Tanzania Bush to Beach Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar

Summary

Wildlife Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape: Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Stone Town

You’ll spot wild animals up close in Tanzania’s legendary parks—Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater—and then unwind on Zanzibar’s white beaches or explore Stone Town’s history-rich streets. It’s adventure mixed with real downtime.

What’s the experience like?

Landing at Kilimanjaro airport, I felt that dry Tanzanian heat hit me right away—kind of earthy, with a hint of woodsmoke in the air. Our driver from Maura Apartment & Lodge was waiting outside arrivals holding a sign with my name. The drive into Arusha was bumpy in places, but you get used to it fast. That first evening, I just wandered nearby streets and grabbed a cold soda at a little shop where the owner’s radio played Swahili pop. Didn’t do much else—jet lag’s real here.

The next morning started early with breakfast and a quick chat with our guide, Joseph. He’s been doing these tours for years and knows every shortcut. We set off for Lake Manyara National Park—about two hours out of Arusha if traffic isn’t bad (it wasn’t). The park itself is bigger than you’d think; most of it’s lake, but there are these thick forests where monkeys swing overhead and you can hear birds everywhere. Joseph pointed out tree-climbing lions lounging in the shade—honestly, I’d never seen anything like it. At one point we stopped near a group of flamingos picking through the shallows; their pink feathers almost glowed against the pale blue water.

Waking up in Manyara means birdsong instead of alarms. Breakfast was simple—eggs, chapati bread, strong coffee—and then we were off to the Serengeti. The road gets rougher as you go; dust sneaks in through the windows if you’re not careful. By midday we’d reached those endless grass plains you see in documentaries. Wildebeest everywhere—thousands moving together so close you could hear them munching grass. Zebras mixed in too; they actually make this odd barking sound when they’re nervous. Lunch was under an acacia tree (watch out for ants), then more game drives following herds as far as the eye could see.

Another early start took us toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area—a crater so huge it feels like another world entirely. On the way, Joseph offered to stop at Olduvai Gorge (extra cost), which is famous for ancient human fossils—I skipped it but some folks on our tour went and said it’s worth it if you’re into history. That night we slept right on the crater rim at Rhino Lodge; chilly up there after dark so bring something warm.

The next day meant descending into Ngorongoro Crater itself—a steep drive down with views that make your stomach drop a bit if you look too long over the edge. We visited a Maasai village first (optional), where kids waved at us and women showed off beadwork for sale. Down on the crater floor, hippos wallowed near picnic sites by Lerai Forest while buffalo grazed nearby. Saw three black rhinos from a distance—Joseph got genuinely excited about that one.

Tarangire National Park was our last big safari stop before heading back to Arusha. It’s famous for elephants—you’ll see whole families crossing right in front of your vehicle—and those massive baobab trees that look straight out of a storybook. The air here smelled sweeter after rain overnight; everything felt fresh and green again.

The next day we caught a midday flight from Arusha to Zanzibar—quick check-in at Mnarani Beach Cottages once we landed (the driver met us right outside baggage claim). White sand beaches really are as soft as everyone says; spent most of my time just walking along the shore or watching fishermen haul in their catch at sunrise.

If you want more than beach time, Stone Town is packed with history: winding alleys lined with carved doors, markets selling spices that fill the air with clove and cinnamon scents, plus spots like House of Wonders or Freddie Mercury’s old house (yes, really). You can book extra tours to Prison Island or spice farms if you want—the hotel staff can help arrange it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha

• Arrival and hotel transfer in Arusha
• Relax and explore Arusha

Day 2 — Lake Manyara Safari

• Drive to Lake Manyara National Park
• Game drive and bird watching

Day 3 — Serengeti Game Drive

• Breakfast and full day game drive in Serengeti
• Lunch break and rest

Day 4 — Ngorongoro Rim Overnight

• Morning game drive in Serengeti
• Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Overnight at Ngorongoro Rim

Day 5 — Ngorongoro Crater & Maasai

• Visit Maasai village and crater floor game drive
• Picnic lunch in crater
• Drive to Karatu for overnight

Day 6 — Tarangire National Park

• Game drive in Tarangire National Park
• Return to Arusha for overnight

Day 7 — Flight to Zanzibar

• Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
• Transfer to hotel in Zanzibar

Day 8 — Relax in Zanzibar

• Free day on Zanzibar beaches

Day 9 — Zanzibar Cultural Tour

• Stone Town and Spice Island tour (optional)

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with limited mobility?

Yes—it’s family-friendly and wheelchair accessible throughout. Just let us know any special needs when booking so we can prepare everything for you.

Are meals included? What about dietary restrictions?

Breakfasts are included daily; packed lunches during safaris too. Vegetarian options are available—just tell us your preferences ahead of time.

Can I visit Olduvai Gorge or Maasai villages?

You can! Visits are optional and not included in the base price; your guide will help arrange them if interested.

What should I pack for this trip?

Bring layers—it gets chilly at night near Ngorongoro rim but hot during daytime game drives. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent!

What’s included

Your private transport is covered from arrival to departure—including all game drives and transfers between lodges/hotels plus your one-way flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. We’ve got infant seats available if needed, and all vehicles are wheelchair accessible too! Meals as listed are included; just let us know about any dietary needs when booking.