Tanzania safari and beach
See all the spectacular wildlife Africa has to offer
Visit Tanzania’s most celebrated national parks and get a truly authentic experience of wild Africa. On this trip, you will delve into the Serengeti ecosystem, Masai Mara Game Park and Ruaha National Park for the journey of a lifetime. To finish it off, you will take sanctuary at the Pongwe Resort, where you can bask on its white-sand beaches alongside glistening warm waters that teem with wildlife just waiting to be discovered.
Key information
| Destinations | Serengeti, Zanzibar, Arusha, Ruaha National Park |
|---|---|
| Activity | Safari, Luxury, Beach, Nature & Wildlife |
| Physical Level | Mild |
 Season |
January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Explore colonial Arusha
Day 1 in Arusha
Your guide will meet you on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to Rivertree Country Inn in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. Located at an altitude of 1,400 metres, you will spend your first night acclimatising in this splendid German-built town that was once the colonial administrative centre. With Mount Meru in its backdrop, Arusha is a scenic and bustling town to stroll around. Or perhaps you would like to go canoeing on the lake and admire the rich birdlife on offer before going back to your hotel for a relaxing massage.
Don't miss
Take a cultural tour with the Masai or Meru peoples
Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional village, witnessing daily life and learning more about the lives and history of these semi-nomadic people.
Witness the great migration in the Serengeti
Day 2–4 in Serengeti
Your escort will transfer you from Arusha to the Chaka Camp in the spectacular Serengeti. You will be welcomed by endless grass plains and acacia trees, amongst which you might already glimpse a sighting of lions, elephants, giraffes or gazelles, amongst the huge diversity of wildlife that inhabit this rich landscape. The location of the small, semi-permanent Chaka Camp depends on the time of year you visit, moving between Ndutu and the Northern Serengeti. The camp follows the annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti, which is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet, involving more than a million of the powerful animals teeming through the wilderness.
Visit East Africa's largest national park
Day 5–7 in Ruaha National Park
Next, you will be taken to East Africa’s largest national park, which offers a huge diversity of game from southern and eastern Africa. As Tanzania’s biggest elephant haven, you’re likely to see these majestic beasts amongst other wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos languishing in the Great Ruaha River, and buffalos roaming the hills and escarpments. You can also look out for a wealth of bird species, including kingfishers, egrets, hornbills, sunbirds and plovers. Your resting place for the two nights will be in a spacious Meru-style walk-in tent at Mdonya Old River Camp. There you can enjoy creature comforts amidst your wild surroundings.
Relax on white-sand beaches of Pongwe Island Resort
Day 8–10 in Zanzibar
From Ruaha National Park, you will be escorted to the stunning Pongwe island resort where you can relax on serene white-sand beaches. Perhaps you would like to place a hammock between a couple of the palms that scatter the coastline and keep an eye out for dolphins in the distance. The crystal waters of the nearby Mnemba Atoll will invite you to snorkel in an underwater paradise, after which you can enjoy a fishing trip on board a traditional dhow boat. Your stay at Pongwe Beach Hotel will offer the perfect luxury to complete your trip in style.
Don't miss
Immerse yourself in Zanzibari culture at Darajani Market
Zanzibar’s premier market is a hive of activity, offering everything from nose-tingling fresh spices and iced fish to the latest mobile phone. Head here for a taste of daily life in Zanzibar.
Explore the stunning architecture of Stone Town
Zanzibar’s Stone Island is a tangle of narrow streets, overhanging balconies and building battered by ocean winds. Marvel at its architectural flair, from spikes designed to fend off elephants to lavish Arab-style mansions.
Departure
Day 11 in Dar es Salaam
After your final night at the luxurious Pongwe, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. No doubt the fantastic memories etched into your mind will bring you back to Tanzania one day.
Where to stay
Deluxe Safari Lodge
Asilia Sayari Mara Camp
Sayari is one of the best camps in the north of the Serengeti. It is a beautifully stylish and well furnished camp that combines luxury with a fantastic point for game viewing. The food is impressive and the all round service is of a very high standard. The north of the Serengeti offers a very private experience. It’s a once in a life time opportunity to see the great migration without huge numbers of other vehicles ruining your picture!
Superior Tented Camp
Lake Manze Tented Camp
The Lake Manze area is one of the richest for game in the entire Selous, both in the dry and wet seasons. There is a cool and shady thatched lodge with a dining area and a sitting area, overlooking the lake. The camp maintains simplicity – there are no extra frills here and the purposeful lack of electricity in camp makes for a charming old world safari experience. It is certainly exciting; you do feel like you are out in the wilderness. This feeling is enhanced by the camp's position on the floodplain of Lake Manze. Renowned for its excellent resident game, the camp is right next to an elephant walkway, who love the Doum Palm trees!
Superior Tented Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp
Nomad are one of the longest running safari companies in Tanzania with camps and lodges in every corner of the country. We love the Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp as it is a mobile camp following the migration inside the Serengeti National Park, with private vehicles and some excellent guiding. Out of all the mobile operators Nomad earns extra respect for following the migration with every move, not just in peak tourist season.
Superior Tented Camp
Asilia Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is a must to any cheetah enthusiast. The cheetah numbers here are vast and there’s plenty of everything else too. Being owned by Asilia, Namiri Plains will most certainly deliver a world class safari experience. It’s not often that new areas open up in the Serengeti so we highly recommend a stay here.
Superior Tented Camp
Kigelia Camp
Kigelia is the least commercial product in Ruaha and offers a unique product. Owned and run by Nomad, this eco focused camp blends in extremely well with its environment, aided by very good guides and a great camp character. Although it is rather basic in design, the high quality is obvious throughout your stay. It is a top choice for a Ruaha safari.
Superior Safari Lodge
Ikuka Safari Camp
Ikuka, in Ruaha really stands out from the others in the park as it only has 6 bandas and sits perched on an incredible escarpment with the best views of Ruaha National Park. Behind all great lodges are great people; Mark who was born and brought up in the Ruaha area and is the chap behind all the guiding and walking safaris. Expect an intimate, relaxed and luxurious safari here with great views and top guiding.
Deluxe Tented Camp
Kirurumu Camp
Kirurumu is made up of two camps. One in the central region and is a more permanent camp located towards the central regions of the Serengeti. The second camp is a mobile camp that moves two times a year to ensure its guests are very well placed to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Both camps offer an authentic and intimate bush experience in the middle of remarkable areas of the Serengeti’s pristine wilderness.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from $9,531pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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This tour is operated by
Tanzania Odyssey
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