5-Day Tanzania Safari from Zanzibar – Fly-In Adventure
Embark on a 5-day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar with Travel Wise Safari, designed for travellers seeking a seamless fly-in experience from the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar to the heart of the African wilderness. This unforgettable journey takes you to Tanzania’s most iconic national parks—Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara—combining luxury, wildlife, and cultural richness.
Begin your adventure with a flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, skipping long road transfers and maximising your time on safari. Explore the world-famous Serengeti National Park, known for its Big Five sightings and the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration. Witness herds of elephants, prides of lions, and graceful giraffes across the golden plains.
Next, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder teeming with wildlife in a dramatic volcanic landscape. Conclude your safari at Lake Manyara National Park, home to flamingos, hippos, and the rare tree-climbing lions.
💡 Guided by expert safari professionals, you’ll travel in a private 4x4 safari vehicle, enjoy top-rated lodges, and experience the best of Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes—all starting directly from Zanzibar.
✈️ Safari Itinerary Overview – 5 Days from Zanzibar
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Day 1: Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha → Game drive in Tarangire National Park
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Day 2–3: Full-day game drives in the Serengeti National Park
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Day 4: Morning safari in Serengeti → Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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Day 5: Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater → Return to Arusha or fly back to Zanzibar
Accommodation during 5 Day safari from Zanzibar
Day 1 – Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Heart & Soul Lodge Manyara – a comfortable mid-range lodge near Tarangire National Park. After a thrilling game drive among elephants and iconic baobab trees, enjoy dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by nature.
Camping Option: Jua Manyara or Migombani Campsite – offering an authentic outdoor safari experience with tents, campfires, and breathtaking views of the Rift Valley.
Day 2 – Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Safari Haven – a mid-range tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti, providing an immersive safari experience with full-board meals and stunning views of the plains.
Camping Option: Nyani Campsite – located inside the Serengeti, giving you a front-row seat to the sounds of the wild and unforgettable night skies.
Day 3 – Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Another memorable night at Safari Haven, giving you more time to explore the vast Serengeti and relax in the heart of the wilderness.
Camping Option: Stay another night at Nyani Campsite for a continued authentic bush experience.
Day 4 – Serengeti to Ngorongoro
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Safari Lodge – a cozy mid-range lodge in the scenic highlands near the Ngorongoro area, perfect for unwinding after the drive from the Serengeti.
Camping Option: Simba Campsite – perched on the crater rim, offering panoramic views and the closest possible proximity to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: None. After a morning descent into the Ngorongoro Crater for unforgettable wildlife viewing, your safari concludes, followed by your return to Zanzibar or onward travel.
Book this 5 day tour to Tanzania
5 Day safari with flight from Zanzibar Features
Round-Trip Flights
Private 4x4 Safari Jeep
Best Accommodation
All Meals Included
✈️ Return flights from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania (via Arusha or direct to the Serengeti)
🚙 Private 4x4 pop-up roof safari vehicle with a professional, English-speaking driver-guide
🏕️ Premium lodge or luxury tented camp stays close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire
🍽️ All-inclusive dining – daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
🦁 Extended game drives for five days across Tanzania’s most iconic parks
🛬 Seamless airport transfers in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania
📍 Ideal for travellers from Zanzibar seeking a longer, deeper safari adventure with more time to explore and connect with the wild.
Related Tanzania Tour from Zanzibar Island
Questions About 5-Day Tanzania Safaris From Zanzibar
1. What is the best way to travel from Zanzibar to the mainland for a 5-day safari?
The most convenient way to start a 5-day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar is by taking a domestic flight to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Zanzibar—Arusha flights operate daily through airlines like Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, and Auric Air, offering fast transfers and breathtaking aerial views over the coast and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Alternatively, travellers who prefer a road-and-sea adventure can take the ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, then drive or take an additional connecting flight to the northern safari parks. However, this option is more time-consuming compared to flying.
What are the main highlights of a 5-Day Tanzania safari itinerary from Zanzibar?
A classic 5-day Tanzania safari usually includes Tanzania’s legendary wildlife destinations:
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Day 1: Fly to Arusha and drive to Tarangire National Park, known for baobab trees and one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.
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Day 2: Full-day game drive in Tarangire, exploring river ecosystems rich in lions, wildebeest, and birdlife.
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Day 3: Drive or fly onward to Serengeti National Park, home to the Great Migration and expansive plains.
