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Bush and Beach Safari: Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar

Duration
12 days
Price from
£4,275 pp.
Location
Tanzania, Africa
Ikuka safari lodge

Trip Highlights

  • Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar
  • Incredible safari adventure in Ruaha NP
  • Some of the world's best birdwatching

What's Included

  • All transfers and guides
  • Park fees
  • Domestic flights

The ultimate safari and beach trip

Get off the beaten path in some of Tanzania's wildest, least-visited parks, then float away to the laid-back luxury of Zanzibar’s paradise beaches.

This itinerary is a real treat, offering the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation – ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends. If you’re seeking the thrill of a safari combined with the ultimate beach escape, this is the trip for you.

Our Tanzania specialist, Ottilie, says:

“This trip is the perfect blend of raw, authentic safari and laid-back luxury. Ruaha offers an off-the-beaten-path experience where you’ll feel like the only ones there, surrounded by incredible wildlife. Then, Zanzibar feels like paradise – rich in history, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking to relax, this itinerary has something for everyone. It’s truly special and offers the best of both worlds: adventure and relaxation.”

Your adventure begins in one of Tanzania’s most untouched wilderness areas, where you’ll encounter abundant wildlife on an off-the-beaten-path safari. Ruaha National Park, less visited than the more famous northern parks, offers an authentic, wild experience. Get up close to Africa’s magnificent wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rare species, all set within a peaceful, remote environment.

After your safari, you’ll head to Zanzibar, where the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean await. Known as the "Spice Island," Zanzibar is a jewel in East Africa’s coastal crown, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore lush plantations filled with the aromas of cloves, vanilla, and nutmeg, and wander through Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with winding alleys, historic buildings, and a unique cultural blend. Enjoy the lively markets, fresh seafood, or simply unwind on Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches. With its perfect mix of culture and nature, Zanzibar offers the ultimate escape.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Ruaha National Park

Staying at Ikuka Safari Lodge

On arrival in to Dar El Salaam, you will transfer to the domestic terminal for your flight to the Ruaha National Park. The flight is just under 3 hours and it beautifully scenic as you fly into the depths of Tanzania. As you touch down at the Jongomero private air strip you will be you will be greeted by your guide and driven to camp in time for a traditional safari lunch.

Your home for the next four nights is Ikuka Safari Lodge where you will check into one of the six luxury tents. This secluded and very well-equipped camp provides the perfect base in between game drives, relax in the lounge or by the pool – but watch out for the thirsty elephants!

Once you have settled in and explored camp, you will set out of your first game drive in the Ruaha before returning to camp for a private dinner and a comfy night’s sleep, dozing off listening to the sounds of the bush.

Days 2-4 Safari Days in Ruaha

Tanzania 3

Each evening you will discuss the next day’s activities with the camp managers, making plans for walking or driving safaris and deciding when and where to have lunch.

The Ruaha National Park is often overlooked by many safari goers which means that it is certainly one of the quieter parks to visit. It boasts a very impressive big cat population as well as vast herds of elephants and big packs of wild dogs. The Ruaha is also a great destination for birders, with over 500 species of bird already on record here. There are very few places in Tanzania that offer this exclusive and rewarding experience.

After each day’s activities, retire to camp to relax and indulge in the delicious food and drink available.

Days 5 - 10 Zanzibar Queen

Today it’s time to move on to your second, very different location, Zanzibar! After breakfast you will return to the airstrip for a short flight to Zanzibar. You will be greeted at the airport and taken to Zanzibar Queen, where you will spend the next six nights in an ocean view room. The beachfront location on Matemwe (one of the best coral beaches around) is a massive draw for the Zanzibar Queen Hotel, as well as its close proximity to Mnemba which attracts amateur and professional divers.

Day 11 Zanzibar Palace Hotel

12 Home Time

Ottilie
Speak to an expert
Ottilie

Plan your perfect bush and beach holiday in Tanzania

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Duration

12 days

Location

Tanzania, Africa

Price from

£4,275 pp.

Price Includes

  • All guides and transfers
  • Domestic flights
  • Accommodation and meals as listed

Price Excludes

  • International flights
  • Single supplements
  • Any meals, activities or fees not listed as included

Price is based on two people sharing and excluding international flights.

Accommodations as follows:

  • 4 nights at Ikuka Safari Camp, all-inclusive
  • 6 nights at Zanzibar Queen, half board
  • 1 night at Zanzibar Palace Hotel in Stone Town, breakfast included.
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When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.

February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.

March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.

April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.

July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.

August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.

September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.

October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.

November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.

December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.

Plan with an expert Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

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