8-Day Zanzibar Beach
& Nyerere National Park Fly-In Safari

Customizable Zanzibar & Nyerere Safari Itinerary

Customize This Itinerary Now

8-Day Zanzibar Beach & Nyerere: At a Glance

  • Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Perfect for: Travelers seeking the ultimate "Bush & Beach" holiday with an emphasis on diverse activities (boat and walking safaris) and a high level of comfort and convenience.
  • Key Destinations: Nungwi Beach (Zanzibar), Stone Town (Zanzibar), Mnemba Atoll, Nyerere National Park (Southern Tanzania Circuit)
  • Ekuseni Difference: Enjoy seamless, flexible logistics, flying directly from the island to the bush to maximize your time for adventure and relaxation. Catering to your individual budget from mid-range to high-end.

Trip Highlights

  • Zanzibar’s Northern Coast: Unwind on the pristine white-sand beaches of Nungwi.

  • Dolphin & Reef Adventure: Snorkel and swim near the famous Mnemba Atoll, one of the best dive sites in East Africa.

  • Cultural Immersion: Explore the historic alleyways of UNESCO-listed Stone Town and engage your senses on a fascinating Spice Tour.

  • Safari Variety: Experience the unique mix of game drives, an exciting Walking Safari, and a beautiful Boat Safari on the mighty Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park.

  • The Big South: Discover Nyerere National Park, known for its vast, untouched wilderness, large elephant populations, and excellent wild dog sightings, offering a more private and authentic safari experience away from the crowds.

  • Seamless Logistics: Convenient domestic flights linking the island and the park save time and maximize your holiday.

Zanzibar and Nyerere National Park Gallery

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Why We Love this Itinerary: The Zanzibar & Nyerere Adventure

We crafted this itinerary for the traveler who wants the very best of Tanzania in under ten days, without the compromises. It perfectly balances the relaxation and rich culture of Zanzibar with the thrilling, diverse wildlife experiences of Nyerere.

The journey starts with island bliss, giving you time to settle into the Zanzibari pace of life with beach time, water activities, and historical exploration. Then, with a simple, scenic flight, you are plunged straight into the heart of the raw African bush. Nyerere National Park stands out because it allows for multiple types of safari activities: you get to see wildlife not just from a vehicle, but on foot and from the water.

Your 8-Day Zanzibar Beach & Nyerere, Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nungwi Beach

Arrive at Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) or Zanzibar Harbour. Your friendly Ekuseni host will greet you just like a friend picking you up, and provide a private transfer to your hotel in the popular northern beach area of Nungwi. Settle in and spend the afternoon at your leisure.

After an early start, we head out for a chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat before travelling to the stunning Mnemba Atoll for world-class snorkelling or diving (optional). Afterwards, we return to the main island for a captivating Spice Tour, where you’ll walk through a plantation, smell and taste exotic spices like cloves, vanilla, and nutmeg, and learn about their cultural uses. In the late afternoon, we check in to your chosen accommodation in the historical heart of Stone Town.

Today is dedicated to the famous Safari Blue experience. We take a traditional wooden dhow boat and sail to one of the most beautiful islands and lagoons in the Zanzibar archipelago. You’ll have the chance to swim, snorkel, and indulge in a delicious fresh seafood lunch, perfectly grilled on the beach. It’s a day of pure relaxation, sun, and crystal-clear water.

In the morning, we take a short boat trip to Prison Island (Changuu), home to a sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises—some over a hundred years old! Return to Stone Town for a guided walking tour. You’ll weave through the narrow, bustling streets, admiring the famous carved wooden doors, visiting the Old Fort, the former Slave Market site, and getting a real feel for the rich, historical tapestry of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An early start as we take a scheduled flight from Zanzibar directly into the heart of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). Upon arrival at the local airstrip, your dedicated safari guide will meet you and whisk you away to your camp. After checking in and a quick lunch, we embark on an afternoon safari (game drive) in a custom-built 4×4 vehicle. Witness the immense scale of this beautiful southern park and its prolific wildlife.

This day is all about variety. We start with a unique Walking Safari led by an armed ranger, offering an intimate perspective of the smaller flora and fauna of the bush. In the afternoon, experience an authentic Village Tour near the park’s boundary to meet and interact with the local community, a signature part of the Ekuseni ‘visit a friend’ experience. As the day cools, we head out for a breathtaking Boat Safari on the Rufiji River, where you’ll get close to crocodiles, hippos, and a spectacular array of birdlife, all set against a stunning African sunset.

