Why combine Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?

A safari holiday in Tanzania offers experiences in one of Africa’s best safari destinations, and the combination of Tanzania and Zanzibar is one of our most popular combinations when it comes to safaris and beach holidays.

Here, you get the best of two worlds: Adventurous safari in some of Africa’s most unique safari parks, where you can look forward to experiencing Tanzania’s unique wildlife, e.g. in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and/or Nyerere National Park, and a beach holiday in the beach paradise of Zanzibar, which not only invites relaxation but also nature and cultural experiences, if you wish.

Our Tanzania/Zanzibar packages

All tours on this page are packages that combine a safari in Tanzania with a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

The tours include flights (return from the UK, as well as domestic flights during the tour), transfers at the destination, accommodation and planned excursions, including game drives.

What the tours themselves include varies, and we have tours to both northern and southern Tanzania. Read more about some of the highlights below:

Serengeti National Park

On most of our tours with safari in Tanzania & a beach holiday in Zanzibar, you’ll visit Serengeti National Park. Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s most popular national parks, and that is completely understandable. Most people are blown away by their encounter with Serengeti.

There are more animals here than you can imagine: wildebeest, zebras and Thomson’s gazelles make up the Great Migration, the Big Five animals, giraffes, hippos, wild boars, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs and more than 500 different bird species. You don’t have to look for the animals in Serengeti – they’re everywhere.

And then there’s the Serengeti wilderness. Hills with dense vegetation, waterholes surrounded by animals that have come to drink, the kopjes, which are the solitary rock formations that rise from the landscapes, and the plains. The endless plains that continue to where the sky begins.

The Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is the world’s largest caldera, which arose after a volcanic eruption 2 million years ago.

The volcanic crater is more than 260 km2 in size and 610 metres deep, and it’s hard to imagine just how big and amazing it is until you’ve tried to drive down the crater rim towards the completely unique landscapes.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is of great importance to the protection of the world’s biodiversity, because many endangered species live here, and the area also provides a setting for the annual migration of animals such as wildebeest and zebras.

More than 25,000 wild animals live in the Ngorongoro Crater itself, and you can experience the Big Five animals, gazelles, flamingos, hippos and many more besides. However, you won’t find giraffes in the crater itself, as it’s too steep for them to get down here.

Tarangire National Park

Speaking of safari in Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is nowhere near as visited as its big brother, Serengeti, which is a shame. Tarangire is not only much more accessible, but some unique safari experiences can also be enjoyed here.

Tarangire National Park is synonymous with elephants and baobab trees. The largest number of elephants in northern Tanzania live here, and the national park is often illustrated with pictures of elephants standing under the beautiful baobab trees.

The Tarangire River flows through the park, bringing life to the surroundings. In Tanzania’s dry season, between June and October, for example, you’ll see a lot of elephants coming to the river to drink water. The river might look dry, but it isn’t, and the elephants know where to dig for water. The national park is also home to the classic safari animals such as hippos, giraffes and lions. And it’s a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with 550 bird species that you can tick off your checklist.

Lake Manyara National Park

Covering an area of 330 km2, Lake Manyara National Park, located between Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater, under the western slopes of the Great Rift Valley, is one of Tanzania’s smallest national parks. The national park is famous for its scenic lake which occupies 230 km2 of the national park and attracts exceptional bird life, with more than 400 recorded bird species.

You’re also guaranteed to meet a lot of curious baboons, as the largest concentration of baboons in the world is found here. Lake Manyara is also home to flamingos, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and antelopes.

Nyerere National Park

Covering an areas of 30,000 km2, Nyerere is Tanzania’s biggest national park, perhaps better known by its former name Selous Game Reserve. In 2019, Selous was divided into four sections, with the northern, western and southern sections becoming Nyerere, and the eastern section retaining its original name.

The national park is located in southern Tanzania, and if you’ve been on safari in northern Tanzania before, you’ll enjoy a very different nature experience here. The nature is wild and varied here, with open plains, swamps, forests and rivers. And because the landscapes are more lush and diverse, it can be more challenging to spot the animals than Serengeti, for example. On the other hand, you have some other options here. You can, for example, combine the traditional game drive, where you drive around to spot the animals, with a river safari, which gives you the opportunity to experience some other animals right up close.

