Can You Go on Safari From Zanzibar? The Complete Guide to Planning a Safari From Zanzibar (Options, Costs, Flights & Best Parks)
- tzsafaritours
- 4 hours ago
- 8 min read
Zanzibar is famous for its turquoise beaches, white sand, and relaxed island atmosphere — but many travellers visiting the island also dream of seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, and the Great Migration. This leads to one of the most common questions asked by visitors:
“Can you go on safari from Zanzibar?”Followed by related questions like:
Can you do a Serengeti safari from Zanzibar?
Can you take a safari from Zanzibar?
Is it possible to go on safari from Zanzibar?
Is there a safari in Zanzibar naturally?
This article answers all of these questions in depth — with expert advice, flight options, costs, the best parks to visit, and how to plan a short or long safari during your Zanzibar trip.
Yes, you can go on safari from Zanzibar, but there are no natural safari parks on the island itself. To experience real African wildlife like lions, elephants, giraffes, and the Big Five, you must fly from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania. The most popular safari destinations from Zanzibar include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi, and Tarangire — all accessible by short flights.
Why So Many Travellers Ask “Can You Go on Safari From Zanzibar?”
Zanzibar attracts millions of travellers every year — honeymooners, families, beach lovers, and adventure seekers. Once here, many realize they’re just a short flight away from one of the greatest wildlife destinations on Earth.
But confusion arises because:
Zanzibar is a tropical island
Safari parks are located on the mainland
Tour operators offer many different safari options
Many travellers don’t know how close the Serengeti or Ngorongoro actually are
So naturally, visitors want to know:
“Is it even possible to go on safari from Zanzibar?”
The answer is a clear YES — and it’s easier than most people think.
Let’s explore every option you have.
Can You Go on Safari From Zanzibar? (Full Explanation)
Yes, absolutely. Zanzibar is one of the best bases for flying into Tanzania’s top safari parks.
However:
❌ Zanzibar itself does NOT have safari animals.
There are no lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, or big herds on the island.
Jozani Forest has colobus monkeys — but it’s not a “safari.”
So when travellers ask:
Is there a safari in Zanzibar naturally?The correct answer is: No.
To experience real wildlife, you must fly to the mainland.
Best Safari Destinations You Can Visit From Zanzibar (Ranked)
Here are the top safari parks accessible from Zanzibar — with flight times and what each park is best for.
🦁 1. Serengeti National Park (Best Overall Safari)
Flight from Zanzibar: 1.5–2 hours (direct)Best for: Big Five, Great Migration, luxury safaris, photography
The Serengeti is the #1 safari destination from Zanzibar and one of the best places on Earth to see:
Lions
Elephants
Cheetahs
Leopards
Wildebeest migration herds
Dramatic river crossings
Endless savannah landscapes
Hot A ballon safari
Why choose Serengeti from Zanzibar?
Direct daily flights from Zanzibar
Perfect for short fly-in safaris
You can do 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day safaris effortlessly
Home to the Great Migration
🦓 2. Ngorongoro Crater (Best Short Safari Experience)
Flight to Arusha: 1 hour
Drive to Ngorongoro: 3.5 hours
Ngorongoro is a volcanic caldera filled with wildlife — often described as:
“Africa’s Eden.”
Inside the crater, you can see:
Black rhinos
Lions
Hippos
Flamingos
Large buffalo herds
Great for travellers with limited time.
🐘 3. Nyerere National Park (Selous) — Closest Wilderness to Zanzibar
Flight from Zanzibar: 30–45 minutes. Best for: Boat safaris, elephants, remote wilderness
Nyerere is enormous and wild — great for travellers who want an authentic, less crowded safari.
You can enjoy:
Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
Walking safaris
Classic game drives
🐒 4. Mikumi National Park (Best 1-Day Safari Option)
Flight from Zanzibar: 50 minutes
If you want the shortest possible safari from Zanzibar, Mikumi is your best option.
Great for seeing:
Elephants
Giraffes
Zebras
Lions
Wildebeest
You can fly in the morning and return the same day.
🦒 5. Tarangire National Park (Best for Elephants & Baobabs)
Travel time:
Fly to Arusha + 2.5-hour drive
Perfect if you love:
Massive elephant herds
Giant baobab trees
Classic African landscapes
Can You Do a Safari From Zanzibar in One Day?
✔ YES — but only to certain parks.
