The Ultimate Guide About Safari from Zanzibar to Mainland, Tanzania
The Best ultimate Guide to Tanzania safari Tours from Zanzibar. Compare the best safaris from Zanzibar to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire. Explore Tanzania and Zanzibar tours with tips, FAQ’s & affordable safari tour packages in Tanzania and Zanzibar Island.
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Last minutes short safaris from zanzibar
4 Days Safari From Zanzibar
2 Day Selous/Nyerere National Park Safari from Zanzibar
The Best Safaris in Zanzibar Island
We offer tours in Zanzibar Island, escorted by expert tour guides who will point out the very best of this beautiful destination. From its history, culture to safari tours from Zanzibar, or even on the crystal-clear waters that have loads of adventure activities, we are able to arrange several customised tours suitable for every traveler.
All inclusive Safari Tours From Zanzibar!
With more travelers booking their Zanzibar beach holidays online, the demand for safaris tours in Tanzania from Zanzibar has surged. That’s why we’ve created Tanzania safari tours from Zanzibar that offer great value without compromising on quality.
Of course, Zanzibar boasts pristine white-sand beaches, but in terms of wildlife, it offers rather limited experiences. Although there is the Jozani Forest with its endemic red colobus monkey population, the island is not a big safari destination. With our safaris tours from Zanzibar, explore the heart of Tanzania’s iconic national parks on the mainland for renowned explorations into Northern and Southern Tanzania Safari Circuits.
One of the highlights in our package is last-minute safaris from Zanzibar. These are private, tailor-made safaris where you can start on any given date that works for you, with only your traveling companions joining your tour. Since the tours are private, we can tailor every detail to match your preferences, be it the type of wildlife you want to see, the pace of your journey, or even to fit your budget.
For example, we do have a 3-day safari in the Serengeti National Park or combined Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, including a return flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, the entrance to the most famous parks of Northern Tanzania.
For those interested in the Southern Circuit we have safaris which either have transfers on ferry for budget travellers, flying to Dar es Salaam and take overland drives either in Selous Game Reserve or in Ruaha National Park. We also take direct flights. Whether you’re heading to the northern parks or the southern reserves, we’ll take care of the logistics, including airport transfers to Zanzibar or Stone Town, and flight connections for seamless travel.
We also have safaris that combine: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, or take the Southern Circuit with a combination of Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve or even Ruaha National Park and Mikumi. If you are after something special, we can tailor-make your safari package, including tours from Zanzibar Island, Mafia Island, or even Pemba Island.
For more information or to view more options, visit our website for Tanzania safaris from Zanzibar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safaris from Zanzibar
1. Can I Book a Safari While Staying in Zanzibar?
Yes, absolutely. Zanzibar is the perfect gateway to your Tanzania safari adventure. With daily domestic flights connecting Zanzibar to iconic mainland destinations like Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and the famous Serengeti, starting your safari journey has never been easier or more convenient.
2. Can I book a safari tour in Tanzania from Zanzibar and pay later ?
Yes, you can! We understand that flexibility is key when planning your Tanzania safari from Zanzibar, which is why we offer the option to book your safari now and pay later. This way, you can secure your spot on your preferred safari package without worrying about immediate payments.
3. What is the best time to go safari from Zanzibar ?
Best time to go Safari from Zanzibar is during the dry season; July to September. And December to mid March.
4. What parks are best for a safari from Zanzibar?
Most parks on the Tanzanian mainland are but a short flight from Zanzibar, although in some cases you will have to change planes either in Arusha or Dar es Salaam.
The best place to visit on a safari from Zanzibar, it is the country’s north. This is where you find Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, which are without doubt my top picks. Both are well and truly close to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, also fabulous wildlife destinations if you have the time. If you wanted to fit all four of these into your schedule, you would have needed at least 10 days.
Alternatively, you could go south to the wildlife-rich Nyerere National Park, which is especially good for varied landscapes, elephants, and lions. Visiting Nyerere would add at least 3 days to your overall trip
5. How many days is recommended for a trip from Zanzibar?
The time you devote to your safari from Zanzibar will be determined by the places you intend to visit. If you have only 3 to 4 days, it is advisable to focus on one park. Both Nyerere and the Serengeti are excellent choices for a short yet memorable safari.
