Planning a Zanzibar Beach and Safari Holiday
Whether you are planning from home or already on the island, here is how to fit a safari into a Zanzibar holiday.
Where to arrive
Most international visitors land at Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. From Zanzibar you fly to Mikumi or Selous in about an hour. From Dar es Salaam you can drive to Mikumi in about five hours, or fly. Between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar there are fast ferries (about two hours) and short flights.
How many days?
- One day: a Mikumi or Selous day trip, if your holiday is short or you have already booked your hotel.
- Two or three days: the best balance; you see the park in the morning and evening.
- A week or more: a full beach and safari holiday, planned around your flights.
Safari first or beach first?
We usually suggest the safari early in the holiday, when you are fresh and the early starts are easier, and the beach at the end to rest before flying home. If you arrive tired after a long flight, start with a night or two on the beach instead.
Visas and insurance
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so one Tanzania visa covers the island and the parks. Since 1 October 2026 visitors also need a compulsory travel insurance policy, US$44 per person: mainland Tanzania's, or Zanzibar's own if you arrive on Zanzibar first. You need only one. Check current entry rules with the Tanzanian embassy before you travel.
What it costs
Our prices are per person and fall as your group grows: a Mikumi day trip starts at $475, a Selous day trip at $640, and our 5-day beach and Mikumi holiday at $1,215, each with flights and park fees included. See all trips and prices.
Questions
Can you book our Zanzibar hotel too?
Yes, on our beach and safari holidays we book the beach hotel with you. On day trips and short safaris you keep your own hotel and we collect you there.
We are already on Zanzibar. Is it too late?
Usually not. Send us your dates on WhatsApp and we check the flights.
Sources: Tanzania inbound insurance (NIC) and Zanzibar Insurance Corporation notices; Tanzanian embassy visa information.
Trips that go there
5 Days: Zanzibar Beach & Mikumi Safari
Land on Zanzibar, fly to Mikumi for a night, then three nights by the sea.
7 days · beach + safari7 Days: Zanzibar Beach & Selous Safari
Two nights on the Rufiji with a boat safari, four nights on the island.
8 days · 2 parks + beach8 Days: Mikumi, Selous & Zanzibar
Arrive in Dar es Salaam, see both parks by road, end with two beach nights.