Tour through Tanzania and Zanzibar

Are you longing for that specific feeling of freedom you experience when you see endless expanses or observe animals in their natural habitat, completely free of fences? Or that feeling when gazing at the ocean and hearing the sound of the waves? No continent can give you this feeling quite like Africa. Nowhere can you feel as connected to nature as here.

We particularly recommend a tour around Tanzania and Zanzibar. Here, you can experience the perfect combination of safaris in Tanzania and relaxation on Zanzibar.

The most pleasant way to travel to Tanzania or Zanzibar is by plane. If you want to kick off your journey with a safari, you should head for the mainland. Yearning for island vibes? Then fly directly to Zanzibar. You will need at least one layover from the U.S., such as in Amsterdam, Paris, or Nairobi. The flight duration usually ranges from 13 to 20 hours. You will either land in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or directly in Zanzibar, depending on where your Tanzania tour begins. Flights start at around $450.

The route between Tanzania and Zanzibar will likely require a domestic flight, though taking a ferry is also an option.

Travel Tip: For domestic flights between Tanzania and Zanzibar, we recommend the airline Flightlink. While you can only bring a small carry-on, you can store your luggage both on the mainland and the island.

We can imagine it's not easy for you to decide on a route for your Tanzania tour. Therefore, we present to you the most beautiful and impressive stops that you could visit on your journey. On the mainland, you'll encounter unique settings for safaris in Tanzania, stunning national parks, Maasai villages, and special accommodations. Zanzibar is known for its dreamy beaches, palm trees, and turquoise, crystal-clear waters. Here, you can experience picturesque sunrises and sunsets, swim, explore Zanzibar City, and discover unique wildlife.

You can plan your tour on your own, or you can book an organized trip. If you're driving yourself, be sure to pay attention to left-hand traffic and speed limits!

There are many different starting points for your Tanzania and Zanzibar tour. One possible airport is near Kilimanjaro, and your journey could hardly start more impressively. When your plane breaks through the cloud cover and reveals the breathtaking mountain range, it may take your breath away for the first time. However, you won't have a long layover here; instead, you'll meet your guide and travel directly to your first accommodation in Arusha. If you fly directly to Arusha, you will have more time to explore the city. If you're flying directly to the island of Zanzibar, you will land in the capital of the archipelago. As soon as you can see the turquoise water from the plane, your excitement will surely skyrocket.

Which airport to choose depends entirely on which places you want to visit on your tour.

The city of Arusha lies at the foot of the dormant volcano Mount Meru, but that's not the only thing that makes your stay here perfect. Here, you get to experience authentic life in urban Tanzania. Arusha is home to important institutions such as the African Court of Justice - you are right in the middle of it all.

It is the perfect starting point for your adventures in the great outdoors.

You should plan to spend at least this much time in this area: 2 days / 1 night

Is pink your favorite color? Then you must not miss this stop! Lake Natron shimmers in the most beautiful pink and red tones imaginable. But it's not just the lake that is a dream, the pink flamingos are the cherry on top. As the name suggests, this is a saline lake, which, along with the high temperatures of the water, is why the flamingos thrive here. The color of the lake actually comes from a red pigment in cyanobacteria.

On the way, you'll pass numerous small Maasai villages. It's truly a unique experience.

You can see these animals here: Fish, flamingos, and many other bird species, zebras, small antelopes, and wildebeests.

You should plan to spend at least this much time in this area: 2 days / 1 night

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area sits in a massive crater measuring over 26,000 hectares. It was formed when a volcano collapsed. The steep walls surrounding the area rise up to 600 meters high, creating a picturesque setting that is perfect for photographs. A safari here will truly be unforgettable because you will find some of the highest biodiversity in all of Africa. The Big Five, which includes elephants, white rhinos, Cape buffalo, lions, and leopards, are all waiting for you here.

You can see these animals here: Lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, zebras, and many, many more.

You should plan to spend at least this much time in this area: 2 days / 1 night.

Travel Tip: Two things must not be missing from your luggage for your safari. The most important: A pair of binoculars! This way, you can observe the animals well from a distance. And if you don't handle long, bumpy car rides well, you should definitely consider travel pills!

A highlight that you absolutely must not miss is Serengeti National Park. It is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world and probably the most famous. Wondering what the reason is? Here you'll find the highest density of wildlife in all of Africa - wildlife observations are practically guaranteed here. Additionally, you will have the chance to observe the Great Migration, where numerous animals herd together as they move through the national park. Experienced safari guides know the best times to find the animals and where to spot them.

You can see these animals here: Lions, leopards, hippos, rhinos, gazelles, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and many more.

You should plan to spend at least this much time in this area: 4 days / 3 nights.

Lake Manyara National Park is located southeast of Ngorongoro and includes Lake Manyara, which lies to the east of the park. Here you can expect an impressive expanse, with freedom for wildlife as far as your eye can see. Here, too, you have the chance to discover the Big Five and possibly even catch them on camera. Additionally, flamingos also live at Lake Manyara if you can't get enough of the cute pink birds. In the area, there's also a Maasai village that you should not miss out on if you enjoy learning about different cultures and their daily life.

