Wise Safari Partner Tanzania
3 Day fly-in Safari starting from Zanzibar Island
Embark on an incredible 3-day safari from Zanzibar, where you’ll journey to Tanzania’s breathtaking northern circuit. Explore Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife haven filled with lions, rhinos, and countless other species. Finally, discover the diverse landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and flocks of flamingos. This short but thrilling adventure offers an authentic African safari experience packed with wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and expert-guided game drives.
3 Day Zanzibar Safari tour itinerary
🦁 Day 1: Zanzibar – Arusha – Tarangire National Park
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Morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha.
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Pick-up from Arusha Airport & drive to Tarangire National Park.
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Game drive spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and more.
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Dinner & overnight stay at a safari lodge/tented camp.
🐘 Day 2: Tarangire – Ngorongoro Crater
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Early breakfast & drive to the famous Ngorongoro Crater.
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Descend into the crater for a full-day game drive.
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Spot rhinos, lions, cheetahs, hippos & more.
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Picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the crater.
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Evening drive to a lodge near Ngorongoro for an overnight stay.
🦩 Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Return to Zanzibar
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Morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
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Game drive to see tree-climbing lions, flamingos & hippos.
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Scenic picnic lunch inside the park.
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Drive back to Arusha & flight return to Zanzibar.
Book this 3 Day Safari starting from Zanzibar
Frequently Asked questions About 3 Day Safari from Zanzibar
How much does a 3-day trip from Zanzibar cost?
If you’re looking for an affordable 3-day safari from Zanzibar, a budget camping safari in Saadani National Park is likely your best option. This experience typically costs between $200 and $250 per person per day. This price usually includes transfers, park entry fees, accommodation (including camping equipment), food, some drinks, as well as a guide, driver, vehicle, and game drives. Please note that if you choose a budget camping safari, you may be asked to assist with some chores around the camp.
For a more luxurious experience in Nyerere, Mikumi, or other southern parks, you can expect to pay around $400 per person per day. Keep in mind that prices can be doubled or even tripled if you opt for high-end accommodation during peak season. Visiting parks in northern Tanzania may be even more expensive, as you may need to consider additional flight costs.
Are all 3-day safaris from Zanzibar fly-in safaris?
Any 3-day safari from Zanzibar will require a flight to the mainland, as you cannot embark on a classic safari on Zanzibar Island itself. While Zanzibar does have some wildlife parks, they are more akin to zoos than to the authentic safari experience of seeing animals in the wild.
The option with the least amount of flying is a trip to Saadani National Park, located near Dar es Salaam. You can either fly or take a boat to Dar es Salaam and then drive to Saadani. All other safari options typically necessitate a flight from Zanzibar to your chosen park, most commonly Nyerere or Mikumi National Parks in the south.
There are various tours and packages available, but a true fly-in safari involves flying to an airstrip either within or just outside the national park. From there, you will be picked up and driven to your accommodation. This is the standard way most safaris operate from Zanzibar.
Are 3 days enough for a trip from Zanzibar?
I believe that spending at least three days on a safari away from Zanzibar is essential for truly enjoying your trip. During these three days, you would fly from Zanzibar to the national park (ideally as early as possible) on day one, and then return to Zanzibar (preferably late in the day) on day three. This itinerary allows for two nights and one full day of safari experiences.
With this schedule, you can participate in at least four game drives, or three game drives and a boat excursion on the Rufiji River if you’re visiting Nyerere National Park. You’ll also have the opportunity to go on your game drives during the best times for spotting animals, as they are most active and easier to see early in the morning and late in the afternoon. By having three or four game drives planned, you significantly increase your chances of encountering the wildlife you’ve traveled so far to see.
Which parks are typically visited on a 3-day safari from Zanzibar?
The most popular parks for a 3-day safari from Zanzibar are Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Mikumi National Park, both located in southern Tanzania. These parks are among the best in East Africa. You can fly directly from Zanzibar to either park, or, in the case of Nyerere, to the airstrip just outside the main eastern gate of the park.
Another (often more affordable) option is to fly to Dar es Salaam and then embark on a driving safari to Saadani National Park, which is located along the coast near Dar. Since you’ll be flying, you also have the option to reach some of Tanzania’s northern parks on a fly-in safari from Zanzibar. These parks may include the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, or Tarangire National Park.
Is the south or north of Tanzania better for a 3-day trip from Zanzibar?
Most people who go on a 3-day safari from Zanzibar choose to visit parks in the southern part of Tanzania, such as Nyerere or Mikumi National Parks. This is primarily because these parks are more accessible, allowing you to spend more time on safari rather than traveling. This is especially important when you have only 3 days to enjoy your experience.
Although Saadani National Park may have fewer wildlife sightings, it is located just across the water from Zanzibar, which also keeps your travel time to a minimum. It is possible to visit the northern parks on a 3-day safari from Zanzibar, but it's essential to understand the logistics involved. Typically, you would need to fly from Zanzibar to Arusha and then take another flight to reach your chosen park. Apart from spending more time in the air, you would also have to change planes, which can take up valuable time.