Zanzibar

Exotic Zanzibar, which is one of the ultimate beach holiday destinations where you can enjoy the white sandy beaches, the azure sea and the hot, sunny climate.

Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, close to mainland Tanzania.

In fact, Zanzibar consists of two larger islands, Unguja and Pemba, and a lot of small ones. When we write about Zanzibar, we’re referring to Unguja, and it is also here that you’ll find the historic Stone Town.

Zanzibar is known for its stunning beaches, azure waters and unique opportunities to relax, whether you start or end your tour here. But your stay in Zanzibar can be as relaxing or as active as you want it to be. Zanzibar also offers experiences if you wish to spice up your days with a little culture.

Discover the spice island

Zanzibar is particularly famous for its many different spices, hence the island’s nickname “Spice Island”. It’s an experience to visit spice plantations, where you can smell and taste the spices and, not least, learn about how they’re grown and used.

Visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

You can also visit the scenic Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar’s only national park. The national park is known particularly for the red colobus monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar, but you can also see bush babies, chameleons and antelopes.

Discover the small villages

If you’re interested in the traditional way of life in Zanzibar, with its fishing and agriculture, we recommend a visit to some of Zanzibar’s small villages.

In the village of Mchangani, life is lived in much the same way as it was a hundred years ago, where the women use dried palm leaves to weave mats and roofing. And in the village of Nungwi, located on what is perhaps Zanzibar’s most beautiful beach, you can watch the artisans building their traditional dhows with simple tools.

 Explore underwater Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a paradise for those who love to snorkel. The coral reefs around Zanzibar are home to an impressive diversity of marine animals, with 600 different species of fish and 50 different types of coral. Take a trip out and experience Zanzibar below the water’s surface, for example at Mnemba island – a small island north-east of Zanzibar, which is known for its coral reef and colourful fish.

In addition to the above, you can also combine your tour on several of our safaris in Tanzania with a beach holiday in Zanzibar with extra days in Stone Town, Zanzibar’s old town.

Combine your beach holiday with experiences in Stone Town

Zanzibar’s old town, Stone Town, is a unique place to visit. It’s the cultural heart of Zanzibar and has remained virtually unchanged over the past few centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town offers narrow winding streets, local markets, Arabic squares and beautiful mosques.

In the 1800s, Stone Town served as a trading centre for several peoples, and over the course of more than 1,000 years, different cultures have left their mark on the town, including Arabs, Europeans, Indians and Africans. Today, all cultures have merged into one in this fascinating city.

Frequently asked questions about Tanzania and Zanzibar:

It’s quite normal to have a lot of questions when you’re going off travelling. Do I need a visa? Where should I stay? What wildlife might I see?

We’ve tried to answer 10 of the questions we’re most frequently asked by our guests.

When is the best time for a safari in Tanzania and a beach holiday in Zanzibar?

Most of our guests consider the dry seasons to be some of the best times to combine Tanzania and Zanzibar, i.e. January–February and June–October.

This is because many people prefer dry weather when they go on safari and beach holidays.

However, there are also advantages to travelling outside the dry seasons, e.g. certain periods will be cheaper, there are fewer other visitors and the landscape is more lush. Even if you travel during the rainy season, you won’t necessarily experience a lot of rain. When it rains in Tanzania, the rain usually falls as torrential showers, which only last a few hours before clearing up again.

Where should I go on safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania is one of the world’s ultimate safari destinations, with countless safari parks, each captivating its visitors with unique experiences.

Most of our tours head to northern Tanzania, where Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park are located. In southern Tanzania, we have tours to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve. So where you head to depends on what you’d like to experience.

On safari in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, you can, for example, experience the Great Migration. At Lake Manyara, the bird life is exceptional. Nyere National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park, and the landscapes here are wild in a completely different way. Many of our guests choose tours that combine visits to several different parks in order to gain a broader insight into Tanzania’s nature and wildlife.

 Which beach should I choose in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar offers exceptional beaches, whether you choose to stay in the north, south, east or west.

Zanzibar is affected by tides and some beaches more so than others. So, if you have any specific wishes with regard to experiences, it’s important to consider where you’d like to stay on the island. You can read our guide to the beaches of Zanzibar.

How much does a safari in Tanzania with Zanzibar cost?

