Zanzibar

1. Explore Historic Stone Town

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living tapestry of history and culture. Its winding alleyways and vibrant markets pulse with life, offering an immersive journey through centuries of Arabic, Persian, and African influences. Every corner tells a story, from the grand palaces and ancient mosques to the intricate wooden doorways that hint at its past as a thriving trading hub.

Wandering through Stone Town’s bustling streets is a feast for the senses. The air is filled with the aromas of exotic spices, the chatter of market vendors, and the soft hum of Swahili music.

Zanzibar travel tips: Join a guided walking tour for the best insights into the historical and cultural significance of this ancient city.

2. Powder-white Shores for the Ultimate Beachside Bliss

Zanzibar's beaches are among the most exquisite in East Africa, offering pristine, palm-fringed shores that invite endless relaxation. Stretching along the island's coastline, these white sand beaches are lapped by warm, azure waters, creating the perfect backdrop for sun-soaked days and serene escapes.

Whether you're looking to lounge beneath swaying palms or enjoy a romantic sunset stroll, Zanzibar's idyllic shores promise a tranquil paradise and is one of the many reasons why you should visit Zanzibar. For those seeking adventure, its crystal-clear waters offer a world of vibrant marine life, perfect for snorkelling, diving, or kitesurfing.

Insider Tip: Zanzibar's beaches cater to everyone – from romantic honeymooners to families seeking kid-friendly resorts and safe-swimming shores. The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season from June to October.

3. Experience Some of the Finest Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Zanzibar is truly the epitome of luxury, showcasing world-class beachfront resorts and secluded boutique hotels that cater to both romantic escapes and unforgettable family holidays. Whether you’re seeking an intimate honeymoon hideaway or an indulgent family retreat, Zanzibar accommodation promises an unparalleled experience of opulence and relaxation.

For couples, private villas on Mnemba Island and lavish spa treatments offer the perfect setting for romance and tranquillity. Families can enjoy luxurious resorts with child-friendly amenities, safe-swimming beaches, and cultural excursions that engage all ages. We know the best parts of Zanzibar to stay in.

4. Dive into an Underwater Wonderland

Zanzibar is a diver's paradise, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters teeming with diverse marine life. From colourful schools of tropical fish to graceful sea turtles and reef sharks, the underwater world here is a dream come true for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Popular dive sites like Mnemba Atoll and Leven Bank offer spectacular visibility and unique opportunities to explore coral gardens, wall dives, and shipwrecks.

The island's warm waters create ideal conditions year-round, making it an inviting destination for both beginners and seasoned divers. Many dive operators provide certified courses for beginners, while experienced divers can enjoy more challenging sites with deeper depths and thrilling currents. Whether you’re floating above shallow reefs or exploring the depths, Zanzibar's marine world is guaranteed to impress.

Know When to Go: Zanzibar's diving season is year-round, but the best conditions are between June and October.

5. Combine Zanzibar with a Tanzania Safari

Easily accessible via a short flight from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar is the ideal complement to Tanzania's top safari destinations. After an exhilarating adventure in the Serengeti or a visit to the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, a Zanzibar vacation offers a serene escape where you can unwind on pristine beaches and soak in the island's tranquil atmosphere. Its proximity and direct connections make the transition from the wild savannah to the peaceful coastline seamless and hassle-free.

Zanzibar's ‘Other' Islands

Some of the best places to go in Zanzibar take you even further into the African island experience. The Zanzibar Archipelago is dotted with spots that have never made it onto the global map – we love sharing these secret treasures with clients who enjoy an authentic and laidback beach vacation.

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.

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.

Chumbe: exceptional diving & snorkelling 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.

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.

Visiting Zanzibar between January & July

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.

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

For flight schedules, fares and booking terms, check directly with the airline or your chosen travel agent.

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.

Can I use My credit card on the island?

While major luxury resorts and high-end boutiques in Stone Town accept credit cards (MasterCard and Visa are most common), Zanzibar is still very much a cash-based economy. Local markets, small cafes, and souvenir stalls will require Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars. We recommend carrying a mix of both; however, ensure your US Dollar notes are printed after 2006, as older notes are rarely accepted due to fraud concerns.

What about the tides? Can I swim all day?

Zanzibar experiences a very dramatic tidal range, especially on the East Coast. At low tide, the ocean can recede for hundreds of meters, revealing fascinating coral flats and seaweed farms, great for exploring on foot, but not for swimming. If you are looking for all-day swimming regardless of the tide, we recommend the North Coast (Nungwi and Kendwa), where the shelf is steeper. Otherwise, simply time your dips for high tide – it's a wonderful rhythm to live by!

Do I need to stay in Stone Town or at a beach resort?

To truly experience the soul of the island, we recommend a ‘best of both worlds’ approach. Stone Town is a sensory explosion of history, spice markets, and ancient architecture - ideal for a 1 or 2-night culture fix. Following that, head to one of the secluded beach resorts for 4 to 5 nights of pure relaxation. Your Safari Expert can arrange a seamless transfer across the island, which takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

What should I wear when I'm not on the beach?

Zanzibar is a conservative, predominantly Muslim society, and dressing respectfully is highly appreciated by the locals. While swimwear and shorts are perfectly fine at your resort or on the beach, you should cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Stone Town or local villages. A lightweight linen shirt or a sarong (locally known as a kanga) is a versatile must-pack item that keeps you cool while staying culturally appropriate.

Is Zanzibar a good destination for a honeymoon?

Zanzibar is arguably one of the most romantic destinations on Earth. From staying in a desert island lodge to enjoying a private sunset cruise on a traditional wooden dhow, the island specializes in intimacy. Many of our recommended resorts offer exclusive honeymoon perks, such as starlit beach dinners, couple’s spice-infused spa treatments, and private plunge pools overlooking the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Is Zanzibar safe at night?

Zanzibar is generally a very safe and friendly destination. However, like any tourist hub, it pays to be travel smart. In Stone Town, the narrow, winding alleys can be disorienting after dark; we recommend staying in well-lit areas or asking your hotel to arrange a trusted taxi. On the beaches, it is safe to walk within your resort's grounds, but we advise against long walks on deserted stretches of beach late at night.

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Zanzibar Holidays: What Are Your Options?

Zanzibar offers a wide range of experiences and places to stay, making it suitable for an array of travel preferences and budgets. The cost of a Zanzibar holiday depends on factors like your chosen activities, choice of accommodation, whether you're looking for a private getaway or a more social group experience, and the time of year you travel.

Where you choose to go will also influence your overall costs. While some destinations are easy to reach, others, especially smaller or more secluded islands, may require extra logistics such as boat transfers, which can add to your budget. Combining multiple destinations in Zanzibar, like Stone Town and one of the northern beaches, is a great way to experience the island's diversity, though it may also affect travel time and cost.

How Much Does a Holiday Cost in Zanzibar?

As with any holiday, what you choose to do, and where you go will impact the general cost of your holiday. The below table breaks down costs for Zanzibar holidays calculated per person per night sharing in both low and high season:

Please note: all the costs are guidelines only and an average for per person, per night, sharing a room in High and Low Season. They exclude international flights, visas and optional activities. Note that conservation fees, levies and permits are all subject to change. Peak or High Season generally runs over Christmas and New Year, and from about July to October.

Zanzibar Accommodation & Associated Costs

Zanzibar accommodation offers a wide variety of options with something to suit every travel style. You'll find everything from relaxed beachfront resorts and well-appointed hotels to intimate lodges with views over the ocean. For travellers looking for a more local feel, there are also welcoming guesthouses and coastal bungalows where you can enjoy the island's warm hospitality and laid-back pace.

Zanzibar Accommodation Prices

Please note: the above table contains pricing guidelines based on per person per night sharing basis during both high and low season.

How Does The Time Of Year Affect The Cost Of A Zanzibar Holiday?

The best time to visit Zanzibar depends on the kind of experience you’re after. If you’re interested in avoiding the crowds and taking advantage of lower prices, the shoulder months of March and November can be a great option, though occasional short showers may occur. The rainy season, from mid-March to May, is generally best avoided, as heavy downpours can affect travel, and some resorts may close during this period. However, for adventurous travellers, this off-peak time offers a more peaceful and budget-friendly way to explore the island.

Additional Costs

It's important to note that ‘all-inclusive' packages may not be as comprehensive as you first expect. In Africa, and on holidays, that can mean a range of things and it's always worth clarifying what is not included. One of the first things to do is consult our blog on visa free African countries for US citizens as that may tick off one of the boxes regarding associated costs already. What possible additional costs could you come across? Have a look at our list below:

Ready to Visit Zanzibar?

Plan a Zanzibar vacation tailored to your needs with one of our Africa Safari Experts. Backed by years of experience crafting custom itineraries and deep on-the-ground knowledge. We'll help you choose the right places to go in Zanzibar, the best time to travel, and the type of accommodation and activities that suit your style.

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