Zanzibar isn’t just a beach escape—it can be the vibrant finale to your African safari. A Zanzibar safari tour combines wildlife, coastal charm, and cultural richness into one unforgettable itinerary. Here are the top options for 2025, whether you want a full “land-and-sea” journey or a standalone island adventure.
🌅 Popular Zanzibar Safari Tour Packages
1. Safari + Zanzibar: 8–11 Days Combined Packages
Combine inland Tanzania safaris (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti) with 2–4 days on Zanzibar’s coast.
Typical cost: US $2,500–3,700 per person (private tours, including flights) dookinternational.com+1tripadvisor.in+1reddit.com.
Highlights: Game drives, wildlife sightings, then beachside relaxation. Flights included in most packages .
2. Standalone 6-Day Zanzibar Beach & Safari Package
Popular with travelers flying directly into Zanzibar.
From Viator: US $1,000+; includes full-board and “Safari Blue,” dolphin excursions, Prison Island & Stone Town tours viator.com+1zanzibarsafaristours.com+1.
Operator example: 6-day all-inclusive with activities, meals, transfers – ~$1,800 pp tripadvisor.in+2viator.com+2reddit.com+2.
3. Luxury Zanzibar Beach Holidays (6–9 Days)
Offers premium stays and bespoke experiences.
Africa Natural Safaris: Options from 6 to 9 nights—tailored to honeymooners, families, or group travel en.wikipedia.org+4evintra.com+4evintra.com+4.
Peak seasons (June–Oct, Dec–Feb): Best time for weather, snorkeling, and cultural festivals bestbuysafaris.com.
🛫 Sample Itinerary: 6-Day Zanzibar Safari Tour
Day 1: Arrival & transfer to Stone Town. Evening stroll & Forodhani Night Market
Day 2: Spice Farm + Stone Town walking tour (Old Fort, Sultan’s Palace, Dwelling of Wonders)
Day 3: Jozani Forest to see the red colobus monkeys; followed by a second visit or relaxation
Day 4: Safari Blue full-day dhow cruise: snorkeling, lagoon exploration, seafood lunch
Day 5: Optional day trip to Mnemba or Chumbe Marine Park for eco-snorkeling
Day 6: Relax at the beach; depart or extend to safari on mainland Tanzania
💸 Costs & Booking Insights
| Package Type | Price (pp) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Safari + Zanzibar | US $2,500–3,700 | Flights, lodges, game drives, beach resort stay |
| 6-Day Zanzibar Package | US $1,000–1,800+ | Accommodation, meals, transfers, Safari Blue & tours |
| Luxury Beach Holiday | Varies (6–9 nights) | Private lodging, exclusive tours, custom dates |
Tours usually include transfers, select meals, islands tour, and snorkeling gear. Viator notes $1,000+ for 6-day full-board options reddit.com+15viator.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4thesun.ie+4newyorker.com+2thetimes.co.uk+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+8evintra.com+8evintra.com+8evintra.com.
A $44 insurance/health fee is mandatory for travelers entering Zanzibar as of late 2024 dookinternational.com+15bestbuysafaris.com+15thesun.ie+15.
🗓️ Best Time to Travel
June–October & December–February: Peak sun, calm seas, best for snorkeling and wildlife viewing viator.com+3bestbuysafaris.com+3tripadvisor.in+3.
Off-season (Mar–May, Nov): Quieter, lower rates—note the short and long rains .
✨ Unique Zanzibar Experiences
Stone Town tours: UNESCO heritage exploration—Sultan’s Palace, Old Fort, Slave Market memorial thrillist.com+13thetimes.co.uk+13viator.com+13.
Spice farm visits & Swahili cooking classes: Discover local flavors and cuisine reddit.com+1reddit.com+1.
Safari Blue & marine eco-tours: Snorkeling, dolphin watching, coral education zanzibarsafaristours.com+1viator.com+1.
Nature reserves: Chumbe Marine Park, Mnemba Atoll with turtles, dolphins & healthy coral reefs en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2zanzibarsafaristours.com+2.
Festivals: February’s Sauti za Busara—celebrate African music in Stone Town thrillist.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2thetimes.co.uk+2.
🧭 Tips for a Smooth Zanzibar Safari
Operator reputation: Choose local, reviewed companies (e.g., ZanziExperience, Friendly Taxi & Tours) reddit.com.
Travel logistics: Coordinate visa, insurance fee ($44), cash in TS or USD, & Malaria prevention .
Ethical travel: Prioritize conservation-focused operators like Chumbe; opt for non-motorized cultural tours .
Customization: Mix and match beach, cultural, and adventure activities; tours are flexible dookinternational.com.
🏖️ Final Take
A Zanzibar safari tour in 2025 is more than a beach holiday—it’s a journey through time, nature, and culture. From thriving coral reefs and lush spice farms to rich history in Stone Town, it’s a perfect complement to your East African safari. Prices range from budget-friendly to luxury, with something for every traveler.
