Zanzibar
White beaches, coral reefs and the old Swahili trading town of Stone Town, an hour's flight from the parks.
- Beaches
- Stone Town
- Diving and snorkelling
- Spice tours
- Red colobus monkeys
- Dhow sailing
Our view
Zanzibar is the natural way to finish a Tanzania safari. After early mornings and long days in a vehicle, a few days by the Indian Ocean feels well earned, and the flight from the parks is short.
Where you stay on the island makes a big difference. The north has beaches where you can swim at all states of the tide. The east coast is quieter and very beautiful, but the tide goes out a long way, so swimming depends on the time of day. The south-east, around Paje, suits kitesurfers.
Give Stone Town at least a morning or a night. Its narrow lanes, carved doors, markets and old merchants' houses tell the story of the Swahili coast and the Omani sultans who ruled it. Beyond the beaches there are spice farms, the red colobus monkeys of Jozani forest, and diving and snorkelling around the Mnemba atoll.
For something more remote, Pemba island to the north and a handful of small private islands offer a quieter alternative to the main island.
Areas of the islands
Stone Town
The old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, best for a night or two of history, food and markets.
The north (Nungwi and Kendwa)
Beaches where you can swim at all tides, and the liveliest part of the island.
The north-east (Matemwe and Mnemba)
Quiet beaches facing the Mnemba atoll, with some of the island's best snorkelling and diving.
The east and south-east (Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi)
Long white beaches with big tidal ranges, popular for kitesurfing.
Pemba
Zanzibar's greener, hillier sister island to the north, with very few hotels and excellent diving.
When to go
Some smaller hotels close in April and May.
Where to stay
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Breezes Beach Club and Spa
$295 – $347
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Elewana Kilindi
$719 – $861
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Matemwe Lodge
From $378
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Mnemba Island
$2,215 – $3,090
Zanzibar, Tanzania
The Palms Zanzibar
$640 – $727
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa
$375 – $625
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zawadi Hotel
$709 – $804
Safaris that go here
Serengeti and Zanzibar – 8 Days
Arusha › Central Serengeti › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
Soar above the Serengeti National Park on a breathtaking hot air balloon safari, taking in sweeping views of the Grumeti River, the rocky outcrops of the Northern Serengeti, and the…
Kenya and Tanzania Safari
Masai Mara › Naboisho › Southern Serengeti › Ruaha › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
A flying safari combining Kenya’s Mara with Northern and Southern Tanzania, finishing on Zanzibar Island. The best of the Serengeti / Mara ecosystem with Ruaha, staying in classic tented camps…
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti Migration and Zanzibar
Arusha › Tarangire › Lake Manyara › Ngorongoro › Serengeti › Grumeti › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
An 11 night / 12 day high end classic safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti’s migration and Zanzibar’s Northeast coast. An excellent combination of quality and high end safari camps…
Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar
Nyerere › Ruaha › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
Explore the wildlife-rich and unspoilt wilderness areas of southern Tanzania’s parks on safari for 6 days. Hop on a plane to the island of Zanzibar for 3 days spent snorkelling…
8 Night Nyerere and Zanzibar
Nyerere › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
An unforgettable 8 night / 9 day holiday itinerary, combining the natural splendour of the remote African bush with the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Nyerere National Park Zanzibar Island
Combine with
Questions
How many nights should I spend in Zanzibar?
Three to five nights after a safari is typical: one in Stone Town and the rest on the beach, or all on the beach with a day trip to Stone Town.
Which part of Zanzibar is best for swimming?
The north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, where the tide does not go out as far. On the east coast the tide goes out a long way, so swimming depends on the time of day.
How do I get to Zanzibar from the Serengeti?
Scheduled light aircraft fly to Zanzibar from Arusha (about an hour) and from the Serengeti airstrips, which usually stop on the way and take two to three hours.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February are dry and sunny. The long rains in April and May bring heavy showers, and some smaller hotels close.
Plan a safari to Zanzibar
Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.