Tanzania Safari & Beach

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.

The Northern Circuit forms the backbone of Tanzania's safari appeal, with each park offering distinct experiences.

The Serengeti spans 14,750 square kilometers and hosts the Great Migration year-round, while the Ngorongoro Crater  -  often called Africa's Eden  -  concentrates over 25,000 large mammals in just 260 square kilometers.

Our favorite time to visit is during the calving season from January to March when predator action peaks.

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.

The world's largest intact volcanic caldera 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'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.

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.

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.

Saadani National Park offers something completely unique - the chance to see elephants and buffalo grazing just meters from the beach.

This 1,100-square-kilometer park is the only place in East Africa where safari and beach combine so seamlessly. The best wildlife viewing happens during the dry season from June to October.

For complete seclusion, Ushongo Beach on the mainland coast remains largely undeveloped. The 15-kilometer stretch of coastline offers pristine conditions for those seeking a genuine escape from crowds.

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.

This condensed version still delivers the essential experiences while fitting into a typical vacation schedule.

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.

The dry season delivers the most reliable conditions for combining safari and beach experiences. During these months, wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, making game viewing straightforward and rewarding. The Great Migration moves through the northern Serengeti between July and September, with dramatic river crossings at the Mara River providing some of East Africa's most compelling wildlife spectacles.

We particularly recommend this period for Tarangire National Park, where large elephant herds gather around the Tarangire River. The park's distinctive baobab trees create striking silhouettes against clear blue skies, and with minimal vegetation, wildlife spotting becomes effortless.  Zanzibar and the coastal areas shine during these months with consistent sunshine, calm seas, and perfect temperatures hovering around 26°C. You'll find ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and beach relaxation after your safari adventures.

For those seeking extraordinary wildlife experiences, the calving season in the southern Serengeti offers unmatched drama. Around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a 2 to 3 week period in February, primarily on the Ndutu Plains.

This concentration of newborns attracts predators, creating intense wildlife interactions perfect for photography.

The landscape remains lush from the short rains, providing beautiful backdrops for your safari photos. Beach conditions remain excellent during this period, though occasional afternoon showers can occur.

The short rains from November to December transform Tanzania into a green paradise while maintaining good wildlife viewing. This period brings excellent birdwatching opportunities as migratory species arrive in large numbers.

Beach weather remains warm with occasional brief showers.

April and May see heavier rains and some safari camps close, but those that remain open offer exceptional value and solitude for travelers who don't mind occasional wet weather.

We recommend starting with 4-6 days on safari in the northern circuit, then flying to Zanzibar for 3-4 beach days. This timing allows you to decompress from early morning game drives while still feeling energized for snorkeling or cultural exploration.

The domestic flight schedule works perfectly - morning departures from Arusha get you to Zanzibar in time for lunch overlooking the ocean.

Most of our clients find this combination strikes the ideal balance between adventure and relaxation, especially honeymooners and families looking for variety in their East African experience.

The most popular combination pairs Tanzania's northern parks with Zanzibar's beaches.

You'll start with 4 to 6 days exploring the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire before taking a short flight to Zanzibar. The Serengeti alone covers 14,750 square kilometers, giving you plenty of space to witness the Great Migration's 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra.

From Arusha, it's just a 90-minute flight to Stone Town, making this our most recommended pairing for first-time visitors.

For a quieter experience, the southern parks offer exceptional wildlife viewing with fewer crowds. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) spans 30,893 square kilometers, making it Africa's largest game reserve.

You can combine this with Ruaha National Park before heading to either Zanzibar or the more remote Mafia Island.

Mafia Island is particularly special for diving enthusiasts, with whale shark sightings from October to March.

For high-end experiences, we recommend pairing Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti with Park Hyatt Zanzibar or The Residence Zanzibar. The Four Seasons offers elevated game viewing with its infinity pool overlooking a watering hole, while Park Hyatt provides sophisticated beachfront luxury in Stone Town. The Residence, located on the southwest coast, delivers barefoot luxury with pristine white sand beaches.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge pairs beautifully with Kilindi Zanzibar, both offering ultra-luxury experiences. Singita's Edwardian manor house style contrasts perfectly with Kilindi's minimalist pavilions overlooking the Indian Ocean.

For excellent value, consider Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge in the Serengeti with Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas.  Kubu Kubu offers authentic tented accommodation with modern comforts, while the villas provide spacious beachfront living at reasonable rates.

Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp pairs well with Zuri Zanzibar on the northeast coast. Both properties emphasize natural settings and comfortable amenities without the luxury price tag.

Safari purists often prefer tented camps for their authentic bush experience. Serengeti Under Canvas offers seasonal mobile camping that follows the Great Migration, pairing perfectly with The Palms Zanzibar for a seamless transition from canvas to coral stone architecture.

Olakira Migration Camp provides intimate tented accommodation in the Western Corridor, complementing  Matemwe Lodge's clifftop setting on Zanzibar's northeast coast.

1. We are the highest-rated safari company on Trustpilot 

So you can book with confidence knowing you're in safe hands. 

2. Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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.