Tarangire · Ngorongoro
2-Day Fly-in Exclusive Tanzania Anniversary Safari
- 2 days
- Camping
- Fly-in
From$1,081per person
View safariThe coast
Zanzibar
White-sand beaches, Stone Town’s alleys and dhows at sunset. Zanzibar is where many guests rest after a safari, and where our fly-in safaris start.
- Best: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug, Dec
- 43 safaris
- Park fees in every price
From$600per person
About Zanzibar
Why go to Zanzibar
White-sand beaches, Stone Town’s alleys and dhows at sunset. Zanzibar is where many guests rest after a safari, and where our fly-in safaris start.
Zanzibar is an archipelago, not one beach, and the coast you choose changes the holiday. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have deeper water, so you can swim at low tide, and the liveliest sunsets. The east coast at Paje, Jambiani and Matemwe has wide tidal flats: at low tide the sea goes out a long way, which kitesurfers love and swimmers sometimes don’t.
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is worth at least a morning: carved doors, spice markets and the old slave market memorial. Spice farms, the Jozani forest’s red colobus monkeys and a dhow sunset are the other popular half-days.
We plan Zanzibar as the beach end of a safari, or the start of a fly-in to the Serengeti.
What you’ll see
Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Swimming and snorkelling in the north
Kitesurfing on the east coast tidal flats
Red colobus monkeys in Jozani forest
Spice farm tours
Sunset dhow trips
- Best timeJun–Oct and Dec–Feb
- Time needed3 to 5 nights after a safari
- From ArushaAbout 1 hour 20 by scheduled flight
- Where to stayNorth for swimming at all tides, east for kitesurfing and quiet
- Our safaris here43, from $600 pp
- RegionThe coast
More about Zanzibar
Choosing a beach
Zanzibar is an archipelago, and each beach has its own character:
Tell us what you like and we’ll suggest the coast that suits you.
- Nungwi (north): white sand, turquoise water, restaurants and nightlife.
- Kendwa (north): sunsets, swimming at all tides, diving and snorkelling on reefs close to shore.
- Matemwe (north-east): quiet and largely undeveloped, with a few luxury resorts and good snorkelling.
- Pongwe (east): calm, shallow water and coral reefs, small resorts, fewer people.
- Paje (south-east): a long white beach and some of the best kitesurfing in East Africa.
- Jambiani (south-east): laid-back fishing villages and local life.
Seasons
When to go
Long rains Apr–May · short rains in November. Best time to visit Tanzania, month by month
Where it is
Location
Distances, as the crow flies
- Serengetiabout 640 km
- Ngorongoroabout 520 km
- Mikumiabout 260 km
Road distances are longer; driving times are in the facts above.
In pictures
Photo gallery
Good to know
FAQs
Which beach should we choose?
For swimming at any tide, the north (Nungwi, Kendwa). For quiet and kitesurfing, the east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe).
Can we do a safari from Zanzibar?
Yes. Our fly-in safaris leave Zanzibar in the morning and land in the Serengeti or Mikumi in time for a game drive.
Safaris that go here
Visit Zanzibar with us
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3-Day Fly-in Safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro on Budget
- 3 days
- Camping
- Fly-in
From$1,688per person
View safari
Guest reviews
Travellers on travelling with Makini
5.0Excellent · 105+ reviews
The communication with the company was very good, and we were in good hands from the minute we arrived… we got a lot of value for the money.
Saudat N. TripAdvisor The communication with Lucas via WhatsApp was always very friendly, direct and immediate… our tour guide Aboh was very familiar with all animals and plants.
Godfrey M. TripAdvisor Great value local Tanzanian operator that provided an unforgettable safari experience.
Damas F. TripAdvisor
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Plan your Zanzibar trip
Tell us your dates and who’s travelling. We’ll suggest the right route, lodges and price.