Tanzania Safari Specialists Local experts Reviews

Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Safari & Beach Packages

Combine an unforgettable Tanzania safari with a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday. Spend your days looking for elephants, lions and other wildlife in Tanzania's national parks, then slow down on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches, explore Stone Town or enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Our private Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages can be arranged from 5 to 14+ days, depending on how much time you have and what you want to see. Choose a classic Northern Circuit safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro, explore the quieter Southern Circuit, or start your safari directly from Zanzibar.

Every itinerary can be adjusted around your travel dates, budget, accommodation preference and interests. Whether you want more time in the national parks, a slower safari pace, or several relaxing days on the beach, we can tailor the trip around your plans.

Popular with: couples, honeymooners, families, first-time visitors and travelers who want both wildlife and beach time.

Private safari  •  Local guide  •  4x4 safari vehicle  •  Flexible itineraries  •  Zanzibar beach stays

Safari & Beach Combination

Why Combine a Tanzania Safari With Zanzibar?

A safari and Zanzibar holiday gives you two very different sides of Tanzania in one trip. You can spend part of the journey in the wilderness and then slow down on the Indian Ocean coast.

01

Wildlife Adventure + Beach Relaxation

Start with game drives, wildlife and open landscapes, then move to Zanzibar for beaches, warm water and a slower pace. The contrast makes the two parts of the holiday complement each other.

02

Convenient Safari-to-Zanzibar Connections

Domestic flights can connect Zanzibar with safari areas on the mainland, making it possible to combine the two without adding a long overland journey to your holiday.

03

One Holiday, Two Experiences

Instead of choosing between a wildlife trip and a beach holiday, you can combine both. The route can be arranged around your available time, safari interests and Zanzibar stay.

Planning the combination? Our detailed guide explains how to combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar, including practical route ideas and different ways to divide your time between the mainland and the island. Read the Zanzibar Beach & Safari Combination Guide .

Choose Your Safari Route

Northern Tanzania or Southern Tanzania + Zanzibar?

There is no single best safari route for everyone. The right choice depends on the wildlife you want to see, how much time you have and whether you prefer the classic Northern Circuit or a quieter Southern Tanzania safari before relaxing in Zanzibar.

Northern Circuit

Northern Tanzania + Zanzibar

Best for first-time visitors and classic wildlife experiences

A Northern Circuit safari is the classic choice if seeing Tanzania's most famous wildlife destinations is your priority. The route can combine several of the country's best-known parks before continuing to Zanzibar.

  • Tarangire National Park
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Lake Manyara National Park
Southern Circuit

Southern Tanzania + Zanzibar

Best for fewer crowds and a different safari experience

Southern Tanzania offers a different atmosphere from the Northern Circuit. Nyerere and Mikumi are especially practical for travelers connecting from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, while Ruaha can be added when you have more time.

  • Nyerere National Park
  • Mikumi National Park
  • Ruaha National Park for longer trips
  • Game drives combined with boat or other wildlife experiences

Safari From Zanzibar

If your holiday begins on Zanzibar, you do not necessarily need to travel to Arusha first. Depending on your available time, you can fly from Zanzibar to safari destinations such as Nyerere, Mikumi or other mainland parks and return to the island afterwards.

Read the complete Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar guide
Which route is right for you? Choose Northern Tanzania if your priority is the classic safari experience, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and the possibility of planning around the Great Migration. Choose Southern Tanzania if you prefer a quieter safari, easier connections from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, and destinations such as Nyerere and Mikumi. Your route can also be combined with Zanzibar before or after the safari depending on your flights and preferred travel style.

Not sure which route fits your trip? See our Tanzania Safari planning guide .

Signature Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday

11-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Itinerary

Experience Tanzania's best-known northern safari destinations before ending your journey with relaxing beach days on Zanzibar. This 11-day route combines wildlife, landscapes, cultural experiences and the Indian Ocean in one carefully planned holiday.

