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From Serengeti to Zanzibar: Beaches to Include in Your Safari Itinerary

When it comes to the ultimate travel experience in Tanzania, there are perhaps three images on the forefront of your mind:


  • The endless plains of the Serengeti teeming with incredible wildlife, as Wildebeest graze, predators prowl, and diverse bird species circle overhead;
  • The dazzling fine white sand and turquoise waters of the beaches in Zanzibar;
  • The towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. 


For many travelers, exploring Tanzania can be a long and expensive trip, so it makes sense to try and combine at least two of its most spectacular attractions into one holiday. Thankfully many tour operators offer a number of specialized itineraries that cover various experiences from Zanzibar to Serengeti National Park. These travel arrangements perfectly blend the safari experience with a Zanzibar safari holiday


Sights and Sounds of the Serengeti 


The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. Not only is it one of only two places on the planet to host the annual Great Migration, but it also boasts a well-rounded safari experience for any traveler. Explore the wild on game drives and nature walks, enjoy fantastic sundowners, and dine under the starlit African sky. If you have the time, consider including a hot-air balloon safari in your Serengeti travels. It is often very hard to convey this thrilling experience in mere words, but just know that it will blow your mind. After your time in the African bush and among some of nature’s finest wildlife, it's time to head on to Zanzibar for some needed R&R. 


Different Beaches in Zanzibar That You Can Include in Your Itinerary


Zanzibar’s collection of stunning beaches all come with the idyllic trimmings you would expect from a tropical destination. Fine white sand, clear turqoise waters and palm trees swaying with the gentle breeze. While they’re all perfect for appreciating the breathtaking beauty of the island and catching some rays, some are more useful for particular activities then others. We take a look at the top beaches of Zanzibar to consider: 


Paje Beach -- Active Adventures and Watersports 


Located on the eastern coast of the island, Paje beach attracts adrenaline seekers from all over the world thanks to its flat lagoon water, challenging waves, and steady, occasionally blustery winds. It has the optimal conditions for watersports in Zanzibar like kitesurfing and windsurfing, while also boasting various accommodation options for all kinds of travelers. 


Kendwa Beach – Party and Socializing

Kendwa beach can be found along the northern tip of Zanzibar, about an hour's drive from Stone Town. Here, you can revel in full moon parties, dancing to the afro-beats till the early hours and being mesmerized by fire eaters and acrobats. Even on nights when there are no full moons, they still throw bubbling parties. A stay at Kendwa Beach will definitely be one to remember.


Matemwe Beach – Diving and Snorkeling

Along the eastern region of Zanzibar lies the mesmerizing Matemwe beach. It is fringed with coconut palm trees and overlooks a shallow coral-fringed lagoon. Just off the coast is the world-famous Mnemba Atoll where you can indulge in some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling experiences in the world. Your underwater adventure here feels as if you’re swimming through a giant aquarium with a wealth of marine life including many types of reef fish, turtles and dolphins. 


Nungwi Beach – Romantic Sunsets and Dhow Sailing Cruises

Nungwi beach has transformed over the years from a simple fishing village to one of the most idyllic stretches of coast in Africa. It’s a fairly quiet beach but there are many things to do during the day, like jet skiing, beachside volleyball, and dhow sailing. The sunsets in Nungwi are spectacular and make for some pretty romantic moments as the sky is painted in a beautiful variety of deep warm colors. Even if you’re here as a solo traveler, you can simply make yourself comfortable in a hammock with a cocktail in hand and watch the sun fall behind the horizon. 


Pongwe Beach – Escaping the Crowds  

Situated within a secluded bay on the northeast of Zanzibar, Pongwe is a slice of paradise that provides a stress-free environment for you to relax, switch off and indulge in a digital detox. The beach is sheltered by a reef so you can also swim and snorkel here, especially at high tide when the water cuts off the stretch of beach from the rest of the island. This is why many honeymooners opt for this beach. Still, even if you’re not visiting this beach for the romantic trip of a lifetime, your trip here is guaranteed to be peaceful.


At the end of the day, you get to decide which beaches to include in your Tanzania safari itinerary but rest assured that it will be the experience of lifetime. Contact us if you want to find out more!


Check Out our Tanzania Tours Below:

7 Days/6 Nights Northern Tanzania Safari

6 Days/5 Nights The Highlights of Tanzania

4 Days/3 Nights A Taste of Tanzania

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