A superb holiday tailored for those who want to see the best of northern Tanzania, but with more time to...
Tanzania safari holidays capture everything people imagine when they think of an African safari. Vast landscapes, rich wildlife and iconic parks combine to create journeys that feel both powerful and unhurried.
From the open plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic bowl of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers a depth of experience unlike many other places in the world. Many travellers choose to complete their safari with time on the coast. Add Zanzibar’s white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters and you have a safari and beach holiday that balances adventure with genuine rest.
Tanzania offers an unparalleled experience that seamlessly combines the thrill of wildlife adventures with the tranquillity of pristine coastal landscapes making it ideal for honeymoons as well as family safari tours.
Diverse Wildlife: Tanzania is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including the famed Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). The Serengeti National Park hosts the remarkable Great Migration, a spectacle that draws visitors from around the world.
Iconic Safari Destinations: Explore iconic safari destinations like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, each offering unique ecosystems and abundant wildlife. These areas provide opportunities for close encounters with nature and the chance to witness the circle of life unfold.
Off the Beaten Track: Discover secluded reserves like Nyerere National offer Park or Ruaha Game Reserve, which offer a more private and intimate safari experience away from the crowds that works well for honeymoon holidays.
Idyllic Beaches: Tanzania boasts some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Africa, particularly in the Zanzibar Archipelago. White sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs create an idyllic setting for relaxation and water-based activities.
Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Tanzania. Engage with local communities, visit Maasai villages, and experience traditional dances. This cultural immersion adds depth to your journey, providing insights into the heritage and traditions of the Tanzanian people.
Unique Islands: Explore the enchanting islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, each offering a distinct character. Whether it’s the historical charm of Stone Town, the tranquil atmosphere of Pemba, or the pristine marine life around Mafia Island, these islands contribute to a diverse and enriching experience.
Luxury Accommodations: Indulge in luxury accommodations that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, from opulent lodges in the heart of the Serengeti to beachfront resorts on Zanzibar, ensuring a harmonious balance of comfort and immersion in nature.
Adventure and Relaxation: Tanzania allows you to seamlessly transition from the adrenaline of safari game drives to the serenity of sun-drenched beaches. It’s a perfect combination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in one unforgettable journey.
Why choose a Tanzania Safari
Tanzania is one of the most diverse safari destinations in Africa. It blends outstanding wildlife viewing with varied landscapes, cultural encounters and the option to slow the pace on the coast.
This diversity allows you to see different ecosystems within a single safari holiday in Tanzania.
The northern circuit includes some of Africa’s most celebrated safari areas. The Serengeti offers expansive plains and predator rich ecosystems.
Each route offers a different feel, and our role is to help you choose the one that suits you best.
Tanzania’s coastline offers a natural contrast to time on safari. The Zanzibar Archipelago is particularly well known for its white sand beaches, clear waters and coral reefs close to shore. These coastal landscapes provide an ideal setting for rest, swimming and gentle water activities after days spent exploring the bush.
Planning a safari in Tanzania is about finding the right flow. Below is a simple guide to help you understand how most trips are shaped.
A well paced Tanzania safari holiday usually includes:
If you are combining safari with the coast, many travellers add four to seven nights in Zanzibar.
Accommodation across Tanzania ranges from opulent luxury safari lodges in the Serengeti to relaxed beachfront resorts on Zanzibar. We focus on properties that offer a harmonious balance of comfort and immersion in nature.
Most tailor made safaris include:
Every itinerary is shaped around your pace and priorities.
Choose a Northern Circuit tour and you’ll be focused on the Serengeti – one of the biggest and most popular Tanzania parks. Famous for its stunning open plains populated by rare and numerous wildlife, it also gives the potential to see the great wildebeest migration, depending on when you travel.
A Northern Circuit safari is usually conducted in a private 4wd vehicle with your own private guide, and should include a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, which has a high density of game living freely within the crater basin. Time permitting, you should also try to visit Tarangire, particularly in the dry season, or the stunning Lake Manyara National Park to try and spot the spectacular flamingo or tree climbing lion.
The Serengeti is, in our opinion, the finest game reserve in Africa. A vast and stunningly beautiful wilderness with its open and grassy plains occasionally broken up by isolated granite kopjes and areas of acacia woodland.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, covers an extensive 8300 sq km, with the celebrated natural wonder, the Ngorongoro Crater, at its centre.
The rolling hills, abundant boabab trees, mixed woodland and river valley make this a very attractive park which is often missed out by travellers on the mainstream safari circuit.
Lake Manyara National Park is a small park (330kmsq) set beneath the spectacular Rift valley escarpment and alongside the shallow alkaline Lake Manyara.
The view of Kilimanjaro rising up from its flat surrounding plains with its distinctive snow-capped peak is one of Africa’s iconic sights.
Arusha is Tanzania’s “safari town” being the gateway to the wonderful northern parks. The climate is excellent and the town sits beautifully within the foothills of the Mt.Meru.
The south and west of Tanzania offer a huge range of stunning parks, often with fewer (human) visitors than those in the more famous northern parks. Take the Nyere National Park, for example. Nyere National Park is part of the vast Selous Game Reserve, Africa’s largest wildlife reserve, offering ample game, with a great choice of vehicular, walking and river safaris.
