Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar: How to Combine Safari and Beach

A Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday is one of the most popular travel combinations in East Africa. It allows travelers to experience Tanzania’s wildlife in national parks such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro, then relax on the beaches of Zanzibar. This guide explains how the combination works, how many days you need, costs, and what to expect when planning a safari and beach trip.

What a Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Trip Involves

This type of trip is usually split into two parts:

A wildlife safari in the mainland of Tanzania
A beach stay in Zanzibar

The safari part focuses on game drives in national parks, while Zanzibar offers beach relaxation, cultural visits, and optional water activities. The two experiences complement each other well and can be arranged smoothly within one itinerary.

Best Safari Parks to Combine with Zanzibar

Many travelers choose safari parks in Northern Tanzania because of established routes and the ability to combine multiple parks in one itinerary. Popular choices include:

Serengeti National Park – known for vast landscapes, year-round wildlife, and the Great Migration
Ngorongoro Crater – high concentration of animals in a compact area
Tarangire National Park – large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees
Lake Manyara National Park – forest scenery, birdlife, and varied habitats

These parks are often combined with Zanzibar, either by flying directly from northern Tanzania or by first returning to Arusha before continuing the journey.

However, Northern Tanzania is not the only option. Some travelers prefer Southern Tanzania, especially those looking for shorter travel times or road-based safaris. Parks such as Mikumi National Park and Nyerere National Park (Selous) can be reached by road from Dar es Salaam and are commonly combined with Zanzibar without internal flights. This option appeals to travelers who want fewer logistics, lower costs, or a less crowded safari experience.

How Many Days You Need for Safari and Zanzibar

The number of days depends on travel style and budget.

Typical trip lengths:

3–7 days: Short safari (2–4 days) + Zanzibar (1–3 nights)
8–10 days: Balanced safari (4–6 days) + Zanzibar (3–5 nights)
11–15 days: Full safari circuit + extended Zanzibar stay

Most travelers prefer to do the safari first and Zanzibar last, ending the trip in a relaxed setting.

Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Itinerary Examples

8-Day Safari + Zanzibar

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Day 2–4: Safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti
Day 5: Fly to Zanzibar
Day 6–7: Zanzibar beach stay
Day 8: Departure

12-Day Safari + Zanzibar

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Day 2–6: Safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar
Day 8–11: Zanzibar beach stay
Day 12: Departure

These itineraries can be adjusted based on interests and travel dates.

Cost of Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holidays

Costs vary depending on safari style, accommodation level, and season.

Approximate cost ranges:

Mid-range: USD 2,500–4,000 per person
Private/luxury: USD 4,500+ per person

Costs usually include:

Safari vehicle and guide
Park fees
Safari accommodation
Domestic flight to Zanzibar

Zanzibar costs depend on:

Hotel type
Beach location
Length of stay

Best Time for Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

The best travel time depends on weather and wildlife:

June to October: Best safari conditions, dry weather, popular season
January to March: Good wildlife, warmer Zanzibar weather
April to May: Rainy season, fewer visitors, lower prices

Zanzibar is warm year-round, but heavy rains in April and May can affect beach activities.

Zanzibar Beach Options After Safari

The island offers different beach areas:

Nungwi & Kendwa: Popular beaches, calm water
Paje & Jambiani: Quieter, good for relaxation and kitesurfing
Stone Town: Cultural and historical visits

Your choice depends on whether you want relaxation, activities, or a mix.

Is a Tanzania Safari combined with a Zanzibar Trip Right for You?

This combination is ideal for:

First-time visitors to Tanzania
Honeymoon travelers
Couples and families
Travelers wanting both adventure and relaxation

It may not suit travelers looking for only wildlife or only beach holidays.

Planning Advice

When planning a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday:

Book flights and safari early in peak seasons
Choose safari parks based on travel time and interests
Allow enough days in Zanzibar to relax after the safari

If you want help planning a safari and Zanzibar itinerary that fits your travel dates and budget, you can contact our team for practical guidance.