When you travel to Tanzania, the first big choice you have to make is whether to dive right into the wilds of the mainland or ease into island life on Zanzibar.
At first, it seems like you have to choose between a beach and a safari, but it's not that simple. The order you choose affects how fast your trip goes.
Some people like to start their trip with the drama of the bush and end it with the calmness of the coast. Others prefer to take their time getting used to the trip, spending a few days by the sea before journeying across the savannah.
Both are amazing, but they make for very different vacations.
The magic of Tanzania's mainland
The mainland Tanzania is the wild stage of the country, where nature rules and safari dreams come true. If you can picture golden plains going on forever, animals moving together, and lions calling at night, then you have a clear understanding of the beauty that awaits.
These famous safari spots are the real gems:
- The Great Migration is what the Serengeti is most famous for. During this time, big groups of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains looking for new places to graze while predators hunt them.
- The Ngorongoro Crater is a volcanic basin full of animals, such as elephants, hippos, and rare black rhinos. A lot of people say it's one of the best places in the world to see animals.
- The top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest peak in Africa, is covered in snow and rises above the savannah. People come to climb it, but even just seeing it from a distance is unforgettable.
A safari in mainland Tanzania is more than just seeing animals. It's the way of life on safari.
The grass is still wet with dew when the sun comes up in the morning. You get in the car before sunrise and watch giraffes come out of the morning fog. Later, you might drive along bumpy dirt roads and stop to see lions lying in the shade or elephants crossing the road in the distance.
It can be tiring, but it's also exciting. Days on safari are long, with early mornings and the mental focus of spotting animals. You're excited by the end, but you want to change things up. That's why so many people go to both the mainland and Zanzibar: one side pushes you to have fun, and the other helps you relax.
If you love action, the mainland of Tanzania is the best place to start. It kicks off your vacation at full speed from the first day.
The Charm of Zanzibar
Zanzibar, which is on the Indian Ocean right off the coast, offers a completely different kind of trip. The beaches are well-known, but the island's history, culture, and daily life that go beyond the beach are what make it special.
Here are some things you’d love to see when going to Zanzibar Island:
- Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its winding streets lined with spice shops, mosques, and buildings that are hundreds of years old. The carved wooden doors tell stories about Zanzibar's Swahili, Arab, and Indian past.
- In the tropical heat, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla grow well on spice farms. You can see why the island is called the Spice Island by walking through these plantations.
- Fishermen fixing nets on the beach, kids playing football barefoot on the sand, and women gathering seaweed at low tide are all things that happen in coastal villages. The ocean still sets the pace of life here.
The beaches are, of course, beautiful, as travellers hope. The sand is soft and white, the water is turquoise and warm enough to swim in all year, and dhows sail across the horizon at sunset.
Zanzibar is more than just a place to relax. It's about taking your time and getting to know a culture that has grown over hundreds of years of trade and exchange. You could spend your mornings shopping for spices in Stone Town, your afternoons snorkelling in coral reefs, and your nights eating fresh seafood on the beach.
Zanzibar seems like the perfect place to land after a Tanzania safari full of dust and excitement. It gives you a chance to relax, think about everything you've been through, and get back into a slower pace before you fly home.
Discover more in our guide “15 truly unmissable things to do in Zanzibar.”
Zanzibar or Mainland Tanzania first?
One of the first decisions you have to make on a trip to Tanzania is simple in theory but hard in practice: do you dive right into the wilderness or take it easy on the islands? Starting your vacation on the beach or in the savannah changes how it feels from the first day.
Why go on safari first?
Jumping right into a mainland Tanzania safari lets you see the best parts while you still have energy. Safaris, especially Serengeti safaris, are fun, but they can be tiring because you have to get up early, drive for a long time, and spend hours looking for animals on the horizon. Ending with free time feels like a well-deserved reward.
It's easy to fly into Kilimanjaro or Arusha. Most safari spots in mainland Tanzania are close by, and you can go on to Zanzibar without having to go back.
A safari-first approach is a bold way to start your trip. You start with adventure, and then the calm of Zanzibar slowly brings you back to reality.
Why Zanzibar first?
Travel starts on Zanzibar Island, which is calmer. The beautiful waters, smooth sand, and palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean make for a slow, relaxing start. After a long flight, it's the best way to adjust, relax, and get over jet lag.
It's also good if you're going to Africa with kids or someone who would rather have a softer introduction. The beach-first approach makes your trip into a story: calm, sunny days lead up to the thrill of going on safari.