Route: Kilimanjaro / Arusha → Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Zanzibar
11-Day Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary
11 Days / 10 Nights
  • Day 01
    Arrival in Tanzania – Meet your private driver or safari guide at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Arusha. The first evening is kept relaxed so you can recover from your international flight and prepare for the safari. Overnight: Arusha | Meals: Depending on arrival time
  • Day 02
    Tarangire National Park – After breakfast, travel from Arusha towards Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive. Explore landscapes known for large elephant populations, ancient baobab trees and wildlife gathering around the Tarangire River during the dry season. Overnight: Tarangire / Karatu area | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Day 03
    Tarangire to Serengeti – After breakfast, continue towards Serengeti National Park. As the landscape changes to the vast Serengeti plains, your guide can make wildlife stops along the route and begin game viewing as you enter the park. Overnight: Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Day 04
    Full-Day Serengeti Safari – Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with your private safari guide. Wildlife locations are selected according to recent sightings, weather, water availability and the season. Possible sightings include lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, cheetahs and other plains wildlife. Overnight: Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Day 05
    Second Full Day in Serengeti – Continue exploring different areas of the Serengeti with another full day of game viewing. Spending multiple nights in the park gives you more time to explore rather than treating Serengeti as a short stop between destinations. During the Great Migration season, the route can be adjusted around the seasonal movement of the herds. Overnight: Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Day 06
    Serengeti to Ngorongoro – Enjoy a morning game drive before leaving Serengeti and travelling towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey provides a changing landscape as the open Serengeti plains give way to the highlands surrounding the crater. Overnight: Karatu / Ngorongoro area | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Day 07
    Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive through one of Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife areas. The crater floor supports a high concentration of wildlife, with possible sightings including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest and black rhino. After the crater experience, continue to your accommodation. Overnight: Karatu / Ngorongoro area | Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Day 08
    Northern Tanzania to Zanzibar – After breakfast, transfer towards the airport for your domestic flight to Zanzibar. On arrival, meet your Zanzibar transfer and continue to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach or exploring the surrounding area. Overnight: Zanzibar | Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 09
    Zanzibar Beach Day – Enjoy a free day on Zanzibar. Relax on the beach or choose an optional experience such as snorkeling, a dhow cruise, a spice tour or a visit to Stone Town. Activities can be arranged in advance or the day can remain completely open. Overnight: Zanzibar | Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 10
    Explore Zanzibar – Enjoy another relaxed day on the island. Depending on your interests, spend time swimming and snorkeling, visit Stone Town, explore a spice farm or enjoy a sunset dhow cruise. Private and quieter experiences can also be arranged for couples and honeymooners. Overnight: Zanzibar | Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 11
    Zanzibar Departure – Enjoy your final breakfast before your transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. If your international flight departs later in the day, additional activities or a later hotel check-out may be arranged where available. Meals: Breakfast

This itinerary is a flexible sample. The route, accommodation, safari areas, Zanzibar location and number of beach nights can be adjusted according to your travel dates, international flight schedule, preferred travel style and budget.

For more information about the crater experience, see our Ngorongoro Crater guide .

Seasonal Safari Planner

Best Time for a Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Holiday

Tanzania and Zanzibar can be visited throughout much of the year, but each season offers a different combination of wildlife viewing, weather, visitor numbers and travel value. Your ideal travel period depends on what you most want to experience during the safari and beach part of your holiday.

For a more detailed month-by-month comparison, see our Tanzania Safari and Beach Best Time Guide .

June to October
Classic Safari Season
Popular Safari Period

June to October is one of the most popular periods for a Tanzania safari. The weather is generally drier, and wildlife can be easier to spot in many areas. If seeing the Great Migration is important, your safari route should be planned around where the herds are expected to be during your travel dates.

Zanzibar is also attractive during these months, making this a popular time to combine a wildlife safari with a beach holiday on the Indian Ocean.

