Decide which experience comes first
Both sequences can work: Zanzibar before safari creates a relaxed arrival, while Zanzibar after safari gives travellers beach time at the end of a more active journey. Flight schedules, international arrival points and the safari route usually determine which order is most efficient.
Use domestic flights strategically
Tanzania has domestic air connections that can reduce long road transfers between the island and safari areas. The best connection depends on the parks included and whether the safari ends near Arusha, the Serengeti or another gateway.
Give Zanzibar enough time
A very short island stay can disappear into transfers. Consider how much of the Zanzibar portion you want to spend simply relaxing and whether Stone Town or other experiences are important. The right number of nights depends on the full holiday length.
Keep one itinerary across the trip
When safari and Zanzibar are planned together, airport transfers, domestic flights and hotel nights can be arranged as one sequence. This reduces gaps and makes it easier to see whether the overall pace is realistic.