This guide features 9 unique and customizable travel plans that combine the best of Tanzania’s wildlife safaris with relaxing beach time in Zanzibar. From spotting lions and elephants on the Serengeti plains to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, these itineraries are designed for every type of traveler.

Read on for a complete planning guide to help you make the most of your 10 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday — including itinerary ideas, hotel options, pricing details, travel tips and more.

Table of Contents

• Where to Arrive and Depart
• Best Time to Visit
• Our Recommended 10 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Itineraries
• Exploring Zanzibar: Where to Stay & Activities to Do
• Accommodation Options Available on Tour
• How Much Does a 10-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Package Cost?
• Plan Your Perfect 10-Day Safari and Beach Vacation With Us
• Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Arrive and Depart

For the smoothest experience, we recommend flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and flying out from Zanzibar (ZNZ). It’s always a good idea to arrive a day before your safari starts — long international flights can be tiring, and spending a night in Arusha gives you time to rest and settle in. Arusha is the gateway to all the major parks in Northern Tanzania, including Serengeti and Ngorongoro, so it’s the perfect place to begin your adventure. After your safari, you’ll take a short flight to Zanzibar, where the pace slows down and the beach takes over. Zanzibar has its own international airport with plenty of domestic and international connections, making it easy to head home — or on to your next destination — feeling refreshed and recharged.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar is from June to October, during the dry season. Wildlife viewing is at its best, especially with the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti from July to September, and conditions are perfect for game drives and photography. Another great period is January to March, known for the calving season in Ndutu, with plenty of predator action. Learn more about The Great Migration here. For Zanzibar, the best time is also June to October and December to February, when the weather is sunny and warm with minimal rainfall, which is ideal for beach relaxation, swimming, water-based activities, and cultural exploration.

Our Recommended 10 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Itineraries

A 10 day Tanzania safari and Zanzibar can be planned in different ways depending on when you are planning to travel, your specific interests in wildlife watching & Zanzibar, and your budget. Below are some of our popular itineraries for different periods of the year:

10 days Classic Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar Itineraries (Recommended Year-Round)

These itineraries are ideal throughout the year and are perfect for first-time safari-goers who want to experience the diversity and rich wildlife of Tanzania’s iconic parks with a relaxing beach holiday.

Tour 1: 10 Days - Classic Tanzania Safari (6 nights) & Zanzibar (3 nights)

Covers Lake Manyara, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. End with three relaxing nights in Zanzibar.

Short itinerary:

Day 1 - Arusha to Lake Manyara. Game drives at Lake Manyara

Day 2 - Transfer to Central Serengeti. Afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti

Day 3 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 4 - Central Serengeti full day game drives

Day 5 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 6 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Karatu/Tarangire

Day 7 - Tarangire game drives and afternoon transfer to Arusha. Pick up from Zanzibar airport to hotel in Zanzibar - Relax at a beach Resort

Day 8 & 9 - Zanzibar - Relax at a beach Resort

Day 10 - Zanzibar airport Drop off

Prices change with party size, travel dates, accommodation tier and can be checked online through the tour link

If you’d like to shorten the safari portion of your trip, you can remove a day from the Central Serengeti. This extra day can either be added to your time in Zanzibar to maintain a 10-day safari + Zanzibar itinerary(tour 2), or you can opt for a 9-day safari + Zanzibar tour plan as outlined below(tour 3).

Tour 2: 10 Days - Classic Tanzania safari (5 nights) & Zanzibar (4 nights)

Tour 3: 9 Days - Classic Tanzania safari (5 nights) & Zanzibar (3 nights)

The 9-day tour plan works well if you’re arriving at JRO on Day 1 and departing from Zanzibar on Day 10. In this case, you can spend your arrival day relaxing in Arusha, begin your safari adventure on Day 2, and conclude your journey in Zanzibar on Day 10 before your departure.

Migration Safaris from July to October (Northern Serengeti)

If you are interested in watching great migration or experiencing some of the best possible wildlife safari tours in Africa, a migration safari between July to October is one of the most exciting tours you can consider. During this period, in north serengeti, you’ll have the chance to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings — one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles — along with game drives in other iconic Tanzanian parks that offer rich and varied wildlife sightings.

Tour 4: 10 Days - Mara Migration safari (6 nights) & Zanzibar (3 nights)

Covers Tarangire, Central Serengeti, North Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, followed by a Zanzibar beach stay.

