A short fly-in safari is the easiest way to add real wildlife to a Zanzibar holiday. You take a light aircraft from the island to a mainland park, spend the day on game drives, and are back on the beach the same evening, or the next day if you stay overnight. We run these trips to three parks: Mikumi and Nyerere (Selous), both about thirty minutes by air, and the Serengeti for travellers who want the Big Five. Prices run from $470 per person, all-inclusive of flights, park fees, guide and meals.
I am Justus Kahwa, and I run operations at Kai Tours and Safaris. Of all the trips we plan, these fly-in safaris are the ones that surprise people most. You can be lying on a beach in the morning and watching elephants by lunchtime, without losing days to long drives. Here is exactly what we offer, what each trip costs, and how to choose between them.
Short Tanzania Safari Tours from Zanzibar Overview
Short Tanzania safari tours from Zanzibar are the best way to experience wildlife in a limited time. These short safaris from Zanzibar include 1 to 2 day trips to top national parks like Serengeti, Mikumi, Selous, and Saadani. Our short Tanzania safari tours are designed for travelers who want a quick and unforgettable safari experience without long travel days. Whether you choose a 1 day or 2 day option, these short safaris from Zanzibar offer the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.
By merging your beach holiday with a brief mainland safari, you witness the diverse splendor of Tanzania. From the iconic Serengeti horizons to the winding riverbanks of Selous and the unique coastal wilderness of Saadani, these excursions are tailor made for those wanting a balanced mix of relaxation and exploration. Whether your window of adventure is a single day or an overnight stay, we have the perfect itinerary ready for you.
Why book a short safari
- No long drives — fly in, fly out
- All-inclusive from $470 per person
- Real Big-game viewing in 1–2 days
- Licensed guides & 4x4 vehicles
- Daily departures, flexible dates
- Pairs perfectly with a beach stay
All short safaris from Zanzibar at a glance
Per-person starting prices for 2026–2027. All packages include flights, park fees, guide and meals.
| Safari | Duration | Flight Time | From | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mikumi Fly-In | 1 day | ~30 min | $470 | High animal density, Big game | Book |
| Selous (Nyerere) Fly-In | 1 day | ~30 min | $470 | Wild, uncrowded, baobab lunch | Book |
| Mikumi Safari (Camp Bastian) | 2 days | ~30 min | $870 | Best-value overnight, dawn drive | Book |
| Selous (Nyerere) Safari | 2 days | ~30 min | $900 | Rufiji boat + walking safari | Book |
| Serengeti Fly-In | 2 days | ~1 hr 45 | $1,800 | Big Five & Great Migration | Book |
Prices are per person sharing and are confirmed at booking based on your travel date and group size. Children and larger groups may qualify for reduced rates.
Best Short Safaris from Zanzibar (1–2 Days)
1-Day Mikumi Safari — Big Game, Single Day
Duration: 1 day | Flight: ~30 min each way | Perfect for first-time safari visitors
Begin with an early morning flight from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park and enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing on the famous Mkata Floodplain. Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, and more during guided game drives, enjoy a hot bush lunch, and return to Zanzibar in the evening.
- Early hotel pick-up and return flights Zanzibar ⇄ Mikumi
- Morning and afternoon 4×4 game drives
- Excellent chances to see Tanzania's iconic wildlife
- Hot bush lunch, park fees, guide and drinking water included
- Return to your Zanzibar hotel the same evening
2-Day Mikumi Safari — Overnight at Camp Bastian
Duration: 2 days / 1 night | ~30-min flight each way | Camp Bastian Lodge | Best-value overnight safari
Escape Zanzibar for two unforgettable days in Mikumi National Park. Fly to Mikumi, enjoy exciting game drives across the wildlife-rich Mkata Floodplain, spend the night at Camp Bastian Lodge, and return after a sunrise safari and more wildlife viewing on your second day.
- Day 1: Flight from Zanzibar, full-day game drives and overnight at Camp Bastian Lodge.
- Day 2: Sunrise safari, breakfast, final game drive and afternoon flight back to Zanzibar.
- Excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffalo.
- Full board accommodation, park fees, guide and drinking water included.
- Return flights Zanzibar ⇄ Mikumi included.
1-Day Selous (Nyerere) Safari — Quick Wild Escape
Duration: 1 day | ~50-min flight | Uncrowded | Perfect for couples & families
Escape Zanzibar for an unforgettable day in Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve. Fly directly to the reserve and enjoy a thrilling game drive through one of Africa's largest protected areas, followed by a scenic boat safari on the Rufiji River. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos and crocodiles before returning to Zanzibar by sunset.
- Morning: Hotel transfer and scenic flight to Selous.
- Midday: Full-day game drive and bush picnic lunch.
- Afternoon: Boat safari on the Rufiji River.
- Return flights, park fees, guide, meals and drinking water included.
- Back in Zanzibar the same evening.
2-Day Selous (Nyerere) Safari — Peaceful Wilderness
Duration: 2 days / 1 night | ~50-min flight | Boat safari + game drives | Selous Serena Camp
Discover the wild beauty of Nyerere National Park on a relaxing two-day safari from Zanzibar. Enjoy exciting game drives, a scenic boat safari on the Rufiji River, and an overnight stay at Selous Serena Camp surrounded by pristine wilderness. This safari combines land and water experiences in one of Africa's largest and least-crowded wildlife destinations.
- Day 1: Fly from Zanzibar, enjoy a morning game drive, bush lunch and an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River.
- Day 2: Sunrise game drive, breakfast at camp and final wildlife viewing before your return flight.
- Excellent opportunities to see elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and diverse birdlife.
- Full board accommodation, park fees, professional guide and drinking water included.
- Return flights Zanzibar ⇄ Nyerere National Park included.
2-Day Serengeti Safari — The Big Five in 48 Hours
Duration: 2 days / 1 night | ~1 hr 45 min flight | Big Five & Great Migration
Discover the world-famous Serengeti on a fast but unforgettable fly-in safari from Zanzibar. After landing in the Seronera region, you begin exploring endless golden plains filled with lions, elephants, leopards, and seasonally the Great Migration. Spend the night in a luxury tented camp before a sunrise safari and return flight back to Zanzibar.
- Day 1: Fly from Zanzibar, afternoon game drive in Central Serengeti, and overnight at a luxury tented camp.
- Day 2: Sunrise game drive, bush breakfast, and afternoon return flight to Zanzibar.
- Chance to see the Big Five and the Great Migration (seasonal).
- Luxury tented camp, park fees, professional guide and full board included.
- Return flights Zanzibar ⇄ Serengeti included.
Best time for a short safari
When to go
You can fly out on a short safari year-round, but timing changes what you see and what you pay. The dry season — June to October and December to February is the easiest for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around shrinking water sources and the grass is short. June to October is also the window for the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
The green season, March to May, brings lush, photogenic scenery, newborn animals and superb birding, usually with better pricing and fewer visitors. For a day trip, any clear morning delivers excellent game viewing your guide simply adjusts the route to where the animals are.
Quick season guide
Jun–Oct & Dec–Feb: peak wildlife, dry, migration (Serengeti).
Mar–May: green, lush, best birding, best value.
Essential safari gear
Be ready
Pack light and neutral — beige, olive and khaki blend in and don't attract insects.
How to book your short safari
Booking takes minutes. Flight seats are limited, so popular dates fill in high season — reserve early.
1. Tell us your plan
Message us your travel date, chosen park and number of travelers on WhatsApp or by email. We check flight availability and confirm the exact per-person price.
2. Secure your seats
Pay a deposit to lock in your flights and park permits. We accept card, bank transfer and mobile money. The balance is settled before or on the day of travel.
3. Fly & safari
We handle flights, park fees, your guide and 4x4. You're collected, flown to the park, and brought back to the beach everything sorted from the start.
Beach in the morning, lions by lunch
Ready to book your short safari from Zanzibar?
Tell us your dates and group size and we'll confirm availability and a final all-inclusive price usually within a couple of hours.
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