Beach & Island Popular 8-Day Zanzibar & Northern Tanzania Safari
Zanzibar (2) · Tarangire National Park · Central Serengeti (2) · Ngorongoro Crater · Lake Eyasi
Travel style
Beach & Island
Tanzania safari and beach: Tanzania's coast and islands lie on the Indian Ocean, with water at 25 to 29°C all year.
- Trips5 sample trips
- Length5 to 15 days
- WhereSerengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park
- Best timeJune to March
Tanzania safari and beach: what to know
Tanzania's coast and islands lie on the Indian Ocean, with water at 25 to 29°C all year. A beach stay works on its own or, more often, as the last few days of a safari.
Zanzibar is the main choice, with the widest range of hotels, short flights from the safari parks, and Stone Town for history. The north coast has the best swimming at all states of the tide. The east coast is better for kitesurfing and reef trips to Mnemba Atoll.
Pemba, to the north, is green, hilly and quiet, with a handful of lodges and excellent diving on steep coral walls.
Mafia Island, to the south, sits in a marine park. From about October to March, whale sharks feed close to shore and can be seen on snorkelling trips.
On the mainland, Saadani National Park and the coast around Pangani combine beach with wildlife.
The driest months are June to October and December to February. Most hotels stay open all year except during the long rains in April and May.
What to know before you go
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What to expect on a Tanzania safari and beach trip
After the early mornings and dusty tracks of a safari, a few days by the Indian Ocean let you rest. Zanzibar offers white sand, warm water, snorkelling and the old streets of Stone Town; the mainland coast is quieter still.
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Where and when to go
Most trips fly from Arusha or the Serengeti to Zanzibar in about an hour. Saadani is the one park where the bush meets the beach. June to March is the best period; see our Zanzibar beach holidays.
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Who it suits
Almost everyone, especially couples and families. Four to six nights on the coast is the usual length. Our beach guide explains how the tides affect each coast.
Beach & Island trips
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Beach & Island Popular 
Beach & Island Popular 10-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar: Serengeti, Dolphins & Spice
Arusha · Tarangire National Park · Central Serengeti (3) · Zanzibar (3) · Stone Town
Beach & Island 
Beach & Island 
Beach & Island Talk to a safari expert
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about Beach & Island
Beach & Island: how many days do I need?
Our Beach & Island trips run from 5 to 15 days, and most guests choose about 8. Fewer days mean more time on the road; more days let you slow down and stay longer where the animals are.
Beach & Island: when is the best time to go?
The best time is June to March. Every month has something, though, so read our guide to the best time to visit Tanzania before you choose your dates.
Beach & Island: how much does it cost?
The price depends on the season, the number of people and the lodges you choose. We send a clear, all-inclusive proposal for your dates within 24 hours, and our guide to the cost of a Tanzania safari explains the main costs.
Beach & Island: can I add Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Zanzibar is about an hour's flight from Arusha or the Serengeti, and Kilimanjaro is an hour's drive from Arusha. See our Zanzibar holidays and Kilimanjaro routes.
Beach & Island: is the trip private?
Yes. Every trip we run is private, with your own vehicle and guide, and we adapt the route, the lodges and the pace to you. Start with the trip planner or contact us.
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
Plan this trip
