top of page
Combine thrilling wildlife encounters with blissful Indian Ocean relaxation on our Tanzani

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

The Ultimate Bush-and-Beach Escape

Combine thrilling wildlife encounters with blissful Indian Ocean relaxation on our Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar Beach Extension. This best-selling itinerary seamlessly blends a classic East African safari with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters—perfect for honeymooners, families, or anyone seeking the best of both worlds.

Safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday – The Ultimate Bush safari-and-Beach Experience

Discover the best of East Africa on a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday that blends thrilling wildlife adventures with pure Indian Ocean relaxation. Begin your journey in the heart of northern Tanzania’s world-famous safari circuit, where expert guides lead you through Serengeti National Park, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, and other iconic reserves such as Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

 

Witness the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—while enjoying seamless travel from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. After days filled with game drives, soaring baobabs, and endless savannah vistas, fly directly to the spice-scented island of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage destination known for its white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and historic Stone Town. Spend your afternoons snorkelling in turquoise waters, exploring spice plantations, or simply relaxing in a luxury beachfront resort in Nungwi, Kendwa, or Matemwe.

 

Perfect for honeymooners, families, or adventure seekers, this carefully crafted Tanzania safari with Zanzibar extension offers year-round appeal—whether you’re chasing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti or soaking up the warm tropical breezes of the Indian Ocean. With private 4×4 game drives, top-rated lodges, and short connecting flights, this bush-and-beach itinerary delivers the ultimate African holiday, combining the excitement of a classic wildlife safari with the serenity of an exotic island escape.

Why Choose a Safari & Zanzibar Beach Extension

A Tanzania safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday offers an unbeatable balance of adventure and relaxation. Begin your journey in the iconic Northern Safari Circuit, where you can explore Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. After exhilarating game drives and Big Five sightings, trade the savannah for the serene beaches of Zanzibar Island.

This combination is ideal for travelers flying into Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport and connecting onward to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. With daily flights and short connections, it’s easy to transition from safari to sea in just a few hours.

Complete 8–10 Day Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar Extension Itinerary

Plan the perfect 8–10 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday with this sample itinerary. Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, then unwind on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches with crystal-clear Indian Ocean views.

Classic Northern Circuit & Zanzibar – 8 Days

Days 1–5: Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro Crater → Serengeti

Highlights: Big Five game drives, Great Rift Valley views, Maasai cultural encounters.
 

Days 6–8: Serengeti → Zanzibar

Relax on Nungwi or Kendwa Beach, explore Stone Town, visit a spice plantation.

Luxury Bush-and-Beach Honeymoon – 10 Days

Luxury Bush-and-Beach Honeymoon – 10 Days

Days 1–7: Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Serengeti (luxury tented camps & private guide)
 

Days 8–10: Direct flight Serengeti → Zanzibar
Private villa stay, sunset dhow cruise, couples’ spa treatments and candlelit dinners.

Great Migration & Beach Escape – 9 Days

The Great Migration & Beach Escape – 9 Days

Days 1–6: Arusha → Central/Northern Serengeti
Focus on the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October or Dec–March calving season).
 

Days 7–9: Fly Serengeti → Zanzibar
Snorkel in Mnemba Atoll, enjoy boutique beach resorts at Matemwe or Paje.

Photographer’s Safari & Island Retreat – 10 Days

Photographer’s Safari & Island Retreat – 10 Days

Days 1–7: Arusha → Serengeti (mobile camp following the Great Migration)
Sunrise and sunset game drives timed for best light and predator action.


Days 8–10: Fly to Zanzibar
Private dhow sunset cruise and guided spice farm photography tour.

Accommodation Options

Your Safari + Zanzibar Beach Extension can be customised with a range of accommodations—from authentic mid-range safari lodges to world-class luxury resorts—so you can match comfort level and budget without compromising the experience.

 

On Safari – Northern Circuit Lodges & Tented Camps​

During the Tanzania safari portion, you can choose between mid-range lodges, upscale tented camps, or five-star properties located inside or near the national parks.

  • Mid-Range Favourites: Marera Valley Lodge near Karatu, Tloma Lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands, and Tarangire Safari Lodge offer comfortable rooms, hearty meals, and warm Tanzanian hospitality.

  • Luxury Tented Camps & Lodges: For a more indulgent stay, options like Melia Serengeti Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, or Serengeti Heritage Luxury Camp provide elegant suites, private decks overlooking wildlife-rich plains, and premium dining experiences.

  • Mobile Camps: Seasonal mobile camps such as Serengeti Safari Haven or Chaka Camp can position you close to the Great Migration at different times of year.

 

Zanzibar Beach Resorts & Villas

After your safari, fly to Zanzibar Island and unwind in beachfront accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to lavish resorts.

  • Boutique & Mid-Range: Properties like Zanzibar Queen Hotel in Matemwe or Next Paradise Boutique Resort near Pwani Mchangani offer excellent value with personal service.