Short Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives at Tarangire

Day 2 - Transfer to Central Serengeti. Afternoon game drives in Central Serengeti

Day 3 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to North Serengeti

Day 4 - North Serengeti - full day game drives

Day 5 - Morning game drives in North Serengeti and transfer to Central Serengeti

Day 6 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu

Day 7 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Arusha. Pick up from Zanzibar airport to hotel in Zanzibar - Relax at a beach Resort

Day 8 & 9 - Zanzibar - Relax at a beach Resort

Day 10 - Zanzibar airport Drop off

If you prefer to shorten the safari portion of your trip, one option is to remove Tarangire National Park and add an extra day in Zanzibar, keeping the overall Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar tour at 10 days(tour 5). Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter 9-day itinerary, as outlined below(tour 6).

Tour 5: 10 Days - Mara Migration safari (5 nights) & Zanzibar (4 nights)

Tour 6: 9 Days - Mara Migration safari (5 nights) & Zanzibar (3 nights)

The 9-day plan is ideal if you arrive at JRO on Day 1 and depart from Zanzibar on Day 10. This allows you to spend your first day relaxing in Arusha, begin your safari on Day 2, and conclude the tour in Zanzibar on your final day.

Migration Safaris from Late December to March (Ndutu)

This season offers a unique Great Migration experience in the Ndutu region, where thousands of wildebeest gather to give birth on the lush plains. It’s a great time to witness intense predator action and dramatic wildlife moments. These safaris also include visits to other iconic parks like Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, for a diverse and well-rounded safari experience.

Tour 7: 10 Days Ndutu Migration safari (6 nights) & Zanzibar (3 nights)

Includes Tarangire, Ndutu, Central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, followed by three days in Zanzibar.

Day 1 - Arusha to Tarangire. Game drives at Tarangire Day 2 - Transfer to Ndutu, Ngorongoro. Game drives at Ndutu Day 3 - Ndutu - full day game drives Day 4 - Morning game drives in Ndutu and transfer to Central Serengeti. Afternoon game drives in Serengeti Day 5 - Central Serengeti full day game drives Day 6 - Morning game drives in Central Serengeti and transfer to Ngorongoro/Karatu Day 7 - Ngorongoro Crater Tour (5 hours) and transfer to Arusha. Pick up from Zanzibar airport to hotel in Zanzibar - Relax at a beach Resort Day 8 & 9 - Zanzibar - Relax at a beach Resort Day 10 - Zanzibar airport Drop off

If you prefer to shorten the safari portion of your trip, one option is to remove Tarangire National Park and add an extra day in Zanzibar, keeping the overall Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar tour at 10 days(tour 8). Alternatively, you can opt for a shorter 9-day itinerary, as outlined below(tour 9).

Tour 8: 10 Days Ndutu Migration safari (5 nights) & Zanzibar (4 nights)

Tour 9: 9 Days Ndutu Migration safari (5 nights) & Zanzibar (3 nights)

The 9-day plan is ideal if you arrive at JRO on Day 1 and depart from Zanzibar on Day 10. This allows you to spend your first day relaxing in Arusha, begin your safari on Day 2, and conclude the tour in Zanzibar on your final day.

There are several other tour ideas possible that cover Tanzania safari and Zanzibar in 10 days. You can Explore all tours for your 10-Days Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar here

Exploring Zanzibar: Where to Stay & Activities to Do

Often referred to as the "Spice Island," Zanzibar has a dynamic fusion of history, culture, and scenic beauty. This tropical paradise, which lies off the coast of Tanzania's mainland, has a wide variety of locations to stay and activities to do to suit all kinds of tourists.

While planning Zanzibar vacation, we recommend you to consider the following points:

• Where to Stay

• Which tier (star category) hotel to select

• What to do while at Zanzibar

Where to Stay:

Zanzibar offers everything from boutique beach hotels to luxury oceanfront resorts at various locations:

Bustling North Coast: Nungwi & Kendwa These northern beach villages are known for their vibrant atmospheres with numerous restaurants, bars, night life, water sports etc. with white-powdery sand beaches, reliable for swimming all day due to minimal tidal changes.

Tranquil Northeast: Matemwe & Mnemba Island The northeast part of Zanzibar features long, peaceful, and secluded stretches of beach, perfect for couples and those looking for a more private setting. World-class coral reefs and marine life ensure exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Laid-back East & Southeast Coast: Paje, Jambiani, Pongwe, Michamwi These areas are defined by a combination of scenic, tide-affected beaches with a relaxed pace, lively beach culture with bars, cafes, casual accommodations, and secluded coves with calm and clear lagoon waters, authentic Swahili culture experience and stunning sunrise and sunset views.

