Zanzibar Safari: What Exists and How to Do One from the Island

There is no big-game safari in Zanzibar. People searching for a Zanzibar safari often mean two different things, and it helps to separate them. You will not find lions, elephants or giraffes on the island. What exists are nature trips (forests, tortoises and dolphins) and, for a real safari, you need to go to mainland Tanzania, which is a short flight from Zanzibar.

What you can see in Zanzibar

• Jozani Forest: a national park home to the red colobus monkey, found only in Zanzibar.
• Prison Island (Changuu): a boat trip from Stone Town, known for its giant tortoises.
• Dolphins at Kizimkazi: boat trips in the south of the island, with a chance of seeing dolphins.
• Boat trip with snorkelling: full-day trips on a traditional boat, with swimming stops, are often called a "safari" on the island.
• Spice tour: a visit to clove, cinnamon and other plantations.

Want a real safari? Mainland Tanzania

Tanzania is one of Africa's great safari destinations. The best-known parks are the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Mikumi and the Nyerere reserve (formerly Selous). From Zanzibar you can reach several of them on short domestic flights, and some programmes run as a day trip or a few days.

How to do a safari from Zanzibar

The most practical way is a short domestic flight to mainland Tanzania, usually around an hour and a half, followed by a programme of one to several days with a guide and a safari vehicle. There are also day trips to reserves closer to the coast, such as Nyerere, by light aircraft. The more days you allow, the less rushed the distances: the Serengeti and Ngorongoro generally call for at least two or three nights.

When to go on safari in Tanzania

The dry season, June to October, is the most popular: the vegetation is lower, the animals gather near water and are easier to spot. It is also when the Zanzibar beaches are at their best. See our guide to the best time to visit Zanzibar to combine your dates.

Beach and safari on the same trip

Many people combine safari and beach: animals first, then rest in Zanzibar. Our packages are all inclusive beach holidays, with flights, 7 nights, transfers and insurance. The safari is not included and we do not sell it at the moment; if you want to combine them, say so in your booking request and we will explain how it works.

• Ask how many hours of road or boat the trip includes and what the price covers.
• Choose licensed operators and ask the hotel for advice.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and closed shoes.