16 Days Tanzania’s Bush 2 Paradise Journey of a Lifetime

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Tour Type

Wildlife Safari

Tour Duration

16 Days 15 Nights

Min. No of Pax

Tour Price

Budget On request

Mid-range On request

Luxury On request

The Price Includes

All airport transfers
Domestic flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
Accommodation as specified (Budget, Midrange, or Luxury options)
Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
All park entrance fees and conservation fees
Game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing
Services of an experienced, English-speaking guide
All cultural tours and activities mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled water during game drives and transfers
All government taxes and levies

The Price Excludes

International flights to and from Tanzania
Visa fees
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges and camps
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge/camp staff
Items of personal nature (e.g., souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
Any additional meals or snacks outside the provided meal plans
Any extension tours (e.g., Mafia Island or Pemba Island)

Tour Overview

Let’s go on a 16-day, 15-night Tanzanian adventure that seamlessly blends thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and idyllic island relaxation. This meticulously curated itinerary by Rugo Miles Africa, based in Arusha, Tanzania, offers an unparalleled exploration of the country’s most iconic destinations, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an all-encompassing Tanzanian experience. Your journey begins with a warm welcome in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. From there, you’ll delve into the rugged beauty of Tarangire National Park, where majestic elephants roam amid ancient baobabs.

The adventure continues with a visit to Lake Eyasi, home to the fascinating Hadzabe Tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer societies in Africa. As you move on, the lush landscapes of Lake Manyara and the vibrant cultural tapestry of Mto wa Mbu await. The highlight of your safari experience will be an extended exploration of the Serengeti, where you’ll witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Migration and encounter the Big Five in their natural habitat. After the thrill of the bush, you’ll fly to Zanzibar for six days of pure relaxation on its pristine beaches, with the option to extend your stay on the island or venture further to the remote and untouched paradises of Mafia Island or Pemba Island. This itinerary not only offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation but also ensures that every moment of your journey is steeped in luxury and personalized service, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day To Day

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport & Overnight in Arusha

Your Tanzanian journey begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide from Rugo Miles Africa. A comfortable transfer will take you to your chosen accommodation in Arusha, a bustling city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. Arusha is known as the safari capital of Tanzania and serves as the perfect starting point for your adventure. After settling in, you can choose to relax at your hotel or explore the city’s vibrant markets and cultural sites. Enjoy a delightful dinner as you prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Meal Plan: Dinner
Optional Activities: Visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, a guided nature walk, or a visit to a local Maasai market.

Accommodations

Ritzy Acardia Cottages
Forest Hill Hotel
Gran Melia Arusha

Day 2

Tarangire National Park

After an early breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania's lesser-known gems, yet brimming with wildlife and stunning landscapes. The park is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the seasonal Tarangire River, which attracts a diverse array of animals, especially during the dry season. Your game drives will take you through diverse habitats, from swamps to acacia woodlands, where you may spot lions, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. A picnic lunch within the park allows you to enjoy the wilderness to its fullest. As the sun sets, head to your nearby lodge for a relaxing evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Night game drive, guided walking safari, or visit to a Maasai village.

Accommodations

Moonbow Lodge
Farm Of Dreams Lodge
Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Day 3

Lake Eyasi & Hadzabe Tribe

This morning, journey to the remote shores of Lake Eyasi, a stunning soda lake located at the base of the Eyasi escarpment. Here, you’ll meet the Hadzabe people, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. Spend the day learning about their ancient way of life, including traditional hunting techniques, foraging for wild fruits, and crafting tools. This cultural experience is both humbling and fascinating, offering a rare glimpse into a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. In the late afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive back to your accommodation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Visit to the Datoga tribe, nature walks along the lakeshore, or bird watching excursions.

Accommodations

Lake Eyasi Safari Lodge
Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
Ziwani Lodge

Day 4

Lake Manyara & Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tour

After breakfast, head to Lake Manyara National Park, a small but diverse park that is a favorite among bird watchers and nature lovers. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and stunning views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. A half-day game drive will allow you to explore its diverse ecosystems, from the groundwater forests to the alkaline lake, where you can spot hippos, giraffes, and a variety of primates. After lunch, continue to the nearby village of Mto wa Mbu, where you’ll embark on a cultural tour. This vibrant community is a melting pot of cultures, with over 120 tribes represented. Your guided tour will take you through banana plantations, local markets, and traditional homesteads, offering an authentic taste of rural Tanzanian life.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Biking tour in Mto wa Mbu, visit to a local artist’s workshop, or canoeing on Lake Manyara.

Accommodations

Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Farm Of Dreams Lodge
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Luxury Lodge

Day 5

Drive to Central Serengeti (Seronera Area)

After Breakfast your safari adventure continues and reaches one of Africa’s most legendary wildlife destinations, Serengeti National Park. After breakfast, you will travel toward the central Serengeti, entering the park through its scenic gates and immediately beginning your first game drive en route.

The Seronera region is renowned for its permanent water sources, making it a wildlife hotspot throughout the year. During your afternoon game drive, you can expect sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and a wide variety of antelope species. The Seronera River also attracts large numbers of birds and predators.

