A safari followed by a beach holiday is the classic Tanzania trip. But how should you divide your time? Here are three sample itineraries to help you plan.
7 days: safari highlights and a beach break
- Day 1: Tarangire National Park
- Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 3: Fly to Zanzibar
- Days 4–6: Beach time and optional Stone Town tour
- Day 7: Depart
Short but sweet. See our 7 Days Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday.
10 days: the classic combination
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha
- Day 2: Tarangire
- Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
- Days 4–5: Serengeti
- Day 6: Fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar; Stone Town
- Days 7–9: Beach
- Day 10: Depart
This includes the Serengeti, which we strongly recommend if you have the time. See our 10 Days Serengeti & Zanzibar Holiday.
14 days: the ultimate trip
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha
- Days 2–3: Tarangire and Lake Manyara
- Days 4–6: Serengeti (follow the migration)
- Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 8: Fly to Zanzibar; Stone Town
- Day 9: Spice tour and Stone Town
- Days 10–13: Beach in the north or east
- Day 14: Depart
Getting from the safari to Zanzibar
- From Arusha: daily flights of about 1.5 hours
- From the Serengeti: scheduled light-aircraft flights, sometimes with a stop in Arusha
- From Kilimanjaro Airport: domestic and regional flights
Luggage limits on light aircraft are usually around 15 kg in soft bags. If you have more, we can store extra luggage in Arusha or arrange an additional seat.
Budget tips
- Spend fewer nights in Stone Town and more at a good-value beach hotel
- Choose mid-range lodges on safari and treat yourself to one special camp
- Travel in the shoulder seasons for lower prices on both safari and beach
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Zanzibar after a safari?
Four to five nights is ideal — enough to see Stone Town and relax on the beach.
Should I do the beach first or the safari first?
Safari first. Ending with the beach lets you relax before flying home.
Can I add Kilimanjaro to a safari and beach trip?
Yes. Climb first, then safari and beach. Allow around two weeks in total.
Planning tips
- Safari first, beach second. End your trip relaxing, not driving.
- Fly from the Serengeti directly to Zanzibar to save a day.
- Pack light — domestic flights have strict luggage limits.
- Choose the right beach for your style. Read our guide to the best beaches.
- Want Kilimanjaro too? Try our 12 Days Kilimanjaro, Safari & Zanzibar.
All our beach and safari combos are tailor-made, so we can adjust the days and hotels to suit you.
Utmost Tanzania Tours
Utmost Tanzania Tours is an Arusha-based tour operator specialising in tailor-made wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar beach holidays and cultural tours.