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Day 4: Full-day Serengeti safari, tracking big cats and migration herds.
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Day 5: Morning Serengeti game drive, followed by travel to Ngorongoro Crater for another incredible wildlife experience before returning to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for a Zanzibar or onward flight.
3. What type of accommodation is available during a 5-day Tanzania safari?
Travellers can choose from diverse safari accommodation styles:
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Luxury safari lodges — Private en-suite rooms, gourmet dining, pools, bush lounges, sometimes spa treatments and scenic decks.
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Mid-range lodges and tented camps — Comfortable, well-serviced stays with good amenities and scenic settings.
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Budget campsites — Simple tented setups with shared facilities — ideal for affordable adventure safaris.
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Mobile tented camps — Seasonal camps that move with wildlife migration, offering immersive wilderness experiences.
4. What wildlife can I expect to see on a 5-Day Tanzania safari?
A 5-day Tanzania safari includes world-renowned ecosystems and habitats:
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Tarangire: Elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and hundreds of bird species.
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Serengeti: The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), wildebeest herds, zebras, gazelles, hyenas, and seasonal migration river crossings.
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Ngorongoro Crater: Dense wildlife populations including black rhinos, flamingos, lions, elephants, hippos, and abundant plains game.
5. What should I pack for a 5-day safari from Zanzibar?
Essentials include:
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Clothing: Neutral-coloured, breathable safari wear, warm layers for evenings, a hat, a scarf, and a rain jacket during wet seasons.
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Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes plus sandals for the lodge.
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Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, reusable water bottle.
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Travel gear: Binoculars, camera, spare batteries, memory cards, and headlamp.
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Personal items: Medications, toiletries, and a first-aid kit.
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Documents: Passport, visa (if applicable), travel insurance, and yellow fever certificate.
6. How much does a 5-day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar cost?
Safari prices vary based on parks, transport, and accommodation levels:
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Budget camping safaris — approx. $200–$250 per person per day, usually including meals, park fees, guiding, and shared camping duties.
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Mid-range lodge safaris — from $350–$500 per person daily.
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Luxury safaris or fly-in safaris to Serengeti, Nyerere, or Mikumi — $600+ per person per day, with premium camps, charter flights, and personalised service.
Trips to northern parks may cost more due to domestic flights from Zanzibar.
7. Can I customize my 5-day Tanzania safari itinerary from Zanzibar?
Yes. Reputable tour operators such as Travel Wise Safari offer tailor-made itineraries where travellers can adjust accommodation levels, add balloon safaris, walking safaris, Maasai cultural visits, or extend days in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Nyerere or Zanzibar.
8. When is the best time of year to do a 5-day safari from Zanzibar?
Safaris operate year-round, but peak wildlife viewing is during:
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June–October — Dry season, excellent for animal sightings and the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
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January–March — Calving season in southern Serengeti, best for predator action.
The wet seasons (April–May and November) offer lush scenery, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
9. Is a 5-day safari suitable for families and children?
Yes — many lodges offer family tents, child-friendly guides, and soft adventure game drives. Families can add extra rest days, choose shorter drives, or stay in malaria-controlled camps with pools and kid-friendly meals.
10. Do I need vaccinations or malaria medication for a Tanzania safari?
Travellers are recommended to consult their doctor regarding vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Yellow fever certificates may be required when flying from Zanzibar to mainland Tanzania depending on travel history.
12. Can I end my safari back in Zanzibar for a beach holiday?
Absolutely — most 5-day Tanzania safaris are combined with Zanzibar beach packages. After your wildlife adventure, you can fly back to Zanzibar for relaxation in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Matemwe.
12. Can I end my safari back in Zanzibar for a beach holiday?
Absolutely — most 5-day Tanzania safaris are combined with Zanzibar beach packages. After your wildlife adventure, you can fly back to Zanzibar for relaxation in Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Matemwe.
13. What payment methods are accepted for booking a 5-Day Tanzania safari?
Most Tanzanian operators accept bank transfers, online payment platforms, and major credit cards. A deposit (20–40%) is often required to secure lodge reservations and domestic flights.
14. Do safaris include meals and drinks?
Yes — most 5-day safari packages include full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), drinking water, and sometimes non-alcoholic beverages. Premium lodges may include soft drinks, wine and beer.
15. Are professional guides included?
Yes — safaris include experienced Tanzania safari guides, trained in wildlife, culture, geography, and safety to ensure high-quality game viewing.