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Tanzania & Zanzibar
Tanzania & Zanzibar
The full arc of the country, crater rim to coastline.
The full arc of the country, crater rim to coastline.
Each route can be lengthened, shortened, or combined with another destination.
Five days of Northern Circuit game drives followed by a direct flight to Zanzibar for reef snorkelling and beach time.
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Five days of private big-cat tracking, then a direct flight to a Zanzibar beach resort with private plunge pools and dhow sunsets.
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A fully fly-in itinerary through private concessions and a private island, for couples who want absolute seclusion.
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Five days tracking the migration to the Grumeti River, then a direct flight to a Zanzibar beach resort.
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A fully fly-in itinerary to the Mara River crossings, through private concessions and a private island finish.
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Five days of predator photography on the mainland, then a direct flight to Zanzibar for seascape and Stone Town light.
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A fully fly-in photography expedition through private concessions with off-road and night-drive permits, finishing on a private island.
View ItineraryCombining Tanzania's world-renowned wildlife circuits with Zanzibar's turquoise waters and spice-scented beaches is the quintessential East African travel experience. Known as the classic "Bush and Beach" itinerary, this combination offers the thrilling adrenaline of tracking big cats on the Serengeti plains followed by total relaxation on tropical Indian Ocean shores.
Whether you are planning a bucket-list adventure, a luxury honeymoon, or a memorable family vacation, mastering the flight routing, park choices, and timing between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar ensures a seamless journey.
Depending on your travel duration and preferences, you can combine Zanzibar with either the Northern or Southern Safari Circuit.
| Circuit Combination | Recommended Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit + Zanzibar | 10–12 Days | The Classic Icon: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire paired with Kendwa or Nungwi beaches. Highest Big Five density. |
| Southern Circuit + Zanzibar | 7–9 Days | Wild & Uncrowded: fly directly from Nyerere (Selous) or Ruaha to Zanzibar in under an hour. Boat safaris, walking safaris, total seclusion. |
| Short Bush & Beach Reset | 5–7 Days | Express Holiday: 2–3 days fly-in safari to Mikumi or Nyerere, then 3–4 days at an all-inclusive beach resort. |
Land at Kilimanjaro (JRO). Transfer to a peaceful Arusha lodge to rest and prepare for safari.
Drive to Tarangire, famous for massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Overnight at a park lodge.
Descend into the crater for high-density Big Five viewing and a picnic lunch near hippo pools.
Fly or drive into the Serengeti plains. Spend two days tracking lions, leopards, cheetahs, and Great Migration herds.
Board a bush flight from Seronera Airstrip straight to Zanzibar. Transfer to your coastal beach resort.
Relax on white-sand beaches, enjoy a sunset dhow cruise, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, or a Stone Town spice tour.
A full leisure day at your beach resort — ocean swimming, spa treatments, fresh seafood dining.
Transfer to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your flight home.
June to October (Dry Season) — the absolute best overall time. Outstanding wildlife viewing on the mainland and dry, sunny beach weather in Zanzibar.
December to February (Warm & Sunny) — Great Migration calving season in the Serengeti paired with clear, warm waters in Zanzibar.
March to May (Long Rains) — heavier rainfall on both mainland and island, though many resorts and lodges offer deep discounts.
A minimum of 7 days works for an express trip (3 days safari + 4 days beach). However, 10 to 12 days is the sweet spot for a complete experience covering Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Zanzibar without feeling rushed.
The most convenient route is a direct 1.5 to 2-hour flight from Seronera, Kogatende, or Ndutu airstrips in the Serengeti straight to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).
Mid-range combination packages range from $400 to $700 per person per day. Luxury bush-and-beach itineraries range from $850 to $1,800+ per person per day, including internal flights, private safaris, and high-end beach resorts.
Dates, pace, and what matters most — we'll turn it into a private itinerary within one working day.