How Do You Get From Zanzibar to the Safari Parks? (Easy 2026 Guide)
- tzsafaritours
- Nov 25
- 5 min read
Zanzibar is famous for its beautiful beaches. But many people don’t know that you can also start a safari from Zanzibar very easily.Since Zanzibar is an island, you cannot drive to the national parks.But you can take short flights that go straight to the best safari parks in Tanzania.
This simple guide explains:
How to get from Zanzibar to the safari parks
How long the flights take
Which parks are closest
How much it costs
The best safari options
Let’s make it easy.
Can You Go on Safari From Zanzibar?
Yes!Zanzibar has daily flights to all major safari parks in Tanzania. You do NOT need to fly to Arusha first unless you want to.
You can fly directly to:
Serengeti
Ngorongoro (via Manyara Airstrip)
Tarangire
Arusha
Ruaha & Nyerere (Southern Tanzania)
This is why Zanzibar is perfect for a beach + safari trip.
Why Start a Safari From Zanzibar?
1. It saves a LOT of time
Driving from Arusha to Serengeti: 7–10 hours
Flying from Zanzibar to Serengeti: 1–2 hours
2. You use your time wisely
Most people only have 2–4 days.Flying gives you more time inside the park.
3. The weather mix is perfect
Warm beaches + cool safari parks = great trip.
4. It’s very easy
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) is small and simple to use.
How to Get From Zanzibar to the Safari Parks
Here are the easiest and fastest routes:
1. Zanzibar to Serengeti (Most Popular)
The Serengeti is one of the best safari parks on Earth.
Flight time:
1–2 hours
Airstrips you can fly to:
Seronera (Central Serengeti)
Kogatende / Lamai (North – Great Migration area)
Ndutu (South – calving season)
Best for:
The Great Migration
Lions, leopards, cheetahs
2–4 day safaris
Tip: Add a map of Zanzibar → Serengeti flight routes.
2. Zanzibar to Ngorongoro Crater (Via Manyara)
There is no airport inside the Crater, so planes land at Lake Manyara Airstrip.
Flight time:
1 hour
Transfer:
1-hour drive to Ngorongoro Gate
30–45 minutes to reach the Crater rim
Best for:
2-day safaris
Families
Easy transfers
3. Zanzibar to Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is known for huge elephants and baobab trees.
Flight time:
1.5 hours
Best for:
Elephant lovers
July–October wildlife
Short, easy safaris
Perfect for 1–2 day trips.
4. Zanzibar to Arusha (Safari Capital)
Arusha is the main starting point for most safaris.
Flight time:
1 hour
Why fly to Arusha?
Good for multi-park safaris
Cheaper than flying into Serengeti
Many tour options start here
From Arusha by road:
Serengeti → 7 hours
Tarangire → 2 hours
Ngorongoro → 3.5 hours
5. Zanzibar to Ruaha & Nyerere (Southern Parks)
These parks are quieter and wilder.
Zanzibar → Nyerere (Selous)
Flight: ~1 hour
Best for: boat safaris, river animals
Zanzibar → Ruaha
Flight: 2 hours
Best for: predators and untouched nature
Which Safari Should You Choose From Zanzibar?
Best 2-Day Safari Ngorongoro + Tarangire
Quick
Minimal driving
Lots of animals
Best 3-Day Safari Serengeti Fly-In Safari
Plenty of time for wildlife
Great for big cat sightings
Best 4–5 Day Safari Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Tarangire
The “Golden Triangle”
Migration + Big Five + elephants
How Much Does a Safari From Zanzibar Cost?
General Price Range
Duration | Cost |
1 Day safari from Zanzibar | $450–$700 |
$900–$1,300 | |
$1,500–$2,500 | |
$2,500–$4,000 | |
Prices depend on:
Season
Safari park
Lodge type
Flight availability
How to Choose the Right Safari
1. Time Available
1–2 days → Tarangire or Ngorongoro
3 days → Serengeti
4+ days → Mix parks
2. What You Want to See
Big cats → Serengeti
Elephants → Tarangire
All animals in one place → Ngorongoro
3. Your Budget
Cheaper → Tarangire / Manyara
Premium → Serengeti
What to Expect on a Fly-In Safari From Zanzibar
1. Early pickup (6–7 AM)
Your driver picks you up from your hotel.