Zanzibar starts your vacation with a calming beat. You enjoy the beauty of the island before going on the high-energy safari adventure.
Culture: Zanzibar or Mainland Tanzania
Local culture can also affect your choice. The Maasai and other local cultures are all around you in mainland Tanzania. Along with your safari adventures, many lodges offer village tours where you can learn about traditional life, customs, and crafts.
On the other hand, Zanzibar has a story that is all its own. Stone Town has been shaped by trade for hundreds of years, and you can see this in the Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African styles. Walking through the streets, going to spice markets, and seeing old buildings is like going back in time on the island.
Things to think about when it comes to culture:
- If you're going on a safari in mainland Tanzania, think about going to Maasai villages and hiring local guides.
- Stone Town has old buildings, busy markets, and a strong Swahili culture. Learn more by checking out the Top 7 culturally immersive things to do in Stone Town
- The pace is different: the mainland feels rough and close, while Zanzibar is layered, thoughtful, and easy going.
Adding culture to your Zanzibar or Tanzania safari makes each day of your trip more interesting, whether you start on the mainland or the island.
Things to think about
When you travel to Tanzania, you have to make more than just adventure or relaxation choices. Logistics are also very important. Knowing about flights, seasons, costs, and who should start where can help you plan a trip that goes more smoothly.
Flights and connections
Most international flights land on the mainland, in either Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Arusha. Getting to Zanzibar from there is easy. Local airlines fly to and from Zanzibar Island and the mainland on a regular basis.
The flights last about an hour, so it's easy to combine a safari in mainland Tanzania with a trip to Zanzibar Island.
Important things to remember when making travel connections:
- There are many flights every day from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.
- Kilimanjaro and Arusha airports are close to safari destinations on the mainland of Tanzania, so you can start your safari right away.
- It's easy to go from the bush to the beach without losing a day of your vacation thanks to short domestic flights.
If you plan your flights ahead of time, you'll have more time to explore and less time to wait in terminals. For a smooth and stress-free journey, here are your 2025 Tanzania travel questions answered
The best time to go to Zanzibar or Mainland Tanzania
Timing can make a big difference in how much fun you have, whether you're on safari or relaxing on the beach.
- The best time for safaris is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. This is the best time to see animals in the Serengeti during the Great Migration. It's easier to see them when there isn't much vegetation. Here is the best time for safari in Tanzania
- When is the best time to visit Zanzibar? Zanzibar is warm all year, but the dry months are the best time to plan a beach vs. safari trip to Tanzania because the weather is nice and the seas are calm.
If you go at the right time of year, you can enjoy both the mainland and the island at their best, with a good mix of comfort and adventure.
Things to think about when it comes to cost
It's important to plan your budget. The most expensive part of a trip to mainland Tanzania is usually the safari, which includes park fees, guides, and lodges. Zanzibar, on the other hand, has a lot of different places to stay that can help keep costs down.
Knowing the costs ahead of time makes it easier to plan your time and money for the things that matter most, like watching wildlife or watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Who should go where first?
Different types of travellers benefit from exploring in different ways. Here's a quick guide to help you choose between starting in Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania:
- Honeymooners should start with a safari. Sundowners on the savannah and beach days in Zanzibar make for a romantic flow.
- Families are encouraged to begin in Zanzibar. It's quieter, which gives kids time to get used to early-morning game drives.
- Adventure seekers should travel to mainland Tanzania first. Climb Kilimanjaro, look for animals, and then enjoy drinks on the beach as a reward.
- If you love culture, go to Zanzibar first. Stone Town and spice tours give you a lot of cultural background before you go into the bush.
Your travel style can help set the pace and mood for your whole trip.
So, do you want to go to Zanzibar or Mainland Tanzania first?
There isn't a single answer that works for everyone. It all depends on your energy, interests, and how you want your vacation to go.
It's like setting the pace for a story. If you start on the savannah, you'll be excited every morning when you see elephants crossing the horizon and hear lions calling in the distance. Start in Zanzibar, and the gentle waves, spice-scented markets, and the sun setting over the Indian Ocean will help you get used to Africa. This will let you take in all the sights and sounds before the excitement of the wild.
Either way, whether you choose a Tanzania safari or a Zanzibar beach holiday to kick off your adventure, you will have had a lot of different experiences by the end of it.
Experiences that you will remember long after the plane has left.