Unspoiled South Coast: Kizimkazi The southern coastal region is less visited, offering authentic village life and unique marine experience such as dolphin tours.

Click here to know more about these locations, and what they offer best.

Choosing Your Accommodation Tier:

There are several tiers of hotels/lodges to choose from when it comes to deciding on your accommodation in Zanzibar. Basic accommodations include beach/boutique hotels, and the top-end accommodations include luxurious ocean-front resorts.

If you would like to review hotel options for Zanzibar, please check with your sales consultant at tanzania@monkey.travel

Activities To Do:

While many travelers choose to simply unwind at the beach or resort during their stay in Zanzibar, the island offers much more than just relaxation. Zanzibar is rich in cultural, historical, and adventurous experiences. From exploring the winding alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to swimming with dolphins or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, the island presents a wide range of activities for every type of traveler:

• Stone Town Tour
• Spice & Fruit Tour
• Nungwi Village Tour
• Jozani Forest Tour
• Dolphin Tour
• Prison Island Tour
• Sunset Cruise
• Nakupenda Sandbank Oasis Tour
• Water-based activities such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking, etc.

Click here to get detailed information about the activities mentioned above.

Accommodation Options Available on Tour

Accommodations and their locations vary for different parks, and each park has various accommodation types ranging from budget-friendly basic camping to mid-tier and luxury hotels and lodges. We offer the choice between 6-7 accommodation types for each safari tour, and you can choose the type of accommodation you wish to stay at based on your preferences. You can head over here to know the 5 Types of Accommodations available on your safari.

Mid-tier Camp in Serengeti

High-end Luxury camp in Serengeti

Accommodation choices on Zanzibar are diverse, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. From luxurious resorts that pamper guests with opulence to cozy guesthouses providing a more intimate experience, visitors can find options that suit their individual tastes.

Budget Beach Front Hotel Room

Beach-Front Villa in a Luxurious Resort

How Much Does a 10-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Package Cost?

The price of your safari depends on several key factors:

• The itinerary you choose (more time in Serengeti generally increases the cost)
• Your travel dates
• Your group size (larger groups receive lower per-person rates),
• Accommodation tier preference

For all the tours mentioned above, you can visit each tour page to input your travel dates and group size, and instantly view the applicable prices across different accommodation tiers—from economy to high-end luxury. As a general idea, if you're traveling as a couple in June, a 10-day Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar tour would cost approximately USD 3,200 per person with economy-tier lodges, and could go up to USD 10,000 per person for luxury-tier stays. Read more about safari costs and the factors that determine it here.

Plan Your Perfect 10-Day Safari and Beach Vacation With Us

Whether you're looking for epic wildlife encounters, a relaxing tropical escape, or both, our curated 10-day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar itineraries are crafted to give you the best of East Africa. Here's why you should book your 10-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar tour with us. Get in touch with our expert sales team to customize your perfect trip or book one of our tried-and-tested packages today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time for a 10 days Tanzania safari + Zanzibar beach tour? The ideal time for a safari in Tanzania is from June to October, during the dry season. Wildlife viewing is at its best, especially with the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti from July to September, and conditions are perfect for game drives and photography. Another great period is January to March, known for the calving season in Ndutu, with plenty of predator action. For Zanzibar, the best time is also June to October and December to February, when the weather is sunny and warm with minimal rainfall, which is ideal for beach relaxation, swimming, water-based activities, and cultural exploration. Thus, the best time for a combined Tanzania safari + Zanzibar beach tour is from July to October (Peak Season), and January to February (Shoulder season).

2. Can I customize my 10-day safari + beach itinerary? Yes, you can certainly customize your 10-day safari + beach itinerary. We offer a ton of customization options to make your safari experience personal and intimate. You can choose locations, accommodation preferences, mode of transport, add-ons including cultural, historical, and water-based activities, and much more. You can contact your sales consultant for more details.

3. Can I add extra days before/after the safari in Arusha or at Zanzibar? Yes, you can add extra days before/after the safari in Arusha or at Zanzibar. This will give you sufficient time to explore these cities thoroughly and experience warm Tanzanian hospitality. However, we do recommend visiting Zanzibar after your safari so you can relax and enjoy the beaches.

4. Is 10 days the ideal duration for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar tour? Yes, 10 days is an excellent duration for a combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar tour. This timeline allows you to experience the highlights of Tanzania’s world-renowned national parks—such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire—followed by several days of relaxation on the enchanting beaches of Zanzibar. With 10 days, you’ll have enough time to enjoy immersive wildlife encounters, participate in guided game drives, and unwind on Zanzibar’s white sands without feeling rushed. This balanced itinerary gives you a well-rounded experience of both adventure and relaxation, making it a popular choice for many travelers.

