Top 5 Tanzania Safaris You Can Start Directly From Zanzibar

Top 5 Tanzania Safaris You Can Start Directly From Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful islands in Africa—a tropical escape known for its white-sand beaches, spice plantations, coral reefs, and rich Swahili culture. But what many travelers don’t realize is just how close Zanzibar is to Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations. With daily flights connecting the island to Tanzania’s national parks, you can easily leave the beach in the morning and be watching lions, elephants, giraffes, or cheetahs in the Serengeti by lunchtime.

This perfect mix of beach + bush makes Zanzibar the ultimate gateway for travelers wanting to combine relaxation with an unforgettable safari journey. Whether you’re visiting for a honeymoon, family vacation, or a short adventure, here are the top 5 Tanzania safari experiences you can begin directly from Zanzibar.

Why Start a Safari From Zanzibar?

1. Fast & Convenient Fly-In Options

Zanzibar airport connects directly to several safari airstrips:

• Serengeti (Seronera, Kogatende, Ndutu)

• Manyara Airstrip (gateway to Ngorongoro)

• Tarangire (Kuro Airstrip)

• Arusha Airport

Flight Times

• Zanzibar → Serengeti: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hrs

• Zanzibar → Manyara: 1 hr 20 min

• Zanzibar → Arusha: 1 hr

You avoid long road transfers and maximize time in the wilderness.

2. Great for Short Trips

If you're short on time, a safari from Zanzibar is the perfect solution.You can enjoy:

• 2-day safari → Ngorongoro

• 3-day safari → Serengeti or Crater

• 4–5 day safari → Full Northern Circuit

2-Day Safari: https://www.travelwisesafari.com/2-day-tanzania-safari-from-zanzibar 3-Day Safari: https://www.travelwisesafari.com/3-days-tanzania-safari-from-zanzibar

3. Perfect Combination Holiday

After days of wildlife viewing, return to:

• turquoise waters

• palm-fringed beaches

• sunset dhow cruises

• luxurious beach resorts

A Tanzania safari + Zanzibar holiday is one of Africa’s most iconic travel combinations.

Top 5 Fly-In Tanzania Safaris From Zanzibar

Below are the best safari options you can begin directly from the island. Each one offers unique experiences and world-class wildlife viewing.

1. Serengeti Fly-In Safari (3–5 Days)

Best for: Great Migration, big cats, classic safari experience

The Serengeti is the crown jewel of African safaris. Known for its endless plains, dramatic wildlife action, and the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti is one of the few places on the planet where wildlife still roams freely in massive numbers.

Flying from Zanzibar into the Serengeti is the fastest way to reach the heart of the action. Flights land directly in:

• Seronera (Central Serengeti) – best year-round

• Kogatende (North Serengeti) – Migration river crossings (July–October)

• Ndutu (South Serengeti) – Calving season (Dec–March)

What Makes Serengeti Perfect From Zanzibar?

• You avoid long drives

• You land directly in the action

• You can experience the Migration in just 2–3 hours of travel

• More time for game drives

Wildlife Highlights

• Lions

• Leopards

• Cheetahs

• Elephants

• Giraffes

• Hyenas

• Wildebeest & zebra (millions during migration)

2. Ngorongoro Crater Safari (2–3 Days)

Best for: Big Five, stunning landscapes, short trips

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most extraordinary places in Africa. Formed over 2 million years ago, it is now home to a dense concentration of animals—including some of the last remaining black rhinos in Tanzania.

Flying from Zanzibar into Manyara Airstrip, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive into the Crater.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

• The highest density of predators in Africa

• Year-round wildlife sightings

• Unique volcanic landscapes

• Premium lodges perched on the crater rim

Wildlife Highlights

• Black rhinos

• Lions

• Elephants

• Hippos

• Flamingos

• Wildebeest

• Hyenas

A perfect safari for travelers with limited time.

