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In short
Do the safari first and finish on the beach: fly into the mainland for the northern parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire), or stay on Zanzibar and fly out to Nyerere or Mikumi for a shorter southern safari. For 10 days, a typical split is 4–5 nights on safari and 5 on Zanzibar.
Two ways to combine safari and beach
Northern circuit + Zanzibar. Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara sit in the north of Tanzania, around Arusha. You arrive on the mainland, do the safari by road, then take a domestic flight to Zanzibar. Coastal Aviation's timetable has a daily Arusha → Zanzibar flight at 12:45, landing 14:20, which waits for the flights from the Serengeti and Manyara. This is the classic version and the one most "Tanzania safari and Zanzibar" packages sell.
Southern parks from Zanzibar. If you would rather fly straight to Zanzibar and stay in one hotel, you can fly out to Nyerere National Park (formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve) or Mikumi for 1–3 days. Scheduled flights from Zanzibar to the Nyerere airstrips take ≈ 1 h 15 – 1 h 25. It is less driving and fewer hotel changes, but these flights are closed or suspended during the long rains (mid-March to end of May). See 2–3 day safaris from Zanzibar and 1-day safaris by plane.
How to split the nights
Trip length
Safari
Zanzibar
Notes
6–7 days
2–3 nights (Nyerere/Mikumi from the island, or a 2–3 day Serengeti fly-in)
4 nights
Base yourself on the beach and fly out
8–10 days
4–5 nights, northern circuit
4–5 nights
Arrive on the mainland, fly Arusha → Zanzibar
11–12 days
5–6 nights, northern circuit
5–6 nights
Room for a night in Stone Town
13–14 days
6–7 nights (north, or north + Nyerere)
6–7 nights
Slower pace, fewer 05:00 starts
Two things save time. First, book international flights "open-jaw": into the mainland, home from Zanzibar, so you never backtrack. Second, keep one buffer night between the end of the safari and your flight home; light-aircraft schedules can change and some routes only run with a minimum number of passengers.
Flights between safari and island
The domestic flights are small planes with tight luggage limits: 15 kg per person including hand luggage on Coastal Aviation, 20 kg on Auric Air. Pack the safari part into a soft bag. Coastal sells an XL seat with a 30 kg allowance and stores bags at its Dar es Salaam airport office; otherwise leave the rest at your Zanzibar hotel.
Published schedules give an idea of the day:
Zanzibar → Arusha: 08:40 – 10:15 (Coastal), connecting to the Serengeti.
Seronera (Serengeti) → Zanzibar: 10:00 – 11:40 (Auric Air) or 10:45 – 14:20 via Arusha (Coastal).
Zanzibar → Nyerere airstrips: 07:00 – 08:15 (Auric Air) or 07:50 – 09:15 via Dar es Salaam (Coastal).
Paperwork for a two-part trip
One Tanzania visa covers the mainland and Zanzibar. Zanzibar's mandatory inbound travel insurance is decided by your first point of entry into Tanzania: arrive on Zanzibar first and you buy the Zanzibar policy; arrive on the mainland first and the mainland insurer's policy applies, and one valid policy covers both. Amounts are on the fee card.
What the bookable packages include
Only a handful of complete safari-and-beach packages are sold on our partner platforms, and they differ a lot: a 9-day Nyerere + beach trip, an 8-day Serengeti + beach trip, an 8-day all-inclusive Selous + catamaran trip, a 12-day "best of" northern circuit with beach, and a 5-day Serengeti migration trip that starts from Zanzibar. The two Headout packages list all in-country flights, meals, park fees and airport transfers as included, and exclude international flights, visas, tips and insurance.
