Zanzibar as a Safari Base — The Perfect Combination

Zanzibar Island (Unguja) is one of the Indian Ocean's most beautiful destinations — white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Stone Town. It also happens to sit 45 minutes by air from some of Tanzania's greatest national parks, making it uniquely positioned as the world's only beach destination where a Big Five safari is a practical day trip.

The Combination: A Zanzibar holiday with a safari day trip is now one of the most popular itineraries in East Africa. Beach in the morning, lions by afternoon, back for sundowners on the sand.

Flights from Zanzibar to Safari Airstrips

Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is the departure point for all our safari fly-in packages. Light aircraft (8–12 seats) operate daily direct flights to safari airstrips. Typical flight times:

  • Zanzibar → Mikumi Airstrip: ~45 minutes
  • Zanzibar → Selous / Rufiji Airstrip: ~50 minutes
  • Zanzibar → Kilimanjaro (KIA): ~2 hours (for northern circuit safaris)
  • Zanzibar → Serengeti: ~2 hours via Arusha or direct charter

Where to Stay in Zanzibar

We can arrange hotel pickup from anywhere on the island. Most guests stay in:

  • Nungwi — North tip. Best for calm water swimming year-round. 45–60 min from airport.
  • Kendwa — Adjacent to Nungwi. Beautiful sunset beach. Similar travel time.
  • Paje — Southeast coast. Kite-surfing hub. Clear water and quieter crowd. 30–40 min from airport.
  • Jambiani — Southeast. Authentic, relaxed. Budget-friendly. 35–45 min from airport.
  • Stone Town — UNESCO-listed historic city. Closest to airport. Best for cruise passengers and short stays.
  • Matemwe — Northeast. Remote and luxurious. 50–60 min from airport.

Visa & Entry Information

Most nationalities require a Tanzania visa. Tourist visas are available on arrival at Zanzibar International Airport or in advance at tanzaniaimmigration.go.tz. Cost: USD 50 for most nationalities. East African Community (EAC) citizens do not require a visa. Your hotel or our team can advise on current requirements for your nationality.

Health & Safety

  • Malaria — Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania are malaria-risk zones. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis before travel.
  • Yellow Fever — Required if arriving from a yellow fever country. Certificate required.
  • Water — Drink bottled water throughout Tanzania. All our safaris include mineral water.
  • Safety — Zanzibar is generally very safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply in Stone Town.

Currency & Payments

Tanzania's currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars are widely accepted for tourist services. ATMs are available in Stone Town and major resort areas. We accept USD cash, bank transfer and major credit cards for safari bookings.