7 Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar | Camping | Lodge | Luxury
Fly directly from Zanzibar into Tanzania’s premier wildlife destinations and enjoy private guides, luxury lodges, and unforgettable Big Five viewing.
7 Days Zanzibar Safari to Tanzania | Safari from Zanzibar 7 Days
Begin your 7-day safari starting from Zanzibar and discover the perfect blend of tropical relaxation and thrilling wildlife adventure. This 7-day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar is designed for all travel styles, whether you’re seeking a luxury safari experience, a premium, affordable package, a memorable family safari, or a romantic honeymoon safari in the heart of Africa.
From Zanzibar, you’ll fly directly into Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife regions, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, where expert guides lead unforgettable Big Five game drives. With handpicked lodges and tented camps ranging from mid-range comfort to high-end luxury, this safari offers flexibility, comfort, and an authentic East African wilderness experience—perfect for couples, families, adventure seekers, and anyone dreaming of exploring Tanzania’s stunning national parks starting from the shores of Zanzibar.
7 Day Zanzibar to Safari Highlights Day by Day
Day 1 — Zanzibar → Tarangire National Park
Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha, then begin your adventure with a game drive in Tarangire National Park. Spot elephants, baobab trees, lions, giraffes, and rich birdlife as you enjoy your first taste of Tanzania’s wilderness. Overnight near Tarangire.
Day 2 — Tarangire → Ngorongoro Crater → Karatu
Explore the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in a single day. Enjoy a full-day safari on the crater floor before heading to your lodge in Karatu.
Day 3 — Karatu → Central Serengeti
Travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands and enter the iconic Serengeti National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the Seronera Valley, known for big cat sightings and year-round wildlife.
Day 4 — Western Serengeti (Grumeti Region) → Central Serengeti
Venture into the Western Corridor, famous for the Grumeti River and seasonal migration herds. Look for crocodiles, hippos, and predators before returning to Central Serengeti for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 — Central Serengeti → Northern Serengeti → Return to Central Serengeti
Head north to the Mara River area, where wildebeest crossings occur from July to October. Enjoy dramatic wildlife encounters and sweeping landscapes before returning to Central Serengeti.
Day 6 — Northern or Central Serengeti Exploration
Spend another day exploring the Serengeti, following wildlife movement and migration routes. Expect elephants, lions, cheetahs, grazing herds, birds, and unforgettable views across the plains.
Day 7 — Central Serengeti → Zanzibar
Enjoy a final early morning game drive before flying back to Zanzibar. Take in breathtaking last sightings of lions, hyenas, and antelope herds as you close out your safari experience.
Best Time to Go on This 7-Day Safari from Zanzibar
The best time to go on safari in Tanzania depends on what you want to experience, as wildlife sightings are excellent year-round — but seasons change the scenery, animal movement, and the Great Migration patterns in the Serengeti.
June to October – Best Overall Safari Season
Dry Season | Peak Wildlife Viewing | Comfortable Weather
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Animals gather around rivers and water sources, making sightings easier
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Best time to see large predators, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and rhinos
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Ideal for Serengeti game drives and Ngorongoro Crater safaris
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Great Migration river crossings (July–October) in Northern Serengeti
🔹 Highly recommended for first-time safari travellers.
December to March – Great Migration Calving Season
Green Season | Baby Animals | Dramatic Predator Action
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Witness thousands of wildebeest calving in Southern Serengeti/Ndutu
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High chances of seeing hunting lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards
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Lush scenery, fewer crowds, and excellent photography opportunities
🔹 Perfect for wildlife photographers and returning safari travellers.
April to May – Low Season
Long Rains | Best Value | Fewer Tourists
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Parks remain open, and wildlife is still abundant
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Lodges offer discounted rates, making it a great budget-friendly time
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Landscapes are green and beautiful, though roads may be muddy
🔹 Best for travellers seeking lower prices and fewer crowds.
April to May – Low Season
January is a fantastic month for safari, especially in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, where the calving season begins. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with newborn animals and increased predator action. February continues to be one of the best months for safari, with huge herds still in the Ndutu area, making it perfect for photographers and travellers wanting dramatic sightings.
March offers excellent safari conditions, with fewer crowds as the migration begins moving north, though light rains may start. April falls during the long-rain season, making it quieter and more budget-friendly. The landscapes are lush and green, and wildlife sightings remain strong as the herds move toward Central Serengeti. May is similar — still part of the green season — but the migration progresses toward the Western Serengeti and the Grumeti River.
