Experiences
Tanzania and Zanzibar
The northern circuit, then an hour in the air to the sea.
The most popular shape of a Tanzania trip is a safari joined to a beach. Savanna Soul Safaris runs both halves: the same team meets you in Arusha, sees you onto the flight, and has someone waiting at the other end in Zanzibar.
How the two halves fit
Five to seven days on the northern circuit covers Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro without rushing. Then a short flight from Arusha or an airstrip in the Serengeti puts you on Zanzibar in about an hour, with four to six days on the coast to finish.
Choosing a coast
Nungwi and Kendwa in the north hold deep water through the tide, so you can swim whenever you like, and they are the liveliest. Paje and the east coast have a big tide and steady wind, which makes them the place for kitesurfing and long walks. Matemwe and the south east are the quiet options.
What to do on the island
Stone Town for the carved doors, the market and the history. Spice farms inland. Jozani Forest for the red colobus. Snorkelling on Mnemba, a dhow at sunset, and the sandbank lunch most people know as Safari Blue.
Practicalities
Zanzibar is semi-autonomous and has its own immigration desk, so keep your passport handy on arrival even on a domestic flight. Baggage on the small planes is usually limited to 15kg in a soft bag. We can usually store the rest in Arusha and send it on to reach you before you fly home. Ask us when you book.
Trips that fit
9 days · Luxury
9-day luxury safari and Zanzibar
Five days on the northern circuit, then four on the coast, in the best rooms on both.
Price on request
11 days · Beach
11-day safari and Zanzibar adventure
A full week across the northern parks, then four days on the island.
Price on request
13 days · Group
13-day group safari and Zanzibar
Thirteen days, shared with a small group, and six of them on the coast.
Price on request
Questions
Asked by people planning this trip
How long should the beach half be?
Four nights is enough to stop feeling like you are still travelling. Six is better if you want a day in Stone Town and a day on the water without giving up beach time.
Is the flight included?
On our combined trips, yes: the Arusha or Serengeti to Zanzibar hop is booked as part of the itinerary. International flights are not included, and we will tell you clearly which is which before you pay anything.
Can we do the beach first?
You can, and occasionally it makes sense with flight times, but we usually advise against it. Safari days start at 5am and are much harder after a week of lying in.
What is the water like through the year?
Warm enough to swim in all year. June to October is dry with a steady breeze. December to February is hot and calm. The long rains in April and May close some hotels.
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