3. Tarangire Elephant Safari (2–4 Days)

Best for: Elephants, baobab forests, quieter parks

Tarangire National Park is often overlooked by first-time safari-goers, but it’s one of Tanzania’s hidden gems. The park is known for:

• giant baobab trees

• thousands of elephants

• peaceful, uncrowded landscapes

Flying into Tarangire from Zanzibar is easy and makes for a great short safari or an add-on to Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

Wildlife Highlights

• Large elephant herds (up to 300+ at a time)

• Lions & leopards

• Oryx & kudu

• Impala, buffalo, giraffe

• Rare species like fringe-eared oryx

Best Time to Visit

• June to October (peak wildlife viewing)

• November to February (green, beautiful landscapes)

4. Northern Circuit Combo: Serengeti + Ngorongoro (4–7 Days)

Best for: Travelers who want the BEST safari experience

This route combines the two top wildlife destinations in Tanzania. It’s the ideal safari for:

• honeymooners

• photographers

• families

• first-time travelers

Why Choose This Combination?

• Serengeti = big cats, Migration

• Ngorongoro = Big Five in a small area

• Fly-in convenience

• Amazing lodge options

You can fly into Serengeti first, then drive to Ngorongoro, or reverse the route.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Fly Zanzibar → SerengetiDay 2–3: Full-day game drivesDay 4: Drive to NgorongoroDay 5: Crater descentDay 6: Optional Manyara/TarangireDay 7: Fly back to Zanzibar

This is the most popular safari in Tanzania.

5. Mikumi National Park Safari From Zanzibar (2–3 Days)

Best for: Budget-friendly safaris, wide-open plains, easy access

Mikumi, often referred to as the “Serengeti of the South,” is perfect for travelers seeking a quick, affordable safari without compromising wildlife quality.

Why Choose Mikumi From Zanzibar?

• Quick access via Dar es Salaam

• Great for short safaris

• Wide-open savannah landscapes

• Ideal for budget travelers

Wildlife Highlights

• Lions

• Zebras

• Elephants

• Giraffes

• Wildebeest

• Hippos

Mikumi is especially great for families and travelers on shorter holidays.

How Much Do These Safaris Cost?

Prices vary depending on:

• length of safari

• season

• level of accommodation

• fly-in vs drive-in options

Typical 2025 safari prices:

Safari Length	Average Cost (Per Person)
2 Days	$900–$1,300
3 Days	$1,300–$2,000
4 Days	$1,600–$2,500
5 Days	$2,000–$3,000

Best Time for a Safari From Zanzibar

The good news: Tanzania offers year-round safaris.

Best Months by Experience

• Great Migration River Crossings: July–October

• Calving Season (Ndutu): December–March

• Best Big Cat Viewing: June–October

• Green Season Beauty: November–February

Zanzibar is ALSO year-round, so the combination works any time.

Why Book With Travel Wise Safari?

1. Local Tanzania Experts

Travel Wise Safari is a Tanzanian-owned operator, giving you:

• insider knowledge

• better pricing

• local support

• highly trained guides

2. Private 4x4 Safari Vehicles

Every safari includes:

• pop-up roof

• comfortable seating

• photography-friendly windows

• refrigerator for cold drinks

3. Seamless Zanzibar + Safari Arrangements

We handle everything:

• flights

• park fees

• lodges

• transfers

• game drives

Your trip is stress-free and fully organized.

4. Tailor-Made Itineraries

Choose your:

• parks

• lodges

• days

• activities

We customize everything to your travel style.

Conclusion: Safari Starts Where Your Beach Holiday Ends

Whether you’re seeking a quick 2-day adventure or a full 1-week safari, Zanzibar is the perfect launchpad for exploring Tanzania’s legendary national parks. From the dramatic landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater to the vast plains of the Serengeti, every safari offers something extraordinary.

Ready to add a Tanzania safari to your Zanzibar holiday?Plan your tailor-made adventure with Travel Wise Safari today.Request your free quote here: https://www.travelwisesafari.com/inquire-now