Safari Zanzibar and Beach Holiday
Top 5 Reasons Safari Zanzibar Should Be Your Next Dream Beach Destination
Why Visit Zanzibar?
The name alone brings to mind colorful spice markets, beautiful sandy beaches, and boats sailing on clear blue waters. And the truth is, Zanzibar is just as amazing as you imagine!
Located off the coast of Tanzania, this island has a mix of African, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences, making it a unique and exciting place to explore. From walking through old streets and learning about spices to relaxing in luxury resorts, Zanzibar is full of incredible experiences. Here’s why it should be on your travel list!
1. Visit Historic Stone Town
Stone Town: A Historic Landmark
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vibrant blend of history and culture. Its narrow streets and lively markets showcase centuries of Arabic, Persian, and African influences. Every corner reveals a piece of the past, from grand palaces and ancient mosques to beautifully carved wooden doors that reflect its legacy as a bustling trade center.
Walking through Stone Town is an experience for the senses—breathe in the scent of exotic spices, hear the lively chatter of market vendors, and enjoy the soft melodies of Swahili music.
- Stroll through spice markets and taste local flavors.
- Explore famous landmarks like the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and Sultan’s Palace.
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this historic town.
Travel Tip: Take a guided walking tour for deeper insights into Stone Town’s fascinating history and culture.
2. Relax on a Beautiful White-Sand Beaches
Zanzibar is home to some of the most stunning white-sand beaches, offering a perfect escape for relaxation and adventure. The island’s coastline is lined with pristine beaches like Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve, Paje Beach, and Nungwi Beach, each known for their soft sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking to lounge under the sun, take a refreshing swim, or explore marine life through snorkeling and diving, Zanzibar’s beaches provide an unforgettable experience. The island also boasts luxurious resorts like Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa, where visitors can enjoy world-class hospitality in a breathtaking setting.
3. Experience Some of the Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Zanzibar is the perfect place for a luxury getaway, offering beautiful beachfront resorts and peaceful boutique hotels. Whether you want a romantic honeymoon or a fun family holiday, Zanzibar has top-quality accommodations for a relaxing stay.
Couples can enjoy private villas on Mnemba Island and soothing spa treatments for a romantic escape. Families can stay at luxury resorts with kid-friendly activities, safe beaches, and exciting cultural tours.
– Private islands and boutique resorts for a quiet, exclusive stay.
– Luxury family hotels with all-inclusive packages, kids’ clubs, and island tours.
– Easy access to Tanzania’s famous safari destinations for a mix of beach and adventure.
4. Dive into an Underwater Experience
Zanzibar is a great place for diving, with clear waters and colorful coral reefs full of marine life. You can see tropical fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks while snorkeling or scuba diving. Popular spots like Mnemba Atoll and Leven Bank offer amazing views and exciting underwater experiences.
The warm waters make diving possible all year, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Many dive centers offer lessons for new divers, while experienced ones can explore deeper areas with stronger currents. No matter your skill level, Zanzibar’s underwater world is sure to impress.
– Mnemba Atoll is famous for its bright coral reefs and many fish.
– Pemba Island is one of the best diving spots with great visibility.
– Mafia Island offers a chance to swim with whale sharks from October to April.
– Best Time to Dive:Â You can dive all year, but the best conditions are between June and October.
5. Combine Zanzibar Safari Experience with a Tanzania mainland Safari
Zanzibar is just a short flight from Dar es Salaam, making it a perfect addition to Tanzania’s top safari spots. After exploring the Serengeti or visiting the famous Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar offers a peaceful retreat with stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Its easy access and direct flights make moving from the wild savannah to the calm coastline simple and stress-free.
– Reach Zanzibar from a safari camp in less than two hours.
– Go from exciting game drives to relaxing beachside drinks in one day.
– Experience both thrilling wildlife adventures and peaceful ocean escapes.
Ready to Plan Your Zanzibar Vacation?
Our Africa Safari Experts can help you plan the perfect Zanzibar trip, with beautiful beaches, rich history, and exciting experiences, all designed just for you.
Where to Go in Safari Zanzibar
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja, is by far the largest and most famous of the islands that make up the Zanzibar Archipelago. Zanzibar has such a diverse coastline that there are plenty of different experiences across the main island, from vibrant culture in the south to idyllic barefoot luxury in the north. There is plenty to see beyond stately palm trees, white beaches and water the colour of malachite – we’ve collected the best places to visit based on our numerous visits (and you can read here for the best time to visit Zanzibar).
Off the main island are also a series of much smaller islets that offer a more exclusive, away-from-the-crowds experience and are perfect for honeymooners and romantics. We take a look at where to go in Pemba, Mafia, Chumbe and Mnemba below.
1.First, a look at the different areas of Zanzibar, where to go and what to expect at each:
First, a look at the different areas of Zanzibar, where to go and what to expect at each:
Zanzibar East Coast: home to the island’s best and most idyllic beaches, the east coast is home to a wide range of lodges and hotels but the tidal aspect of the Indian Ocean may mean you have walk to go swimming or snorkelling.
Zanzibar North Coast: as a rule, the further north on Zanzibar you go, the more private and less crowded the beaches are. The north coast is also least affected by the tidal range.
Zanzibar North-east Coast: the island’s prime location, most of Zanzibar’s top-end accommodation is set on the north-east beaches. The diving is excellent here, there’s not much tidal variation and the archipelago’s best reefs of Mnemba Island lie about a kilometre or half a mile offshore.
Zanzibar South Coast: the further south you go on Zanzibar, the more populated it becomes. And with people, comes culture – head south for cultural and spice tours along with more opportunities to engage with the locals.
Zanzibar South-East Coast: there are plenty of beaches and resorts on the south-east of Zanzibar but the tidal range is more marked than other regions.
Zanzibar West Coast: there are fewer lodges on Zanzibar’s west coast and it feels a little more remote but it is, of course, home to Stone Town, located on the island’s central-west coast.
Stone Town: Zanzibar’s historical capital No visit to Zanzibar would be complete without exploring the narrow, cobbled streets of Stone Town, a World Heritage Site and former capital of the main island. There are several places of interest scattered around town, not least Beit el-Ajaib (House of Wonders), a former sultan’s palace. Absorb the history, culture and cuisine of this former slave and ivory port on guided tours, or simply wander around at your own pace.
2. Mnemba: a classic 'desert island' experience
A tiny island about a kilometre or half a mile north-east from Zanzibar Island, Mnemba is vintage beach paradise. The reefs just offshore provide excellent snorkelling and diving spots and the island is also a nesting site for the endangered green turtle. Although Mnemba Island is privately owned, the reef is open to everyone and is a popular day excursion from Zanzibar. Attracting very discerning and exclusive-minded visitors, Mnemba can be hired in its entirety to become a private island holiday paradise.
3. Pemba: Remote, little-developed island with amazing diving
Lying 50km / 31mi north-east of Zanzibar is little-visited and largely undeveloped Pemba Island, home to small fishing villages, historic ruins, and miles of wild coastline. Infrastructure is limited and tourism still in its infancy but thanks to its pristine coral reefs, water temperatures between 25u00b0C / 77u00b0F and 28u00b0C / 84u00b0F and visibility between 20 and 40 metres / 66 and 131 feet, Pemba ranks among the world’s best dive sites.rnThere are plenty of other activities on Pemba Island: water sports are on offer as are excursions to mangrove forests, sunset dhow cruises and spa treatments. Pemba offers the discerning visitor a large dose of privacy and exclusivity, a more laid-back atmosphere to Zanzibar, and it combines well with a mainland Tanzania safari.
4. Chumbe: exceptional diving & snorkeling in a marine sanctuary
Lying 12km / 7.5mi south of Zanzibar Town, uninhabited Chumbe Island was designated Zanzibar’s first marine reserve and now delivers an incredible underwater experience within the ambit of strictly controlled eco-tourism. The shallow-water reefs are pristine and there are turtles, rare birds and some 370 fish species to discover.
5. Mafia: superb diving, far from the crowds
A classic, off-the-beaten-track tropical island, Mafia provides the discerning visitor with a serene and exclusive hideaway, far removed from the crowds of Zanzibar. The largest island of the Mafia Archipelago, Mafia lies 120km / 75mi south of Dar es Salaam and is widely acknowledged as one of the best dive sites in the Indian Ocean. Diving equipment and logistics are provided by Mafia’s excellent lodges and staff will take you to remote beaches and pristine reefs. Go between late May and mid-October for the best weather; there’s rain between April and May and again in November while February and March can be very hot and humid.
Ready to Plan Your Zanzibar Vacation?
Our Africa Safari Experts can help you plan the perfect Zanzibar trip, with beautiful beaches, rich history, and exciting experiences, all designed just for you.
When is the Best Time to Go to Safari Zanzibar?
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar?
The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season from June to October. This also coincides with safari high season in Tanzania, making the Zanzibar Archipelago a very popular post-safari choice. However, this tropical island is good to visit at most times of the year, thanks to its regular sunshine and balmy Zanzibar weather.
Month-by-Month Guide for Travelling to the Zanzibar Archipelago:
This is a great time to visit Zanzibar if you don’t mind the heat and humidity. The days are sunny and hot. January to March offer some of the best diving conditions. A good underwater dive is all about wind, the tides and what you can view underwater – the lagoons and coral reefs can be explored in clear waters, particularly on the south coast. The weather in Zanzibar will start to turn from about mid-March as the ‘long rains’ become more imminent.
April and May mark the start of what’s known as the ‘long rains’ on these islands. The rainfall in April and May is far heavier than any other time of year, and results in mild and very wet weather on the beaches. If you want to enjoy the best weather Zanzibar has to offer, this is not a good time to visit.
