Combining Safari & Beach in Tanzania
Experience nature's greatest show in the Serengeti, where dramatic river crossings unfold from July to September as massive herds charge across the Mara and Talek Rivers, dodging the crocs lurking under the surface and the big cats waiting on the other side.
The Ngorongoro Crater - Africa's Eden - shelters 30,000 animals in a natural amphitheatre, including the world's highest density of predators.
Zanzibar's archipelago beckons with stunning beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Explore historic Stone Town's winding alleys, sail traditional dhows at sunset, or snorkel with whale sharks at Mnemba Atoll.
Photos from our customers
Where will your adventure take you?
Our Brilliant guides, Northern Serengeti
Danielle & Joseph spotting a lion in the Serengeti
Lion cubs in the Serengeti
Wildebeest herds at sunset, Serengeti National Park
Jake & Rose, cocktails at Tulia Zanzibar
Hot air ballooning in the Serengeti
Ella and her family on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater
A sea of wildebeest, Serengeti National Park
The beauty of the Serengeti
Male lion in the Serengeti
Danielle & Joseph honeymooning in beautiful Zanzibar
Rhinos stopping for a drink, Serengeti National Park
Hyenas on the hunt in the cool afternoon
Lion in the Serengeti, photo by Brilliant customer Don
Views from the hot air balloon, Serengeti National Park
Ella and family on horseback safari
Zebra in the Ngorongoro Crater
Joseph and a curious wildebeest, Serengeti National Park
Thrashing hippos in Lake Manyara
A resting lion, snapped by Brilliant customer Melissa
Giraffes in Tarangire National Park
Lion stopping for a drink
Tanzania & Zanzibar Trips
The trips below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Multi-Country Trips
Combine Tanzania with other incredible destinations in East Africa.
Top Safari Destinations In Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti sits at the heart of Tanzania's safari circuit, covering 14,763 square kilometers of endless plains and acacia woodlands. This is where the Great Migration unfolds each year, with over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras following ancient routes in search of fresh grass. The park maintains one of Africa's highest concentrations of predators year-round, making game viewing consistently excellent even outside migration periods.
We recommend timing your visit between June and October to witness river crossings, though the Serengeti rewards visitors in any season. Hot air balloon safaris at dawn offer an unforgettable perspective over the vast landscape, while mobile camps following the migration provide front-row seats to nature's greatest spectacle.
Ngorongoro Crater
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater creates a natural amphitheater spanning 260 square kilometers. This geological wonder functions as Africa's Eden, supporting around 25,000 large mammals within its walls. The crater floor provides one of your best chances to spot black rhinos, with the resident population being among the most accessible in East Africa.
Early morning descents into the crater yield the most rewarding game viewing, as predators remain active before the midday heat sets in. The crater's unique ecosystem supports all Big Five species in a remarkably concentrated area, making full-day game drives highly productive.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire's 2,850 square kilometers showcase some of Tanzania's most distinctive landscapes, dominated by ancient baobab trees and seasonal swamps. During dry months from June to October, the Tarangire River becomes a wildlife magnet, attracting massive elephant herds that can number in the hundreds.
The park records over 550 bird species, making it a haven for birding enthusiasts. We particularly enjoy the park's walking safaris and night drives, which reveal a different side of African wildlife.
Tarangire serves as an excellent complement to the Serengeti, offering a more intimate safari experience with diverse ecosystems.
Best Beaches To Visit In Tanzania
Zanzibar's Northern Coast
Nungwi Beach sits at Zanzibar's northernmost tip and remains our top recommendation for first-time visitors. The powdery white sand stretches for nearly 2 kilometers, and the turquoise waters stay swimmable regardless of tide times.
You'll find excellent snorkeling just offshore, with coral reefs beginning about 50 meters from the beach. The area buzzes with activity during sunset, when traditional dhow boats return from their daily fishing trips.
Just 3 kilometers south, Kendwa Beach offers a calmer alternative. The beach faces west, making it perfect for watching the sun set directly over the Indian Ocean. Unlike many Zanzibar beaches, Kendwa's deep waters mean you can swim comfortably throughout the day without worrying about low tide exposing the reef.
East Coast Adventures
Paje Beach on Zanzibar's southeast coast has become East Africa's kitesurfing capital, thanks to consistent trade winds that blow from June through September.
Even if you're not into water sports, the 5-kilometer stretch of beach provides plenty of space for long walks. The nearby village offers authentic Swahili culture away from the busier northern beaches.
Matemwe Beach gives you access to some of Tanzania's best diving. The Mnemba Atoll, just 3 kilometers offshore, protects a marine conservation area where you can spot dolphins, whale sharks, and over 600 species of reef fish. We recommend staying here if underwater exploration is a priority.
Tanzania Safari & Beach FAQs
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How many days should I plan for a Tanzania safari and beach trip?
A well-planned Tanzania safari and beach combination typically requires 10 to 14 days to truly appreciate both experiences without feeling rushed. We've found this duration strikes the perfect balance between wildlife encounters and coastal relaxation.
For your safari portion, we recommend 7 to 9 days exploring Tanzania's northern circuit. This gives you enough time to visit the Serengeti (2-3 days), Ngorongoro Crater (1-2 days), and Tarangire National Park (1-2 days).
If you're traveling during the Great Migration season (June through October), you'll want those extra days in the Serengeti to maximize your chances of witnessing river crossings.
If you're working with limited time, a 7 to 9 day trip can work effectively with a 5-day safari focusing on Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, followed by 3 to 4 days on the coast.
The flight from safari camps to Zanzibar takes just 1-2 hours, making the transition seamless and allowing you to maximize your time in both environments.
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What's the best way to combine safari and beach in Tanzania?
We recommend starting with 4-6 days on safari in the northern circuit covering Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, then flying directly to Zanzibar for 3-5 days of beach relaxation.
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When is the ideal time for a Tanzania safari and beach combination?
June to October offers excellent game viewing with dry conditions and perfect beach weather on Zanzibar. December to March provides calving season wildlife action and slightly warmer beach temperatures.
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How do I get from the safari areas to Zanzibar?
Daily flights connect Serengeti airstrips and Arusha to Zanzibar in 1-2 hours. We typically arrange these scheduled flights to seamlessly transition you from bush to beach without returning to Dar es Salaam.
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What wildlife can I expect to see during the safari portion?
The northern circuit delivers exceptional Big Five viewing year-round. During June to September, witness over 1.3 million wildebeest in the Serengeti, while Ngorongoro Crater offers the world's highest concentration of large mammals.
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Which beaches do you recommend in Zanzibar?
Our favourite spots include the pristine white sands of Matemwe on the northeast coast and the quieter Michamvi Peninsula. The southeast beaches like Jambiani offer consistent swimming conditions and authentic fishing village culture.
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What's included in a typical Tanzania safari and beach package?
Safari portions include park fees, expert guides, 4WD vehicles, and lodge accommodation with meals. Beach stays feature beachfront hotels, airport transfers, and breakfast. Internal flights between safari and Zanzibar are usually included.
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Planning a trip to East Africa is complicated. Brilliant makes it easy. Our team have spent decades in the region so we can help you find the right trip - and we don't charge a fee.
3. Exclusive access at the best rates
We have exclusive access to the best value-for-money camps and lodges at rates you won't get anywhere else.
Melissa and team ready for safari
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