Most Tanzania safaris to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater start in Arusha, the safari capital of the north. But many travellers spend their holiday in Zanzibar and want to add a safari from the island. Both are possible. Here is how each option works and how to choose the right one for your trip.
Safari from Arusha
Arusha is the gateway to the northern parks. Tarangire is about two to three hours away by road, the Ngorongoro Crater around three to four hours, and the central Serengeti most of a day’s drive with game viewing on the way. Guests usually fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, about an hour from Arusha, and we pick them up there.
- Pros: the widest choice of routes and lengths, road safaris are more affordable, and it is easy to combine with Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru.
- Best for: safaris of 2 to 10 days, Kilimanjaro climbers and anyone flying into Kilimanjaro Airport.
Popular safaris from Arusha: the 2-day group safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro, the 4-day Big Five safari and the 7-day Tanzania Safari Odyssey. Arriving early or leaving late? Add one of our day trips from Arusha.
Safari from Zanzibar
Zanzibar has no big-game parks, so a safari from the island means a short fly-in safari. You take a morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha or straight to an airstrip near the parks, where your guide meets you with the safari vehicle. At the end of the safari you fly back to the beach.
- Pros: perfect if you are already on the island, and no long drives from the coast.
- Things to know: domestic flights add to the cost, small planes have luggage limits of around 15 kg in a soft bag, and flight times decide how much time you have in the parks.
- Best for: beach holidays with a 1 to 3-day safari added.
See our 2-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar to Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
The best of both: safari first, then the beach
If you have not booked your flights yet, the easiest plan is to start in Arusha and finish in Zanzibar. Fly into Kilimanjaro Airport, enjoy your safari, then take a short flight to Zanzibar and fly home from the island. You save time, avoid flying back and forth, and end your trip relaxing on the beach.
Read Zanzibar after safari: how to plan the perfect beach extension, or see our 13-day Safari and Zanzibar Combo.
Arusha or Zanzibar: quick comparison
| From Arusha | From Zanzibar | |
|---|---|---|
| How you travel | By road in a 4×4 safari vehicle | Fly-in, then by road |
| Typical length | 2 to 10+ days | 1 to 3 days |
| Price | Lower, no extra flights | Higher, includes domestic flights |
| Best for | Full safaris and Kilimanjaro climbers | Beach holidays with a short safari |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Serengeti from Arusha?
The central Serengeti is most of a day’s drive from Arusha, with game viewing on the way. That is why we recommend at least two nights there.
Can I do a day safari from Zanzibar?
It is possible with early and late flights, but a day is very short. We recommend at least two days so you can enjoy the parks without rushing.
Which airport should I fly into?
For a safari, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). For a safari and beach trip, fly into Kilimanjaro and home from Zanzibar.
Not sure where to start? Tell us your dates and where you will be, and get a free tailor-made quote. Our team in Arusha will plan the easiest route for you.
