2-day safari from Zanzibar: the best 2 day fly-in tour
Two-day, one-night Zanzibar safari
Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater
Mid-range | Camping | Luxury
Private or group join safari
2 Day Fly in Safari from Zanzibar
Our 2-day Tanzania Safari tour starting from Zanzibar is arguably the finest short safari experience available from Zanzibar. Despite being a brief 2-day/1-night itinerary, it encompasses a Big Five safari. This journey takes you through the Northern Tanzania Safari circuit, renowned for classic safari adventures in Tanzania.
This 2-day safari from Zanzibar combines 2 of Tanzania's leading national parks, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater. You'll have the opportunity to see the Big Five and even more outstanding wild animals. Embark on a thrilling 2-day fly-in tour from Zanzibar, discovering Tarangire National Park and the incredible Ngorongoro Crater.
This unforgettable short safari from Zanzibar provides the chance to spot the iconic Big 5 and a diverse range of extraordinary animals. Looking for a great weekend getaway for a safari near Zanzibar Island? We can make it happen; plan your 2-day short safari while in Zanzibar, and explore Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
You can also opt for a 3-day or 4-day safari from Zanzibar or choose between a private safari and a group joining shared safari with other visitors. We can also aid you in reserving transfers from Zanzibar and back after the safari. If you're presently in Zanzibar and eager to uncover the marvels of Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, we can help transform your strategies into fact.
You have the option to embark on a private safari experience or join a common scenic tour with fellow travellers. Organising flights to and from Zanzibar, making sure of a seamless journey before and after your 2-day safari.
How do you get there on a 2-day safari from Zanzibar?
The national parks included in this two-day wildlife safari are in Northern Tanzania, so you must take a morning flight from Zanzibar to Arusha.
It's possible to book your safari immediately upon arrival in Zanzibar, provided you come in early enough to complete the immigration process for visa stamping. You should still have at least an hour for domestic flight check-in to ensure you can catch your flight to Arusha.
You'll also need a flight back to Zanzibar. The ideal option is to depart from Kilimanjaro in the evening, starting at around 7 PM (please verify your flight time with our safari experts). Consequently, you will fly back to Zanzibar in the evening, and we can offer you a complimentary transfer to your hotel.
2-Day fly-in Safari from Zanzibar – Parks to Visit.
This 2-day short safari from Zanzibar is packed with wildlife excitement!
The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as the Garden of Eden due to its unparalleled concentration of animals (per square kilometre) worldwide.
Nowhere else can you witness such dense wildlife in their natural surroundings (not domesticated) within such a confined space? The Crater floor, where the wildlife roams, is only 21 kilometres in radius and can be thoroughly explored in a single day. It is a Big Five animal; with a bit of luck, you might encounter all of them within one day.
The ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater is crucial; this conservation area is recognised as one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is designated as a biosphere reserve. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also Tanzania's first Geopark.
Tarangire National Park
Often overlooked by the more famous parks like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is among the finest parks in the country.
This park is notable for the vast herds of elephants that roam its plains, often dwarfed by the towering baobab trees that are a hallmark of this wildlife haven in Tanzania.
If you are on a limited budget, you may consider our 2-day Mikumi Safari or join the group on our 2-day Nyerere (Selous) safari from Zanzibar. However, if you're looking for an exceptional short safari experience from Zanzibar, our 2-day Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Safari is the best choice. You can also opt to add a day tour to interact with wildlife up close at the Serval Wildlife Sanctuary.
2 Days Safari from Zanzibar Island itinerary Highlights:
Start a quick 2-day safari from Zanzibar that offers an excellent opportunity to experience wild animals for those that have limited time readily available. The safari starts and ends in Zanzibar, enabling you to uncover the unique landscapes of Tarangire National park and the bountiful wildlife within the Ngorongoro Crater, all located in Tanzania's Northern Circuit.
Day 1: Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha – Discover Tarangire National Park.
Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha airport in the morning and be welcomed by your safari guide. Drive to Tarangire National Park around noon, renowned for its baobab trees, plentiful elephant populations, and the Big 5. Start an afternoon safari drive to see lions, zebras, giraffes, and various other fascinating animals. Invest the evening near Tarangire, dining under the gorgeous African sky.
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Adventure – Fly Back to Zanzibar
On the second day, embark on a thrilling experience to the Ngorongoro Crater, where you will explore the excellent volcanic caldera and observe the Big Five animals. Indulge in a scrumptious lunch surrounded by spectacular views before making your way to the Arusha Flight terminal to catch your flight back to Zanzibar later in the day.
Accommodation during 2-day safaris from Zanzibar.
Mid-range lodge: Farms of Dreams
Luxury Lodges: Kilimamoja Lodge by Lake Manyara and Oldeani Mountain Lodge near Ngorongoro.
Mid-Range: Tarangire Katikati/Heart and Soul Lodge
Budget Camping at Jua Manyara/ Migombani Camping Area.
Affordable 2 day safari fly-in from Zanzibar in pictures
Related Tanzania two-day holidays, itineraries, trips, packages & vacations from Zanzibar
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2 day safari from Zanzibar frequently Asked Questions
Which national parks are usually visited during a 2-day Safari from Zanzibar?
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Embarking on a 2-day Tanzania safari from Zanzibar typically involves travelling on the first day and flying to Zanzibar the following day, which provides you with just one valuable night in your chosen park. To optimise your brief experience, it’s advisable to fly both ways, ideally to an airstrip located inside or very near the park.
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With only a single night and two days available in a park, it’s important to choose wisely. If you're considering a trip to southern Tanzania, Nyerere National Park (previously known as Selous Game Reserve) is an excellent option. Its main competitor would be Mikumi National Park.