5. Can I do a group tour for 10 days to cover Tanzania safari + Zanzibar? Yes, although you can do a group tour for the safari portion of the tour, there are no options for group tours for the Zanzibar leg of the journey. We offer scheduled group departures where you’ll join other travelers for the safari portion of the journey. Group tours are a great way to enjoy a sociable atmosphere, benefit from cheaper prices, and have expert guides to enrich your experience. However, schedules of group tours are fixed, rarely offering any options for customization. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a couple, joining a group tour is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore both Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes.

6. How much does a 10 days combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package cost? The cost for a 10 days combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar package depends on a lot of factors such as accommodation type, mode of transportation, additional activities, season, locations visited, etc. For reference, the price of a Classic Safari including parks such as Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara + Zanzibar for a party of 2 in June with a Standard 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser can range from USD 3,100 to USD 14,100 per person, depending on the accommodation tier. You can explore our listed tours here and apply filters based on your preferences to get prices, or you can call your sales consultant for a free quote.

7. Do you recommend covering the parks in North Tanzania or South Tanzania for a safari + Zanzibar tour? Choosing between the Northern and Southern safari circuits depends on what you wish to experience in your safari tour. While the Northern safari circuit is well-suited for first-time safari goers, the Southern circuit offers a more adventurous experience, making it appealing for repeat visitors. Both have plenty of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

The Northern circuit has a well-developed safari and tourism infrastructure, ensuring that it is easily accessible by road from Arusha and has a wide range of accommodation types. It is famous for its iconic landscapes, such as the Ngorongoro crater, which also hosts a high concentration of wildlife and all of the Big Five, and unique wildlife phenomena such as the Great Migration in the Serengeti. However, the Northern circuit is more crowded than the Southern circuit.

The Southern circuit, on the other hand, offers a more private, secluded, and raw safari experience. Since the wildlife is not accustomed to human presence, safaris are much more up-close and personal. The parks are huge and host a wide range of gorgeous habitats. It is not as accessible as the Northern circuit, and travelling from Dar es Salaam by road takes hours, making the option of flying in more appealing. Since the safari and tourism infrastructure is not well-developed in this circuit, the roads are often rough, and accommodation types are limited.

8. Can I start & end the Tanzania safari + Zanzibar tour from Zanzibar airport? Yes, you can start & end the Tanzania safari + Zanzibar tour from Zanzibar airport. However, all safaris to the Northern Circuit parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, etc.) start at Arusha, which is the base for all safaris heading to these parks. The closest airport to Arusha is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is around 1 hour away from Arusha by road. We recommend our clients to arrive at this airport. However, if you are arriving at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), then you will have to take a connecting flight to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and we can arrange the airport transfer accordingly.

You can read more about getting to Arusha here.

After the safari portion of your tour, your next destination would be Zanzibar, for which you will take a connecting flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. Zanzibar has a well-connected international airport, and you can directly depart to your next destination from there.

Thus, you can start & end your Tanzania safari + tour at Zanzibar Airport.

9. Are internal flights for connecting the safari leg of the tour with Zanzibar included? Yes, the prices shown in the tour pages are inclusive of the flight connecting from Arusha to Zanzibar as mentioned in the itinerary and inclusions. You can check the inclusions/exclusions list in each tour for a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions applicable in that tour. You can also opt to reroute the itinerary and fly out of Serengeti into Zanzibar at additional cost.

10. Can I fly from Serengeti to Zanzibar (instead of Arusha to Zanzibar). How much extra does it cost? Yes, you can fly directly from Serengeti to Zanzibar one-way instead of Arusha to Zanzibar at an additional cost of USD 350+ per person.

11. How long is the flight from Arusha to Zanzibar or Serengeti to Zanzibar? The flight time from Arusha to Zanzibar takes approximately 1 - 1.15 hours, while the flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar takes approximately 2.5 - 3 hours.