Nyerere NP entry, adultnon-resident adult, per person per 24 h; tariff dated 2026-05-16 to 2027-03-14 (season "ENTRY HIGH"); VAT not stated in this row
Serengeti NP entry, adultnon-resident adult, per person per 24 h; tariff dated 2026-05-16 to 2027-03-14 (season "ENTRY HIGH"); VAT not stated in this row
Tarangire NP entry, adultnon-resident adult, per person per 24 h; tariff dated 2026-05-16 to 2027-03-14 (season "ENTRY HIGH"); VAT not stated in this row
Mikumi NP concession fee (overnight stay), adultnon-resident adult, per person per night in a lodge/camp inside the park; tariff dated 2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30
Nyerere NP and Selous. Nyerere National Park is a TANAPA national park, carved from the northern sector of the Selous Game Reserve.10
What the entry fee covers. TANAPA conservation (entry) fees are per person and valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.11
Children. Children under 5 enter TANAPA parks free; child rates apply to ages 5–15.12
How to pay. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at TANAPA park gates; TANAPA also lists mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) and payment through its online reservation system.13
Payment system. TANAPA fees are paid through the Government Electronic Payment Gateway (GePG).14
VAT. TANAPA's tariff page says all fees are inclusive of 18% VAT where applicable (the per-row tariff data does not mark VAT).15
What the permit covers. An NCAA entry permit is valid for one entry within 24 hours only. NCAA says tariffs can change without prior notice.20
Crater service fee. The crater service fee is charged per vehicle per trip; all permits, including crater service, are single entry.21
Vehicles in the crater. Only 4×4 vehicles up to 3,500 kg tare weight may go down to the Ngorongoro Crater floor (authorised trucks for organised groups excepted).22
Guide. All crater visitors must be accompanied by a licensed guide or an official NCAA guide.23
Driving hours. Driving in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is allowed 06:00–18:00; outside these hours permission is needed.24
Plastic bags. Plastic bags are not allowed in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.25
Tanzania visa (Zanzibar), Multiple entry for US citizensUSA passport holders visiting for tourism (they cannot get the Ordinary visa); valid 1 year, max 90 days per stay
Who must buy the insurance. Compulsory for every foreign visitor entering Zanzibar, even if you already hold your own travel or medical insurance. Only a Zanzibar Insurance Corporation policy counts.29
What the insurance covers. Emergency medical expenses, medical and body repatriation, personal accident, baggage delay, theft and loss, legal expenses and personal liability. The basic plan excludes terrorism.30
How long the insurance lasts. Valid inside Tanzania for up to 92 consecutive days, per the dates on the policy certificate. It cannot be renewed: stay longer and you buy a new policy.31
Since when. Mandatory for all foreign visitors to Zanzibar since 1 October 2024.32
Where to buy the insurance. Online at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz, which the insurer calls the only official website for it.33
Arriving via Dar es Salaam or the mainland. Mainland Tanzania also requires inbound travel insurance from 1 October 2026. Your first point of entry decides the insurer: Zanzibar first means ZIC (inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz); the mainland first means the National Insurance Corporation (inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz). One valid policy covers both, so you don't pay twice.34
Visa: online or on arrival. Get the visa online through Tanzania Immigration Services (visa.immigration.go.tz, linked from immigration.go.tz) or on arrival at an official entry point. Immigration recommends applying online.35
Visa: one visa for mainland and Zanzibar. Pick your first destination on the form; the same visa lets you visit both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.36
Who needs no visa. Citizens of EAC countries, SADC countries (except Comoros) and Commonwealth countries, except the UK, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.37
Zanzibar airport. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), run by the Zanzibar Airports Authority.38
Rain rows follow the Tanzania Meteorological Authority’s seasons for Zanzibar. Crowd levels are the usual pattern of European and local holidays.
Questions people ask
Should I do the safari or the beach first?
Safari first in most cases. Game drives start early and the light aircraft have tight luggage limits, so it is easier to rest on the beach at the end and fly home from Zanzibar.
How do I get from the Serengeti to Zanzibar?
By scheduled light aircraft, either straight from Seronera airstrip or via Arusha. Published flights leave Seronera in the morning and land in Zanzibar between ≈ 11:40 and 14:20.
How many days do I need for a safari and Zanzibar?
Seven days is the minimum for a short safari plus a few beach days. Ten to twelve days lets you do the northern parks properly and still have five nights on the island.
Do I need two visas?
No. The Tanzania visa covers both the mainland and Zanzibar; you pick your first destination on the application form. Zanzibar's travel insurance rules are on the fee card.
What is the best time for a safari and beach trip?
Avoid the long rains, ≈ March–May. Flights to Nyerere (Selous) are suspended or closed from mid-March to the end of May, and Zanzibar also has short rains ≈ October–December.
Is it cheaper to book the safari and the beach separately?
Often, yes, because you can choose your own beach hotel. You then have to line up the flight days yourself; the packages here sell the whole chain as one booking.