You can do a 1-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar to:
Mikumi National Park (most popular)
Nyerere National Park
❌ NO — you cannot do a 1-day Serengeti safari.
Flight schedules do not allow same-day return.
For Serengeti, the shortest safari possible is 2 days.
Safari Options From Zanzibar (Comparison Table)
Safari Destination | 1-Day Possible? | Flight Time | Best For | Cost Range |
Serengeti | ❌ No | 1.5–2 hrs | Big Five, Migration | $$$$ |
Ngorongoro | ❌ No | 1 hr to Arusha | Big Five, crater | $$$ |
Nyerere (Selous) | ✔ Yes | 30–45 min | Boat + game drives | $$–$$$ |
Mikumi | ✔ Yes | 50–60 min | Classic day safari | $$ |
Tarangire | ❌ No | 1 hr to Arusha | Elephants, baobabs | $$–$$$ |
How Much Does a Safari From Zanzibar Cost?
Safari prices vary depending on:
Season (high vs low)
Lodge type (budget, mid-range, luxury)
Park chosen
Number of people
Private vs shared vehicle
1-Day Safari Prices
Mikumi: $450–$850 per person
Nyerere: $500–$900 per person
2-Day Fly-In Safaris from Zanzibar
Serengeti: $1,200–$2,200+ per person
Ngorongoro + Tarangire combo: $900–$1,600 per person
Nyerere: $850–$1,400 per person
3–5 Day Safaris from Zanzibar
$1,500–$4,500+ depending on route and accommodation.
Best Time to Go on Safari From Zanzibar
You can go on safari year-round, but here are highlights:
January–March:
Calving season in Southern Serengeti
Baby animals everywhere
High predator activity
June–October:
Dry season
Best wildlife visibility
Famous Mara River crossings
November–December:
Start of migration return
Great for Serengeti & Ngorongoro
How to Take a Safari From Zanzibar.
Below is a Step-by-Step guide on how to get from Zanzibar to safari parks.
Step 1: Choose your ideal park
Based on time, budget, and interest.
Step 2: Book a fly-in safari
No long drives. Fly directly into the park.
Step 3: Choose accommodation
Tented camp
Lodge
Luxury camp
Step 4: Enjoy game drives
Morning and afternoon game drives offer the best wildlife sightings.
Step 5: Fly back to Zanzibar
Return to your beach resort the same day or next day.
What Will You See on Safari From Zanzibar?
Expect wildlife such as:
Lions
Elephants
Leopards
Cheetahs
Giraffes
Buffaloes
Hippos
Crocodiles
Zebra & wildebeest
Hyenas
Plus the Great Migration, depending on season.
FAQ: Can You Go on Safari From Zanzibar?
Can you go on safari directly from Zanzibar?
Yes — you can easily go on safari directly from Zanzibar. Daily flights connect Zanzibar with major national parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro (via Manyara), Tarangire, and Nyerere (Selous). This makes it possible to enjoy a full safari experience without returning to mainland cities like Arusha or Dar es Salaam.
How do safaris from Zanzibar work?
Safaris from Zanzibar are fly-in safaris, meaning you take a short regional flight to an airstrip inside or near the park. A safari guide meets you on arrival, and your game drive begins immediately. This saves hours of travel time and maximizes wildlife viewing.
What is the best safari park to visit from Zanzibar?
The best parks depend on your interests:
Serengeti – ideal for the Great Migration and big cats
Ngorongoro Crater – excellent for Big Five sightings in one day
Tarangire – famous for elephants and baobab landscapes
Nyerere (Selous) – closest to Zanzibar; great for boat safaris and day trips
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to the safari parks?
Flight times vary by destination:
Zanzibar → Serengeti: 1.5–2 hours
Zanzibar → Manyara/Ngorongoro: 1–1.5 hours
Zanzibar → Nyerere (Selous): 30–45 minutes
These short flights make fly-in safaris very convenient.
How many days do you need for a safari from Zanzibar?
A 2–4 day safari is ideal if you’re based in Zanzibar. Popular options include:
4 day safari to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro from Zanzibar
But If time is tight, you can also do a 1-day safari to Nyerere.
Can you see the Big Five on a safari from Zanzibar?
Yes. Parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offer high chances of seeing lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. While sightings are never guaranteed, fly-in itineraries maximize your time in areas with dense wildlife.
Can you see the Great Migration when traveling from Zanzibar?
Yes — depending on the season.
