After days of early morning game drives or a demanding Kilimanjaro climb, many travelers choose to end their Tanzania trip with a few days on the beach. Zanzibar, a short flight from Arusha or the Serengeti, has become the classic way to do exactly that.
A Short Flight, a Completely Different Tanzania
Zanzibar is just under two hours by air from the northern safari circuit, but it feels like a different country. White sand beaches, warm turquoise water, and a slower pace make it an ideal contrast to the dust and early starts of safari life.
What to Do in Zanzibar
- Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, and centuries of Swahili, Arab, and Indian trading history.
- Spice tours through the plantations that gave the island its historic nickname, Spice Island, where you can see and smell cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla growing in the ground.
- Snorkeling and diving around Mnemba Atoll and other reefs, home to colorful coral and a wide variety of marine life.
- Safari Blue, a full day sailing excursion combining snorkeling, sandbank stops, and a fresh seafood lunch.
- Simply relaxing on the beach, with little more on the agenda than swimming and watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Even two to three days in Zanzibar is enough to unwind and see the highlights, though many travelers prefer four days or more if their schedule allows, especially if diving or a full Stone Town and spice tour day are on the list.
Planning the Combination
Because of the short flight time, adding Zanzibar to a Kilimanjaro climb or a northern circuit safari does not add significant travel time to your trip, just a change of pace at the end of it. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to round off a Tanzania holiday.
Ready to add a beach finish to your trip? Explore our combined safari and Zanzibar packages or get in touch and we will help you build the right itinerary.
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