12. Is Tanzania safari + Zanzibar holiday a good idea for honeymooners? A Tanzania safari + Zanzibar holiday is not only a good idea but also a popular option for honeymooners because it serves as a perfect combination of adventure and romance. As you explore the stunning landscapes of Tanzania while encountering a diverse range of wildlife, this safari brings you and your partner closest to nature itself, offering an intimate experience. Couples can expect to spot the Big Five, witness world-famous wildlife spectacles like the Great Migration, and then unwind and relax on the beaches of Zanzibar. A honeymoon safari in Tanzania offers privacy, exclusivity, and a sense of adventure, with options for private tours, luxurious lodges, and personalized experiences. Tanzania’s rich culture and warm hospitality further enhance its appeal for newlyweds seeking both excitement and intimacy in a unique setting.

13. Can families with kids opt for this combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar tour? Yes, families with kids can opt for this combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar tour. Tanzania is an exceptional choice for family safaris thanks to its abundance of wildlife, variety of habitats, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. The country offers diverse safari experiences, from classic game drives to cultural encounters and beach excursions. Many lodges and camps cater to families, providing interconnecting rooms, private villas, and amenities including pools for your children. Our spacious and robust 4x4 Land Cruisers and friendly guides ensure a comfortable and knowledgeable safari experience. The friendly local people, educational opportunities, and the chance to see the Big Five and much more make Tanzania a memorable bonding experience for your family.

14. Do I need to pre-book activities at Zanzibar? It is recommended to pre-book activities that you wish to do in Zanzibar since on-the-spot booking might be subject to availability, especially in the peak season. You can explore the activities available in Zanzibar here, and contact your sales consultant for additional information or any queries that you may have.

15. Can I arrange the Zanzibar portion directly and book only the safari part with you? Yes, you can arrange the Zanzibar portion directly and book only the safari part with us. However, we recommend booking our comprehensive Tanzania safari + Zanzibar tour directly with us as it will offer you a seamless experience at competitive prices. This will be inclusive of the connecting flight between Serengeti/Arusha to Zanzibar, pick-ups and drop-offs, and the ability to select the best hotels/lodges at your chosen price range. Furthermore, we also offer add-ons at extra charges in Zanzibar that will ensure you take on the best historical, cultural, and water-based activities available.

16. Do I need separate VISAs for entering Tanzania and Zanzibar? No, you do not need separate VISAs for Tanzania and Zanzibar. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so the same tourist visa you obtain for mainland Tanzania also covers entry into Zanzibar. Most travelers can get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa before departure, valid for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your date of entry and at least one blank page for the visa stamp. Always check for the latest requirements before your trip, as regulations can change

17. Do I need any vaccinations/insurance for visiting Tanzania + Zanzibar?

While there are no mandatory vaccines for travelers coming directly from most countries, a Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or if you have a layover longer than 12 hours in such a country. Routine immunizations like Influenza and COVID-19 are also advised. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice and ensure vaccinations are up to date before travel.

Regarding Insurance, the Government of Zanzibar has introduced a mandatory inbound travel insurance requirement for all foreign visitors to Zanzibar, effective October 1, 2024. All travelers must have valid travel insurance for their stay and this needs to be purchased from the exclusive partner Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

This costs USD 44 per person and is valid for 92 consecutive days from the day of arrival at Zanzibar.

You can apply for the insurance from the official website here: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/

You can read the FAQs on the official website here: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/faqs

To read the detailed government advisory, please use this link: https://www.ae.tzembassy.go.tz/resources/view/mandatory-inbound-travel-insurance-requirement-for-zanzibar-effective-october-1-2024

You can also refer to our article here - https://monkey.travel/en/help/travel-insurance-for-zanzibar

18. What should I pack for a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar trip?

For your safari:

• Light, breathable, and quick-dry clothing in neutral tones (khaki, beige, olive); avoid blue, black (attracts tsetse flies), and camouflage prints.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection.
• Warm layers (fleece or light jacket) for cool mornings and evenings, especially in high-altitude parks.
• Comfortable closed shoes (walking shoes or trainers); flip-flops or sandals for lodges.
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunblock.
• Bandana or scarf (dust protection).
• Daypack or small backpack for excursions.
• Camera, binoculars, and extra batteries/memory cards.
• Personal toiletries (many lodges provide basics).

For Zanzibar/beach portion:

• Lightweight outfits: linen shirts, shorts, summer dresses, swimwear.
• Comfortable sandals or walking shoes.
• Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Lightweight rain jacket if traveling during the rainy season.

Other essentials:

• Travel-size first aid kit with any prescription medications.
• Travel adapter for Tanzania’s three-prong British-style plugs.
• Copy of important documents (passport, visa, insurance).
• Reusable water bottle and personal hand sanitizer.
• Packing light in a soft-sided bag is recommended for ease of transport, especially on safari vehicles or internal flights, which can have luggage weight restrictions of 15kg