Tanzania and Zanzibar: a bush and beach adventure

Just imagine it… You’ve spent the morning tracking lions through the grasslands of the Serengeti, dust still clinging to your safari boots and heart racing after an unforgettable sighting. Fast-forward 24 hours and you’re barefoot on soft sand, the Indian Ocean lapping at your toes while dhows drift across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This is Tanzania and Zanzibar in perfect harmony, and once you’ve tried this combination, every other holiday feels like it’s missing a beat.

Is this the perfect East African escape?

We certainly think so!

The northern safari circuit in Tanzania is the stuff of dreams, with Arusha as the launchpad for its legendary quartet of parks: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Lake Manyara. One day you might be watching elephant amble between Tarangire’s baobabs; the next, spotting the Big Five inside the self-contained paradise of the Ngorongoro Crater. Then there’s the Serengeti itself: those endless, waving grasslands, best seen from the basket of a hot-air balloon at sunrise as wildebeest thunder across the plains and Lake Manyara with its flamingo fringed lake and tree-climbing lions (really!).

And just when you think you’ve had your fill of adventure, along comes Zanzibar with its spice-scented alleyways, carved wooden doors, and that blissfull rhythm of island life that makes you forget what day it is.

All you need to know about Zanzibar

After days of dawn game drives and wildlife tracking, Zanzibar’s sun-kissed shores feel like the most natural transition in the world. The picture-perfect beaches complete with waves the colour of the sky, are shoulder-sinkingly beautiful, and you’ll definitely want to spend quality time swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking to your heart’s content. And those sunset dhow cruises? They might be on every brochure, but they’re genuinely magical. There’s truly something about watching the sun dissolve into the horizon from the deck of a creaking wooden vessel that gets everyone a little misty-eyed.

For something more adventurous, the east coast around Paje is a kitesurfer’s paradise – endless coastline, shallow warm waters, and perfect trade winds. For underwater explorations, diving here is phenomenal year-round, with over 450 fish species calling the coral reefs home. Around Mnemba Island (where &Beyond has created something rather special), you’ll swim alongside Green and Hawksbill turtles while bottlenose dolphins play in the deeper waters.

But if you think Zanzibar is just about swapping safari boots for flip-flops (although that’s certainly part of the appeal!), you’re missing part of the appeal. Centuries of African, Arabic, and European influences have created something utterly unique and a feast for all the senses. Stone Town – that UNESCO World Heritage maze of cobblestone alleys and intricately carved doors – practically begs you to get lost for hours. Every corner reveals something new: spindly minarets piercing the skyline, the aroma of cardamom and cloves wafting from spice stalls, or the sound of call to prayer echoing off ancient walls. And the guided spice plantation tours are aromatic adventures that’ll have you understanding exactly why this island was once the heart of the East African spice trade.

For a different kind of wildlife encounter, Jozani Forest is home to endangered red colobus monkeys that are wonderfully curious about visitors. Conservation-minded travellers can also visit turtle sanctuaries like Mnarani for moving encounters with Hawksbill and Green turtles that are being rehabilitated for release, or head to seaweed farms where local women have built a thriving, eco-friendly industry. These are the kinds of authentic encounters that remind you travel is about connection as much as discovery.

Bush and beach: the logistics made simple

One of the joys of combining Tanzania and Zanzibar is just how easy it is. Multiple airlines — from Coastal Aviation to ZanAir — make the 75-minute hop from Arusha to Zanzibar, while direct flights from Serengeti, Ruaha and Nyerere airstrips mean you can skip the road transfers entirely. Book early during peak season, keep in mind the 15–20kg soft-bag limit, and remember that small bush planes sometimes dance to the weather’s tune.

If your safari finishes further west, you can also reach Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam on a quick and pleasant flight from the main airport.

Who is this trip for?

A Tanzania and Zanzibar combination is beautifully democratic, working for families seeking diverse experiences, honeymooners looking for romance with a side of adventure, groups of friends, and solo travelers ready to lose themselves in something extraordinary.

Ultimately, it’s an itinerary that suits anyone craving a journey that marries heart-pounding wildlife encounters with soul-restoring seaside moments. Whether you’re staying at a five-star luxury retreat or an intimate boutique hotel tucked into the palm trees, Zanzibar’s accommodation scene knows exactly how to ease you back to civilization after days in the African wilderness.

Ideal trip duration

To properly savor both safari life and island time, you’ll need a minimum of 10 to 14 days. This allows for a balanced experience with at least four to five days in each destination. Anything shorter could feel rushed – and rushing defeats the entire purpose of this particular brand of escapism!

The best time to visit

Like much of East Africa, Tanzania plays by the rules of dry and rainy seasons. Each offers different advantages for a Tanzania and Zanzibar combination and the ‘best’ time really depends on what kind of experience speaks to your soul.

Dry Season (June to October): This is classic safari season, when the bush strips back to its essentials and animals congregate around shrinking water sources, making game viewing spectacular and frequent. Over in Zanzibar, you’ll enjoy gloriously sunny days and a perfect gentle breeze. The downside? Everyone else knows this is prime time too, so expect company and high prices.

Green Season (November to May): Don’t let the ‘rainy season’ label scare you off – those in the know often prefer this time of year when the bush is luscious and spectacular. Tanzania has two rainy periods: the dramatic ‘long rains’ from late March through to May, and the gentler ‘short rains’ from November to December. These typically arrive as afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly, leaving behind landscapes so green they look like someone’s adjusted the saturation settings.

February and March is the time to see the Great Migration in the southern Serengeti. These months are calving season, an experience that’s both heart-stopping and surprisingly intimate.

Other perks include significantly lower prices, far fewer crowds, and the kind of authentic, unhurried experience that makes you feel like you’re discovering these places for the first time. While some Zanzibar activities might be rescheduled due to weather, there are still plenty of glorious sunny periods. Plus it’s the perfect excuse to dive deeper into Stone Town’s cultural treasures.

What to pack

Packing for both safari and beach requires some strategic thinking, especially considering those strict 15-20kg soft-bag limits on domestic flights. The good news? Almost every safari lodge and beach resort offers a laundry service, making packing light a dream.

For the bush: focus on lightweight, neutral-colored clothing in natural fabrics. Layers are also essential for those cool dawn game drives and warm midday temperatures. You’ll also need comfortable walking shoes for any bush walks, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and more camera memory cards than you think you’ll need.

For island life: think quick-drying clothing that work in humid coastal weather, swimwear, flowy dresses and shirts, and comfortable sandals for wandering Stone Town’s streets, and a light cover-up for dinners. Most importantly, don’t forget waterproof protection for your electronics – you’ll want to capture every moment of your stay, both above and below the waterline.

The beauty of combining Tanzania and Zanzibar lies not only in the dramatic contrast between bush and beach, but in how each destination enhances the other. The raw excitement of safari makes those tranquil beach moments feel even more precious, while the cultural richness of Zanzibar adds layers of meaning to your African adventure.