Zanzibar

• Powder-white beaches and warm, crystal-clear turquoise water
• Historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Excellent snorkelling and diving on vibrant coral reefs
• Fragrant spice farms that earned Zanzibar the name “Spice Island”
• Rare wildlife, including the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey
• A relaxed island pace – the ideal reward after an active safari

A maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, bustling bazaars and coral-stone buildings, Stone Town reflects more than a thousand years of trade across the Indian Ocean.

• Evening street food at Forodhani Gardens on the waterfront
• The colourful Darajani Market and spice stalls
• The Old Fort and seafront promenade
• The Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of the former slave market
• Rooftop dining as the sun sets over the harbour
• The birthplace of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury

• Nungwi & Kendwa (north): Swimming at almost all tides and spectacular sunsets over the ocean.
• Paje & Jambiani (east): Wide white beaches, kitesurfing and dramatic tides that reveal sandbanks and seaweed farms.
• Matemwe (north-east): Peaceful village beaches facing the protected Mnemba Atoll.
• Michamvi (south-east): Quiet bays and the famous restaurant perched on a rock in the sea.

• A traditional dhow cruise at sunset
• A guided spice tour through clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla plantations
• Prison Island (Changuu) and its giant Aldabra tortoises
• Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, home of the red colobus monkey and mangrove boardwalks
• Snorkelling and diving around Mnemba Atoll
• A full-day sandbank and snorkelling excursion in Menai Bay with a seafood lunch
• Dolphin watching off the southern coast near Kizimkazi

• June – October: Dry, sunny and slightly cooler – ideal beach weather that pairs perfectly with peak safari season.
• December – February: Hot and dry, with calm seas and excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling.
• November: Short rains, usually brief afternoon showers.
• March – May: The long rains – quieter, greener and good value, although some lodges close in April and May.

• Daytime: 27–32°C (81–90°F)
• Evenings: 22–25°C (72–77°F)
• Sea temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F)

Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen and a hat are recommended throughout the year.

• Boutique beach resorts and villas with private plunge pools
• Exclusive private-island retreats near Mnemba Atoll
• Spa treatments inspired by local spices and coconut oil
• Candlelit beach dinners and fresh Indian Ocean seafood
• Private guides, transfers and tailor-made excursions

Zanzibar is served by Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Short scheduled flights connect Zanzibar with Arusha, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti airstrips, making it easy to fly straight from your safari to the beach. Fast ferries also run between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town in around two hours, and several international airlines fly directly to Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, and a Tanzanian visa covers your visit. The island is predominantly Muslim: in Stone Town and the villages, please cover shoulders and knees, and keep swimwear for the beach and your resort. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight is discouraged. Visitors are required to hold travel insurance, so please check the latest entry requirements before you travel. A few Swahili words go a long way – Jambo (hello), Karibu (welcome) and Asante (thank you).

Zanzibar is the perfect finale to a Tanzanian safari. We recommend three to five nights on the island after your game drives: fly directly from the Serengeti, spend a day exploring Stone Town and the spice farms, then unwind on the beach with a sunset dhow cruise. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon or simply recharging after the adventure of a lifetime, our team will match you with the coast and resort that suit you best.