Zanzibar is a tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, and the perfect place to relax after a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb. Its white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs are among the most beautiful in East Africa.
The historic heart of Zanzibar City, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, bustling markets and Swahili, Arab and Indian architecture. Spice farm tours show why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island.
Fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) direct from abroad, or on short domestic flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Dar es Salaam.
Fast ferries run several times a day from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town and take about two hours.
Explore the UNESCO-listed old town's narrow alleys, carved doors, markets, the Old Fort and the House of Wonders with a local guide.
Visit a spice plantation to see, smell and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and tropical fruit, and learn why Zanzibar is called the Spice Island.
Swim among coral, turtles and tropical fish around Mnemba Atoll and the reefs off the north and east coasts.
Sail on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Walk through Zanzibar's only national park to see the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey and the mangrove boardwalk.
Unwind on the white sand beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje or Jambiani after your safari or climb.
Sunny, dry and slightly cooler weather, ideal for beaches, snorkelling and exploring Stone Town.
Hot and humid with calm seas, excellent for diving and beach holidays.
The long rains from March to May bring heavy showers and some hotels close; November has short, lighter rains.
Popular experience in the Serengeti National Park
Popular experience in the Serengeti National Park
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, Zanzibar
Best time: January, February, March, December
Destinations: Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Lake Manyara, Materuni Waterfalls, Mkomazi, Tarangire
Best time: All year round
Destinations: Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire
Popular experience in the Serengeti National Park
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so a Tanzanian visa covers your stay on the island. Most nationalities can apply for an e-visa online in advance or get a visa on arrival. We recommend applying ahead to avoid queues. Please check the latest requirements for your nationality before travelling, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
Three to five days is ideal after a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb. That gives you time to explore Stone Town, take a spice tour, snorkel or dive, and still have a few lazy days on the beach. If you want a true beach holiday, a week or more lets you fully unwind.
It depends on what you want. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have little tidal variation, so you can swim all day, and they're famous for their sunsets. Paje and Jambiani on the east coast have wide tidal lagoons and are popular for kitesurfing. The north-east around Kiwengwa and Matemwe is quieter, with easy access to Mnemba Atoll for snorkelling and diving.
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, so it's respectful to cover your shoulders and knees when walking around Stone Town and local villages. Light, loose cotton clothing is comfortable in the heat. Swimwear is perfectly fine on the beaches and at hotels. During Ramadan, avoid eating and drinking in public during the day.
Short domestic flights connect Zanzibar with Arusha, Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Dar es Salaam, making it easy to fly straight from your safari to the beach. Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town run several times a day and take about two hours. We arrange all transfers as part of your itinerary.