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Mikumi National Park","Category":"Entrance","RevenueCode":"REV0001","ProductName":"Entrance Adults (NR)","Season":"ALL","FromDate":"2026-07-01","ToDate":"2027-06-30","Currency":"TZS","Amount":76650,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Mikumi National Park","Category":"Entrance","RevenueCode":"REV0002","ProductName":"Entrance Children 5 - 15 Years (NR)","Season":"ALL","FromDate":"2026-07-01","ToDate":"2027-06-30","Currency":"TZS","Amount":25550,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Nyerere National Park","Category":"Entrance","RevenueCode":"REV0001","ProductName":"Entrance Adults (NR)","Season":"ENTRY HIGH","FromDate":"2026-05-16","ToDate":"2027-03-14","Currency":"TZS","Amount":178850,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Nyerere National Park","Category":"Entrance","RevenueCode":"REV0002","ProductName":"Entrance Children 5 - 15 Years (NR)","Season":"ALL","FromDate":"2026-07-01","ToDate":"2027-06-30","Currency":"TZS","Amount":51100,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Serengeti National Park","Category":"Entrance","RevenueCode":"REV0001","ProductName":"Entrance Adults (NR)","Season":"ENTRY HIGH","FromDate":"2026-05-16","ToDate":"2027-03-14","Currency":"TZS","Amount":178850,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Serengeti National Park","Category":"Entrance","RevenueCode":"REV0002","ProductName":"Entrance Children 5 - 15 Years (NR)","Season":"ALL","FromDate":"2026-07-01","ToDate":"2027-06-30","Currency":"TZS","Amount":51100,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Tarangire National Park","Category":"Entrance","RevenueCode":"REV0001","ProductName":"Entrance Adults (NR)","Season":"ENTRY HIGH","FromDate":"2026-05-16","ToDate":"2027-03-14","Currency":"TZS","Amount":127750,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Tarangire National Park","Category":"Entrance","RevenueCode":"REV0002","ProductName":"Entrance Children 5 - 15 Years (NR)","Season":"ALL","FromDate":"2026-07-01","ToDate":"2027-06-30","Currency":"TZS","Amount":38325,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “"Park":"Mikumi National Park","Category":"Concession","RevenueCode":"REV0305","ProductName":"Concession Fee Adult (NR)","Season":"ALL","FromDate":"2026-07-01","ToDate":"2027-06-30","Currency":"TZS","Amount":63875,"createdAt":"2026-07-26” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “Carved from the northern sector of the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park protects a colossal landscape of rivers, wetlands, open plains and woodlands.” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “Conservation fees are valid for 24 hours from time of entry” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “Children under 5 years of age enter FREE of charge” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “Visa, MasterCard accepted at park gates” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “Payments are made using Government Electronic Payment Gateway (GePG)” (checked 3 November 2026)
tanzaniaparks.go.tz — “All fees are inclusive of 18% VAT where applicable” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “Non-East African Citizen (USD) Of or above the age of 16 years 11,800 11,800 35.40 70.80 Children aged 5 years and below 2,360” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “70.80 Children aged 5 years and below 2,360 2,360 11.80 23.60 Children below 5 years Free” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “Expatriates/Residents Living in Tanzania (USD) or equivalent in (TZS) Non-East African Citizen (USD) Of or above the age of 16 years 11,800 11,800 35.40” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “PLEASE NOTE: Permit once issued is valid for one entry within 24 hours only. Tariffs are subjected to change without prior notice.” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “Entry and camping fees must be paid within 24 hours of entry, and all permits, including crater service, are single entry.” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “Only 4×4 vehicles up to 3,500 Kgs of tare weight are allowed in the Ngorongoro Crater floor except for authorized trucks for organized groups.” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “A licensed guide or an official NCAA guide must accompany all crater visitors.” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “Driving is permitted between the hours of 06:00 and 18:00. Beyond these hours, permission must be obtained” (checked 3 November 2026)
ncaa.go.tz — “Plastic bags are not allowed in the Ngorongoro conservation area.” (checked 3 November 2026)
zic.co.tz — “Cost USD 44 per adult USD 22 per child USD 22 for travelers from SADC and EAC member states” (checked 3 November 2026)
visa.immigration.go.tz — “The fee for Ordinary Visa is 50 USD and has a validity of up to 90 days;” (checked 3 November 2026)
visa.immigration.go.tz — “The fee for Multiple Visa is 100 USD and has a validity of 1 year.” (checked 3 November 2026)
zic.co.tz — “Even if a traveler already holds valid travel or medical insurance from another provider, this insurance remains mandatory as part of the official entry requirements.” (checked 3 November 2026)
inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz — “The basic covers provided are the cost of emergency medical expenses and repatriation expenses (body and medical) personal accident baggage delay theft and lost legal expenses personal liabilities etc.” (checked 3 November 2026)
inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz — “Policy covers are valid inside of Tanzania for a maximum of 92 consecutive days.” (checked 3 November 2026)
jp.tzembassy.go.tz — “The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has issued a travel notification noting, that from 1st October 2024, it will be mandatory for all foreign visitors to acquire inbound travel insurance” (checked 3 November 2026)
inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz — “Important: This is the only official website to apply for your Zanzibar travel insurance.” (checked 3 November 2026)
zic.co.tz — “The applicable Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance shall be determined according to the visitor's first point of entry into the United Republic of Tanzania.” (checked 3 November 2026)
visa.immigration.go.tz — “There are two options available for obtaining Tanzania Visa. The first option is obtaining Visa by applying online through Tanzania Immigration Services official website (www.immigration.go.tz) ; and the second option is obtaining Visa on arrival at official entry point.” (checked 3 November 2026)
visa.immigration.go.tz — “If an applicant wishes to visit both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, he/she is advised to select his first destination while filling the form. But he will be allowed to visit both places without a need for a new Visa;” (checked 3 November 2026)
visa.immigration.go.tz — “These are EAC Member State countries, SADC member countries except Comoro and Commonwealth countries except United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.” (checked 3 November 2026)
zaa.go.tz — “Major Airpors operated by Zanzibar Airports Authority are Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) and Pemba Airport.” (checked 3 November 2026)
coastal.co.tz — Zanzibar–Arusha, Zanzibar–Seronera and Zanzibar–Selous schedules; long-rains suspension
storage.aerocrs.com — Auric Air Zanzibar–Nyerere and Zanzibar–Seronera schedules, wet-season closure
