What You Need to Know: Our safaris from Zanzibar run from 2 to 4 days and start at US$1,930 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, flights included: a 2-day Serengeti fly-in (US$1,930), a 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari that flies in and drives out (US$2,575), and a 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari with Arusha flights (US$3,290). Each has a private Land Cruiser and a Mweka-trained guide.
Safaris from Zanzibar and What They Cost
2-Day Serengeti Fly-In from Zanzibar
One Serengeti night, flights from Zanzibar
3-Day Safari from Zanzibar
Fly to the Serengeti, drive out via Ngorongoro, fly back
4-Day Safari from Zanzibar
Tarangire, Serengeti and the crater with Arusha flights
Prices are per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, including flights. The flights cost the same whatever lodges you choose, so they are a large share of the price on short trips. Longer safaris from our northern Tanzania list can also start from Zanzibar; we add the Arusha flights.
Fly Straight to the Serengeti, or Fly to Arusha and Drive?
| Fly into the Serengeti | Fly to Arusha and drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | 2–3 day trips | 4 days or more |
| Parks | Serengeti (and the crater on the way out) | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro |
| Time on the road | Little | Several long drives |
| Flights | Zanzibar ↔ Serengeti | Zanzibar ↔ Arusha |
The 3-day safari mixes both: you fly into the Serengeti and drive out through Ngorongoro to Arusha.
Flights, Luggage and Timing
Safari flights from Zanzibar are scheduled light-aircraft services with ZanAir, Auric Air or Coastal Aviation, with strict luggage limits, usually about 15 kg in a soft bag. Flights to the Serengeti often stop on the way, and their times decide how much game-drive time you get on the first and last days. We confirm the schedule before you pay, and you can leave the rest of your luggage at your Zanzibar hotel.
What Happens on the Mainland
Your vehicle is a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, a window seat for everyone (at most 6), Wi-Fi, charging points and a fridge. Our driver-guides graduated from the College of African Wildlife Management at Mweka and have five years of safari guiding. Every safari has AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover.
Insurance for a Zanzibar and Safari Trip
Zanzibar requires every foreign visitor to buy the government's inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult with reduced rates for children; from October 1, 2026 mainland Tanzania has the same requirement. If your trip includes both, one policy is enough, bought for your first point of entry. We help guests buy it, or you can buy it on the official portal.
When to Combine Zanzibar with a Safari
June to October is the best time for both: dry on safari and good beach weather. January and February bring the Serengeti calving season. April and May are the main rainy months on the mainland and the coast. See the best time for a safari.
Booking and Cancellation Terms for a Safari from Zanzibar
A 30% deposit confirms your safari and your flight seats, and the balance is paid on arrival.
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
Which Safari from Zanzibar Should You Choose?
| If you have… | Choose |
|---|---|
| 1–2 days | A fly-in to Nyerere or Mikumi in the south, or the Serengeti by air |
| 3 days | Serengeti and Ngorongoro, flying in and out |
| 4+ days | The northern circuit with flights both ways, or a southern safari |
See our southern safaris for the closest parks to Zanzibar.
Packing for Beach and Safari
- Soft bag, about 15–20 kg, for the light aircraft
- Leave beach extras at your Zanzibar hotel if you return there
- Neutral safari clothes and a warm layer for early drives
- Binoculars and sunscreen
Is a Safari from Zanzibar Worth It?
Yes, if you are on Zanzibar and haven't been on safari: a short flight brings you to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater or the southern parks, and you can be back on the beach in a few days. Flying is more expensive than driving, but saves the long road journey and keeps more of your holiday for the parks and the beach.
For a one- or two-day trip, the southern parks such as Nyerere and Mikumi are closest. For the classic Big Five experience, the northern parks are worth the extra flight time.
If you have only one or two days, choose a fly-in to Nyerere or Mikumi from Zanzibar. With three days or more, fly to the Serengeti and drive back via the Ngorongoro Crater, or return by air. Book flights early in the busy months, and keep a buffer night before any international flight home.
Safaris from Zanzibar: Common Questions
Can you do a day trip to the Serengeti from Zanzibar?
Not one we would recommend. Two days with one night is the shortest trip we offer.
Are flights included?
Yes. Every safari on this page includes the flights between Zanzibar and the mainland.
Is the safari private?
Yes. Your vehicle and guide on the mainland are for your group only.
Do I need separate insurance for the safari?
No. One inbound travel insurance policy covers both Zanzibar and the mainland, bought for your first point of entry.
What is the closest safari to Zanzibar?
Nyerere (Selous) and Mikumi in the south, about an hour by light aircraft.
Can I do a safari and return to Zanzibar the same day?
Yes, to Nyerere or Mikumi by light aircraft; for the Serengeti, plan at least two days.
The Bottom Line
Fly in for two or three days, or fly to Arusha for four days and three parks. Either way, you're back on the beach the same evening the safari ends.
Send us your dates, your hotel (or the area you'd like to stay in), the number of travelers and the trips you are interested in through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will reply with a written quotation.