2. Simple check-in at Zanzibar Airport
Domestic flights are fast and easy.
3. Beautiful flight views
You may see:
Coral reefs
Saadani National Park
Rift Valley landscapes
4. Safari starts immediately
Your guide meets you right at the airstrip.
5. Full-day game drive
Spot animals, take photos, enjoy nature.
6. Evening flight back or overnight stay
Both options are available.
FAQ: How Do You Get From Zanzibar to the Safari Parks?
Can you go on a safari from Zanzibar?
Yes — Zanzibar is one of the best starting points for Tanzania safaris. Since the island is well connected by daily domestic flights to mainland parks, you can easily reach top destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Nyerere (Selous), and Mikumi within 30–90 minutes.
What is the fastest way to get from Zanzibar to the safari parks?
Flying is the fastest way. Direct flights from Zanzibar to mainland airports such as Arusha (ARK), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Selous airstrips make same-day safari departures easy and stress-free.
Which safari parks are closest to Zanzibar?
The closest parks are in southern Tanzania:
Nyerere National Park (Selous) – 30–45 min flight
Mikumi National Park – 45–60 min flightThese are ideal for 1–2 day safaris.
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to the Serengeti?
On average, 1–2 hours, depending on which airstrip you land at (Seronera, Kogatende, Ndutu, etc.).
Can you take a ferry from Zanzibar to the safari parks?
No. Because national parks are on the mainland, you must fly or take a ferry to Dar es Salaam first, then continue by flight or long road transfer. Ferries only connect Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam — not to the parks.
Are there direct flights from Zanzibar to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire?
Yes — several domestic airlines operate direct bush flights to Serengeti and other northern-circuit airstrips. For Ngorongoro and Tarangire, flights usually land at Manyara Airstrip, followed by a short road transfer.
What is the most affordable safari from Zanzibar?
The most budget-friendly options are usually:
1 Day Mikumi Safari
1 Day Nyerere (Selous) Safari
2 Day Tarangire + Manyara Safari
Southern parks are typically cheaper due to short flight times.
Do you need to stay overnight on the mainland before starting a safari?
For most itineraries, no. Morning flights from Zanzibar allow same-day safari starts. However, some travelers prefer to stay in Arusha the night before to rest or explore the city.
Is it possible to do a same-day return safari from Zanzibar?
Yes — especially with Mikumi and Nyerere (Selous). Several operators offer fly-in, fly-out packages returning the same evening.
What should I pack for a safari from Zanzibar?
Pack light and include:
Comfortable neutral-colored clothing
Hat and sunscreen
Camera or phone with zoom
Light jacket
Closed shoes
Small daypack
Avoid bright colors and bulky luggage, especially on small bush planes.
Is it safe to take domestic flights from Zanzibar to safari parks?
Yes. Domestic airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Flightlink are reputable and follow strict safety standards. Bush flights are common, comfortable, and ideal for short safari trips.
When is the best time to take a safari from Zanzibar?
Safaris are available year-round, but the best wildlife viewing generally occurs during the dry season (June–October). For the Wildebeest Migration, timing depends on the herd movement — typically Serengeti North from July–October and Ndutu from December–March.
How much does a safari from Zanzibar cost?
Prices vary based on park, duration, lodge level, and flight routes. Expect roughly:
1-day safaris: $450–$900
2–3 day safaris: $700–$1,500+
Serengeti fly-in safaris: $1,200–$2,500+
Booking early usually secures the best rates.
Do I need a separate visa to fly from Zanzibar to Tanzania’s mainland?
No — Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania are the same country, so no additional visas are needed.
Can safari operators arrange flights from Zanzibar?
Yes — we can book domestic flights, transfers, and park logistics, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience.
Ready to Plan Your Safari From Zanzibar?
If you want expert help choosing the best park, flights, or itinerary, feel free to explore our full safari guides or contact us for personalized recommendations. Your dream adventure is just a short flight away!
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