A Perfect 8-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday.

8-Day Classic Bush to Beach Safari

(Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar)

Trip Overview

Combine Northern Tanzania’s ultimate wildlife circuits with the white-sand beaches of the Spice Islands. This eight-day itinerary transitions seamlessly from raw savanna game viewing to tropical coastal relaxation.

Start among the giant baobabs and elephant herds of Tarangire National Park, overnight in the temperate green highlands of Karatu, trek north to the world-renowned predator territory of Serengeti National Park, descend into the volcanic caldera of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and complete your journey with a domestic flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) directly to Zanzibar.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park. Overnight in Karatu

Meet your professional safari guide in Arusha at 8:00 AM for a journey briefing before setting off southwest toward Tarangire National Park. Enter the park by mid-morning for game drives along the Tarangire River circuit. Observe herds of wild elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and impalas drinking at the waterholes beneath giant baobab trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Matete viewpoint before an afternoon game drive. In the late afternoon, exit the park and drive up into the cool, lush crater highlands of Karatu for dinner and overnight rest.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~2 hours / 120 km (Arusha to Tarangire); ~1.5 hours / 90 km (Tarangire to Karatu)
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Eileen Trees Inn / Farm of Dreams Lodge (Karatu)
• Luxury: Kitela Lodge / Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge (Karatu)

 

Day 2: Karatu to Central Serengeti National Park

Depart early after breakfast, ascending through the misty rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before dropping onto the vast Serengeti plains. Pause at Naabi Hill Gate for registration and a picnic lunch before entering the central Seronera Valley. Spend the afternoon tracking resident lion prides, leopards in sausage trees, and speed-hunting cheetahs before checking in to your central tented camp for sunset.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~4 to 5 hours transit & en-route game viewing / ~170 km
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Tanzania Bush Camps (Central Serengeti)
• Luxury: Ole Serai Luxury Camp / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Central Serengeti)

 

Day 3: Full Day Central Serengeti Exploration

Dedicate the entire day to exploring the rich ecosystems of the Central Serengeti. Embark on an early morning game drive when predators are most active, followed by breakfast in the bush or back at camp. Spend the afternoon exploring the Seronera River circuit and nearby granite kopjes in search of resting leopards, hyenas, and grazing herds. Return to camp for dinner around the campfire.

• Drive Time & Distance: Full day game viewing across Central Serengeti
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Kati Kati Tented Camp / Tanzania Bush Camps (Central Serengeti)
• Luxury: Ole Serai Luxury Camp / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Central Serengeti)

 

Day 4: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Enjoy a final morning game drive across the Central Serengeti savannas. After a scenic picnic lunch, begin your transit out of the park into the high-altitude volcanic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive at the crater rim in the late afternoon to take in panoramic views over the caldera floor before checking in to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~3 to 4 hours transit / ~140 km
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge / Farm of Dreams Lodge (Karatu)
• Luxury: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / Lion’s Paw Camp (Crater Rim)

 

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Descent & Return to Arusha

Descend 600 meters onto the Ngorongoro Crater floor at first light for a dedicated morning game drive inside the volcanic caldera. Track black-maned lions, spotted hyenas, bull elephants, and the endangered Black Rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the hippo pool at Ngoitokitok Swamp. In the early afternoon, ascend the crater wall and drive back to Arusha for an overnight stay before your flight to Zanzibar the next morning.

• Drive Time & Distance: ~3.5 hours return drive to Arusha / ~180 km
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Summit Safari Lodge / Arusha West hotel
• Luxury: Gran Meliá Arusha / Arusha Coffee Lodge

 

Day 6: Flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Zanzibar Island

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport (ARK) for your scheduled domestic morning flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), meet your island driver for a private transfer to your beach resort on the north or east coast (e.g., Nungwi, Kendwa, or Paje). Spend the afternoon unwinding on the white-sand beaches or swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.