  • Luxury & Private Villas: For high-end indulgence, Zuri Zanzibar, Baraza Resort & Spa, or private villas in Nungwi and Kendwa deliver infinity pools, spa services, and world-class dining steps from the sand.

  • Stone Town Heritage Stays: Travellers who love history can spend a night in Emerson Spice or Park Hyatt Zanzibar to explore the island’s UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

 

Tailor-Made Choices

All accommodations can be combined to fit your style—whether you prefer rustic charm, eco-conscious retreats, or ultra-luxury suites. Every property is hand-picked for its location, service, and authentic Tanzanian atmosphere, ensuring that your Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday is as comfortable and memorable as it is adventurous.

Best Time to Travel – Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time for a safari and Zanzibar beach holiday depends on what you’d like to see and experience.
​
June to October – Dry Season (Peak Safari Months)
This is the most popular period for a Tanzania safari. Skies are clear, temperatures are mild, and wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes, making game viewing in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire exceptional. These months are also ideal for combining your safari with a Zanzibar beach stay, as the Indian Ocean is calm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
​
November to Early December – Short Rains (Great for Value & Fewer Crowds)
Light rains refresh the landscape without disrupting travel. You’ll enjoy lush scenery, excellent birdwatching, and more availability in lodges and Zanzibar resorts—often at lower rates.
​
December to March – Calving Season & Warm Island Weather
This is the prime time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration’s calving in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu areas. The beaches of Zanzibar remain warm and sunny, perfect for a winter escape.
​
April to May – Long Rains (Green Season)
These months bring heavier rains and fewer visitors, which means superb photographic opportunities, dramatic skies, and lower prices on both the mainland and Zanzibar. Many travellers seeking tranquillity choose this period for a more private bush-and-beach safari.
​
Whether you aim for the drama of the Great Migration, the peaceful vibe of the Green Season, or simply perfect beach weather, you can plan a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday almost any month of the year—just match your dates to your preferred experiences.

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Inclusions and Exclusions 

What’s Included

Every Tanzania safari package is designed to be seamless and hassle-free, covering the essentials for a smooth adventure:

  • Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle with a professional, English-speaking driver-guide

  • Park Entry & Conservation Fees for all national parks and reserves on your itinerary

  • Accommodation in carefully selected mid-range lodges, luxury tented camps, or hotels as specified

  • Meals as per itinerary (typically full-board on safari, half-board in city or beach locations)

  • Bottled Drinking Water during game drives and transfers

  • Domestic Flights or Transfers between parks or to Zanzibar if included in the package

  • Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport, or Zanzibar Airport

  • Government Taxes & Tourism Levies

 

 

What’s Not Included

Items left out of the base price so you can tailor your experience:

  • International Flights to and from Tanzania

  • Tanzania Visa Fees and any transit visas if required

  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance (medical and trip cancellation)

  • Tips & Gratuities for guides, drivers, and camp staff

  • Optional Activities such as hot-air balloon rides, scuba diving, cultural village visits, or spa treatments

  • Premium Beverages & Personal Expenses like alcohol, soft drinks outside meal plans, laundry, or souvenirs

Frequently Asked Questions – Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday

1. When is the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari and beach holiday?
June to October offers the driest weather and best game viewing. December to March is excellent for the Great Migration calving season and warm Zanzibar beaches.
 
2. Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Yes. Most visitors require a tourist visa, obtainable online (e-visa) or on arrival at airports such as Kilimanjaro International (JRO) and Zanzibar (ZNZ).
 
3. What kind of accommodations are available?
Options range from mid-range safari lodges and luxury tented camps in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro to boutique resorts and private villas along Zanzibar’s beaches.
 
4. Are domestic flights included in the package?
Packages typically include scheduled flights between Arusha or the Serengeti and Zanzibar. Always confirm inclusions with your tour operator.
 
5. What wildlife can I expect to see?
You have excellent chances to spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino—plus cheetah, giraffe, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and hundreds of bird species.
 
6. Is the safari suitable for families with children?
Yes. Private vehicles and flexible schedules make Tanzania safaris family-friendly, and many lodges provide family rooms and child-friendly meals.
 
7. What vaccinations or health precautions are recommended?
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended, and proof may be required if arriving from certain countries. Malaria prophylaxis is also strongly advised.
 
8. What should I pack for a bush-and-beach holiday?
Light, neutral safari clothing, a warm layer for cool mornings, sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, swimwear for Zanzibar, and a good camera.
 
9. Are meals and drinking water included?
Yes. Full-board meals are included on safari, and half- or full-board is typical in Zanzibar. Bottled drinking water is supplied during game drives and transfers.
 
10. Can I combine this trip with a Kilimanjaro climb or other East Africa destinations?
Absolutely. Many travelers pair this package with a Mount Kilimanjaro trek, a visit to Kenya’s Masai Mara, or a Rwanda gorilla trek. Your operator can customize extensions.

bottom of page