Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holidays
A Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday combines the northern circuit's game parks with several days on the Zanzibar archipelago's beaches, a pairing that works because the two halves of the trip are genuinely different rather than more of the same. Safari days start early, revolve around wildlife and cover ground; Zanzibar days slow down, revolve around the ocean, Stone Town's history and, for some, diving or snorkelling on the reef. This category suits travellers planning a longer Tanzania holiday, typically ten to fourteen days, who want both experiences rather than choosing one. The logistics are straightforward: a flight of around an hour connects Arusha or the Serengeti's airstrips to Zanzibar, so the transition between safari and beach doesn't eat into the trip. We generally sequence safari first, since early starts and dusty vehicles are easier to embrace at the beginning of a trip than at the end, and Zanzibar's slower pace makes a natural finish. A typical split might be five to six nights across Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, followed by four to five nights at Nungwi, Kendwa or a quieter stretch of the east coast. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is worth a half-day even for beach-focused travellers, and spice farm tours give useful context on the island's history beyond the resorts. We build a buffer day around the flight connection, since delays on light-aircraft routes are common enough to plan around.
Who it's for
Travellers planning a longer Tanzania holiday who want both safari and beach time — couples, families and groups of friends splitting a ten-to-fourteen-day trip.
Fitness: Easy — game drives combined with relaxed beach time.
Highlights
Good to know
Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Holidays: your questions, answered
What does a private Tanzania safari cost?
It depends mainly on the season, the number of days and the lodges you choose. Our private northern-circuit itineraries start from about US$3,100 per person for five days in Classic comfort, and rise with Mid-Luxury and Luxury camps. Park and conservation fees are set by the government and make up a significant share of every safari, and they are included in our prices. Every itinerary page shows a starting price per person, and we quote exactly for your dates.
Is every Emnel safari private?
Yes. You have your own vehicle and your own guide for the whole safari, and the daily pace, start times and stops are set around you, never around a group.
Who will our guide be?
One of Emnel's own guides. The team that plans your safari is the team that runs it. About two weeks before you arrive, we send your trip companion, with your guide's details and everything else you need for the journey.
When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania offers excellent game viewing all year. June to October is the classic dry season, with easy game viewing and the migration in the north. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. The long rains of April and May are quieter and greener, and some camps close. We will recommend the best timing and route for what you most want to see.
How does booking work?
Tell us your dates and ideas, and we will design an itinerary and send a detailed proposal. To confirm, we ask for a 30% deposit plus any domestic flights, which are issued on confirmation. You then receive your official confirmation, and about two weeks before you travel, your trip companion with every final detail.
Can we add Zanzibar to our safari?
Yes. A short flight from the Serengeti or Arusha takes you to Zanzibar's beaches. We recommend at least one night in Stone Town alongside your beach stay.