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On the other hand, if you choose to venture north, Serengeti National Park is always my top recommendation, although the flight there would take a bit longer. Any of the following – Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, or Ngorongoro Crater – would also provide a truly amazing safari experience.
Is the south or north of Tanzania better for a 2-day safari from Zanzibar?
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As long as you select your park wisely, a safari in either northern or southern Tanzania is bound to be enjoyable, so you really can't go wrong!
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When deciding, an important question to pose to your safari operator is whether direct flights are available to the park from Zanzibar or if you'll need to make a stop (in places like Arusha or Dar es Salaam, for instance). Having only 2 days at your disposal, a layover can eat into your valuable time. Generally, you’ll find it easier to get direct flights to parks in southern Tanzania, but it's best to check with your operator about the available options.
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Regarding the parks themselves, there is little variation in terms of wildlife. Major safari animals such as big cats, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many others can be observed in nearly all parks in both areas.
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One unique feature of Nyerere is the opportunity for a boat safari on the stunning Rufiji River. However, keep in mind that the time spent on the boat will reduce the time you have for game drives, which typically offer better opportunities for seeing animals.
Are 2 days enough for a safari from Zanzibar?
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"The quick answer is no, but having 2 days is certainly better than none. There are various tours and packages offered, but a 2-day safari from Zanzibar will typically require flying to the park on the first day and returning on the second.
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The advantage of this (in contrast to a 1-day safari) is that you will spend a night at the location and have opportunities for game drives during the best times for animal sightings: early morning and late afternoon. The drawback is that you won’t be able to enjoy a full day in the park you are exploring.
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By the end of your two days, you will likely wish for more time. However, the same could be said for any duration of safari. More importantly, if I had to pick between a 2-day safari from Zanzibar and not going at all, I would undoubtedly opt for the 2-day safari every time."
Are all 2-day safaris from Zanzibar fly-in safaris?
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Since Zanzibar is an island, experiencing a traditional safari there isn't feasible; therefore, you'll need to travel to the Tanzanian mainland and then fly out to Zanzibar. With only two days for a safari, flying is the most efficient option to maximise your time.
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Flying comes with its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, flight costs can be high, making it challenging to plan a budget-friendly 2-day safari from Zanzibar. However, if your budget allows, the vistas as you approach the park are likely to justify the expense. Your journey will feel less like a mere transfer and more akin to an enjoyable scenic flight.
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A fly-in safari typically involves flying from Zanzibar to an airstrip located within the national park (or, in the case of Nyerere, just outside the entrance to the park, and Tarangire, Arusha airport). Arusha Airport is situated in Arusha town, and you will be transferred to Tarangire National Park in a safari 4WD vehicle for a full-day game drive.
How much does a 2-day trip from Zanzibar cost?
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“There are nearly as many packages and tours for a 2-day safari from Zanzibar as there are tour providers, so be prepared for significant price variations. Given that each day of your trip entails a costly air transfer, plan on spending a minimum of US$500 per person per day. The expenses could be substantially higher if it's peak season and you opt for luxury accommodations.
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Always inquire with your tour operator about what is included in and excluded from the quoted price. Typically, it should cover air transfers, park entry fees, lodging, meals, a guide, a vehicle, and a driver. You'll be responsible for all these costs regardless of whether they're included in the quoted price or not, so request a comprehensive list to avoid unexpected charges when it comes time to settle the bill.”
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A 2-day group joining a shared safari from Zanzibar costs 748 USD per person, while a 3-day group joining a shared safari costs 567 USD from Arusha.
Can I book a safari from Zanzibar and pay later ?
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In this situation, we will require 50% of the total package cost. Please review our Terms & Conditions.
What is the best time to go on a 2 day safari from Zanzibar ?
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The ideal period for a safari trip from Zanzibar is during the dry season, which runs from July to September and from December to mid-March.
What are the direct flights from Zanzibar to Tanzania ?
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Common local flights are FlightLink, Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Precision Air,
Which is the closest Safari from Zanzibar ?
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The closest Safaris are; Mikumi National Park, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Selous Game Reserve.
Are 2-day safaris from Zanzibar family-friendly?
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Of course! Our 2-day Zanzibar safari options are tailored for families, offering activities and lodging suitable for visitors of all ages.
How to go on a safari from Zanzibar?
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To go on a 2-day safari departing from Zanzibar, fly from Zanzibar to Arusha airport, then join a guided safari tour visiting Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Many operators offer packages including flights.
Which national park is clossest to Zanzibar?
The closest national park to Zanzibar is Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, located on Zanzibar Island itself. It is approximately a 40-minute drive from Zanzibar Town (Stone Town).
Other mainland national parks relatively close to Zanzibar, though requiring a ferry or flight, include:
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Mikumi National Park: Accessible by a short flight (around 50 minutes) from Zanzibar. It can also be reached by car and ferry to Dar es Salaam, followed by a 5-6 hour drive.
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Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve): Can be reached by a private flight from Zanzibar.
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Saadani National Park: Situated on the coast, north of Dar es Salaam, it can be accessed by car (including a ferry) or a small plane from Zanzibar.
Can I go on a safari from Zanzibar?
You can embark on a safari from Zanzibar. Here’s a summary:
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We provide safari packages departing from Zanzibar, usually including a quick flight to the Tanzanian mainland. Notable safari spots that can be reached from Zanzibar comprise Mikumi National Park, Selous Game Reserve (which is now called Nyerere National Park), and even the renowned Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area for extended trips. You can opt for either day trips or multi-day adventures to witness the wildlife of Tanzania. It's an excellent way to merge a beach getaway with an exhilarating wildlife experience.
