Imagine lounging on a pristine white sand beach, snorkeling in turquoise waters, and then embarking on a thrilling game drive through the African wilderness—all in one trip. That’s the magic of a Zanzibar safari tour, where beach bliss meets the untamed spirit of a safari.
Zanzibar, known for its exotic culture, spice plantations, and stunning coastline, also serves as a perfect extension to mainland Tanzania’s legendary safari circuits. In this guide, we’ll explore what a Zanzibar safari tour includes, top destinations, popular packages, and tips for making the most of your East African escape.
Why Choose a Zanzibar Safari Tour?
Combining a tropical island stay with a wildlife safari offers the best of both worlds. A Zanzibar safari tour lets you unwind after adventurous game drives or spice up a beach holiday with wild encounters.
✅ Benefits of a Combined Zanzibar Safari:
- Seamless logistics: Safari and beach legs are bundled into one package
- Diverse experience: From wildlife spotting to snorkeling and cultural tours
- Perfect for honeymoons: Romantic lodges and beach resorts
- Year-round destination: Ideal weather most months of the year
Whether you’re coming for relaxation, photography, or exploration, this combination guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
What’s Included in a Zanzibar Safari Tour?
A Zanzibar safari tour typically combines:
- A wildlife safari (2–6 days) on the mainland
- A beach holiday in Zanzibar (2–5 days)
- Flights or ferry transfers between Arusha/Serengeti and Zanzibar
- Airport pickups and hotel transfers
- All-inclusive accommodation (meals, game drives, park fees)
The most common format is to start with the safari in northern Tanzania, then fly to Zanzibar to relax and explore.
Top Wildlife Safari Destinations in a Zanzibar Safari Tour
Here are the key safari destinations often included before or after your Zanzibar beach stay:
🐘 Serengeti National Park
- World-famous for the Great Migration and vast savannahs
- Spot the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo
🦁 Ngorongoro Crater
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and extinct volcano teeming with wildlife
- One of the best places in Africa to spot black rhinos
🦓 Tarangire National Park
- Known for its elephant population and scenic baobab-studded landscapes
- Excellent during the dry season (June–October)
🐆 Lake Manyara National Park
- Compact park ideal for short game drives
- Famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo-covered lake
You’ll usually stay in safari lodges or tented camps close to these parks, with game drives arranged morning and evening.
Highlights of the Zanzibar Beach Experience
After your safari, unwind in Zanzibar—an island that blends African, Arab, and European influences into a stunning cultural mosaic.
🏖 Best Places to Stay in Zanzibar:
- Nungwi & Kendwa (North): White sandy beaches, lively nightlife
- Paje & Jambiani (East): Water sports and kite surfing
- Stone Town: Historic center with UNESCO World Heritage status
🌴 Activities in Zanzibar:
- Spice plantation tours
- Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll
- Swimming with dolphins in Kizimkazi
- Sunset dhow cruises
- Stone Town walking tours
Popular Zanzibar Safari Tour Itineraries
🗓 6-Day Safari & Zanzibar Tour:
- Day 1–2: Safari in Tarangire or Serengeti
- Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Day 4: Flight to Zanzibar
- Day 5–6: Beach relaxation and spice tour
🗓 8-Day Luxury Safari & Zanzibar Honeymoon:
- 4-day luxury safari with private guide
- Hot air balloon ride over Serengeti
- 4 nights at an all-inclusive beach resort in Nungwi
🗓 5-Day Zanzibar Wildlife & Island Tour:
- Safari in Selous Game Reserve (fly-in from Zanzibar)
- Explore Jozani Forest and Prison Island
- Return to Stone Town for local culture and shopping
Best Time for a Zanzibar Safari Tour
Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania have slightly different weather patterns, but overall, you can plan a Zanzibar safari tour almost any time of the year.
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June – October | Ideal for wildlife safaris, calm beach waters |
| Short Rains | Nov – Dec | Green landscapes, fewer tourists |
| Long Rains | March – May | Best prices, but some roads may be muddy |
| Beach Peak | Dec – Feb | Hot, dry, and perfect for sun-seekers |
For Great Migration viewing in Serengeti, aim for June–September. For honeymooners, December to February is perfect for warm weather and romantic sunsets.
Types of Zanzibar Safari Tour Packages
There’s a wide range of packages depending on your travel style and budget:
🔹 Budget Safari & Beach Tour
- Group safari in shared 4×4
- Camping or economy lodges
- Mid-range beachfront guesthouse in Zanzibar
Cost: $900–$1,200 for 6 days
🔹 Mid-Range Combo Tour
- Private or small group safari
- Tented camps and comfortable 3–4 star beach resorts
Cost: $1,400–$2,000 for 7–8 days
🔹 Luxury Safari & Beach Experience
- Fly-in safaris, luxury lodges, hot air balloon safari
- 5-star beachfront resort in Zanzibar with spa and fine dining
Cost: $2,500–$5,000+ for 8–10 days
Tips for Booking a Zanzibar Safari Tour
- Book early, especially in high season (June–October & Dec–Feb)
- Use licensed operators with good reviews (check TripAdvisor or SafariBookings)
- Pack light, but include essentials like swimwear, safari clothes, and insect repellent
- Combine with Zanzibar festivals like Sauti za Busara for culture and music
- Make sure to include domestic flights between Serengeti/Arusha and Zanzibar in your package
Recommended Tour Operators
Some of the best-rated companies offering Zanzibar safari tours include:
- Easy Travel Tanzania
- Altezza Travel
- Zama Tours
- Lion King Adventures
- Soul of Tanzania
- Kisiwa on the Beach (Zanzibar-based for extensions)
Conclusion: Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds in Zanzibar Safari Tours
With a Zanzibar safari tour, you don’t have to choose between adventure and relaxation—you get both. Start with exhilarating wildlife sightings in Serengeti or Ngorongoro, and end with sun-kissed afternoons on Zanzibar’s stunning beaches.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo trip of a lifetime, this safari-beach combo delivers memories that last forever. So pack your binoculars and flip-flops—Zanzibar is calling!
