Beach & Bush: The Ultimate 5-Day Safari Experience

From Game Drives to Golden Beaches

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a combination of beach relaxation and classic African safari. Begin your journey on the spice island of Zanzibar, enjoying the beach and culture. Then fly to Arusha for a 3-day adventure through Tarangire National Park, the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, and the lush Lake Manyara National Park. Expect an unforgettable mix of white sands, wildlife, and world-class scenery.

Trip Description

NB: Price is per person, based on double occupancy. Included - All accommodations mentioned in the itinerary - All activities listed - 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser (safari jeep) - Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary - Professional English-speaking guide - All park entrance fees - Applicable taxes and VAT - One-way flight from Zanzibar to Arusha Excluded - International flights - Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, souvenirs, visas) - Travel insurance and medical repatriation - Alcoholic beverages - Tips and gratuities for the guide and staff - Government-imposed increases in park fees or taxes Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar – Beach Relaxation Unwind upon arrival in Zanzibar with a peaceful beachside stay. Overnight: Zoi Retreat Zanzibar Hotel Meal Plan: Dinner Day 2: Zanzibar – Free Day (Own Activities) Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore, relax, or partake in optional excursions of your choice. Overnight: Zoi Retreat Zanzibar Hotel Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner Day 3: Zanzibar – Flight to Arusha – Tarangire National Park After your morning flight to Arusha, head straight into Tarangire National Park for your first safari game drive. Overnight: Lilac Elevate Inn Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater – Full-Day Game Drive Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a day of unparalleled wildlife viewing in one of Africa’s most iconic settings. Overnight: Lilac Elevate Inn Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park – Return to Arusha / Departure Wrap up your adventure with a visit to Lake Manyara before returning to Arusha for departure. Overnight: No accommodation Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation

DAY 1&2: Zoi Retreat Zanzibar Hotel DAY 3&4: Lilac Elevate Inn

Stay program

day 1:
Arrival in Zanzibar - Beach Relaxation
Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your beach resort. The rest of the day is yours to relax after your travels. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the white sandy beaches, take a swim in the turquoise waters, or explore the resort. Zanzibar offers warm hospitality, tropical breezes, and views that stretch endlessly across the Indian Ocean.
day 2:
Zanzibar - Free Day (Own Activities)
Today is a full free day to explore Zanzibar. You may choose to relax on the beach, go snorkeling, take a Stone Town tour, explore a spice farm, or enjoy a sunset dhow cruise. The island is rich in history, culture, and marine life. Optional activities can include visiting Prison Island, Jozani Forest (home of the Red Colobus monkey), or diving in Mnemba Atoll.
day 3:
Zanzibar - Fly to Arusha - Tarangire National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Arusha. Upon arrival, your safari guide will pick you up and drive directly to Tarangire National Park (approx. 2 hrs). Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds, massive baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which attracts a wide range of animals during the dry season. Game drive through savannahs dotted with acacia trees, and see giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, lions, and a variety of birdlife. In the late afternoon, drive to your lodge in the Karatu area for dinner and overnight.
day 4:
Ngorongoro Crater - Full Day Game Drive
After breakfast, descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most incredible wildlife areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This collapsed volcano creates a natural enclosure for thousands of animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, hippos, and flamingos. The crater floor is a mix of savannah, forest, and lakes — creating a unique ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool, then continue your game drive before ascending and returning to Karatu for the night.
day 5:
Lake Manyara National Park - Return to Arusha/ Departure
After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park for a half-day game drive. This lush park is known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and scenic beauty with a mix of groundwater forest, open plains, and the alkaline lake. Spot elephants, monkeys, hippos, and a wide variety of bird species. After your game drive, enjoy lunch, then begin your return to Arusha or head to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight.