Zanzibar After Safari: How Many Days Do You Need?

After days in the bush — waking before dawn for game drives, bouncing over dirt tracks, scanning the savannah for leopards — there comes a moment when your body craves something different. Soft sand between your toes. The sound of waves instead of lion roars. A cold drink in your hand with nowhere to be and nothing to spot. That is where Zanzibar comes in.

The "safari and beach" combination is one of the most popular travel patterns in East Africa, and for good reason. Tanzania gives you both — world-class wildlife on the mainland and a tropical island paradise just a short flight away. But how many days do you actually need in Zanzibar? Is three days enough, or should you commit to a full week?

We help our guests make this decision constantly, and the answer depends on your travel style, budget, and what you want from the beach portion of your trip. In this guide, we break down three options — 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days — with honest assessments of what each delivers, what it costs, and who it suits best.

Getting to Zanzibar from the Northern Circuit

First, the logistics. Zanzibar (Unguja Island) sits in the Indian Ocean off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Getting there from the Northern Circuit safari areas is straightforward but requires a bit of planning.

For most safari travellers, the best option is a direct flight from Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport) to Zanzibar. Several airlines operate daily flights, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. If you are finishing your safari in the Serengeti, you can fly from Seronera Airstrip to Zanzibar via Arusha — some charter operators offer direct routing.

We arrange all Zanzibar transfers for our safari guests, including airport pickups on Zanzibar and hotel transfers. The transition from bush to beach is seamless — you step off the plane, and the island energy hits you immediately: warm ocean air, the scent of spices, and the laid-back pace of island life.

Want to add Zanzibar to your safari? Contact our team and we will handle all flights, transfers, and hotel bookings.

Where to Stay in Zanzibar: The Three Zones

Zanzibar is not one destination — it is several distinct areas, each with its own character. Choosing where to stay depends on what kind of beach experience you want.

Stone Town: Culture and History

Stone Town is Zanzibar's UNESCO World Heritage old quarter — a labyrinth of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, rooftop restaurants, and centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European history layered on top of each other. It is not a beach destination (though there are small beaches nearby), but it is essential for understanding Zanzibar's soul.

Key experiences: spice tour, Forodhani night food market, Palace Museum, slave trade memorial, sunset dhow cruise, shopping in the markets. Accommodation ranges from $60/night guesthouses to $300/night boutique hotels in restored merchant houses.

Nungwi: Lively Beach Scene

Located on Zanzibar's northern tip, Nungwi has the island's best beaches — wide stretches of white sand that remain swimmable at all tides (unlike the east coast, which has dramatic tidal swings). It is the most popular beach destination, with a range of hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and water sports operators. The vibe is social and energetic without being overwhelming.

Key experiences: beach lounging, snorkelling, sunset views, Nungwi village walk, Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation. Accommodation: $80-$400/night depending on hotel quality.

Kendwa: Relaxed Luxury

Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa offers a similar beach quality with a quieter, more upscale atmosphere. The beach is stunning — soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and fewer hawkers than Nungwi. Several luxury resorts line the shore, and the famous Kendwa Rocks hosts a legendary full-moon party that attracts visitors from across the island.

Key experiences: luxury beach relaxation, water sports, full-moon parties, spa treatments. Accommodation: $120-$600/night for mid-range to luxury resorts.

East Coast (Paje, Jambiani): Kitesurfing and Quiet

The east coast is Zanzibar's kitesurfing capital and offers a more local, less touristy experience. The beaches are beautiful but have extreme tidal variations — at low tide, the water retreats hundreds of metres, exposing seaweed farms and tidal pools. Swimming is best at high tide. The area suits adventurous travellers and kitesurfers rather than traditional beach holidaymakers.

Key experiences: kitesurfing, seaweed farming tours, The Rock restaurant, village life. Accommodation: $50-$250/night.

Not sure which area suits you best? Talk to our team — we know every beach on the island and can match you with the perfect spot.

3-Day Zanzibar: The Quick Dip

Three days is the minimum we recommend for a Zanzibar extension. It gives you a taste of the island without committing a large chunk of your trip or budget. Here is how to make the most of it:

Who this suits: Travellers with limited time, those whose primary focus is the safari, and anyone who wants a brief beach recovery before flying home.

What you miss: The deep relaxation that comes from 3+ days on the beach. You will feel refreshed but not fully unwound. You also will not have time for a spice tour, a Jozani Forest visit, or a full day of water sports.

Estimated additional cost: $400-$800 per person (flights, 2 nights accommodation, activities, transfers).

Ready to add a quick Zanzibar escape? Contact us and we will build it into your safari itinerary.

5-Day Zanzibar: The Sweet Spot

Five days is what we recommend to most of our safari guests. It provides enough time to experience Stone Town's culture, enjoy proper beach relaxation, and explore the island's highlights without overstaying.

Who this suits: Most travellers. You get the full Zanzibar experience — culture, beach, nature, food — without feeling rushed or spending more than necessary.

