Bush to Beach Paradise
Bush to Beach Paradise
Overview
Bush to Beach Paradise is an 8-day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday combining Big Five wildlife adventures in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with a relaxing Indian Ocean escape. Designed for honeymooners, families, and luxury travelers, this journey blends private safari guiding, luxury stays, seamless bush-to-beach travel, and Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
Highlights
- Serengeti National Park: Extensive Big Five tracking and seasonal Great Migration viewing.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A full-day game drive in the world’s most famous natural wildlife caldera.
- Luxury Stays: A curated selection of high-end safari lodges, tented camps, and beachfront resorts.
- Private Guiding: Dedicated 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional local expert for the bush leg.
- Seamless Transitions: Convenient internal flight from the Serengeti wilderness directly to Zanzibar.
- Island Luxury: White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and cultural heritage tours in Stone Town.
- Exotic Experiences: Optional sunset dhow cruises, spice farm tours, and snorkeling adventures.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your professional safari team from Outstanding Tanzania Safaris. You will be transferred to a luxury lodge in Arusha, where you will receive a comprehensive briefing to prepare you for the upcoming wildlife adventure. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the swimming pool, stroll through the lush lodge gardens, or opt for a local coffee plantation visit to ease into the Tanzanian atmosphere before the safari begins.
After breakfast, you will either drive or take a scenic flight into the heart of the Serengeti National Park. You will immediately begin your Big Five wildlife safari as you traverse the endless savannahs that host the highest concentration of large mammals on earth. The day concludes with an afternoon game drive and a spectacular sunset over the plains before you head to your luxury tented camp for dinner and a traditional campfire experience under the African stars.
Spend a full day immersed in the Serengeti's vast ecosystem, tracking lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, and giraffes. Depending on the season, your guide will position the vehicle to witness the legendary herds of the Great Migration. A picnic lunch will be served in the heart of the bush to maximize your viewing time, followed by an afternoon of further tracking and wildlife photography. You will return to your luxury camp in the evening for a gourmet dinner and a chance to reflect on the day's sightings.
Today you travel from the Serengeti plains through the scenic highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes you through Maasai lands, where you can observe traditional herdsmen tending to their cattle against a backdrop of ancient volcanic peaks. You will arrive at a luxury lodge perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in time to witness one of Africa's most iconic sunsets from your balcony, followed by a restful evening in the cooler mountain air.
You will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife safari in this "Natural Eden." The enclosed caldera provides an exceptional habitat for nearly every species of wildlife found in East Africa, including the rare black rhino, lions, buffalo, and hippos. After a morning of incredible game viewing and a scenic picnic lunch by the hippo pool, you will ascend the crater walls and travel to a nearby lodge in the lush town of Karatu for dinner and relaxation.
Your transition from the bush to the beach begins today as you fly from the safari heartlands directly to the Zanzibar Archipelago. Upon arrival at the spice island, you will be transferred to a luxury beachfront resort on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The rest of your day is dedicated to total relaxation; you can swim in the turquoise waters, stroll along the white-sand beaches, or enjoy a sunset drink as you adjust to the island's "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) pace of life.
This day is yours to enjoy the diverse offerings of Zanzibar. You may choose to spend the entire day relaxing at your luxury resort, or you can opt for an excursion into Stone Town - a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with winding alleys and rich history. Other popular options include a tour of the island’s famous spice farms or a snorkeling trip to explore the vibrant coral reefs. As evening falls, consider a traditional sunset dhow cruise to cap off your island experience.
On your final day, you can enjoy a last breakfast overlooking the ocean and perhaps a final walk along the beach. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the Zanzibar airport for your international departure or your flight back to Arusha to connect with your journey home. Your Outstanding Tanzania Safaris team will provide full travel assistance to ensure a smooth conclusion to your ultimate bush-to-beach odyssey.
- Airport transfers as per itinerary
- Domestic safari flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional local guide for the bush leg
- Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater game drives
- Luxury safari lodge, tented camp, and beach resort accommodation
- Meals as specified: full board on safari and half board in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport and resort transfers
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry services
- Medical expenses
- Souvenirs
Booking
Booking Request
- Airport transfers as per itinerary
- Domestic safari flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional local guide for the bush leg
- Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater game drives
- Luxury safari lodge, tented camp, and beach resort accommodation
- Meals as specified: full board on safari and half board in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar airport and resort transfers
FAQs
Yes, the domestic safari flight from the Serengeti to Zanzibar is included in our Bush to Beach packages. This saves you a full day of driving back to Arusha and allows you to transition from the savannah to the beach in just a few hours.
On safari, Full Board includes breakfast, lunch, often as a picnic in the bush, and dinner. In Zanzibar, our standard package is Half Board, which includes breakfast and dinner at the resort. This allows you the flexibility to explore local restaurants or enjoy light snacks for lunch while you are out on island excursions.
No. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so the same tourist visa you use to enter Arusha or Kilimanjaro is valid for your entire stay in Zanzibar.
The dry season from June to October is perfect for both wildlife viewing and beach weather. The period from December to February is also highly recommended, as it is warm and sunny in Zanzibar and offers excellent wildlife sightings in the Serengeti.
Yes, both regions are in malaria-endemic areas. We recommend consulting your doctor about malaria prophylaxis before you travel. Most lodges and resorts provide mosquito netting over beds and use insect repellent sprays as part of their evening turndown service.