Why safari and Zanzibar work so well together
A safari is thrilling — and busy: early starts, long game drives and new parks every few days. Zanzibar is the opposite: warm sea, slow days and good food. A short flight links the two, so in one trip you see some of Africa's greatest wildlife and then truly rest. Read more in our post why you should include Zanzibar in your safari.
How many days?
- 7 days: a 4-day safari plus 3 nights on Zanzibar — a taste of both.
- 9–10 days: a 5–6 day safari plus 4 nights on the beach — a relaxed balance.
- 12+ days: a longer safari with more time in the Serengeti, then a week of beach.
Safari first, or beach first?
Most guests do the safari first and finish on the beach — you end the trip rested, and the beach is the perfect place to recover from early starts. Others start on Zanzibar to recover from a long flight, then fly to the parks. Several of our safaris start directly from Zanzibar Airport.
Getting between the parks and the island
Domestic flights link Arusha and Kilimanjaro with Zanzibar, and light aircraft fly from the Serengeti's airstrips. Light-aircraft luggage is limited — usually around 15 kg in a soft bag. See how to get to Zanzibar.
When to go
The two calendars line up well: June to October is the dry season on safari and on the island, and January to February combines the Serengeti calving season with hot, calm days on the beach. April and May are wet in both places. See the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Our safari and Zanzibar packages
- 7-Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari to Zanzibar — from $2,453 per person
- 9-Day Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar — from $2,846
- 10-Day Tanzania Top Luxury Wildlife Safari & Zanzibar — from $5,582
Already on the island? These safaris start at Zanzibar Airport: 4-Day Fly-in Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Materuni Waterfalls and 6-Day Fly-in Serengeti Migration Safari. See all on Zanzibar beach holidays.
Don't forget
- Zanzibar's mandatory travel insurance.
- Modest clothes for Stone Town — see dress code.