June–October: Central and northern Serengeti
December–March: Southern Serengeti (calving season)Your safari operator will recommend the best region based on your dates.
Is a safari from Zanzibar suitable for families or honeymooners?
Absolutely.
Families enjoy short flights and child-friendly lodges.
Honeymooners love private game drives, luxury tented camps, and combining safari with Zanzibar’s beaches.
How much does a safari from Zanzibar cost?
Prices vary by season and accommodation:
Midrange: $200–$400 per person per day
Luxury: $500+ per person per dayCosts usually include flights, park fees, accommodation, meals, and game drives.
Do you need to book a safari from Zanzibar in advance?
Yes — especially during peak season (June–October and December). Fly-in seats and lodges fill quickly. Booking 2–6 months ahead gives you the best options.
What do you pack for a safari from Zanzibar?
Bring:
Soft-sided bag (15–20 kg limit)
Neutral-colored clothing
Binoculars
Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent
Camera gear
Comfortable shoesPack light — small planes have strict limits.
Is a safari from Zanzibar safe?
Yes. Safari flights are operated by experienced regional airlines, and tours follow strict safety standards. A reputable operator ensures safe vehicles, professional guides, and park-approved activities.
Can you do a day trip safari from Zanzibar?
Yes — the best option is a 1-day fly-in safari to Nyerere (Selous). It includes both a boat safari and a game drive, making it the easiest “day safari” from the island.
Can you customize a safari from Zanzibar?
Definitely. Many operators offer private tours, lodge upgrades, photography safaris, hot-air balloon add-ons, or combined Zanzibar + Safari honeymoon packages.
What is the best time to go on safari from Zanzibar?
Safaris are great year-round, but the top months for clear skies and wildlife are:
June–October (dry season)
December–March (calving season in Serengeti)
Is a safari from Zanzibar wheelchair accessible?
Yes — we offer wheelchair-accessible safaris from Zanzibar and can arrange suitable lodges with ramps, ground-floor rooms, and accessible bathrooms. However, accessibility varies by park and lodge, so it’s important to request this in advance. Serengeti and Ngorongoro have several camps that accommodate mobility needs.If needed, operators can also arrange private game drives for comfort and ease.
Can pregnant travelers go on a safari from Zanzibar?
Yes — safari in Tanzania while pregnant is possible. Many travelers safely enjoy a fly-in safari from Zanzibar, especially during the second trimester. To stay comfortable, consider:
Choosing shorter drives
Selecting lodges close to the airstrip
Avoiding very bumpy routes (common in remote zones)
Consulting a doctor before travel
Tell your operator your pregnancy stage so they can customize the itinerary.
Is a safari from Zanzibar suitable for babies?
Yes — some safaris welcome babies, especially on private tours or at family-friendly lodges. For infants, consider:
Shorter drive days
Lodges with cribs/child-friendly facilities
Cooler times of day for game drives
Note: Some parks have long, bumpy roads, so fly-in itineraries are recommended for comfort and safety.
Are children allowed on a safari from Zanzibar?
Absolutely. Many families enjoy a Safari from Zanzibar with children as young as 4–6 years old. Child-friendly lodges offer:
Family rooms
Swimming pools
Shorter activity options
Kids’ nature programs
Private safaris are perfect for traveling with kids because you can adjust drive times and pace.
What age is best for kids on a safari from Zanzibar?
Ages 6–12 are ideal because children are old enough to enjoy wildlife, follow instructions, and stay engaged. Younger kids can join too, but choosing the right lodge and shorter routes makes the experience smoother.
Are there any age restrictions for safari flights from Zanzibar?
Most domestic airlines accept infants from 2 weeks old and children of all ages. There are no strict age limits, but infants must sit on a parent’s lap unless a separate seat is booked. Airlines also allow strollers, which can be checked in at the gate.
Can we bring strollers, baby carriers, or car seats?
Yes. Strollers and car seats can be checked as luggage on most safari flights. For game drives, car seats can be installed in safari vehicles if arranged ahead of time. Baby carriers are highly recommended for comfort.
Want Help Planning an Accessible or Family-Friendly Safari From Zanzibar?
Whether you're traveling with young kids, expecting a baby, using a wheelchair, or looking for a safe and comfortable itinerary, we can help you plan the perfect safari from Zanzibar tailored to your needs.
👉 Contact us for free safari planning and personalized recommendations. Ready to explore more? Check out our other Zanzibar + Tanzania safari guides!
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