You can see these animals here: Elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, baboons, flamingos, and more.

You should plan to spend at least this much time in this area: 2 days / 1 night.

Travel Tip: Here you have the highest chance of spotting lions in the wild. To spot wildlife, you should look up into the trees where the big cats like to climb.

The last national park that should not be missed on the Tanzanian mainland is Nyerere National Park. It is the largest park in the country and has much to offer. For example, the Rufiji River. It winds from where the Kilombero and Luwegu rivers meet to the Tanzanian coast, where the Rufiji flows into the Indian Ocean, making it the longest river in Tanzania. On this river, you have the unique opportunity to experience a boat safari. This is a chance you should definitely take, as it reveals a whole different side of Africa's nature and wildlife. You may also encounter hippos and crocodiles and observe familiar sights such as giraffes and elephants resting by the water.

Another highlight is offroad safaris, where you can race through the park with your guide.

You can see these animals here: Rare wild dogs, crocodiles, hippos, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, gazelles, and many more.

You should plan to spend at least this much time in this area: 2 days / 1 night.

Now we head to the dream island of Zanzibar. Here, a colorful mix of activities awaits you.

Satisfy your hunger for foreign culture and culinary delights in Stone Town. Stroll through the alleys of Zanzibar's old town, explore the Darajani market, and sample various spices or browse through the local fruits. You'll find something interesting on every street corner.

If, after all the adventures, you crave the beach and relaxation, Zanzibar has truly dreamy beaches to offer. Our favorites are Michamvi Kae, Matemwe, and Paje Beach. On each of Zanzibar's beaches, you'll find powdery white sand and clear, turquoise waters where you can cool off and drift away. On boat trips in the Indian Ocean, you can discover dolphins, snorkel, or find secluded coves.

Zanzibar also offers a national park: Jozani Forest. Unlike the vast areas you've explored so far on your journey through Tanzania and Zanzibar, you can explore this forest on foot. Wander along narrow, winding paths past beautiful plants and dense greenery. If you want to search for animals, you should occasionally look up, as the Red Colobus monkeys sit in the treetops, just as curious as you are.

Another highlight of Zanzibar are the impressive caves. In Kuza Cave and Maalum Cave, you can even swim. Don't miss this opportunity.

Did you know that the Zanzibar archipelago consists of over 70 islands? While many of them are very small and uninhabited, numerous others, such as Pemba, Changuu, and Tumbatu, can be visited on boat tours. There, you can snorkel, enjoy nature, relax on quiet beaches, and much more.

You can find suitable offers for your Zanzibar vacation on our travel destinations page.

You can see these animals here: Monkeys (Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, and others), small antelopes, sea turtles, numerous colorful fish, and dolphins.

You should plan to spend at least this much time in this area: 7 days / 8 nights.

Travel Tip: Pay attention to the tides when planning your excursions! High and low tides are much more pronounced in the south of the main island than in the north.

The area is certainly not just suitable for tours! You can also stay in one place during your Tanzania vacation and take excursions from there, go on safari, or simply relax. A vacation on Zanzibar is perfect for staying in accommodation, especially if you stay in a hotel directly on the beach, as you will have the main attraction right at your doorstep. This is also one of the reasons why you can have a lovely family vacation on Zanzibar.

The best time to travel for a safari in Tanzania depends on your preferences. From July to September is the dry season. This makes your trip more pleasant, and the wildlife comes more frequently to the waterholes. However, if you absolutely want to see baby animals, we recommend planning your safari for February.

Learn more about the best time to travel in Tanzania and the climate in Zanzibar on our site.

The cost of a safari tour in Tanzania depends on various factors. For example, whether you are traveling alone or in a group, and also how far you want to travel. If you want more information, we can highly recommend the team at Safari Experts. Here, absolute professionals with attention to detail and great dedication ensure that your safari becomes a truly special experience.

On a safari through Tanzania, you can observe the Big Five of Africa, which are lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards. In addition, you have the opportunity to see zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, gazelles, and many more. You can also discover numerous birds, including flocks of flamingos.

The security situation in Tanzania has deteriorated slightly, according to the Foreign Office, but it still remains a safe travel destination. Tourism is highly valued here, and therefore, a high value is placed on your safety during your Tanzania tour. Still, you should follow some general advice: Be cautious in crowded places, pay special attention to your valuables, and never carry more cash than you absolutely need. Additionally, make sure to listen to your guides on safari to ensure both your safety and that of the wild animals you are observing.

Have you caught the safari fever? Then let's go! And if you're hesitant about planning such a trip, don't worry. We offer great deals for tours where everything is planned. From your accommodations to your transportation, everything is prepared for you. Book your dream vacation on a safari tour in Tanzania and Zanzibar!