What you get: A genuine sense of the island's character. Time to read a book on the beach, try local food, watch a sunset without checking your watch, and return home feeling properly rested after the active safari days.

What you miss: Deeper exploration of the east coast, extended diving courses (PADI Open Water takes 3-4 days), and the very slow island rhythm that only reveals itself after Day 4 or 5.

Estimated additional cost: $700-$1,400 per person (flights, 4 nights accommodation, activities, transfers).

7-Day Zanzibar: The Full Island Experience

Seven days is for travellers who want to fully immerse themselves in island life — not just visit Zanzibar but live it. With a full week, you can explore multiple areas of the island, take a diving course, eat at every restaurant that interests you, and reach the deep state of relaxation that comes from truly unplugging.

Who this suits: Honeymooners, divers, families with children who love the beach, travellers combining a shorter safari (3-4 days) with a longer beach extension, and anyone whose idea of paradise involves extended time doing absolutely nothing productive.

What you get: The complete Zanzibar experience. You will know the island well enough to have favourite restaurants, a preferred sunset spot, and that deep tan that only comes from a week of tropical sun. You might even pick up a few words of Swahili.

Estimated additional cost: $1,200-$2,500 per person (flights, 6 nights accommodation, activities, transfers).

Planning a honeymoon safari and beach combo? Talk to our team about our special honeymoon packages with upgraded rooms and romantic extras.

Zanzibar Budget Breakdown

Here is a detailed cost comparison across the three itinerary lengths, per person:

Zanzibar offers excellent value at the budget and mid-range levels. A comfortable beach hotel with air conditioning, pool, and breakfast runs $80-$150/night. Luxury beachfront resorts with all-inclusive packages range from $200-$600/night. Meals outside hotels are remarkably affordable — a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant costs $15-$25, and street food at Forodhani market is $3-$5 for a full plate.

How to Combine Zanzibar with a Northern Circuit Safari

The classic combination is a 7-day Northern Circuit safari followed by a Zanzibar extension. Here is how the total trip looks:

• 7-day safari + 3-day Zanzibar = 10 days total: The efficient option. Arrive Arusha, safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti, fly to Zanzibar for a quick beach break, fly home from Zanzibar. Total cost: $3,500-$5,500 per person mid-range.
• 7-day safari + 5-day Zanzibar = 12 days total: Our most recommended combination. Enough time for a comprehensive safari and a proper beach holiday. Total cost: $4,000-$6,500 per person mid-range.
• 5-day safari + 7-day Zanzibar = 12 days total: Suits beach lovers who want a shorter safari (Tarangire + Ngorongoro Crater) and maximum island time. Total cost: $3,500-$6,000 per person mid-range.

Flights between the Serengeti and Zanzibar are available daily, and we can arrange same-day connections so you lose minimal time in transit. Morning game drive in the Serengeti, lunch in Arusha or on the plane, and feet in the sand by sunset — that is the magic of combining these two experiences in one country.

Our Acacia Collections properties on the Northern Circuit — Acacia Retreat in Arusha, Serian Tarangire Camp, Naserian Safari Camp, The Castle at Ngorongoro, Enkirari Wilderness Camp, and Enkutoto Migration Camp — seamlessly connect with Zanzibar flights. We handle the full itinerary from arrival to departure so you do not need to coordinate multiple bookings.

Let us build your perfect safari + beach itinerary. Get in touch with your dates and preferences and we will do the rest.

Zanzibar Essentials: What to Know Before You Go

Zanzibar has a few quirks that differ from mainland Tanzania. Here is what you need to know:

Our Honest Recommendation

After arranging hundreds of safari-beach combinations, here is our honest take: five days is the sweet spot for most travellers. It gives you one night in Stone Town for culture, three nights on the beach for genuine relaxation, and a departure day. You return home with two distinct sets of memories — the wild drama of the safari and the serene beauty of the tropics.

Three days works if time or budget is tight, but you will likely wish you had stayed longer. Seven days is wonderful for honeymooners, families, and anyone who truly wants to unplug — but be honest with yourself about whether you are the type of person who can happily do nothing for a full week. Some safari travellers find that after the constant stimulation of game drives, a week of beach time feels too slow.

The beauty of booking with us is flexibility. We can build any combination of safari and beach time that suits your schedule, and we handle every detail — from your first airport pickup in Arusha to your final transfer on Zanzibar. Browse our safari and beach packages for inspiration, or contact us to design something custom.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar's weather follows a pattern that conveniently aligns with the best safari months on the mainland:

June to October is the driest, sunniest period and aligns perfectly with the Northern Circuit's peak safari season. If you are combining safari and beach, this window gives you the best conditions for both halves of your trip.

December to February is warm and mostly dry, making it another excellent window — and perfect for those celebrating Christmas or New Year in Tanzania.

April and May are the wettest months. Beach time is still possible (rain is usually in afternoon bursts, not all-day), but some water activities may be limited and some beach hotels reduce services or close temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions