an evening of relaxation.

    • Full board

    Where you sleep · Ngorongoro & Karatu

    Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge — photo 1 Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge — photo 2
    Discover Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, a breathtaking retreat overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater. Learn about the lodge’s amenities, experiences, and why.
  9. After a final breakfast in the lodge, bid farewell to the Tanzanian mainland as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival on this spice island, a representative will meet you for a short drive to your beachside hotel. Settle into your resort, where the tranquil sound of the ocean welcomes you to unwind. Enjoy the evening on the white sands or by the pool as you transition from safari to relaxation mode.

    • Breakfast

    Where you sleep · Zanzibar

    Zanzibar Serena Hotel — photo 1
    Experience the charm of Zanzibar Serena Hotel, a beachfront retreat in Stone Town. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, stunning ocean views, and world-class.
  10. Spend three idyllic days on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. Opt for complete relaxation by the sea, or explore the cultural richness of the island with optional tours. Visit the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore ancient architecture, markets, and local spice shops. For nature enthusiasts, a trip to Jozani Forest offers a chance to spot the rare red colobus monkey. A spice tour will introduce you to the island’s fragrant spices, with options to taste and purchase unique blends.

    • Full board

    Where you sleep · Zanzibar

    Zanzibar Serena Hotel — photo 1
    Experience the charm of Zanzibar Serena Hotel, a beachfront retreat in Stone Town. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, stunning ocean views, and world-class.
  11. After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to conclude your Tanzanian adventure. You’ll be transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your onward flight. Leave with cherished memories of Tanzania’s wild landscapes and serene beaches, knowing you’ve experienced the best of both worlds.

    • Breakfast

Transparent pricing

What This Safari Costs

Prices are per person sharing for a private 13-day / 12-night safari, and depend on the lodges you choose. Park fees, guide, 4×4 and meals are included in every tier.

Season Solo 2 guests 4 guests 6+ guests
Low season 1 March – 31 May The long rains. Lowest prices and the greenest landscape. $11,660 $7,780 $6,850 $6,450
High season 1 November – 20 December, 6 January – 29 February Dry and green in turn, with good game viewing and easier lodge availability. $12,290 $8,190 $7,210 $6,800
Peak season 1 June – 31 October, 21 December – 5 January Migration river crossings and the driest months. Book well ahead. $13,640 $9,100 $8,020 $7,550

All prices are per person sharing, in USD.

Final quotes depend on season, group size and lodge availability — tell us your dates and we'll confirm exact pricing free of charge.

The fine print, upfront

What's Included

Included

  • All Park fees
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodations as stated in the itinerary
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)

Not included

  • International flights (from/to home)
  • Additional accommodation
  • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Services not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance and medical repatriation
  • Items of a personal nature

DAYS 10-12: Zanzibar Beach Leisure

Spend three idyllic days on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. Opt for complete relaxation by the sea, or explore the cultural richness of the island with optional tours. Visit the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore ancient architecture, markets, and local spice shops. For nature enthusiasts, a trip to Jozani Forest offers a chance to spot the rare red colobus monkey. A spice tour will introduce you to the island’s fragrant spices, with options to taste and purchase unique blends.

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Lionesses and cubs walking along the track behind a Lappet Faced Safaris vehicle as guests watch from the roof

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13-Day Bush to Beach Adventure in Tanzania: Northern Safari & Zanzibar Escape

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