Drier weather Wildlife viewing Great Migration planning Zanzibar beaches
December to February
Calving Season
Wildlife & Photography

December to February can be particularly interesting for travelers interested in the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area. The concentration of young animals can also create opportunities to see increased predator activity.

These months can be excellent for photography, while Zanzibar provides warm beach weather for the second half of a safari and beach itinerary.

Southern Serengeti Ndutu Wildebeest calving Predator activity
March to May
Green Season
Quieter Travel

The long rains bring greener landscapes and generally fewer visitors. Some properties may offer lower rates during this period, although availability and road conditions can vary by destination.

If you prefer quieter parks and potentially better value, the green season can be worth considering. Your itinerary can be planned around destinations and accommodation options that operate during this period.

Green landscapes Fewer visitors Potentially lower rates Quieter safari

Plan Your Safari

Plan Your Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday

The right safari length and budget depend on your route, travel dates, accommodation and how much time you want to spend in Zanzibar. Use the options below as a starting point, then request a trip built around your plans .

How Many Days Do You Need?

A short safari works well when time is limited, while a longer trip gives you more time for wildlife and a few relaxed days in Zanzibar.

5–7 Days — Short Safari & Zanzibar

Allow around 2–4 safari days and 2–3 nights in Zanzibar. Mikumi and Nyerere are practical choices for a shorter combination.

8–10 Days — Classic Safari & Zanzibar

A good balance for first-time visitors, with around 4–6 safari days followed by 3–4 nights in Zanzibar.

11–12 Days — More Time for Wildlife

Allow around 6–8 safari days and 3–5 nights in Zanzibar. This gives you more flexibility for Serengeti and other major wildlife areas.

13–14+ Days — Slower and More Flexible

A good choice for travelers who want several parks, more time in Serengeti, a Southern Tanzania extension or a longer Zanzibar stay.

See the Great Migration in Tanzania and why spending more time on safari can make a difference when wildlife is your priority.

How Much Does a Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday Cost?

Prices vary considerably depending on the standard of accommodation, safari route, season, group size and whether you use domestic flights. These figures give you a useful starting point before we prepare an itinerary for your dates.

Budget
Budget Safari & Zanzibar
$180–$250 per person, per safari day

Usually based on camping or simple safari accommodation together with affordable hotels or guesthouses in Zanzibar.

Most Popular
Mid-Range Safari & Zanzibar
$280–$450 per person, per safari day

Comfortable lodges or tented camps with good Zanzibar hotels. This is often the preferred balance between comfort and cost.

Premium
Luxury & Fly-In Safari
$500–$900+ per person, per safari day

Premium camps and lodges, private transfers and domestic flights where they make sense, followed by a higher-end Zanzibar stay.

What Changes the Price?

Two travelers can choose a similar safari and still receive different prices. The main differences usually come from:

  • Number of travelers: a private vehicle is shared between the people in your group.
  • Safari route: Serengeti and Ngorongoro generally cost more than shorter Southern Tanzania routes such as Mikumi.
  • Accommodation: camps, lodges and Zanzibar hotels cover a wide range of prices.
  • Season: rates and availability can change during busy travel periods.
  • Flights: flying between the mainland and Zanzibar saves time but adds to the overall cost.
  • Length of stay: additional safari and Zanzibar nights increase the total price.

Want a More Detailed Cost Breakdown?

Our Tanzania safari costs guide explains park fees, accommodation, safari vehicles, flights and the differences between budget, mid-range and luxury safaris.

Read the Tanzania Safari Costs Guide

Your safari does not have to follow a fixed package. We can adjust the parks, number of safari nights, accommodation, flights and Zanzibar stay around your travel dates and budget. If you are starting on the island, see our Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar guide .

Want an Exact Price for Your Trip?

Send us your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred safari route and accommodation level. We will put together a practical Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itinerary and give you a clear quotation.

Get a Free Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Quote

Ready to Plan Your Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday?

