Beach Safari made our dream trip to Africa a reality! The website was so easy to use, and the detailed descriptions of each package helped us choose the perfect honeymoon getaway. From the moment we booked, everything was seamless—from the romantic beachfront villa in Zanzibar to the thrilling safari in Tanzania. It was truly the adventure of a lifetime, and we can’t wait to book our next trip!
.jpg)
Our story
Beach Safari began with a personal connection to Tanzania and Zanzibar. What started as a journey to this part of East Africa developed into a long term commitment to the destination, its people and the experiences travelers can have here.
Today, Beach Safari brings together safari experiences on mainland Tanzania, stays on Zanzibar and the practical organization needed to connect the different parts of a journey. Our story is rooted in the same places our travelers come to experience.
That local connection continues to shape how we work today: your complete African journey with one company.
.jpg)
How the Beach Safari story began
The story starts with Beach Safari owner and founder Bert Schoonvelde. During a holiday in Zanzibar, Bert developed a strong connection with Tanzania. A trip that was originally meant to be temporary became the beginning of a much longer relationship with the country.
Instead of experiencing Tanzania only as a visitor, he chose to stay and turn that connection into his work. This became the foundation for what would later develop into Beach & Safari Holidays and the Beach Safari journeys travelers can book today.
The idea behind the company grew from a simple observation: Tanzania offers very different experiences within one journey. Travelers can move from wildlife areas and safari landscapes on the mainland to the coast and islands of Zanzibar without leaving the country.
From one journey to a travel organization
Over time, the organization developed across both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The portfolio grew to include properties on Zanzibar and safari lodges in different parts of mainland Tanzania.
The travel operation developed alongside the accommodations. Today, Beach Safari organizes safari routes, stays and transportation across Tanzania and Zanzibar, allowing different parts of a trip to be coordinated within the same organization.
This combination is still central to the way Beach Safari works. A traveler may begin with wildlife and game drives in Northern Tanzania and finish with time on Zanzibar, with the journey planned as one connected itinerary.
Our journey through Tanzania and Zanzibar
Beach Safari has developed through a series of practical steps rather than one single moment. Each stage has strengthened the connection between the travel organization, accommodations and destinations where we work.
A personal connection with Tanzania
The starting point was Bert Schoonvelde's own experience of Tanzania and Zanzibar. His decision to remain connected to the country laid the foundation for the organization that followed.
Growing across safari and beach destinations
As the organization developed, its presence expanded across Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Safari lodges and island properties made it possible to bring different environments together within one journey.
This growth also created a stronger operational connection between the places travelers visit and the teams responsible for their stay, safari and transportation.
Beach Safari today
Today, Beach Safari focuses on journeys through Tanzania and Zanzibar that can combine safari, accommodation, transfers and island stays. Teams working across these destinations support travelers before and during their trip.
The organization continues to operate in the destinations it sells. That means our knowledge is connected to the places, routes and accommodations that form part of the journeys we organize.
Our connection with Tanzania and Zanzibar
Tanzania and Zanzibar are not simply destinations in a travel portfolio. They are where Beach Safari's teams work, where our accommodations welcome guests and where the journeys we organize take place.
This local presence gives our team direct experience of the practical differences between safari regions, island stays and the logistics involved in connecting them. It also means the development of Beach Safari is closely connected with the communities and tourism sector around us.
Our corporate social responsibility approach explains more about the community development areas and partnerships that form part of this wider connection.
Start your Tanzania and Zanzibar journey
The Beach Safari story began with a personal connection to Tanzania. Your own journey can take a very different shape.
You may want to focus on the national parks of northern Tanzania, combine safari with Zanzibar or build a longer itinerary across several regions. Our team can help you explore the options and connect the different parts of the trip.
Talk to the Beach Safari team about your travel plans.
Frequently asked questions about Beach Safari
01
Who founded Beach Safari?
- Beach Safari was founded by Bert Schoonvelde. His connection with Tanzania began during a holiday in Zanzibar and developed into the travel and hospitality organization behind Beach Safari today.
02
Where does Beach Safari operate?
- Beach Safari operates across Tanzania and Zanzibar. Its journeys include safari destinations on mainland Tanzania as well as accommodations and experiences on Zanzibar.
03
What does Beach Safari organize?
-
Beach Safari organizes journeys through Tanzania and Zanzibar that can include safari, accommodations, transfers and beach stays. Different elements can be combined within one itinerary according to the traveler's priorities.
04
Can Beach Safari combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?
-
Yes. Combining a mainland Tanzania safari with Zanzibar is a central part of the Beach Safari offering. The exact route, number of safari days and length of the Zanzibar stay can be planned around the traveler's preferences.
05
Where can I learn more about Beach Safari's responsible tourism approach?
- You can read the Beach Safari CSR page for more information about community development, partnerships and the wider social responsibility approach.
06
Where can I find Beach Safari's certifications and traveler experiences?
-
Beach Safari has dedicated information about certifications and awards as well as traveler experiences. These sections provide more detail about external recognition and feedback from previous guests.