The price of a tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar depends on several things, including how long the safari part is. Where would you like to stay in Zanzibar? When would you like to travel? Do you want to purchase optional excursions or upgrade your hotel?

Request a quote for the tour you’re interested in, and you’ll receive a quote in your inbox with your price for the tour.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Yes, most people need a visa for Tanzania, including Zanzibar.

For detailed information about passport and visa requirements, check out our practical information pages, where we’ve compiled relevant information about our destinations.

Do I need to be vaccinated before travelling to Tanzania and Zanzibar?

Most people need be vaccinated before travelling to Tanzania and Zanzibar.

We recommend that you contact a specialist doctor, your general practitioner, or an authorised vaccination clinic for guidance on which vaccinations you need (and which ones you may already have).

We would like you to be especially aware of the rules about yellow fever – particularly if you’re entering Tanzania via another country where yellow fever is present. This is because some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry.

What is the accommodation like in Tanzania and Zanzibar?

When you’re on safari in Tanzania, you typically spend the night in lodges, wild camps or other camps.

A lodge is a kind of cabin, although that doesn’t quite cover it. Lodges can vary greatly in character, but what they have in common is that they often have pools, restaurants and other fabulous facilities. A wild camp is typically located on the border of or in the national parks themselves. The accommodation here is permanent, full-height tents with floors. The tents also have a shower and a toilet.

In Zanzibar, you’ll stay at beach resorts, i.e. hotels located in one of Zanzibar’s fantastic beaches.

What is included in the tours?

Tours include flights, accommodation, transfers between destinations, national park fees, and half or full board. Details and prices vary, so we recommend that you obtain a quote so you know exactly what the tour costs.

What do they eat in Tanzania?

The food is a big part of travelling.

When you’re on safari in Tanzania with a beach holiday in Zanzibar, it’s typically half and/or full board (depending on where you’re staying). The food here is typically adapted to visitors.

The day’s menu might look like this:

Breakfast: Eggs, toast and plenty of fresh fruit, as well as tea/coffee and juice.

Lunch: If you’re on a safari/excursion over lunch, you’ll typically be given a packed lunch, and if you’re at your lodge/camp/hotel, there’s a buffet which typically consists of dishes such as fried chicken or a stew, rice, spinach, steamed vegetables, potatoes. Like everywhere in East Africa, there will also generally be a soup as a starter.

Dinner: Buffet or a la carte menu, depending on where you are. A buffet typically consists of various meats, vegetables, potatoes and rice – and seafood on the coast.

It is important that you inform us of any allergies or special preferences when you book your tour.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania and Zanzibar?

Yes. It’s safe to travel to both Tanzania and Zanzibar. We know this because we regularly travel there ourselves.

As a tour operator, it’s important to us that you feel safe when you travel with us. And we would never send guests off to unsafe destinations.

As with all travel destinations, we recommend that you exercise the usual caution and follow local advice and guidelines. It’s also important that you listen to your safari guide when you’re out on game drives.

Other questions about Tanzania and Zanzibar?

If you have other questions about our tours, when it’s the best time to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar or something else entirely, you’re always welcome to contact us.

We visit Tanzania several times a year, and there are no questions we haven’t heard before – or even asked ourselves.

Consider the following when choosing your tour

Going on safari in Tanzania and a beach holiday in Zanzibar is an amazing experience, and it can be difficult to decide which tour is the right one for you. Not sure which of our Tanzania safaris with a beach holiday in Zanzibar is the right one for you?

It’s always a good idea to start by considering the following:

• How much time do you have?
• What is your budget?
• Is there a specific time of the year when you’d like to travel?
• Are there any particular animals you dream of seeing?
• Are there any particular experiences you’d like to enjoy?

All these considerations can help you decide what is possible and determine which tour is the right one for you. If you dream of experiencing the Great Migration, for example, it makes no sense whatsoever to choose a tour where it’s not possible to experience it – or at a time when the Great Migration is primarily in Kenya.

But never fear – we’re here to guide you! Regardless of which Tanzania and Zanzibar combination you choose, we can pretty much promise you’ll enjoy the experiences of a lifetime.

Are you ready to go on the adventure of your lifetime? We look forward to helping you on your way!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller