Tanzania offers the best of both worlds.
Few destinations serve up contrasts as spectacular as Tanzania. A Zanzibar safari combo lets you chase lions across the savannah one week and stretch out on a white-sand beach the next. You’re not forced to choose between adventure and relaxation; you get both in one seamless journey.
On safari, you might track elephants through baobab forests, watch leopards lounging in acacia branches, or see the Great Migration thunder across the Serengeti. A short flight later, you’ll be barefoot on Zanzibar’s beaches, the air warm with Indian Ocean breezes and scented with cloves and cinnamon.
It’s the ultimate Zanzibar and safari holiday.
Here are the top safari destinations that you can combine with a trip to Zanzibar.
The safari leg of your journey is what sets the stage for awe. Tanzania is vast, but a handful of parks are especially easy to pair with a Zanzibar beach escape. These reserves are some of the best choices for anyone planning a safari and beach itinerary in Tanzania.
1. Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is the place people picture when they think of Africa. Endless golden plains, big cats on the hunt, and wildebeest as far as the eye can see. It’s wild, raw, and absolutely unforgettable.
Don’t miss these standout experiences:
- The Serengeti National Park is world-famous for the Great Migration, when more than a million wildebeest and zebra cross the plains.
- What is the Serengeti famous for? It’s packed with predator action. You can expect lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in dramatic numbers.
- The wide-open landscapes provide a cinematic feeling reminiscent of "Out of Africa."
The Serengeti is an obvious highlight for a Serengeti and Zanzibar honeymoon or any classic safari-and-beach holiday. Pairing a Serengeti safari with Zanzibar’s beaches is the ultimate Tanzania adventure, giving you the best of both worlds.
2. Ngorongoro Crater
This is one of the most dramatic safari spots in the world. A huge volcanic bowl packed with wildlife, from elephants and zebras to rare black rhinos. The views from the rim alone are worth the trip.
Here are some features that make it so special:
- The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s largest intact (inactive) volcanic calderas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Home to an incredibly dense wildlife population, including black rhino, elephants, lions, hippos, and flamingos.
- Compact and accessible, making it perfect for first-time safari-goers and families alike.
The Crater is a natural wonder that pairs beautifully with Zanzibar, especially for travellers seeking a balance between dramatic scenery and easy game viewing.
3. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire doesn’t get the same fame as Serengeti, but it’s a favourite for many travellers. It feels quieter, more offbeat, and full of character.
Here's what travellers love most about it:
- Famous for its giant herds of elephants and strange, old baobab trees.
- Tarangire National Park is not as crowded as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, which results in a more peaceful safari experience.
- The incredible wildlife of Tarangire National Park
- With more than 500 documented species, this is a birdwatcher's dream.
Tarangire is often part of the best safari and beach packages in Tanzania, especially for people who like to be around fewer people and take things slow.
Things to do in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a place to relax after the excitement and dust of a safari. But a Zanzibar safari combo is more than just lying on the beach. It's about mixing relaxation with history, culture, and a little bit of spice.
Beaches and hotels
The coastline of the island is well-known for being entirely unique, and each part has something unique to offer.
- Kendwa and Nungwi in the north are the best places to swim all year long.
- Paje and Jambiani on the east coast are perfect places to relax, and among some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- There are places to stay that are barefoot-chic boutique villas and ultra-luxury honeymoon resorts. All you have to do is decide what kind of paradise you’re in the mood for.
This mix means that no matter what kind of vacation you're planning (a family getaway, a honeymoon in the Serengeti and Zanzibar, or a long beach break after a safari), there's a part of the island that will work for you.
Stone Town
No trip to Zanzibar or a safari is complete without a walk through Stone Town, the historic centre of Zanzibar City (the capital) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It has narrow streets and carved wooden doors that make it look like a museum.
- At every turn, there are spice markets, rooftop restaurants, and night bazaars that bring colour and life.
- It's the perfect cultural contrast to your time at the beach.
You can learn a lot about history and culture in just one day here before going back to the palm-fringed shores of Zanzibar. Discover more culturally immersive things to do in Stone Town.
Culture and spice tours
There's a good reason Zanzibar is called "Spice Island".
- Visit farms that grow cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Find out why Zanzibar used to be the centre of the world's spice trade.
- Get hands-on experiences that are great for families.
Spice tours are a wonderful way to add something special to your Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach trip that goes beyond animals and waves.
Logistics: go on safari first, then to Zanzibar.
When making plans for a safari and beach trip in Tanzania, the order of events is important.
It makes sense to start with a safari. Early mornings, bumpy game drives, and the thrill of seeing wildlife are all exciting, but they can also make you exhausted. When you end your trip in Zanzibar, you leave Africa on a calm, dreamy note.
Regular daily flights connect Arusha (and many Serengeti airstrips, season-dependent) to Zanzibar, typically taking 1–2 hours.
The easiest way to combine Zanzibar with a safari is to go wild first and then relax.
Suggested itineraries
Here are three examples of safari and beach packages in Tanzania to get your ideas flowing. Each one mixes a safari with a trip to Zanzibar in a different way.
7-day honeymoon
- You will spend three nights in the Serengeti, participating in game drives at dawn and dusk.
- One night will be spent in Ngorongoro, where you can enjoy a view of the crater.
- Three nights at a romantic beach resort in Zanzibar.
A wonderful choice for couples who want to go on a honeymoon in the Serengeti and Zanzibar.
10-day family holiday
- The holiday includes 2 nights in Tarangire, where kids can enjoy seeing elephants and other animals.
- If timing aligns, you may catch part of the Great Migration during two nights in the Serengeti.
- Spend one night in the Ngorongoro Crater to see the "greatest hits" of wildlife.
- Enjoy five nights in Zanzibar, which include an ethical dolphin watching tour, snorkelling, and spice tours.
This mix keeps both kids and adults interested from start to finish.
14-day luxury escape
- Four nights in the Serengeti, with a safari in a hot air balloon.
- Two nights in a lodge in Ngorongoro with private guides.
- 8 nights in Zanzibar, split between a boutique hotel in Stone Town and a luxury beach resort.
This is the best Zanzibar safari combo for people who want to pamper themselves.
When should you plan your Zanzibar safari combo?
Timing is key.
Consider the timing of your trip when planning a Zanzibar safari package. Tanzania and Zanzibar have different advantages in each season. By combining them, you can be sure to get the best of both wildlife and the beach.
Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania:
- June through October (the dry season) is the best time to see animals. Usually, the Great Migration river crossings happen between July and September.
- April to May: Heavy rains can make some safari roads difficult to drive on.
June through August is a fantastic time for families to go on safari because it's school break. December to February is a little warmer, and it's still excellent for seeing wildlife.
The best time to enjoy Zanzibar’s beaches.
- When is the best time to visit Zanzibar? From June to October, the weather is cool, dry, and sunny, which is ideal for relaxing on the beach or visiting cultural sites.
- December to February: It's hotter, but still excellent for beach days.
- In April and May, when it rains a lot, both safari drives and Zanzibar beaches can be wet.
If you plan your safari around Zanzibar's weather, you'll have a smooth trip to both Tanzania and Zanzibar's beaches.
Practical Tips for Your Zanzibar Safari Combo
A bit of preparation goes a long way when you’re combining the thrill of a safari with the calm of Zanzibar. Thinking ahead makes the trip smoother, more comfortable, and far more memorable.
What to pack for your Zanzibar safari combo.
Packing isn't just about clothes; it's also about being ready for everything from sandy beach walks to dusty game drives.
- For a safari, wear light, neutral colours to blend with the environment and avoid attracting insects. Bring strong shoes and dress in layers for the cool mornings and evenings. You need a good camera and binoculars so you don't miss the leopard in the tree.
- For cultural visits to Zanzibar, bring swimsuits, flip-flops, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light cover-up. A small daypack is useful for carrying your beach gear or exploring Stone Town.
If you pack with a purpose, you'll be comfortable whether you're watching elephants on the savannah or walking along the turquoise coast.
Staying healthy on your Zanzibar and safari holiday
Staying well is key to enjoying both sides of your trip.
- Tanzania is a malaria zone, so check with your doctor about prophylaxis and other health precautions. For more info on whether or not you need vaccinations to enter Tanzania, check out “Your 2025 Tanzania travel questions answered.”
- Depending on where you are going, you may need to get shots for diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, or hepatitis.
- Drink a lot of water, wear sunscreen, and have a small first-aid kit on hand for minor cuts and insect bites.
Being ready gives you more energy to enjoy both early-morning game drives and lazy afternoons at the beach.
Managing money, logistics, and how to combine Zanzibar with safari
A safari-and-beach trip sounds dreamy, but the little details make or break it. Think money, flights, and who you trust to handle the moving parts. Get those sorted early, and the rest flows.
- Currency:
Carry Tanzanian shillings for markets and small purchases; USD works well for tours, tips, and hotels.
- Operators:
Go with companies that know both sides of the trip. The right operator smooths out transfers, park fees, and itineraries. It saves you from a lot of back-and-forth.
- Flights and transfers:
Bush to beach is easier than you’d think. Daily flights link the Serengeti and Arusha with Zanzibar in a couple of hours. One minute you’re spotting lions, the next you’re in a hammock.
- Combining both:
Most travellers safari first, then head to Zanzibar. The pace works, wild days in the bush, slow days by the sea. It’s the best way to end on a high note.
A little planning means your Zanzibar safari combo is seamless, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Why a safari and Zanzibar vacation is the best combination
The unique characteristics of a Zanzibar safari contribute to its intriguing nature. The Serengeti is an adrenaline rush on safari, with lions hunting, elephants marching, and endless African skies. Zanzibar is a calm place with turquoise waters, palm trees that sway, and the ability to eat on the beach without shoes.
They make one of the most well-rounded and memorable trips in the world.
Zanzibar beach holidays and Tanzania safaris are more than just a holiday, they’re a mix of wild and calm, dust and ocean spray, excitement that makes your heart race, and deep breaths that make you feel better.
