Tanzania and Zanzibar: A Quick Guide to Combining Safari and Beach

Combining a safari in mainland Tanzania with beach days in Zanzibar is one of the most sought-after itineraries in East Africa — and it makes perfect sense, since both destinations share the same country and are just one internal flight apart.

For Portuguese travellers, a visa is required for both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, but fortunately a single visa covers both parts of the country. It can be applied for online in advance (eVisa) or obtained on arrival, and costs around US$50 per person.

The best time to travel, for both the safari and the beach, is June to October and December to February — the driest months, with better wildlife visibility in the Serengeti and calmer seas in Zanzibar. It's best to avoid March to May, the heavy rains.

There is no regular direct flight between Portugal and Tanzania. The journey always involves at least one stopover, typically in Doha, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Zurich or Amsterdam, with a total travel time of 13 to 16 hours.

The safari portion usually centres on the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, two of Africa's best areas for spotting the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino). Most itineraries allow 4 to 6 days for this part of the trip, staying in lodges or camps in or near the parks.

The link between the safari area (usually via Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport) and Zanzibar is made by internal flight, with regular connections and relatively short flight times — the most practical and comfortable way to join the two parts of the trip.

The most common order is to start with the safari, more demanding in terms of logistics and early starts, and finish with beach days in Zanzibar as a relaxing close to the trip — though the reverse also works well.

Overall, a combined safari-and-beach itinerary typically runs 10 to 14 days, long enough to enjoy both experiences without rushing. For those with more time, a Kilimanjaro trekking extension is a popular add-on before or after the safari.

At Vamos Fugir we organise tailor-made combined Tanzania and Zanzibar itineraries, handling all the logistics of visas, internal flights and accommodation. Get in touch and start planning your 2027 trip.

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Discover more about Zanzibar at zanzibar.pt. Vamos Fugir is a travel agency licensed by Turismo de Portugal (RNAVT no. 4155). Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.