Having a few more days in hand can get you adding some variety into your itinerary-maybe combining Ngorongoro Crater with Lake Manyara in the north, or exploring the southern region at Mikumi National Park. With near 10 days, you might even take in the entire Northern Safari Circuit or try to take in a few parks in southern Tanzania for a much deeper dive into the remarkable wildlife and landscapes of the country.
It’s also worth inquiring with your safari operator about combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages. Zanzibar attracts many travelers who also want to see the mainland, so options will be many.
And a quick trick: if trying to save some bucks on your safari, try reducing the number of internal flights. Overland travel will often be quite a bit less expensive and have the added plus of allowing one to see some great scenery between the parks.
6. Is a Serengeti safari possible from Zanzibar?
Combining a trip to the Serengeti with some time on Zanzibar is definitely doable, and there are plenty of tours that offer this option. Typically, you’d fly from Zanzibar to Arusha in northern Tanzania, and then catch another flight from Arusha to one of the Serengeti’s airstrips. On your drive, Arusha to the Serengeti does hold a lot more exciting drives, and such drives can get you through several fantastic attractions in this country, be it Lake Manyara or something as breathtakingly historical like Ngorongoro Crater.
Then again, do remember that all driving will naturally take a heck of a lot longer than flight. But yes, the Serengeti is well worth the effort-surely my favorite park, too-in Africa. The incomparable wildlife-if you visit during the Great Wildebeest Migration that happens in stages from January to August or September, you are in for a real treat. But honestly, any time of year is great to see wildlife here. From the majestic big cats, the massive herds of elephants, to the uncountable species roaming the plains, the Serengeti never disappoints.
7. Should I go on a fly-in safari tour from Zanzibar?
Chances are, your safari from Zanzibar will involve some flying. While there are boat connections between Zanzibar and the mainland, they’re a lot slower and not particularly convenient if you’re on a time crunch and eager to get to your safari destination.
This generally entails flying from Zanzibar to Arusha or Dar es Salaam on the mainland, then onward to a flight into your chosen national park. Flying does, of course, come in at more costly than driving. It is well worth the extra cost if you want to maximize your time on safari rather than spending it on long road trips. Plus, the views from the air are just spectacular-it’s almost a scenic flight in its own right.
There’s something really magical about stepping off the plane right in the heart of a national park, with wildlife all around you. It’s a unique way to begin your adventure!
8. How much does a Tanzania tour from Zanzibar cost?
The price for a Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania safari varies widely, depending on many variables. A general rule of thumb would be to budget a minimum of $300 per person per day for a mid-range safari experience. More luxurious packages could easily cost triple that, or even more.
There are several factors that contribute to this wide range in prices. A major factor will be your choice of accommodation. The use of luxury tented camps and upmarket lodges increases the price, while the budget camping safaris are cheaper. The number of flights also plays a big role in the overall price, as air transfers can add up quite quickly.
Others are the number of days you intend to spend on safari, the season you travel in-peak season costs way higher compared to low season-and the class of safari taken. A private safari is, for instance, far much more expensive compared to joining a group, but it guarantees exclusivity and flexibility in experience of nature.
Ultimately, which safari is right for you will come down to personal preference and budget, so it’s always best to discuss options with your operator to find what best suits you.
9. Can you do a classic safari on Zanzibar Island?
You really can’t have a classic safari experience on Zanzibar Island itself. There are a few wildlife parks on the island, but they’re more zoos than anything else, and the experience really doesn’t compare to the real deal in Tanzania’s renowned national parks.
If you’re yearning for an authentic safari while you are on Zanzibar, it is best that you consult with your tour operator. They’ll have suggestions as to how to get to the mainland, where you’ll find some of the most famous safari destinations in the world. But before you do speak with them, it’s a good idea to do some research yourself to decide which animals you’d most like to see. For example, if you are keen on spotting big cats like lions and leopards, along with elephants, places like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Nyerere National Park are all excellent options.
If you’re more into primates and would like to follow in the footsteps of Jane Goodall-tracking wild chimpanzees-then western Tanzania’s Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks should feature highly on your list. Both offer a truly unique and intimate wildlife experience far from the usual safari.
10. What are the best Safaris in Zanzibar?
The best Safari tours from Zanzibar according to most travellers are:
- 4 Day Safari from From Zanzibar
- 5 day safari from Zanzibar
- 10 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar
- 2 Days – Tarangire safari depart from Zanzibar or Dar es salaam
- Mnemba Snorkeling, Kuza Cave, Blue Lagoon, Starfish Tour, The Rock Restaurant
13. Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is actually part of Tanzania, so you won’t need a visa; the one for Tanzania will cover it. You can often get a Tanzania visa upon arrival, but for ease, you might want to apply for one in advance to make the process easier. Just be sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, as most countries require this for entry.
11. What is the fastest way to get to Serengeti National Park from Zanzibar?
The quickest option would be flying by air, with a flight connecting Zanzibar International Airport directly to one of the various airstrips accessible in Serengeti National Park-to say, Seronera Airstrip, Fort Ikoma, and then car drive to one’s lodge as one goes on safari drives in Serengeti.
14. Do I need to worry about malaria when going on safari from Zanzibar?
Yes, malaria does exist in parts of Tanzania, including the safari areas. It’s best to check with your doctor about malaria prevention before traveling. Most travelers take anti-malarial medication and use mosquito repellent to reduce the risk. Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in the evening, is a good idea.
12. Is a Serengeti safari possible from Zanzibar?
Yes, it is possible to do a Serengeti safari tours from Zanzibar. Though an island off the coast of Tanzania, it’s quite easy to arrange a trip to the Serengeti, either flying or in combination with a flight and a road transfer.
One way of getting to it fast is, for example, flying from Zanzibar over the mainland onto Arusha or Dar es Salaam and continuing the next morning with a local flight toward an airstrip in the Serengeti National Park. Reaching it from here might easily take a couple of hours more.
You can also drive from Arusha to the Serengeti-if you want to take your time and see some nice views-but it will take a day or so, depending on the route and any stops you make. However, flying remains by far the most popular and time-efficient option.
Whether for a short or for a longer safari, the option from the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar down to the Serengeti for the incredible wildlife and landscapes is at your disposal.
15. How much does a safari from Zanzibar cost?
The cost of a safari tours from Zanzibar varies depending on your choice of park, accommodation, and the length of your trip. As a general rule, expect to pay around $300 per person per day for a mid-range safari. More luxurious options can cost significantly more. Be sure to factor in the cost of flights and transfers as well.
17. Ngorongoro Crater Safari from Zanzibar
The Ngorongoro Crater is a must-see for any safari enthusiast. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, teeming with game in a fantastic volcanic caldera and one of the most unusual places on earth to see wildlife.
Fly with ease from Zanzibar to Arusha, then on a scenic drive to Ngorongoro, where you’ll encounter an incredible ecosystem brimming with wildlife quite unlike any other place on earth.
Our 2-day Ngorongoro safari is an ideal way to see this amazing place if one has limited time. If one wants to have a view in detail, we offer a 5-day luxury safari that combines Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Tarangire for an in-depth look into Tanzania’s wildlife.
Our 4-day camping safari brings the campers to the edge with the unique landscape and diverse wildlife. Besides, beauty of the crater can be explored.
All our safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater include game drives, expertly led tours, and a range of accommodation options to fit your style and budget. Explore our Ngorongoro Crater safari packages for more details and find the perfect fit for your adventure.
16. Cheapest Safari from Zanzibar
The cheapest way for budget travelers to undertake a safari from Zanzibar is to join a group of persons going for such a safari, or take camping options whereby you are supposed to share some costs. Such an option is much cheaper and very reasonable, offering good opportunities for budget travelers to have decent wildlife sightings in Tanzania.
Our 2-day safari is, for example, very affordable and takes you through some of Tanzania’s most famous parks: Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, covering all the essentials for an unforgettable experience. If you are short on time, another great option is a 2-day safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro; it also offers great value for money.
If looking for an even cheaper way out, group safaris will be the best option in cost division among other travelers. You may also look for those trips that involve Tarangire and Lake Manyara since these parks are close to Arusha, making the transport cost quite lower.
Check our budget safari packages for affordable deals that would not limit you from enjoying the wild life and landscapes that make Tanzania special.
18. What Should I Pack for My Safari?
Packing smart is all about being prepared for anything while staying comfortable and respectful of local customs and regulations. Here’s a more humanized version of the essentials for your Tanzania safari:
- Clothing:
- Gear:
- Travel Essentials:
- Eco-Friendly
EXCELLENT Based on 74 reviews Felipe R2024-02-22 It was beyond expected, one in a lifetime experience Besides a great experience, a great human team we found at Zamunda. Salim with all his great customer service was always Avalos le to solve doubts, and make things clear, and our wonderful guide Godfrey which make us live a really great experience in every single game drive in all the parks. Patrick Heyman2024-01-01 Amazing Safari in Tanzania We had the most amazing safari in Tanzania with Zamunda. Salim was so helpful at organising our trip and was even more helpful in helping sort our bags that were lost by the airline. We were so incredibly lucky to have the best safari guide in the world in Godfrey, not only was his knowledge of the wild animals incredible his skill at finding them was unrivalled. But most importantly he was a lovely man and we could never thank him enough for giving us the most truly magical and amazing 5 days on safari with him. It was an experience of a lifetime and Godfrey was instrumental to that! I could not recommend both Salim and Godfrey enough and going on safari with Zamunda is something we will never forget and is an absolute must for anyone looking to go on safari in Tanzania. Thank you to both Godfrey and Salim! We will be recommending you to all our friends! lenka2023-12-17 Best Safari with Asad and Salim We choose the 5five days Safari with Zamunda travel with camping family tour of 4person. Second day we share the Safari with two Japanese. Everything was great. It was the second cheapest offer on net but includes pick up at AirPort in the middle of the night, sleeping in hotel before start the Safari and first night of Safari we slept in lounge with swimming pool. Great option after long travel from Europe. It was our second time on Safari with my husband and we appreciate the guide Asad, chief David and Osman the best. We saw everything what we wanted, Asad stopped and guide everything what we whished. After Safari Salim organise also tickets for our way to Dar el Salaam. We did not find anything what could be better to do :0) Jorim R2023-10-27 Best Safari Friendly team. Our guide knew a lot and took our wishes into account. We saw the big five. The food was very good for camping. kobetripper2023-10-05 Unforgettable safari with tent nights In September 2023 we went on a 4-day safari (3 nights) through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangiri parks with Zamunda Safari Tours. We booked the tour, including the domestic flights from Zanzibar to Tanzania and back, online from Zanzibar at very short notice. Salim immediately organized the flights, airport transfer, guide, cook and accommodation and we didn't have to worry about anything else. At first we were a little unsure whether everything was above board, as several things were unusual for European conditions. All of the flight tickets were issued with significant spelling mistakes in the names of the travelers, arrival at the airport was tight and the costs were slightly higher than stated on the website due to an adjustment by the airline. However, our uncertainty was absolutely unfounded, as the domestic flights are handled super easily and efficiently and deviations from the passport do not play a role compared to international flights. The whole safari was an unforgettable, wonderful experience that we were able to experience throughout in a private safari jeep. We saw pretty much all the animals that live in the parks, apart from the rhinoceros. Abouh, our guide/driver, had a good eye and a lot of background knowledge, the cook did an excellent job and the accommodation was good and practical and gave us unforgettable animal encounters at the sleeping place. We particularly enjoyed the two nights in the tent and would prefer a lodge next time. But the combination with the last night in a lodge with its own bathroom is of course very pleasant. We can highly recommend the tour and would like to thank Salim again! Benedikt D2023-09-26 Private Safari to Northern Serengeti My girlfriend and I went on a 5 days (4 nights) private safari with Zamunda tours. To summarize it - I would always do it this way again - which was a great recommendation of Salim 1) it’s the only way to get to the northern Serengeti which is beautiful remote and we saw the migration over the Mara river - while staying in an absolutely luxurious tented lodge (these lodges are only temporary for a couple of month a year there). We heard Hyenas and other wildlife at night - while being guarded at night by a Masaai men who was protecting the camp at night. While every part of the safari had its uniqueness- I would always come back to see the Northern Serengeti as it’s way less populated and stunning. The migration was overwhelming- we even saw a wildebeest being catched by crocodiles - an experience which really makes me consider becoming vegetarian….. 2) only a private safari gives you the opportunity to move around within the Jeep to get the best view on wildlife- which is very important depending on which side of the car the wildlife is. I had direct eyesight with a lion 1m of each other which was quite intense….. the lion liked the shade of our Jeep and liked a little bit to much our rear tyre. Once the lion started to lick and play with the paws with our tyre it was time to hit the road again. Needless to say a private tour also gives you the opportunity to follow your own pace, have the guides attention for your questions and set the priorities. Ours were the Hippos - our true spirit animals. Jonathan (who was an amazing guide) took us therefore especially to places with hippos where we could see them outside the pond as well during daytime. Thanks a lot!! We first looked at shared safaris and were considering the cost. Fun fact - my girlfriend doesn’t like camping (many thanks to her) which was very great in the end. If we would have camped in tents we would have been soaking wet - as quite unusual for the time of the year - a warm front passed through. The rain was drumming on our roof while we were sleeping in a king size bed in our lodge. You can imagine how people in the other Jeep’s looked like when we passed them next morning ???? Last but not least - why Zamunda? The guys are awesome! They arranged everything reliable and perfectly. It was a unique and more perfect experience then we ever thought - including airport pickup etc. We have done already some other safaris - however this was just stunning. Next to that - in Arusha are many international corporations - Zamunda is a true local company - so go for it! Many thanks Jonathan and Salim for this unique experience! ???? Sarah R2023-09-26 Private Safari We did a private safari of five days and have been to Tarangire, the central and northern Serengeti and Ngorongoro. All was perfect. Right from the beginning of planing the communication was easy and Salim adviced us well. He gave us different options and choices, so we could plan the best tour to our wishes. The Safari itself was awesome. Jonathan has been a great guide. He explained everything about the animals and the landscape but also gave us the space to relax and enjoy ourselves. The lodges have all been very good choosen and we loved falling a sleep and getting awake by the Sound of nature. Thank you so much for making our trip unforgettable. Experience7341712023-08-29 Amazing 4 day camping safari! What a fantastic trip from the start to the end! The communication with Salim went smooth and fast from the start to the end with pick up from the airport and nice breefing the evening before the safari in the hotel. The trip to tarangire, serengeti and Ngorongoro was beautifull! William was our driver and we couldn’t be more happy with him, great mood and showing us all the parks have to offer with the big five as icing on the cake. Our cook Halid was really the best. Our son especially loved the soups and our daughter the fried bananas. The decision to do a camping trip turned out as an excellent choice for us (family of 4 with 2 kids 11 and 17 years old) Thank you! EKHHalliday2023-08-28 Great all- round safari experience Just returning home reluctantly from a wonderful safari in Tanzania with Zamunda tours. My daughter, son-in-law and I went to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro in late August in an action packed schedule expertly arranged by Zamunda in close consultation with us. We were met in our Arusha hotel by Salim before beginning, to make sure everything was right, and our driver Abouh took over the next day. Abouh took every care to see that our animal viewings were quality ones. His English is very good and his knowledge of animals extensive. He was very patient when we wanted to spend as much time with warthogs and hyenas as big cats. His excellent driving ensured we covered big distances safely and without running late, and he was always working to set up picnic lunches, supervise our baggage and generally attend to the behind the scenes details so that we could enjoy a stress free holiday. Abouh took us to less frequented sites and we felt that we gained as much as we could in a short time. I thoroughly recommend Zamunda as a tour operator and Abouh as a young, energetic and passionate guide.