Zanzibar: Tropical Paradise with Rich Heritage

Step onto pristine beaches where powder-white sand meets turquoise waters, then wander through ancient alleyways where the air is heavy with the scent of cloves and history whispers from weathered stone walls. This is Zanzibar—an exotic island paradise that perfectly complements the adventure of an East African safari with cultural richness and barefoot luxury.

Zanzibar at a Glance

Best Time to Visit

June-October and December-February (dry seasons)

Ideal Trip Duration

3-7 days

Signature Wildlife

Historic Stone Town, pristine beaches, spice tours, water activities

Key Highlights

Cultural heritage, Indian Ocean relaxation, marine wildlife, culinary experiences

Getting There

Direct flights from Tanzania mainland, Kenya, and some international destinations

Visa Requirements

Included in Tanzania visa for most nationalities

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), USD widely accepted

Languages

Swahili, English

Combines Well With

Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya mainland safaris

Recommended Zanzibar Itineraries

Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Escape: From Savannah to Sea

A Journey of Wild Beauty, Cultural Discovery, and Coastal Serenity

Top Attractions & Reserves

Stone Town

UNESCO World Heritage Site with Arabian Nights atmosphere

Key Attractions: Sultan's Palace, House of Wonders, Anglican Cathedral, Old Fort
Best Time: Year-round (avoid midday heat with morning or late afternoon exploration)
Unique Experiences: Historical walking tours, sunset dhow cruises, rooftop dining, night markets
Cultural Significance: Centuries of trade history blending African, Arab, Indian, and European influences

Northern Beaches (Nungwi & Kendwa)

Lively beach scene with minimal tidal variation

Key Attractions: Swimming beaches, sunset views, vibrant nightlife, water sports
Best Time: Year-round (some seaweed December-February)
Unique Experiences: Sailing excursions, scuba diving, beach restaurants, sunset celebrations
Atmosphere: More developed with resorts, restaurants, and social scene

Eastern Beaches (Paje, Jambiani & Bwejuu)

Pristine stretches of sand with traditional village life

Key Attractions: Dramatic tidal variations, kitesurfing conditions, authentic village experiences
Best Time: June-October for consistent kitesurfing winds
Unique Experiences: Kitesurfing, seaweed farming visits, mangrove forest tours
Atmosphere: Laid-back bohemian vibe with boutique properties and local culture

Southeastern Peninsula (Michamvi)

Secluded luxury in pristine surroundings

Offshore Islands

Pristine marine environments and exclusivity

Key Attractions: Mnemba Atoll, Chumbe Island, Prison Island (Changuu)
Best Time: June-March (outside heavy rain season)
Unique Experiences: World-class diving, giant tortoise sanctuary, private island excursions
Marine Life: Colorful coral reefs, dolphins, turtles, tropical fish

Signature Wildlife Experiences

Stone Town Historical Exploration

Journey through centuries of trade and cultural exchange

Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ornately carved wooden doors, hidden courtyards, and historic buildings tell the story of a fascinating cultural crossroads. Expert guides reveal the layers of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influence that created this unique architectural treasure.

Best time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat

Spice Tour Adventure

Discover why Zanzibar earned its "Spice Island" nickname

Engage all your senses on an interactive spice plantation tour, where you’ll see, touch, smell, and taste the aromatic treasures that made Zanzibar famous—from cloves and cinnamon to vanilla and nutmeg. Learn about their cultivation, historical trade significance, and traditional medicinal uses from expert local guides.

Best time: Year-round (best combined with Stone Town visits)

Dhow Sunset Cruise

Traditional sailing experience with modern comforts

Sail into the sunset aboard a traditional wooden dhow, the sailing vessels that have plied these waters for centuries. Enjoy refreshments as you glide past Stone Town’s historic waterfront or around Mnemba Atoll, with opportunities to spot dolphins and spectacular marine life.

Best time: Year-round (seas calmest June-October)

Snorkeling & Diving Excursions

Explore vibrant underwater worlds

Discover some of East Africa’s most pristine coral reefs at sites like Mnemba Atoll, Leven Bank, and Pemba Channel. Whether snorkeling or diving, you’ll encounter abundant marine life including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and occasional reef sharks in crystal-clear waters.

Best time: Year-round (best visibility July-September)

Jozani Forest Nature Walk

Meet endemic wildlife in natural habitat

Visit Zanzibar’s last significant natural forest to observe the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey—one of Africa’s rarest primates. Guided walks through this national park also showcase unique flora, butterflies, and mangrove ecosystems that represent Zanzibar’s natural heritage.

Best time: Year-round (early morning for best wildlife viewing)

Beyond Beaches: Cultural & Adventure Experiences

Swahili Cooking Class

Learn traditional Zanzibari cuisine using fresh local ingredients and aromatic spices in hands-on cooking workshops led by local chefs in Stone Town and beach destinations.

Prison Island Tortoise Sanctuary

Visit the historic former quarantine station just off Stone Town to meet giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old, and enjoy pristine snorkeling in crystal waters.

