Tanzania Safaris from Zanzibar 🌍✈️

✈️ Safari from Zanzibar: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

 

Q: Can You Do a Safari from Zanzibar?

 

A: Yes, absolutely! Zanzibar is the perfect starting point for a "fly-in" safari from Zanzibar to the major parks of mainland Tanzania, allowing travelers to easily combine a beach holiday with an incredible wildlife adventure.

 

Q: What is the Closest Safari to Zanzibar? (How Far is Safari from Zanzibar?)

 

A: The closest parks are in the Southern Circuit of Tanzania, which are just a short domestic flight across the Zanzibar channel.

• Saadani National Park: Closest coastal park, approximately 20 minutes flight time from ZNZ.

• Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous): Southern Circuit, approximately 45 – 60 minutes flight time from ZNZ.

• Mikumi National Park: Southern Circuit, approximately 60 minutes flight time from ZNZ.

 

Q: How Do You Get to the Mainland Safari Parks from Zanzibar?

 

A: The most efficient method for a safari from Zanzibar is by domestic flight from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ).

• To Northern Parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro): You fly directly to an airstrip within the park (e.g., Seronera in Serengeti, ~2.5 hours) or to Arusha (ARK/JRO, ~1 hour), where your road transfer into the parks begins.

• To Southern Parks (Nyerere, Mikumi): You fly directly to the park's designated airstrip.

 

Q: Can You Do a Day Safari from Zanzibar?

A: Yes, one-day fly-in safaris from Zanzibar are highly popular and easy to arrange.

• Best Parks for Day Trips: Mikumi National Park and Nyerere National Park are the top choices due to their short flight proximity.

• Itinerary: The day typically requires a very early morning flight, a full day of game driving with a bush lunch, and an evening flight back to Zanzibar.

 

Q: Which Safari is Best to Book from Zanzibar?

 

A: The best safari depends on your priority and trip length:

• For Iconic Wildlife and the Great Migration: The Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater (Northern Circuit) are the best, typically requiring a 3 to 5-day trip.

• For Time-Efficiency and Unique Activities (like boat safaris): Nyerere National Park and Mikumi National Park (Southern Circuit) are recommended for 1 to 3 days.

 

Q: How Much Does a Safari from Zanzibar Cost?

 

A: Safari costs are highly variable, as the price includes domestic flights, park fees, accommodation, and guiding. Prices listed are estimated starting points per person, sharing:

• 1-Day Fly-In Safari: Starts from $450 – $700+ USD.

• 2- to 3-Day Mid-Range Safari: Starts from $900 – $1,800+ USD.

• 3- to 5-Day Luxury Safari: Starts from $1,700 – $4,000+ USD.

 

Q: Can I Book a Safari Directly from Zanzibar?

 

A: Yes! While local agents on the island can arrange trips, it is strongly recommended to book a quality fly-in safari in advance through a reputable tour operator like ZuriAfrica Safaris. Booking ahead guarantees your domestic flights, secures your preferred luxurious rooms (such as the top-end properties in Serengeti, Karatu, and Ngorongoro), and ensures your park permits are confirmed.

 

Q7: When is the Best Time to Combine a Zanzibar Beach Holiday with a Safari?

 

A: The best overall time to combine both is during the long dry season, from June through October.

This period offers:

• Safari: Excellent wildlife viewing across the Northern and Southern Circuits as animals congregate around water sources, and the Great Migration river crossings often occur (July–September).

• Zanzibar: Perfect beach weather with clear skies, minimal rain, and low humidity, making for ideal relaxation, swimming, and water sports.

• Second Best Time: January and February are also excellent, coinciding with the hot, sunny short-dry season and the spectacular Wildebeest Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti/Ndutu area.

 

Q8: What Should I Pack for a Zanzibar and Safari Combination Trip?

 

A: You must pack for two distinct environments: a tropical beach and the dusty safari plains.

• Safari Essentials:

  • Colors: Neutral colors (khaki, beige, olive) to blend into the bush and avoid attracting tsetse flies. Avoid bright colors, black, and dark blue.

  • Layers: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun/insect protection and warmth during cool early morning and evening game drives.

• Beach Essentials:

  • Modesty: When visiting Stone Town or local villages, cover your shoulders and wear shorts/skirts at or below the knee out of respect for the local Muslim culture.

• Health & Gear: Sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET recommended), wide-brimmed hat, good binoculars, and a universal power adapter.

 

Q9: Are the Safari Packages from Zanzibar All-Inclusive?

 

A: Reputable tour operators like Zuriafrica Safaris typically offer all-inclusive "Fly-In" packages, but always confirm the details.

A typical all-inclusive package should cover:

• Flights: Round-trip domestic flights from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to the mainland park airstrip.

• Ground: All road transfers (airport to lodge, and game drives in a 4x4 vehicle).

• Fees: All national park entrance fees and concession fees (these are significant costs).

• Accommodation: Your lodging on a full-board basis (all meals included).

What is often NOT included: International flights, visa fees, gratuities (tips) for guides/staff, and alcoholic beverages.