Also forming part of the southern circuit is Ruaha, Tanzania’s second largest park and home to the largest population of elephant. If you have the time, staying at one of a handful of its lodges really does offer an out of Africa experience. The western parks of Mahale and Katavi are also worth a visit for something really special and away from it all, including mountains, flood plains and lakes.
Nyerere National Park is Africa’s largest game reserve with a very high-quality game viewing area offering a wonderful mix of vehicular and river safaris.
Tanzania’s second largest park at 10,300 sq kms, it forms part of a wild and extended ecosystem that extends far and wide through six other protected areas within the south and west of Tanzania.
Stretching along the lakeshore of the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, the deserted sandy beaches and stunning backdrop of forested mountains makes this is a totally entoxicating place to visit.
A trip to Tanzania, though more than satisfying with its safari options, would surely be incomplete without a trip to the coast. The stunning white beaches of Zanzibar, more remote Pemba or Mafia islands, or the Tanzania mainland coast, are all easily accessible and not to be missed.
The Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of fifty islands. The Zanzibar weather and climate is tropical itself conjures all kinds of romantic travel emotions, with plenty to invigorate the senses. The Mafia Archipelago to the south is a stunning mix of islands in a pure azure sea. And whilst Tanzania’s mainland coastline is often overlooked, Rus Katani, a small luxury safari style beach lodge, lies on a wide sandy beach and is a perfect spot for honeymooners seeking a rest before embarking on the rest of your safari and beach holiday
The spice island – Robinson Crusoe escapism and tropical hideaway. Turquoise seas lapping whitest of sands & oozing Swahili charm.
Although Pemba island lies just 50 km north of Zanzibar, it has remained unchanged and relatively untouched by tourism. Unlike its neighbour, it has a far more hilly, fertile and lush landscape.
Mafia is a relatively unknown and untouched island, where rustic fishing communities and farming villages go about their lives in a way that has existed for generations.
Dar Es Salaam (Dar) is Tanzania’s largest city, – the commercial and social centre of the country with a lively and bustling character.
Your own island hideaway within easy reach of the mainland coast. Life doesn’t get much better than this,
If you have more time or would like to start or end your trip with a few days of perfect relaxation then there are some charming beach options along the coast.
Q: When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Tanzania is a year-round destination. For the Great Migration, visit the Serengeti from December to July. For fewer crowds and lush landscapes, the green season (November and April–May) is superb.
Q: Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Most visitors, including UK citizens, require a tourist visa. It can be obtained online before travel or on arrival for around US $50.
Q: What vaccinations are recommended?
Routine vaccines should be up to date. Yellow fever vaccination is advised if arriving from an endemic country. Consult your GP or a travel clinic at least six weeks before departure.
Q: Is Tanzania safe for travellers?
Yes. Tanzania is welcoming and stable. When travelling on safari with reputable operators such as Safari & Beach, guests are accompanied by experienced guides and enjoy safe, well-managed lodges.
Q: What is the local currency and can I use credit cards?
The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the local currency. Most lodges and camps accept major credit cards, though small cash payments are useful for tips and markets.
Q: What language is spoken in Tanzania?
Swahili and English are widely spoken. Your guides and lodge staff will communicate comfortably in English.
Q: Can I combine safari and beach in one trip?
Absolutely. Many travellers end their safari with time on Zanzibar, the Tanzanian coast or the islands of the Indian Ocean — a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. See our guide to the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Q: What should I pack for a Tanzanian safari?
Light, neutral-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable shoes, a fleece for cool mornings, binoculars and a camera. Most camps provide laundry services.
Q: How much does a Tanzania safari and beach holiday really cost, and are there any hidden extras?
Safari and beach holidays are tailor made, so the cost depends on where you go, the level of accommodation and the time of year. We provide a clear breakdown of what is included, so you can understand your trip from the outset.
Your proposal will typically cover accommodation, internal flights, transfers, park fees and guiding. Where there are additional elements such as international flights or optional experiences, we explain these early so you can plan with confidence.
We will also guide you on other costs such as visas, tips and premium drinks. This means you have a realistic view of your overall budget before you travel.
Our approach is simple. Clear pricing, honest guidance and no hidden costs in your confirmed itinerary.
I am just back from Tanzania and wanted to thank you very much for a fantastic itinerary. I loved all the accommodation choices made, all the connecting flights worked well and the guide was superb. I had a great time and let me know if you want to get some more feedback on any of the properties suggested by you and also Pongwe Beach which excellent.
Many thanks for a truly great holiday! Nyerere National Park was a great success as we saw the wild dogs on 2 occasions and some great lion kills. In fact we saw a pride of 10 lion including cubs within 10 mins of landing in the Nyerere National Park! Zanzibar was wonderful! The sunshine hotel was beautiful and the staff were lovely.
The welcome and kindness and generosity we have received, in all of our camps and stops has been tremendous. Although we have both travelled a lot over our years together, we both agree this holiday has been outstanding, and one of the best experiences of our lives.
Thank you for organising a fabulous holiday for us – memories of which will last a lifetime. We have arrived back completely awed by Tanzania and Zanzibar. We saw the all the wildlife we could possibly wish to see. Our driver was charming and looked after us brilliantly. Lodges were excellent and food fantastic.