A Complete Guide for Travellers Planning a Zanzibar Beach & Safari Holiday
If you’re dreaming of Zanzibar’s turquoise beaches but also imagining lion-filled landscapes and epic wildlife moments, you might be wondering: “Is there any safari in Zanzibar?” This is one of the most common questions travellers ask when planning a trip to Tanzania—and the answer might surprise you.
Problem Statement
Many travellers assume that since Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, it must also offer traditional safaris with lions, elephants, and giraffes. But what actually exists on the island? And how can you combine a beach holiday with a real safari experience?
This guide gives you everything you need to plan the perfect Zanzibar + Tanzania safari itinerary, understand your options, and avoid common misunderstandings.
🏝️ Is There Any Safari in Zanzibar? (Short Answer: Not a Big Five Safari)
Zanzibar does not have traditional “Big Five” safaris.
There are no lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, or leopards living naturally on the island.
However…
Zanzibar does offer smaller wildlife experiences, cultural nature encounters, and forest adventures that many travellers enjoy as a light addition to their beach trip.
For a real safari, you simply fly to mainland Tanzania—usually 30–90 minutes—to reach world-famous safari parks.
🌿 What Wildlife Experiences Are on Zanzibar Island?
Even though there’s no classic safari, you can still enjoy nature and wildlife activities on the island.
1. Jozani Forest (Red Colobus Monkeys)
Zanzibar’s most famous natural attraction is Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the rare Red Colobus Monkeys.
What makes it special:
- Short, easy walking trails
- Great for kids, families, and beginners
- Educational forest guides
2. Prison Island Tortoise Sanctuary
A short boat trip from Stone Town, Prison Island hosts giant Aldabra tortoises—some over 100 years old.
Good for:
- Families
- Short half-day trips
- Combining nature + history
3. Safari Blue Experience
This is not a wildlife safari, but rather a marine adventure including snorkelling, sandbanks, and dhow sailing.
You may spot:
- Dolphins
- Tropical fish
- Coral reefs
4. Kizimkazi Dolphin Trip
A popular morning activity where travellers take a boat to look for bottlenose and humpback dolphins.
Note: Choose ethical operators who practice responsible dolphin viewing.
✈️ Where to Go for a Real Safari Near Zanzibar
To see classic safari animals, you’ll need to fly to mainland Tanzania. Fortunately, the flight connections are fast and easy.
Here are the best safari parks to combine with Zanzibar:
1. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is Great for:
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Short safari days
- Family-friendly lodges
Flights: Zanzibar → Arusha
Duration: ~1 hour
2. Ngorongoro Crater
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredibly dense wildlife.
Perfect for:
- First-time safari travellers
- Short 1–2 day safaris
- Seeing many animals in one place
3. Serengeti National Park
One of the most famous wildlife parks in the world and is home to the Great Migration.
Ideal for:
- Longer safaris
- Older kids/teens
- Photography lovers
Flights: Zanzibar → Serengeti airstrips
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
4. Mikumi National Park (Closest to Zanzibar)
A great option if you want the shortest travel time.
Flight: ~30 minutes
Perfect for:
- 1–2 day safaris
- Budget-friendly trips
- Travellers tight on time
5. Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Offers:
- Boat safaris
- Lower crowds
- Amazing scenery
Flight: ~45 minutes from Zanzibar.
🧭 How to Combine Zanzibar With a Mainland Safari
A popular approach is:
Option A: Safari First → Zanzibar After
You land in mainland Tanzania, go on safari, then relax in Zanzibar afterwards.
Option B: Zanzibar First → Safari From Zanzibar
You start with beaches, then take a fly-in safari from Zanzibar.
Either option works well depending on your schedule.
🗓️ Recommended Itineraries (Easy & Flexible)
✔ 3-Day Safari from Zanzibar
A 3-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar highlights
- Day 1: Tarangire
- Day 2: Ngorongoro
- Day 3: Fly back to Zanzibar
✔ 2-Day Quick Safari From Zanzibar
- Day 1: Fly to Mikumi, afternoon game drive
- Day 2: Morning game drive, fly back
✔ 5-Day Serengeti + Zanzibar Escape
- 3 days in Serengeti
- 2 days in Zanzibar beaches
💡 Actionable Tips for Planning Your Zanzibar + Safari Trip
1. Book flights early
Domestic flights fill up fast during high season.
2. Choose a safari length based on your energy levels
- 1–2 days = quick wildlife highlights
- 3+ days = deeper safari experience
3. Pack light clothing and sun protection
Tanzania’s climate is warm and sunny year-round.
4. Select trusted tour operators
Look for guides with licensed vehicles and strong safety standards.
5. Travel during the dry season for smooth conditions
Best months: June–October and December–February
🌍 So… Is There Any Safari in Zanzibar? Final Answer
Zanzibar offers nature experiences, but not classic wildlife safaris with lions, elephants, or giraffes.
For a real safari, you can take a quick flight from Zanzibar to the mainland and explore world-class national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Mikumi, and Nyerere.
This combination is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in East Africa—and easy to plan.
FAQ: Is There Any Safari in Zanzibar?
1. Is there a real safari in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar doesn’t have traditional big-game safaris like lions or elephants. However, the island offers smaller wildlife experiences such as Jozani Forest, where you can see red colobus monkeys, butterflies, and mangrove ecosystems. For a full safari with big animals, you’ll need to fly to mainland Tanzania.
2. What safari-like experience can I do in Zanzibar?
You can visit Jozani Forest, take dolphin-watching boat trips, explore butterfly centres, or visit community nature reserves. These experiences are safe for kids and great for people who want something gentle and educational.
3. Can I see big animals like lions or elephants in Zanzibar?
No. These animals live in protected national parks on mainland Tanzania. If you want to see lions, elephants, giraffes, or zebras, you can take a short flight from Zanzibar to nearby parks such as Mikumi, Nyerere (Selous), Tarangire, or the Serengeti.
4. What is the closest safari park to Zanzibar?
Mikumi National Park is one of the closest options. It’s just a short flight to the mainland and is popular for quick 1–2 day safaris. It’s great for families and first-timers.
5. How long does it take to fly from Zanzibar to a safari park?
Flights usually take between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the park. These short flights make it easy to combine a beach holiday with a safari.
6. Are Zanzibar’s wildlife activities good for kids?
Yes. Jozani Forest, butterfly centres, snorkelling trips, and local nature tours are all safe and family-friendly. They offer hands-on learning, short walking distances, and plenty of things for kids to see.
7. Is Jozani Forest worth visiting?
Definitely. It’s the most popular wildlife attraction in Zanzibar. You can walk through the forest, see the famous red colobus monkeys, and explore the mangrove boardwalk. Visits usually take 1–2 hours, making it easy to fit into any schedule.
8. Can I do a one-day safari from Zanzibar?
Yes. Many travellers take a day trip to Mikumi or Nyerere (Selous) with an early morning flight. You’ll do game drives and return to Zanzibar the same evening.
9. How much does a safari from Zanzibar cost?
Costs vary depending on the park and the length of the tour. Day trips typically start from mid-range prices and go up depending on the lodge and season. Family packages and group rates are often available.
10. What animals can I see on a safari from Zanzibar?
Depending on the park, you may see elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and many bird species. Serengeti and Ngorongoro also offer chances to see the Big Five.
11. Is it safe to go on a safari in Tanzania with kids?
Yes, you can go on a Tanzania safari from Zanzibar with kids. Safari guides are trained to keep families safe, clearly explain wildlife rules, and adjust the trip to a child-friendly pace.
12. Can I combine a Zanzibar beach vacation with a safari?
This is one of the most popular ways to explore Tanzania. Many families do a few days of safari before relaxing in Zanzibar, or they start in Zanzibar and then fly to a safari park.
13. Are there any zoos or animal parks in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar doesn’t have zoos. Wildlife is found in natural forest areas or the ocean. For real safari animals, you’ll need to visit mainland Tanzania.
14. What is the best time of year to do a safari from Zanzibar?
The best times are the dry seasons: June–October and December–February. The weather is comfortable, wildlife is easy to spot, and flights are reliable.
15. Do I need any special permits for safari trips from Zanzibar?
Safari operators take care of park fees and permits for you. Just make sure you bring your passport and follow travel guidelines.
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