As the sun sets over the endless plains, you will head to your accommodation for dinner and overnight, enjoying the sounds of the African wilderness.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Anantya Tented Camp
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 6

Full-Day Game Drive in Central Serengeti

Day 6 is dedicated to a full-day game drive in the heart of the Serengeti. After an early breakfast, you will set out to explore the vast open plains, rocky kopjes, and riverine areas that define this ecosystem.

The central Serengeti offers exceptional opportunities to observe big cats, especially lions lounging on kopjes or cheetahs scanning the plains for prey. Leopards are often spotted resting in acacia trees along riverbanks. Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles roam the plains, attracting predators throughout the day.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon safari. In the evening, return to your lodge or camp to relax, share stories around the campfire, and enjoy dinner under the star-filled African sky.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Anantya Tented Camp
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Serengeti Serena Lodge

Day 7

Serengeti Central to Northern Serengeti – Migration Tracking

After breakfast, you will begin your journey northward within the Serengeti, following the path of the Great Migration (seasonal). This drive offers a blend of game viewing and scenic exploration as the landscape gradually changes from open plains to rolling hills and woodlands.

The Northern Serengeti is famous for the dramatic migration river crossings at the Mara River, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters. Depending on the time of year, you may witness large herds gathering near the riverbanks, along with predators such as lions and hyenas closely following the migration.

You will enjoy lunch during the game drive and continue exploring the northern region before settling into your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Nyikani Migration Camp
Nyuki Migration Camp
Serengeti Mara River Camp

Day 8

Morning Safari in Serengeti & Optional Activities

Your final day in the Serengeti begins with an early morning game drive, the best time to witness predators in action as they hunt during the cooler hours. The soft morning light also provides excellent photography opportunities across the vast savannah.

For those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an optional hot air balloon safari is available. Floating silently above the plains at sunrise offers breathtaking aerial views of wildlife and the landscape, followed by a champagne bush breakfast. Other optional activities include a visit to the Serengeti Visitor Centre to learn about conservation efforts or a guided walking safari for a closer connection to nature.

After your final safari activities, you will return to your lodge or camp for brunch or lunch, concluding your unforgettable Serengeti experience.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Nyikani Migration Camp
Nyuki Migration Camp
Serengeti Mara River Camp

Day 9

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Today, you’ll depart the Serengeti and head to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Tanzania’s most iconic landmarks. The highlight of your visit will be a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater’s unique ecosystem supports a dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. Enjoy a full day of game viewing as you explore the crater floor, where you’ll also find hippos in the freshwater pools and flamingos on the soda lakes. A picnic lunch within the crater offers breathtaking views of this natural wonder. In the evening, ascend the crater rim to your accommodation, where you’ll enjoy dinner with a panoramic view of the surrounding highlands.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Visit to a Maasai village, guided walk along the crater rim, or a visit to the Olduvai Gorge.

Accommodations

Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Farm Of Dreams Lodge
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Luxury Lodge

Day 10

Drive to Arusha for Domestic Flight to Zanzibar

After breakfast in Karatu, you will depart by road for Arusha, passing through scenic highland landscapes and local villages. Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar, marking a seamless transition from Tanzania’s wildlife heartland to its tropical coastline.

The short flight offers aerial views of the Indian Ocean before landing on Zanzibar Island (Unguja). Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your selected beach resort. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax after your safari, stroll along powder-white beaches, or enjoy your first swim in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at your resort, sampling Zanzibar’s distinctive cuisine influenced by African, Arab, and Indian flavors.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Villa Kiva Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel
The Mora Zanzibar

Day 10 to 15

Exploring the Zanzibar Island's Culture, History & Beach Paradise.

Over the next five days, enjoy the perfect blend of Zanzibar’s rich culture, history, and tropical relaxation. Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its winding alleys, historic buildings, and landmarks such as the House of Wonders, Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace, and former slave market. Experience the island’s heritage further on a spice tour, discovering cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices that earned Zanzibar its name as the “Spice Island.”

Unwind on pristine white-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, or take part in snorkeling and scuba diving, especially around Mnemba Atoll, known for vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Optional excursions include a visit to Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkeys or a sunset dhow cruise along the Indian Ocean. Relaxed mornings, sunny days, and warm island evenings provide a perfect contrast to your safari adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Villa Kiva Zanzibar
Tembo House Hotel
The Mora Zanzibar

Day 16

Departure

On your final day in Zanzibar, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a relaxing swim before your transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. Although your Tanzanian adventure comes to an end today, the memories of this incredible journey, from the vast savannahs of the Serengeti to the white sands of Zanzibar, will stay with you forever. For those not quite ready to leave, there’s always the option to extend your stay in Zanzibar or explore the more secluded islands of Mafia and Pemba, known for their pristine marine environments and off-the-beaten-path charm.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Optional Extension: Extend your stay in Zanzibar, visit Mafia Island for whale shark diving, or explore the untouched beauty of Pemba Island.

At Rugo Miles Africa, every adventure is created with you in mind. Rather than following rigid schedules, we offer flexible itineraries that can be customized to match your interests, pace, and travel style. Our knowledgeable guides and travel experts work closely with you at every stage, designing a personalized journey that captures the true spirit of Rwanda. Your adventure, your story, your unforgettable experience.

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