A dream African beach holiday usually involves sun-drenched shores, palm fringed beaches and glorious sunsets – expect all this and more during the dry season at luxury Zanzibar resorts. The months from June to October are the best times to go to Zanzibar as the heavy rains have cleared. These weather conditions are perfect for long days, relaxing in the sun and exploring the wonderful sights of the ‘Spice Island’, maybe on a romantic Zanzibar honeymoon.
Travelling to Zanzibar from August to October
August is one of the last months on the Archipelago with cooler weather. The climate in Zanzibar during August through to October is not too hot and not too humid. Steadily, soothing breezes begin to make their way in from the south as the islands begin to warm up for the summer months.
 September is a wonderful month all over Zanzibar, but the Mafia Archipelago has something special to offer – turtle hatching and incredible diving conditions in deeper channels. Scuba enthusiasts do need to plan their dives carefully during September, as some other offshore areas tend to become a bit rough.
October is an ideal time for travelling to Zanzibar as the days are made up of cool winds, calm seas and clear skies. The ocean’s temperatures begin to rise, and the evenings gradually become warmer, just before the rains of November begin.
Visiting Zanzibar during November and December
Usually expected to start in November when the temperatures rise, the ‘short rains’ break the dry mid-year winter. Clouds usually build up during the mornings (which can be rather sunny and humid) and break in spectacular, but generally short-lived showers in the afternoons – giving you enough time to retire to the beach bar, enjoy a massage or yoga session before returning to your sun lounger.
There is however more chance of sunshine towards Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The Mafia Archipelago is where to go in Zanzibar in December because its main highlight is the opportunity to dive with whale sharks.
Ready to Plan Your Zanzibar Vacation?
Our Africa Safari Experts can help you plan the perfect Zanzibar trip, with beautiful beaches, rich history, and exciting experiences, all designed just for you.
Safari Zanzibar Advice
For general information on travelling to Tanzania, visit our Tanzania travel advice page.
Top Travel Tips for Zanzibar
Yellow Fever: it is not a requirement to have the yellow fever vaccination when visiting Zanzibar, except in cases of travellers visiting Zanzibar from another country that is listed as a high-risk destination or having spent 12 hours in transit within a high-risk destination.
Malaria: Zanzibar lies in the malarial belt and travellers to the island are strongly advised to take relevant precautions against contracting malaria.
Avoid April: this month experiences the heaviest rainfall volumes and, unsurprisingly, the most days with rain.
Dress code: remember that Zanzibar is a conservative, predominantly Muslim society. Travellers – especially women – are advised to dress and behave with respect to local customs and sensibilities. Please ask permission before taking photographs of Zanzibaris.
Ramadan: travellers are often advised to avoid visiting Zanzibar during Ramadan as many restaurants and other amenities close down. Check with your consultant for exact dates.
Other Islands: Zanzibar Island is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago – if you can’t find what you’re looking for on Zanzibar, ask your travel consultant for advice on outlying islands like Pemba or Mnemba as well as Mafia Island further south or simply use our ‘Where to Go in Zanzibar‘ feature.
Flights & Getting Around
Did you know you can book your flights through Go2Africa? For more information and frequently asked questions, please see our Flights section.
Zanzibar International Airport: located in historic Stone Town, the only airport on the island is served by flights from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Once you have arrived, take a taxi to your accommodation or enjoy the services of your hotel’s shuttle bus.
There are regular flights from Zanzibar Island to Pemba and Mafia Island, but a boat transfer would take you from Zanzibar to Mnemba or Chumbe.
Motorbikes and scooters can be hired for an easy and fun way to get around the island though the streets of Stone Town are for walking only.
Explore these Zanzibar Resources
Our Africa Safari Experts can help you plan the perfect Zanzibar trip, with beautiful beaches, rich history, and exciting experiences, all designed just for you.
Tanzania Adventure Tours & Zanzibar Holidays
Tanzania Safari Tours & Zanzibar Holidays
For an exotic African island experience with a difference, you can’t go wrong with a Zanzibar holiday. Tours to Zanzibar combine laid-back beach accommodation with plenty of activities and superb locations to offer a culturally-rich but super-relaxed vacation.
Many people choose a Zanzibar tour that combines the island’s best beaches with classic safari destinations – it really is the perfect end to a Kenya or Tanzania safari. Once in Zanzibar, remember to explore the Spice Island and its eclectic culture by including one of our day tours as part of your island itinerary.
Our selection of Zanzibar tours and holidays includes romantic retreats and honeymoon suites in quiet boutique hotels as well as family-friendly holidays at larger beach resorts and palatial villa accommodation, fit for a Zanzibari sultan!
Ready to Plan Your Zanzibar Vacation?
Our Africa Safari Experts can help you plan the perfect Zanzibar trip, with beautiful beaches, rich history, and exciting experiences, all designed just for you.
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