June marks the beginning of peak safari season. The weather is dry, temperatures are comfortable, and wildlife gathers around permanent water sources. This is when the migration moves into the Western Corridor. July is one of the best months of the year for safari, especially in Northern Serengeti, where the famous Mara River crossings begin — a bucket-list wildlife spectacle.
August is another peak month for continuous river crossings in the Northern Serengeti and for superb wildlife encounters across all parks. September remains excellent with perfect weather and migration sightings still concentrated near the Mara River. October also offers exceptional game viewing as herds begin to shift back south, while conditions remain dry and clear.
November brings the short rains, but the safari is still perfect. The migration moves toward the Central Serengeti, and prices become more favourable. December is a great month to travel, especially over the festive season. The migration returns to the Southern Serengeti, marking the start of another calving cycle, and the scenery is lush and green, with plenty of wildlife.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about This 7-Day Safari from Zanzibar
Can I really start a Tanzania safari from Zanzibar?
Yes — this itinerary is specifically designed for travellers who want to start their 7-day safari from Zanzibar. Many visitors first relax on Zanzibar's beaches, then fly directly to the mainland to begin their safari adventure. The short flight from Zanzibar to Arusha makes it easy to begin a Zanzibar to Serengeti fly-in safari without long road transfers. This is one of the most convenient ways to combine a Zanzibar holiday with a Tanzania safari experience.
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to Arusha before the safari begins?
The flight from Zanzibar to Arusha Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours. This route is one of the most popular connections for people beginning a Serengeti safari from Zanzibar or a multi-day Tanzania safari itinerary. During peak travel months, flights operate daily, making this a convenient starting point.
What wildlife can I expect to see during this 7-day safari?
During this 7-day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar, you’ll visit world-class national parks including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Wildlife sightings typically include:
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The Big Five: lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard
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Wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles
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Seasonal Great Migration herds (depending on travel month)
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Flamingos and 500+ bird species
This makes it one of the best safari routes for a 7-day safari and Zanzibar package.
When is the best time to go on a 7-day safari from Zanzibar?
This safari can be done year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:
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June to October: Best overall safari season with dry weather and excellent wildlife visibility
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July to October: Best months for Great Migration river crossings in the Northern Serengeti
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January to March: Ideal for calving season in the Southern Serengeti with dramatic predator action
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April, May, and November: Great for value travellers seeking a more affordable safari with fewer crowds
Many travellers pair these dates with a Zanzibar beach vacation, making this time ideal for a combined Zanzibar and Tanzania safari package.
Is this safari suitable for couples, families, or honeymooners?
Yes — this 7-day safari itinerary from Zanzibar is suitable for couples, honeymooners, families with children, solo travelers and small groups. Accommodation ranges from budget to luxury safari lodges, and private safari vehicles offer full flexibility. Many honeymooners choose to combine a luxury Serengeti safari with a romantic stay in Zanzibar.
What is included in this 7-day safari and Zanzibar package?
For a fly-in safari from Zanzibar, soft luggage bags are recommended. Pack neutral clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, a hat, comfortable shoes, warm layers for morning game drives, and your camera or smartphone for photography. Laundry is available at most lodges, making packing light easy.
What should I pack for a safari starting from Zanzibar?
The safari includes domestic flights, accommodations, all park fees, safari vehicle with guide, meals, and transfers. Most travellers enjoy a seamless experience where everything is arranged, making this a thoroughly planned Zanzibar safari package.
Optional add-ons such as hot-air balloon safaris, cultural visits, or upgraded camps can be included upon request.
Do I need a visa or special documents when traveling from Zanzibar to the mainland?
No — Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so you do not need an additional visa to fly from Zanzibar to begin your safari. International travelers arriving in Tanzania should secure a visa depending on nationality before arrival or obtain it at the airport.
Can this 7-day safari itinerary be customized?
Yes — this 7-day safari from Zanzibar can be personalised to match your travel style, accommodation preference, season, or wildlife focus. Whether you want a luxury safari, family-friendly experience, honeymoon safari, photography safari, or group safari package, the itinerary can be adjusted. Extensions to Ngorongoro Highlands, Ndutu, Masai Mara, or extra days in Zanzibar can also be added.