Bush to Beach - Northern Route
Where in the world can you combine world-class safaris, with visiting tribal villages, hiking in lush mountains and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean into one epic trip? The bush-to-beach Tanzania safari is the ultimate one-way road trip and righteously our most popular. Start in Arusha and hand over your car in Dar es Salaam (or vice versa).
This itinerary is ideal for those looking to combine the classic safari experience with mountain scenery, culture, and a beach road trip, away from the crowds and resorts. It's also a great itinerary for family holidays, because of the variation. The Usambaras and Swahili coasts are not touristy and easy to explore on a budget. We recommend a minimum of 16- 22 days / 15-21 car rental days to follow this route.
Scroll down below to see the day-to-day itinerary for this suggested road trip, including distances and driving times.
Check the day to day itinerary
What to expect on your Bush to Beach safari in Tanzania
Travel time and road conditions
A minimum of 16- 22 days / 15-21 car rental days are recommended to follow this route.
Time is not on your side? Skip the Northern Usambara's (3 days), and/ or Tanga (2 days) and/ or the additional day in Tarangire and USA River/ Kilimanjaro area - and safe up to 7 days.
Less is more when building a good itinerary, so better to skip destinations than try to squeeze the number of nights at one location. At least spend 2 nights at a location to have time to undertake non-car-based activities, to enjoy your hotel (some lodges are a destination in their own right), and to factor in time for the unexpected - especially on a self-drive rental.
All the primary roads connecting Arusha to Ngorongoro in the west, to Moshi and Kilimanjaro in the east and to Lushoto in the far east are tarmacked. You can expect a lot of speed bumps and the occasional pothole. Only the coastal road in Tanzania is in a poor state.
Limited budget or don't like driving a manual? When you skip the Serengeti you can follow this route with a RAV4.
How to compose your beach roadtrip
When doing a one-way Bush to Beach road trip, there are many ways how to compose your beach days and end your trip.
We are personally a big fan of doing a road trip along the coast, instead of flying from Arusha to Zanzibar. Zanzibar is beautiful, but has become very touristy and turned into a resort-like destination. The Tanzania coastline is untouched, which is a rarity nowadays. Prices are very low, it's authentic and quiet with a handful of nice, small-scale lodges and campsites.
If you like doing a coastal road trip and handing over your car in Dar, we recommend 2-3- nights Tanga (Fish Eagle), Pangani (2-3 nights) Bagamoyo ( 1 night) and Dar es Salaam.
Alternatively, you can consider ending your rental at Tanga, from where you take a ferry to Pemba Island. Or you take a speedboat from Pangani to Zanzibar ( arrange with Emanyani Beach Lodge) or you catch a ferry or airplane from Dar to Zanzibar.
Prices
Landcruiser rental
Low season (March-May + Nov): from € 2713 / vehicle
Regular season: from € 3153 / vehicle
Peak season (July + Augustus, 20 Dec - 5 January): from € 3373 / vehicle
Price includes a 21-day Landcruiser rental, excess fee to cover for the one-way drop off in Dar Salaam, unlimited mileage, 24/7 backup support, accommodation tips and Ngorongoro reservation quote.
Fuel is at your own expense.
Like to discover the Bush to Beach with the company of a driver-guide? Add € 840 to your total trip amount.
Toyota RAV rental
Peak season (July + Augustus, 20 Dec - 5 January): from € 1833 / vehicle
Rest of year: from € 1613 / vehicle
Price includes a 21-day RAV4 rental, excess fee to cover for the one-way drop off in Dar Salaam, unlimited mileage, 24/7 backup support, accommodation tips and Ngorongoro reservation quote.
Fuel is at your own expense. Note you can't explore the Serengeti in a RAV4, a Landcruiser is required. We don't facilitate car swops when only visiting the Serengeti.
Like to discover the Bush to Beach with the company of a driver-guide? Add € 840 to your total trip amount.
Create & Book
From safari in the Serengeti to the Swahili Coast - make this road trip yours. Hire a 4x4 rental car in Tanzania and Drive Your Own Adventure.
Reserve your roadtrip car
Included
- Car delivery to your hotel or airport
- Comprehensive car insurance
- Roadmap and Bradt Travel Guide
Optional
- Electrical fridge
- Driver-Guide
- Camping gear