Zanzibar, a short domestic flight from the northern Tanzania safari circuit or Dar es Salaam, is the classic close to a Tanzania safari — white-sand Indian Ocean beaches, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town, and spice plantation tours through an island with centuries of trading history behind its nickname, the Spice Island.
Quick facts
- Where: Zanzibar Archipelago, off Tanzania's coast
- Best known for: Beach resorts, Stone Town's history, spice plantation tours
- Distance from the safari circuit: A short domestic flight from Arusha or the Serengeti area
- Typical extension length: 3–4 nights
Why add Zanzibar to a Tanzania safari
Zanzibar's spice plantation tours are a genuine point of distinction from other East African beach extensions — the island's centuries-long role in the spice trade is still visible in working plantations open to visitors, alongside Stone Town's dense, historic streets and waterfront. Combined with the archipelago's beach resort scene, it gives a Tanzania itinerary a genuinely different final chapter from the safari portion.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the Serengeti to Zanzibar?
A domestic flight, typically routing through Arusha or directly depending on the specific airstrip and season.
Is Stone Town worth visiting alongside the beach resorts?
Yes — its UNESCO World Heritage status reflects a genuinely distinct Swahili, Arab, and colonial architectural history worth a dedicated day.
Zanzibar closes out our 8 Days Tanzania & Zanzibar Collection.