Dolphin Watching & Swimming

Encounter wild bottlenose and humpback dolphins on specialized boat trips from Kizimkazi on the southern coast, with opportunities for respectful swimming encounters.

Kitesurfing Adventures

Experience world-class kitesurfing conditions on the eastern beaches, particularly Paje, with consistent trade winds from June to September and December to February.

Local Village Visits

Engage with traditional community life through respectful, guided visits to fishing villages, seaweed farms, and local schools that benefit from sustainable tourism.

When to Visit Zanzibar: Seasonal Guide

Dry Seasons (June-October & December-February)

Ideal beach weather with sunny days and minimal rainfall
Excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving
Consistent winds for kitesurfing (especially June-September)
Peak tourist season with higher occupancy and rates
December-February offers warmest ocean temperatures

Green Seasons (November & March-May)

Brief short rains in November with intermittent showers
Long rains from March to May with higher humidity
Lush tropical scenery with fewer visitors
Lower rates and special offers at many properties
April-May may experience heavy rainfall affecting marine activities

Featured Accommodation

Zuri Zanzibar

Kendwa, Northwest Coast Design-forward resort with direct access to Kendwa’s tidal-free beach and spectacular sunset views.

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Stone Town Elegant beachfront property blending traditional Zanzibari architecture with contemporary luxury in the heart of Stone Town.

Matemwe Lodge

Northeast Coast Intimate beachfront lodge with traditional makuti-thatched bungalows overlooking Mnemba Atoll.

Tulia Zanzibar

Pongwe, East Coast Exclusive boutique resort with private plunge pools and lush tropical gardens on a pristine beach.

Emerson Spice

Stone Town Atmospheric restored merchant’s house with rooftop dining and individually designed rooms in Stone Town’s historic center.

Conservation & Community Impact

By Air

Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) offers multiple convenient flight options:

From Tanzania Mainland: Daily flights from Dar es Salaam (20 minutes), Arusha (90 minutes), and airstrips in major national parks including Serengeti and Selous
From Kenya: Direct flights from Nairobi (90 minutes)
International Connections: Direct flights from Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, and select European destinations

By Ferry

Regular passenger ferries connect Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar:

Practical Information

Health & Safety

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists, particularly in established beach areas and Stone Town. Basic precautions regarding valuables and sun protection are recommended. We provide comprehensive pre-departure information.

Cultural Considerations

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Modest dress is appropriate when in Stone Town and villages (covering shoulders and knees). Beachwear is acceptable on resort beaches but not in public areas. Alcohol is available at most hotels but not widely in local communities.

Tides & Swimming

Eastern and southeastern beaches experience dramatic tidal variations, with water receding hundreds of meters during low tide. Northern beaches (Nungwi and Kendwa) have less tidal variation and offer all-day swimming.

Currency & Payments

Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but cash is needed for markets, smaller establishments, and gratuities. Both USD and Tanzanian Shillings are widely accepted, with ATMs available in Stone Town and some beach areas.

Electricity & Connectivity

Power supply is 220-240V with UK-style three-pin plugs. Many hotels offer reliable WiFi, though connection speeds vary. Mobile coverage is generally good in populated areas through local providers Zantel, Vodacom, and Airtel.

Our Latest Zanzibar Travel Blogs

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I spend in Zanzibar?

We recommend a minimum of 3 nights, with 5-7 nights ideal for a comprehensive experience. This allows time for both Stone Town exploration (1-2 nights) and beach relaxation (3-5 nights), with opportunities for marine activities and cultural experiences.

Which is the best beach area in Zanzibar?

Each coast offers distinct advantages: Northern beaches (Nungwi/Kendwa) provide all-day swimming and sunset views; Eastern beaches offer pristine sands with traditional village atmosphere; Southeastern Peninsula offers exclusivity and luxury. Your ideal location depends on your preferences for activities, atmosphere, and tidal patterns.

What should I pack for Zanzibar?

Essentials include lightweight clothing, swimwear, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen), sandals, and insect repellent. We also recommend modest attire for village and Stone Town visits (covering shoulders and knees), and USD cash for purchases where cards aren’t accepted.

Is Zanzibar family-friendly?

Absolutely. Many resorts offer family rooms, kid-friendly activities, and shallow beach areas. Northern beaches typically provide the most consistent swimming conditions for children. Cultural experiences like spice tours and dolphin watching appeal to all ages, making Zanzibar excellent for multi-generational travel.

When is the best time to combine Zanzibar with a safari?

June-October offers optimal conditions for both safari and beach experiences, with dry weather, excellent wildlife viewing, and ideal marine conditions. December-February is also excellent, coinciding with calving season in the Serengeti and warm ocean temperatures in Zanzibar.

Plan Your Zanzibar Escape

Our Zanzibar specialists are ready to help you craft the perfect island experience, whether as a standalone trip or the perfect complement to your East African safari.