A Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itinerary usually follows one pattern: a few nights in the northern parks, a day of flying then the rest of the trip on the island. Below we outline 7, 10 and 14 day versions, day by day in brief so you can see what fits your time. Each plan can be adjusted for pace, budget and the month you travel and we confirm every detail in your quote.
How to read these outlines
Each outline starts with arrival in Arusha and ends with a departure from Zanzibar. We keep the first night short and easy because flights from Europe and the United States often land late. We also keep one clear travel day between the Serengeti and the coast since the light aircraft and the onward flight take most of a day.
The exact parks depend on the season. In the dry months the northern Serengeti and the Mara River can be the focus while in January to March, the southern plains and Ndutu draw the herds. Our overview of a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip explains why we combine them.
A 7 day outline
Seven days is compact but works well. Travellers who want something close to this can look at our 7 day Tanzania and Zanzibar safari which shows the real itinerary.
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, transfer to your lodge and rest
- Day 2: Drive to the Serengeti with a game drive on the way
- Day 3: Full day of game drives in the Serengeti
- Day 4: Morning drive then fly to Arusha and on to Zanzibar
- Days 5 to 6: Beach days with an optional visit to Stone Town
- Day 7: Transfer to the airport and fly home
This plan sees one park well. It leaves out the Ngorongoro Crater so we can recommend add a night or two there and drop or add an extra beach day.
A 10 day outline
Ten days gives the classic northern circuit and a proper stay by the ocean. It is the version we plan most often.
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha and rest
- Day 2: Tarangire National Park best known for elephants and baobabs
- Day 3: Drive to the Ngorongoro highlands with time at the rim
- Day 4: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater then continue towards the Serengeti
- Days 5 to 6: Game drives in the Serengeti with a longer day out in the plains
- Day 7: Fly from the Serengeti to Arusha and on to Zanzibar
- Days 8 to 9: Beach days, Stone Town and a boat trip
- Day 10: Fly home
A 14 day outline
Fourteen days allows a slower safari, a longer beach stay and time to add a second island area. Our 9 day Serengeti plains to spice coast safari is a shorter relative and the fourteen day version stretches it with more nights in each place.
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha and rest
- Day 2: Rest day or a short visit to a local village, if you wish
- Day 3: Tarangire National Park
- Day 4: Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro highlands
- Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater game drive
- Days 6 to 9: Four nights in the Serengeti, moving camp once to follow the wildlife
- Day 10: Fly to Arusha and on to Zanzibar
- Days 11 to 13: Beach, snorkelling, Stone Town and a dhow sunset
- Day 14: Fly home
Choosing between them
Think about what matters most. If you want one or two parks and plenty of beach, the seven day plan fits. If you want to see the main parks, ten days is the sensible minimum. If you want a relaxed pace, more time with fewer changes of camp and a longer rest at the end, choose fourteen days.
Children, older travellers and anyone who gets tired on long drives usually enjoy the longer plans because they remove the pressure of travelling every day. A shorter plan is fine for fit, curious guests who are happy to travel most days. For a trip that adds a second country, our 12 day itinerary linking Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar shows how the idea can stretch further.
Practical tips for your itinerary
A few points apply to all three outlines:
- Allow a whole day for the flight between the Serengeti and the coast and do not book a tight international connection the same day
- Light aircraft have baggage limits, normally in soft bags so pack light and check the limit with us
- Schedules and routes can change so we confirm inland flights close to travel
- Dress modestly in Stone Town where the population is mostly Muslim
- Book early for the dry months this is when the best camps fill
What changes by season
The same outline can feel different across the year. During the dry season, from late June to October, game viewing is at its best and the sea is calm. In the green season between November and May, the plains are lush with fewer visitors and rates at some lodges are lower although rain can interrupt both game drives and beach days. We adjust the order of parks, the camp locations and the beach area to suit the month.
When you ask for a quote, you will see every night, transfer, flight and activity listed with what is included and what is not. We confirm the current rates then, since these change with the season and the camp.
We start with your dates and your wishes, then choose lodges, guides, flights and transfers to suit you. We explain what is fixed and what can change and our team monitors and looks after the trip from the first message to the last transfer. Browse our Tanzania safaris, or tell us your plans on the Plan My Safari page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itinerary for 10 days?
A common plan spends about six nights on safari, covering Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, then flies to Zanzibar for three nights by the sea. It allows one clear travel day for the flights and gives a balanced mix of wildlife and rest.
Can I do a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar in 7 days?
Yes, but the plan is compact. You can manage about three nights on safari, usually in the Serengeti, and three on the island. It suits fit travellers who are short of time. Adding a night at the Ngorongoro Crater means losing a beach day.
How long should I stay in Zanzibar after a safari?
Three to five nights is typical. Three gives a rest and a day in Stone Town, while five allows boat trips, snorkelling and quiet days. If the safari is long or tiring, add a night to the coast rather than rushing the last part.
Is it better to go to Zanzibar before or after the safari?
Most itineraries end on the island, because the beach is a gentle finish after early starts and long drives. If you arrive very tired from a long flight, starting with a night of rest in Arusha is usually enough. We can plan either order.
Do the itineraries include flights between the Serengeti and Zanzibar?
Our quotes show the flights, transfers and nights that are included, so you can see exactly what is covered. The route normally uses a light aircraft to Arusha and an onward flight to Zanzibar. Check current rates and schedules when you ask for a quote.
