If you’ve ever struggled to choose between a beach holiday and a safari adventure… this is your sign to stop choosing. This TUI tour is the best of both worlds — Zanzibar’s turquoise waters and Tanzania’s wild savannahs, wrapped up in one seriously unforgettable trip. Relaxation meets roar-worthy adventure.
Beach & Safari Holiday with TUI
If this holiday were a sandwich (stay with me), the bread would be warm, lazy days on Zanzibar’s sugar-soft beaches. The filling? Proper, pinch-me safari moments in Selous Game Reserve. And yes — it’s as good as it sounds.
You start in Zanzibar, easing into island life at a 4* seafront resort. Think palm trees, Indian Ocean views, multiple pools and an All Inclusive setup that means cocktails are never far away. There’s even a bar perched out over the water, which feels unnecessarily fabulous.
The first couple of days are all about switching off. Stretch out on the sand. Work your way around the restaurants. Watch the tide roll in. No alarms. No rush. Just sunshine and sea air doing their thing.
Then — just when you’ve fully melted into relaxation mode — it’s time to swap flip-flops for safari.
A short flight takes you from island coastline to the vast landscapes of Selous Game Reserve on mainland Tanzania. The shift in scenery alone is worth the window seat. Palm-fringed beaches give way to sprawling grasslands and winding rivers.
Your first safari? On water. You’ll cruise along the Rufiji River, scanning the banks for crocodiles and hippos. It’s calm, it’s quiet, and then suddenly there’s wildlife right there in front of you.
Later, dinner is served in the bush as the sun dips low and the sounds of Africa come alive around you. There’s something about eating under an open sky in the middle of a game reserve that just hits differently. And when the day wraps up, you head back to your luxury bungalow — complete with your own private plunge pool. Safari… but make it stylish.
The next morning is a classic game drive across the reserve. Cameras ready. Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo — they’re all out there. There’s even an al fresco lunch in the wilderness, because apparently “normal” lunches just aren’t enough anymore. I have done it – trust me you wont be disappointed!
Before heading back to Zanzibar, you’ll explore on foot with a guided walking safari. It’s a totally different perspective — slower, quieter, more immersive. You notice the little things. The tracks. The ecosystems. The way everything connects.
And then it’s back to Zanzibar for round two of beach bliss.
The rest of the trip is yours to shape. You can stay horizontal by the pool (no judgement), or explore more of the island. Head into UNESCO-listed Stone Town with its blend of African, Indian and Arabic influences. Visit Prison Island, now home to giant tortoises. Wander through Jozani Forest looking for rare red colobus monkeys. Or just order another cocktail and call it cultural research.
Food-wise, you’re covered. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, and if you venture out, you’ll find local dishes like octopus curry, fresh seafood and fragrant Swahili flavours waiting for you.
The tour includes international flights, transfers, a 4* beachfront hotel in Zanzibar, a 4* safari lodge in Selous, guided experiences and most meals. Minimum age is 8, making it ideal for families with adventurous kids.
A few practical bits to know: soft-sided luggage is best for safari (weight limit applies on internal flights), and there are small local taxes payable in Zanzibar and Selous on arrival. Tanzanian shillings are the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. And if you’re travelling during the rainy season, flexibility is key — occasionally flights into Selous may switch to road transfers, but the in-resort team keeps everything running smoothly.
Activities in Zanzibar
If you fancy exploring beyond the resort, Stone Town is the perfect place to start. It’s a UNESCO-listed maze of narrow streets, carved wooden doors and lively markets that feel like they haven’t changed in decades. You can visit Freddie Mercury’s birthplace, browse spice stalls and soak up layers of African, Arabic and Indian influence all in one afternoon.
Speaking of spice — Zanzibar didn’t earn the nickname “Spice Island” for nothing. A spice tour is surprisingly fascinating (and very fragrant). You’ll see how cloves, vanilla and cinnamon grow, taste fresh tropical fruits straight from the source, and probably leave with a bag full of edible souvenirs.
If the safari bug bites again while you’re back on the island, mainland adventures are only a short flight away. It’s entirely possible to be sipping coconut water in the morning and spotting elephants by afternoon. Not your average day trip.
Beach-wise, you’re spoiled for choice. Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje serve up that classic postcard look — powdery white sand, clear turquoise water and the kind of sea that makes you forget what day it is. Whether you’re into snorkelling, swimming or trying your hand at kite surfing, there’s space to do it all.
Boat trips are practically a Zanzibar tradition. You can sail out to Prison Island to see its giant tortoises, snorkel around coral reefs near Chumbe Island, or hop on a traditional dhow and spend the day drifting between hidden sandbanks. It’s laid-back, slightly salty, and very “I could get used to this.”
If you need a break from the beach (unlikely, but still), Jozani Forest is worth a wander. It’s home to the rare red colobus monkeys, who tend to swing about like they own the place. Add mangroves and lush greenery, and it’s a completely different side of the island.
And then there’s The Rock Restaurant. Yes, it really is perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean. At high tide you’ll need a boat to reach it; at low tide you can wade across. Either way, the seafood is ridiculously fresh, and sunset from that little rock is something special. Definitely one for the “worth it” list.
Handy Hints
• Pack soft-sided luggage — safari flights are strict on weight.
• Neutral-coloured clothing works best on game drives.
• Bring binoculars — animals don’t always pose perfectly.
• Keep small US dollars handy for tips and small purchases.
• Download podcasts or music— Zanzibar downtime is blissfully slow.
• Early mornings on safari are chilly — light layers help.
• Visit Stone Town early to avoid peak heat.
• Don’t skip sunset on safari — golden hour is unreal.
This isn’t just a holiday — it’s contrast at its finest. One week you’re floating in turquoise waters, the next you’re watching elephants wander past at sunrise. Zanzibar and Selous together give you relaxation and adventure in perfect balance. Honestly? It’s the kind of trip people talk about for years.
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