Tell us your travel dates, number of days and preferred safari route. We can help you choose between Northern or Southern Tanzania and create a safari and Zanzibar itinerary around your time and budget.

Request Your Free Safari Quote →

Getting Between Safari & Zanzibar

How Do You Get From a Tanzania Safari to Zanzibar?

The best way to travel from a Tanzania safari to Zanzibar depends on where your safari ends, how much time you have and how your itinerary is arranged. Northern Tanzania, Southern Tanzania and safaris ending in Dar es Salaam can each use different connections.

01 Northern Circuit

Northern Tanzania to Zanzibar

After a safari in destinations such as Serengeti or Ngorongoro, a domestic flight is generally the most practical way to continue to Zanzibar. It avoids a long overland journey and allows you to move from the safari portion of your holiday to the beach without losing unnecessary travel time.

02 Southern Tanzania

Southern Tanzania to Zanzibar

Safaris in Nyerere, Mikumi and other Southern Tanzania destinations can be arranged with different transport combinations. Depending on the itinerary, a domestic flight, road transfer or an SGR connection through Dar es Salaam may be suitable.

03 Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

If your safari finishes in or near Dar es Salaam, you can continue to Zanzibar by domestic flight or ferry. The ferry can be a convenient option when your itinerary already ends in the city, while flying is useful when your priority is to reach the island more quickly.

Choose the connection that fits your safari route. We can coordinate the safari, mainland transfers and Zanzibar connection as one itinerary, rather than treating the safari and beach holiday as separate trips.

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

Where Should You Stay in Zanzibar?

The best area depends on what you want to do after your safari. Choose a lively beach, a quieter coastal escape, water activities, or a cultural stay in Stone Town.

01
Nungwi
Popular

A popular choice for travelers who want a lively beach atmosphere, swimming and plenty of restaurants and activities.

Lively beach Swimming Restaurants Activities
02
Kendwa
Beach

Known for its beautiful beach and generally good swimming conditions. It works particularly well for couples and travelers looking for a classic Zanzibar beach stay.

Beautiful beach Good swimming Couples Beach holiday
03
Paje & Jambiani
Relaxed

A good choice for travelers interested in a more relaxed atmosphere, lagoons, kitesurfing and the quieter side of the island.

Relaxed atmosphere Kitesurfing Lagoons Quieter coast
04
Stone Town
Culture

Best for travelers interested in history, culture, architecture, food and Zanzibar's Swahili heritage. Many itineraries combine one or two nights here with a longer beach stay.

History Swahili heritage Architecture Food
We can recommend the Zanzibar area and accommodation category according to your budget and the style of trip you want.

Plan Your Safari & Beach Holiday

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar for Couples, Families and Honeymooners

Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holidays can be planned around different travel styles. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, travelling with children or visiting Tanzania for the first time, the route and pace can be adjusted to suit your trip.

01

Couples & Honeymooners

A safari followed by several quiet beach nights is one of the easiest ways to combine adventure and relaxation in one holiday. We can arrange private safari vehicles, comfortable lodges and a Zanzibar beach stay suited to your budget and preferred travel style.

Private safari Beach stay Romantic travel
Plan a Zanzibar Beach & Safari Holiday
02

Families

A private safari allows the itinerary to be adjusted around the family's pace rather than following a fixed group schedule. We can also recommend shorter driving days, suitable safari activities and accommodation that works well for families.

Private vehicle Flexible pace Family-friendly stays
Tanzania Safari with Kids
03

First-Time Tanzania Visitors

If this is your first trip to Tanzania, a Northern Circuit safari followed by Zanzibar is a straightforward introduction to the country. For a more unusual experience, consider Southern Tanzania instead.

Northern Circuit Southern Tanzania First safari
Explore Southern Tanzania Safaris

Why Travel With Us

Why Book Your Tanzania Safari With Otto Safari Guide?

A Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday involves more than choosing parks and hotels. We help put the route, safari, accommodation and connections together so the trip works as one journey.

01

Tanzania-Based Safari Knowledge

We plan safaris around the route, season, travel dates and interests of each traveler. Instead of pushing every guest toward the same circuit, we help match the safari area to the type of wildlife experience and travel style you want.

02

Private 4x4 Safari Experience

A private safari gives your group its own 4x4 vehicle and professional guide. You have greater flexibility with game drives, photography stops and the pace of the day than you would on a fixed shared itinerary.

See Private Safari Options
03

Trips Built Around Your Priorities

Your itinerary can be adjusted around the things that matter most. You can spend longer in a wildlife area, choose a different accommodation level, add Zanzibar time or change the mainland route without starting with a completely fixed package.

04

Safari & Zanzibar Coordinated Together

When your holiday combines mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, we can coordinate the safari, accommodation, domestic flights and transfers as one journey. This helps avoid unnecessary travel connections and keeps the safari and beach portions working together.

Have a route or budget in mind? Tell us your travel dates, number of travelers and the experience you want. We can help turn those details into a practical Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday. Request your safari quote .

Planning Your Trip

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar FAQs

Answers to common questions about safari duration, costs, flights, Zanzibar, family travel and planning a combined Tanzania safari and beach holiday.

For most travelers, 8–12 days provides a good balance. You can spend four to eight days on safari and three to five nights in Zanzibar. If you have less time, a short safari followed by two or three nights on the island can still work well.

There is no single price because the total cost depends on the safari route, group size, season, accommodation and Zanzibar hotel. Private trips can be arranged from budget to luxury levels. Send us your dates and group size and we can prepare an exact quotation. You can also see our Tanzania Safari Costs guide .

Yes. Domestic flights connect several mainland airports and safari areas with Zanzibar. The most practical connection depends on where your safari finishes. Flying is often the easiest option when you want to move from the bush to the beach without a long road journey.

For a classic first Tanzania safari, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire are popular choices. For a shorter or quieter safari, Nyerere and Mikumi can be excellent options, particularly when traveling from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam.

Many travelers prefer safari first and Zanzibar second. The holiday naturally changes from active game drives to relaxing beach days. However, either order can work depending on your international flight schedule and preferred itinerary.

June to October is popular for dry-season safari conditions and Zanzibar beach weather. December to February is especially interesting for travelers interested in the calving season. March to May can offer greener scenery and lower-season opportunities. The best period ultimately depends on the parks and experiences you want to include.

Yes. Zanzibar is connected by domestic flights to several mainland safari destinations. Short trips to Nyerere and Mikumi are particularly practical, while longer itineraries can reach the Serengeti. See our dedicated Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar guide .

Yes. The itineraries shown on the page are examples. We can change the safari parks, number of nights, accommodation, Zanzibar location, activities and transport according to your preferences.

Yes. Private safaris are particularly useful for families because the daily pace can be adjusted around the group. We can recommend suitable routes, driving times and accommodation based on the children's ages.

Depending on the itinerary, packages can include the private safari vehicle, professional guide, accommodation, park fees, meals, domestic flights, Zanzibar accommodation and transfers. Your quotation will clearly show the inclusions and exclusions before you book.

Custom Safari Planning

Plan Your Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holiday

You do not need to choose the perfect itinerary before contacting us. Tell us what you want from your trip and we will recommend a practical safari and Zanzibar combination around your time, budget and travel style.

Tell Us About Your Trip

  • Your travel dates
  • Number of adults and children
  • How many days you have
  • Your preferred accommodation level
  • Northern or Southern Tanzania
  • Number of nights in Zanzibar
  • Your approximate budget

Get Your Custom Itinerary

Free itinerary planning  •  Private safari  •  Flexible dates  •  No obligation to book

We can adjust the safari route, accommodation, Zanzibar stay and transport after discussing your preferences.