January–March
Usually hot, sunny and humid with warm seas. This is broadly one of the strongest periods for an island stay.
Safari & Beach
Tanzania safari
& beach holidays.
Tanzania’s domestic flights make safari and beach a natural combination, but the right island depends on the month and the style of stay you want.
Our take
A natural combination,
without another border.
A Tanzania safari and beach holiday combines wildlife-rich parks with the Indian Ocean. Four to seven nights on safari followed by five to seven on the coast is a useful starting point. We choose the park, island and connections as one journey.
Zanzibar, Pemba and Fanjove are not interchangeable. Zanzibar offers the greatest choice and easiest connections; Pemba is quieter and particularly rewarding for divers; Fanjove offers a more remote private-island experience.
April–May
The long rains bring heavier showers and higher humidity. Some smaller camps and island properties close temporarily.
June–October
Generally drier and cooler. Wind and seaweed vary considerably by coast, island and exact hotel position.
Routes to consider
Tailor-made itineraries for your journey.
These examples show the shape of a trip. Accommodation and arrangements are selected around your dates, interests and budget.
12 nights · from £5,500 per person
Serengeti & Zanzibar
One arrival night in Arusha, four nights in the Serengeti and seven on Zanzibar. Adapt the camp, beach hotel and number of nights around your priorities.
Explore Serengeti & Zanzibar
7 nights · from £5,000 per person
Southern Parks
An arrival night and three nights each in Nyerere and Ruaha. A beach extension can be added at extra cost, with connections checked first.
Explore Southern ParksIllustrative starting prices based on two adults sharing, subject to availability. Exact rooms, family arrangements, private services, extensions and international flights are quoted for your request. View all Tanzania itineraries.
Where to stay
Safari camps and island stays to combine.
These are places we might consider, chosen for the season, setting and style of your journey. Open each property page to explore its rooms, activities and atmosphere.
Namiri Plains
A Serengeti safari option for open landscapes and big-cat interests, chosen around the month and your route.
Explore Namiri Plains
Sand Rivers
A riverside base in Nyerere for a varied southern safari before an Indian Ocean stay.
Explore Sand Rivers
Zuri Zanzibar
A Zanzibar beach option for travellers who want a relaxed resort atmosphere after safari.
Explore Zuri Zanzibar
Xanadu Villas
Private villas for a quieter finish with room to unwind after early safari mornings.
Explore Xanadu Villas
The Manta Resort
A Pemba option when a quieter island and interest in the sea are central to the holiday.
Explore The Manta Resort
Fanjove Island
A remote island ending to consider after southern Tanzania, subject to flight and transfer arrangements.
Explore Fanjove IslandSpecialist planning
Make the right choices for your trip.
Connect the safari and coast sensibly
A Serengeti journey naturally points towards Zanzibar, while Nyerere and Ruaha can work well with a southern island ending. Available domestic flights and transfer times determine the final sequence.
Compare safari and beach routesChoose the beach for your priorities
Swimming, snorkelling, diving, hotel atmosphere and room privacy are separate choices. Tides, wind and seaweed vary around the coast, so we match the exact hotel to the month.
Compare Zanzibar, Pemba and FanjoveOur UK-based safari specialists help compare the details and prepare a tailored proposal. Share your dates, party and approximate budget to start planning. For budgeting, read our Tanzania safari cost guide.
Your questions
Tanzania Safari & Beach Holidays FAQs.
Can we combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. Our Serengeti and Zanzibar itinerary combines an arrival night in Arusha, four nights on safari and seven nights on the coast. We arrange the internal flight and hotel transfers around available schedules, and can adjust the nights and camp choices.
What is the best time for safari and beach in Tanzania?
January to March and June to October are often good starting points. The safari area should follow the season, while beach conditions vary by coast. April and May are generally wetter, and some smaller properties close. We compare the exact month and route before recommending dates.
How long should a safari and beach holiday be?
Around 10–14 nights works well for many travellers. Four to seven safari nights and five to seven beach nights allow both parts time to feel worthwhile, with an arrival night where needed. A shorter journey usually benefits from fewer safari stops.
How much does a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holiday cost?
Our 12-night Serengeti and Zanzibar example starts from £5,500 per person, based on two adults sharing. Dates, safari camps, island hotels and room categories change the total. The proposal sets out inclusions and international flights, rather than treating this guide price as a fixed package.
Should we choose Zanzibar, Pemba or Fanjove?
Zanzibar offers the widest choice of hotels and activities. Pemba is quieter with fewer accommodation options and particular appeal for divers. Fanjove is a more remote island stay that can suit a southern safari. The best choice depends on your dates, interests and connections.
Is safari and beach suitable for a honeymoon or family?
Yes, with different priorities. Honeymooners may favour privacy and small hotels, while families may need suitable room layouts, flexible guiding and easier transfers. We check age policies, swimming conditions and the pace of the trip for your group.
Read our general safari FAQs and Tanzania seasonal guide for more planning advice.
Start planning
Tell us what you have
in mind.
We will help you shape the right route before preparing a detailed proposal.
Start planningor call +44 (0) 1235 635749