Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Your journey begins with a warm welcome upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax and recover from your flight. If time allows, you might explore the town or enjoy a quiet dinner at the lodge. Overnight at a boutique hotel or lodge in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha and head to Tarangire National Park, famous for its ancient baobab trees and massive herds of elephants. Spend the day on game drives spotting giraffes, lions, buffalo, and over 500 species of birds. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed inside the park, followed by more wildlife viewing in the afternoon. You’ll spend the night at a beautiful lodge or tented camp overlooking the Tarangire wilderness.
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park
Today, take a short drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but diverse park nestled at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Explore the lush groundwater forests and open plains on a game drive. Look out for the famous tree-climbing lions, large troops of baboons, elephants, flamingos, and hippos. After a picnic lunch in the park, you’ll head to your lodge in the Karatu highlands for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Karatu to Serengeti National Park (via Ngorongoro Highlands)
After an early breakfast, begin your journey toward the Serengeti. Drive through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands and enter the Serengeti National Park in the afternoon. Enjoy a game drive en route to your lodge or camp in central Serengeti. Along the way, you may spot cheetahs, elephants, and herds of wildebeest grazing across the vast plains. Arrive in time for sunset, dinner, and your first night in the heart of the wild.
Day 5: Full Day Safari in Serengeti National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the iconic Serengeti. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across different regions of the park. Depending on the season, you may witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration or the high predator activity Serengeti is known for. You’ll break for a bush picnic lunch and return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight under the stars.
Day 6: Another Day in the Serengeti
Another full day to delve deeper into the Serengeti’s magic. You may choose to explore a different section of the park today or take part in an optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (with champagne breakfast). Continue your search for lions, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, and more. After a thrilling day on safari, enjoy your final night in the Serengeti at your camp or lodge.
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After breakfast and a morning game drive, begin your journey back east to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You’ll pass through wildlife-rich areas and possibly spot more animals on the way. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim by late afternoon, where the panoramic views of the crater floor below will take your breath away. Enjoy dinner and overnight in this unique setting.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Karatu Overnight
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries. The crater is home to a dense population of animals, including rhinos, elephants, lions, and flamingos. Spend the morning on game drives across its floor before enjoying a picnic lunch by a hippo pool. In the afternoon, ascend the crater and return to your lodge in Karatu for your final night in the bush.
Day 9: Fly to Zanzibar – Begin Your Beach Escape
After breakfast, drive to the local airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your beachfront resort. The rest of the day is at leisure—walk on the beach, swim in the ocean, or simply relax in your tropical surroundings. Overnight at a romantic beach resort on Zanzibar’s East or North Coast.
Day 10: Leisure and Relaxation in Zanzibar
Enjoy a full day at leisure on Zanzibar’s stunning coast. Lounge by the pool or beach, sip cocktails, and soak in the sun. Optional activities include a sunset dhow cruise, Swahili cooking class, or a couple’s massage. Overnight at your resort.
Day 11: Explore Zanzibar – Stone Town & Spice Tour (Optional)
Today, consider a guided tour of historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its winding alleys, coral-stone buildings, and rich cultural history. You can also opt for a Spice Tour, visiting aromatic farms and learning about Zanzibar’s role in the global spice trade. Return to your resort in time for a swim or sunset dinner by the ocean.
Day 12: More Time to Relax – Island Bliss
Your final full day in Zanzibar is yours to enjoy as you wish. Whether that’s an island-hopping boat trip, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, or reading a book by the sea, this day is all about peace and reflection after an action-packed safari. Enjoy one last candlelit dinner with the sound of the waves in the background.
Day 13: Departure from Zanzibar
After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your flight home or onward journey. Your Bush to Beach adventure ends here, with hearts full of unforgettable experiences and the magic of Africa still fresh in your memories.