Enjoy a final, early morning safari activity—perhaps a last game drive to track predators or a quiet moment watching animals come to a water source. After a final bush breakfast, your guide will transfer you back to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar. Upon landing, a host will meet you and transfer you to a hotel near the airport or a preferred location for your final night.

Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final walk on the beach. Your Ekuseni host will provide a private, comfortable transfer to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) or Zanziba Harbour for your onward journey, leaving you with incredible memories of your African adventure.

Common Questions, Expert Answers

What is the best time of year to take this Zanzibar and Nyerere safari itinerary?

The best time is generally the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing in Nyerere is at its peak as animals gather around water sources. However, the ‘Green Season’ (Nov-Mar) offers lush landscapes, baby animals, and great value, while Zanzibar is fantastic year-round.

We utilize convenient, short-haul domestic flights to ensure maximum comfort and to save time. This is a hassle-free, fly-in/fly-out safari experience.

No. Nyerere National Park, as part of the Southern Safari Circuit, is known for being vastly less crowded than the northern parks. This allows for a more exclusive, tranquil, and authentic safari experience.

The tour is focused on viewing dolphins in the wild. While we have a very high success rate for sightings, they are wild animals, and we follow strict guidelines to ensure we observe them respectfully without causing disturbance. Sightings are frequent but not 100% guaranteed.

Ekuseni caters to your individual budget, not just luxury. We offer hand-picked accommodations ranging from comfortable mid-range hotels and tented camps to high-end resorts and lodges, both on Zanzibar and in Nyerere.

What kind of unique safari activities does Nyerere National Park offer?

Nyerere is special because it permits Walking Safaris (getting you intimately close to the smaller ecosystem) and Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River, offering a different perspective for viewing aquatic life like hippos and crocodiles.

Absolutely. Flexibility is at the heart of the Ekuseni difference. We can tailor the days, activities, and destinations to perfectly suit your interests and time.

Yes, all domestic flights between Zanzibar and Nyerere National Park are included as part of your comprehensive trip package.

It means we handle all your travel arrangements and logistics with a high degree of personalized care and flexibility. We want your experience to feel as warm, welcoming, and relaxed as visiting a trusted friend in Tanzania, not just a formal tour.

No, for the comfort and safety of our guests, all safari portions of our tours are led by our professional, expert guides in our well-maintained vehicles. We handle all the driving and logistics.

What's Included and Excluded?

Understanding your total trip cost is important, and as your friends, we want to be transparent about what your Ekuseni Zanzibar & Nyerere Safari package will cover:

Price Includes

  • All domestic flights (Zanzibar – Nyerere NP – Zanzibar).

  • Accommodation for 7 nights as per your chosen budget level (mid-range to high-end).

  • Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during your safari in Nyerere NP.

  • Daily breakfast in Zanzibar; additional meals as specified in the itinerary.

  • Private airport and all local transfers by your Ekuseni host.

  • All entrance fees for Nyerere National Park and all scheduled activities (Park Fees, Concession Fees, etc.).

  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide for all safari and touring activities.

  • Dedicated 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle for game drives in Nyerere.

  • Scheduled activities: Dolphin Tour, Mnemba Snorkelling/Reef Trip, Spice Tour, Prison Island trip, Stone Town Tour, Safari Blue Tour, Game Drives, Walking Safari, Boat Safari.

  • Bottled water throughout the safari portions of the trip.

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Price Excludes

  • International flights to and from Zanzibar (ZNZ).

  • Tanzania/Zanzibar Visa fees.

  • Travel and medical insurance.

  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.).

  • Tips for guides, porters, and hotel staff.

  • Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) unless specifically noted by your lodge/camp.

  • Any extra activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

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Start Your Flexible Trip

8-Day Zanzibar Beach & Nyerere is ready to be personalized. This itinerary is our expert suggestion, but the real adventure begins when we shape it to your exact wishes and personal budget.

Simply fill out the inquiry form below to tell us a little more about your travel dreams, your budget, and any specific interests. We aim to get back to you within the same business day to start planning your itinerary.