AFRICA TC JOURNEYS
Bush to Beach: A Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Adventure
9 days | Family of 3
Trip highlights
- Marvel at the unique meeting of bush and beach in Saadani National Park, where you may be lucky enough to glimpse majestic elephants roaming salt flats just steps from the sea.
- Float down the Wami River on a thrilling boat safari, looking out for hippos submerged in the water and colourful birdlife overhead.
- Connect with conservation at Simply Saadani Camp, which supports ongoing marine turtle research and contributes to the region’s pioneering lion monitoring efforts.
- Relax on the palm-fringed sands of Nungwi’s heavenly coast, then drift across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean aboard a traditional dhow.
- Uncover Zanzibar's rich history on a guided tour of Stone Town's spice-scented alleyways.
This family adventure is a tale of two Tanzanias, blending raw wilderness with tranquil island life. You’ll journey from the untamed coast of Saadani National Park, a rare landscape where safari meets the sea, to the idyllic shores of Zanzibar. Expect exhilarating game drives and river excursions followed by days of relaxation, cultural discovery, and the simple pleasure of sinking your toes into powder-soft sand. It’s the perfect mix of excitement and escapism.
Day 1: Dar es Salaam
Your Tanzanian story begins in bustling Dar es Salaam, where you’ll check into the Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant. Set north of the city, its tropical, palm-shaded gardens and rustic cottage-style rooms offer a welcome and relaxing start to your holiday. Enjoy an evening settling in, perhaps savouring the hotel's renowned Italian-inspired cuisine.
The hotel’s position provides a strategic head start for tomorrow's journey, allowing you to bypass much of the city's traffic as you head north to experience the wonders of Saadani National Park.
Days 2-3: Saadani National Park
After breakfast, your adventure continues to a place where the wild meets the waves. At Saadani National Park, a remarkable mix of wildlife thrives in a rare coastal mosaic: elephants roam salt flats, birds glide over mangroves, and giraffes stride gracefully across the sun-drenched savannah.
Your home for four nights is Simply Saadani Camp, an eco-lodge located on a former coconut plantation. Stay in a raised banda suite overlooking the azure ocean and enjoy privileged access to the camp's private beach, where wild baboons sometimes play and the ocean breeze rustles gently through the coconut palms.
Days 4-5: Saadani National Park
The next two days offer deeper immersion into the national park’s unique ecosystem. Embark on exciting game drives in search of Tanzania’s magnificent creatures, or set out on a boat trip along the Wami River to encounter pods of hippos. Glide through lush creeks on a guided canoe ride, then visit a local fishing village to experience community life.
Relish the chance to gain insight into vital conservation efforts at a research centre supported by the camp, which spotlights the region’s rare coastal wildlife and ongoing habitat protection. Learn about the green turtle initiative, now in its 20th year, and hear fascinating stories from researchers involved in a trailblazing lion project.
Days 6-7: Nungwi Coast
A short flight takes you to the exotic island paradise of Nungwi. Here, you’ll check into The Zanzibari Boutique Hotel for four nights of coastal bliss. This relaxed and intimate hotel is set on a low coral cliff, giving you gorgeous sea views and an unparalleled sense of privacy. Unwind by the oceanfront pool, or indulge in a rejuvenating massage at the seafront spa.
A guided tour of Stone Town is a must, where you can wander through historic streets and breathe in the fragrant air of the spice markets. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cultural heart of Zanzibar is a living tapestry of Swahili coastal heritage, reflecting a fusion of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences over a millennium.
Days 8-9: Nungwi Coast
Spend your final days enjoying quality family time, reflecting on memories of an unforgettable journey. Each evening is a culinary event, with a changing four-course dinner menu and delightful entertainment from local singers, dancers, and acrobats on select nights.
If the mood takes you, leave the serenity of your sunbed to visit the nearby turtle sanctuary or fishing village. Don’t miss the magic of a traditional dhow cruise during golden hour, as the evening sky blooms with colour before the sun melts slowly into the Indian Ocean, providing a spectacular finale to your holiday.
