If you are relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar and planning to continue your Tanzania adventure with a wildlife safari, one of the most important questions is how to travel from Zanzibar to Arusha or Moshi for safari. Zanzibar is a beautiful island destination, but most of Tanzania’s famous northern safari parks are located on the mainland, near Arusha and Moshi.

Arusha and Moshi are the main gateways for safaris to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro trips. Many travelers start their Tanzania holiday in Zanzibar, then fly or transfer to northern Tanzania for safari. Others finish their safari first and then fly to Zanzibar for beach relaxation.

The good news is that traveling from Zanzibar to Arusha or Moshi is very possible and can be simple when planned correctly. The fastest and most convenient option is flying from Zanzibar to either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport. The slower budget option is taking a ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, then continuing by flight, bus or private road transfer to Arusha or Moshi.

This guide explains the best ways to travel from Zanzibar to Arusha or Moshi for safari in 2026–2027, including flight options, ferry routes, travel time, airport choices, transfer tips, cost factors and the best route depending on your safari plan.

Why Travel from Zanzibar to Arusha or Moshi for Safari?

Zanzibar is famous for white-sand beaches, turquoise water, Stone Town, spice farms, diving, snorkeling and island culture. However, Zanzibar is not the main base for northern Tanzania safaris. If you want to visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire or Lake Manyara, you usually need to travel to the mainland.

Arusha and Moshi are the most common starting points for safaris in northern Tanzania.

Arusha

Arusha is considered the main safari capital of northern Tanzania. Many safaris to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro begin from Arusha. It has many safari companies, hotels, lodges, restaurants and transport connections.

Moshi

Moshi is best known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also a good starting point for safaris, especially for travelers who want to combine Kilimanjaro trekking with wildlife tours. Moshi is quieter than Arusha and is closer to Kilimanjaro National Park.

If your safari starts in Arusha or Moshi, you should plan your Zanzibar transfer carefully so you arrive on time, avoid unnecessary stress and connect smoothly with your safari guide.

Main Travel Options from Zanzibar to Arusha or Moshi

Option 1: Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha Airport

Flying from Zanzibar to Arusha Airport is one of the most convenient options if your safari begins in Arusha. Arusha Airport is located close to Arusha town and is commonly used for domestic safari flights.

This option is best for travelers joining safaris to:

• Tarangire National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Serengeti National Park
• Arusha National Park
• Multi-day northern circuit safaris

After landing at Arusha Airport, your safari company can pick you up and transfer you to your hotel or start the safari depending on your arrival time.

Advantages of Flying to Arusha Airport

• Closest airport to Arusha town
• Good for safaris starting in Arusha
• Saves time compared to ferry and road transfer
• Easy connection with safari operators
• Suitable for same-day safari briefing or overnight stay

Things to Know

Arusha Airport mainly handles domestic and regional safari flights. It is smaller than Kilimanjaro International Airport. If you are arriving from Zanzibar, confirm your luggage allowance because small aircraft may have stricter baggage limits than international flights.

Option 2: Fly from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Flying from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best option if your safari starts in Moshi or if you are combining safari with Mount Kilimanjaro trekking. Kilimanjaro International Airport, often called JRO, is located between Arusha and Moshi.

This airport works well for travelers going to:

• Moshi town
• Mount Kilimanjaro trekking routes
• Arusha town
• Northern Tanzania safari circuits
• Kilimanjaro and safari combination packages

From Kilimanjaro International Airport, you can transfer by private vehicle to Moshi or Arusha. Moshi is usually closer than Arusha, while Arusha takes longer depending on traffic and road conditions.

Advantages of Flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport

• Best airport for Moshi
• Good for Kilimanjaro trekking plus safari
• Suitable for both Arusha and Moshi transfers
• Handles larger aircraft than Arusha Airport
• Good choice if your safari operator is based in Moshi

Things to Know

Kilimanjaro International Airport is not located inside Moshi or Arusha town, so you need a road transfer after arrival. It is best to pre-arrange pickup with your safari operator or hotel.

Option 3: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by Ferry, Then to Arusha/Moshi

The ferry route is a common budget option, but it takes more time and planning. First, you travel from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by ferry. After arriving in Dar es Salaam, you continue to Arusha or Moshi by bus, private transfer or domestic flight.

This option may be suitable for travelers who:

• Want a cheaper route
• Have extra time before safari
• Want to visit Dar es Salaam
• Do not mind long travel
• Are flexible with schedules

Ferry and Bus Route

A typical route looks like this:

Zanzibar → Ferry to Dar es Salaam → Bus to Arusha or Moshi

This can take a full day or more depending on ferry timing, bus departure, traffic and road conditions. If you choose this route, it is better to stay one night in Dar es Salaam before taking a bus the next morning.

Ferry and Flight Route

Another option is:

Zanzibar → Ferry to Dar es Salaam → Flight to Arusha or Kilimanjaro

This can sometimes be useful if flight availability from Zanzibar is limited, but it adds extra transfer steps.

Advantages of Ferry Route

• Can be cheaper than flying
• Allows a stop in Dar es Salaam
• Good for flexible budget travelers
• Multiple ferry services operate between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam

Disadvantages of Ferry Route

• Much slower than flying
• Requires more transfers
• Can be tiring before safari
• Ferry schedules may change due to weather or operational reasons
• Risk of missing bus or flight connections if delays happen

For most safari travelers, flying is strongly recommended.

Option 4: Fly from Zanzibar Directly to Serengeti Airstrips

Some travelers do not need to go to Arusha or Moshi first. If your safari starts inside Serengeti National Park, you may be able to fly from Zanzibar to a Serengeti airstrip, sometimes via Arusha or another stop.

This option is common for fly-in safaris and luxury itineraries. Instead of spending time on road transfers, you fly closer to the wildlife areas and begin game drives soon after landing.

Popular Serengeti airstrips may include:

• Seronera Airstrip
• Kogatende Airstrip
• Ndutu Airstrip
• Grumeti Airstrip
• Other seasonal or regional airstrips

The best airstrip depends on the season, migration location and safari camp.

Advantages of Flying to Serengeti

• Saves time
• Best for luxury or short safaris
• Reduces long road travel
• Good for honeymooners and families
• Direct connection to safari camps

Things to Know

Fly-in safaris are usually more expensive than road safaris. Luggage allowance may also be limited, especially on small aircraft. Always confirm baggage rules with your operator before traveling.