Safari from Zanzibar: Mikumi, Selous or the Northern Circuit?

How the three main safari options from Zanzibar compare by time, landscape and wildlife.

Short on time: Mikumi

Mikumi National Park is the most accessible park for a short safari from Zanzibar, with open plains and a good chance of seeing elephants, giraffes, zebras and lions. Marven offers a 1-day trip and a 2-day safari.

• Mikumi Day Trip Safari
• Mikumi Safari (2 days)

Wilder and quieter: Selous (Nyerere)

A vast river wilderness in southern Tanzania with fewer vehicles. Available as a 1-day trip or a 2-day safari.

• Selous (Nyerere) Day Trip Safari
• Selous Safari (2 days)

The classic: the Northern Circuit

Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti form Tanzania’s best-known safari route. Marven’s options run from 2 to 6 days.

• Tarangire & Ngorongoro (2 days)
• Serengeti & Ngorongoro (4 days)
• Northern circuit (6 days)

How to choose

• 1 day available: Mikumi or Selous day trip.
• 2–3 days: Mikumi or Selous 2 days, or Tarangire & Ngorongoro.
• 4–6 days: Serengeti and the full Northern Circuit.