• Flight Time & Transit: ~1 hour 15 min domestic flight (ARK to ZNZ) + ~1 hour island road transfer
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Fun Beach Resort (Jambiani) / Z Ocean Hotel (Kiwengwa)
• Luxury: RIU Palace Zanzibar (Nungwi) / The Residence Zanzibar / Breezes Beach Club

 

Day 7: Zanzibar Tropical Beach Relaxation & Optional Excursions

Spend the full day at your leisure enjoying the resort amenities and clear coastal waters. Relax on the beach, take a dip in the ocean, or choose from optional island experiences such as a guided Stone Town historical walking tour, a traditional Spice Farm trip, or a Safari Blue snorkeling boat excursion.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (Half-Board basis)

Accommodation Options:

• Comfort: Fun Beach Resort / Z Ocean Hotel
• Luxury: RIU Palace Zanzibar / The Residence Zanzibar

 

Day 8: Zanzibar Beach & Departure Transfer

Enjoy a final relaxing morning on the beach or by the resort pool. Depending on your onward international flight schedule, check out of your room and meet your driver for a private transfer to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your departure flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

Please Note on Lodging:

Accommodations listed are subject to availability upon booking. Should a specific property be unavailable, an equivalent property within the same standard and location category will be substituted.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s Included

• Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fuel, and unlimited mileage during safari
• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• Domestic flight ticket: Arusha Airport (ARK) to Zanzibar (ZNZ)
• All national park entry fees, transit fees, and Ngorongoro Crater descent permits
• 7 nights accommodation (5 nights safari/Arusha + 2 nights Zanzibar beach resort)
• Safari meals (Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners as specified) & Half-Board meals in Zanzibar
• Bottled mineral water in safari vehicle
• Road transfer from Zanzibar Airport to beach resort on Day 6

 

Excluded

• Pre-safari arrival airport pickup at JRO and pre-tour Arusha hotel night (available as separate add-on days)
• Post-tour airport transfer on Day 8 from Zanzibar beach resort to ZNZ Airport (available as a separate add-on)
• International flights
• Tanzania tourist visa fees
• Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
• Optional Zanzibar tours (Stone Town, Spice Tour, Blue Safari Snorkeling)
• Gratuities for safari guide, drivers, and resort staff
• Premium alcoholic beverages and laundry service

Pricing & Booking Policy

Customization & Add-On Services

• This package covers core safari and island execution days only and is 100% customizable.
• Airport Transfers & Extra Days: Pre-safari arrival days (JRO airport transfer + Arusha hotel night) and post-safari departure transfers are managed as separate service add-ons and billed separately based on your flight schedule.
• Extended Beach Stays: Additional nights in Zanzibar (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Stone Town) can be added upon request.

Pricing Basis

• Rates are quoted in USD per person based on Double Occupancy (2 guests traveling together).
• Single Supplement: Surcharges apply for solo travelers or individual room occupancy.
• Child Policy: Children under 12 sharing with adults receive discounted rates (30–50% off adult land rates).
• Seasonal Variations: High Season rates apply July–October and December 20–January 5; Green Season discounts apply April–May.

Deposit & Cancellation Terms

• Deposit: A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at confirmation to secure park permits, domestic flight seats, and lodge/resort bookings.
• Final Payment: Balance is due 45 days prior to arrival.
• Cancellation Fees: 60+ days prior = Loss of deposit; 45–59 days = 50% fee; under 44 days = 100% fee.

Health, Safety & Travel Preparation

• Flight Luggage Limits: Domestic flights from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Zanzibar strictly enforce a luggage limit of 15 kg (33 lbs) per person in soft-sided duffel bags.
• Vaccinations & Health: Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic regions. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for both safari and Zanzibar.
• Insurance: Comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation insurance (e.g., AMREF Flying Doctors) is required.
• Packing: Pack neutral clothing for safari, warm layers for crater rim mornings, light cotton clothing for Zanzibar, sun protection, swimsuits, and personal medications.

Sustainability & Community Impact

• Conservation Support: Park fees directly contribute to wildlife management and anti-poaching operations through TANAPA and NCAA.
• Eco-Lodging: Selected safari camps and beach resorts prioritize solar energy systems, water conservation, and plastic-free operations.
• Local Economy: Direct employment of local Tanzanian guides and sourcing of local produce from regional communities.