Stone Town
The historic heart: the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Forodhani night food market and rooftop sunsets.
The Spice Islands
Zanzibar
A turquoise paradise steeped in history. From the winding alleys of Stone Town to the pristine white sands of the northern shores, Zanzibar is the perfect post-safari retreat.
- Type
- Island archipelago
- Region
- Indian Ocean coast
- Best months
- Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct, Dec
- Known for
- White-sand beaches, Stone Town
Overview
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar offers the ultimate barefoot luxury to conclude a dusty safari. It seamlessly blends rich Swahili history, fragrant spice farms, and some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs.
Zanzibar is the natural way to end a safari: a short flight from the parks to warm Indian Ocean water, white sand and a slower pace. The archipelago is made up of Unguja, usually called Zanzibar, Pemba and many smaller islands.
Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar City, reflects centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influence in its carved doors, coral-stone houses, markets and narrow lanes, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond the beaches you can visit spice farms, snorkel or dive on coral reefs around Mnemba Atoll, sail on a traditional dhow at sunset, and see the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey in Jozani forest.
Known for
- White-sand beaches
- Stone Town
- Spice farms
- Reefs and dhow sailing
At a glance
- Type
- Island archipelago
- Region
- Indian Ocean coast
- Size
- Unguja (the main island) is about 85 km long
- UNESCO
- Stone Town has been a World Heritage Site since 2000
- Best months
- Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct, Dec
- By road
- Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take about 2 hours.
- By air
- Short flights connect Zanzibar with Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and the Serengeti, plus direct international flights.
Inside the park
Areas of Zanzibar
Where you stay and explore shapes what you see. These are the main areas we plan around.
The north (Nungwi & Kendwa)
Beaches where swimming is good at most tides, with lively sunsets.
The north-east (Matemwe & Mnemba)
Quiet beaches facing Mnemba Atoll, the island’s best snorkelling and diving.
The east & south (Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi)
Wide tidal lagoons known for kitesurfing and seaweed farms; the sea pulls out far at low tide.
Wildlife
What you can see in Zanzibar
Red colobus monkeys in Jozani forest, dolphins, turtles and colourful reef life.
On land
- Zanzibar red colobus
- Sykes’ monkey
- Aldabra giant tortoises (Prison Island)
In the sea
- Green turtle
- Bottlenose & spinner dolphins
- Reef fish
- Starfish
When to go
The best time to visit Zanzibar
June to October and December to February, aligning perfectly with the primary safari seasons.
- JanPeak
- FebPeak
- MarGood
- AprQuieter / wet
- MayQuieter / wet
- JunPeak
- JulPeak
- AugPeak
- SepPeak
- OctPeak
- NovGood
- DecPeak
Dry & warm
Sunny, breezy and less humid. Ideal beach weather.
Hot season
Hot, calm and clear; excellent for diving and snorkelling.
Long rains
Heavy downpours and some hotel closures, but very low prices.
Getting there
Travel and access
Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take about 2 hours.
Short flights connect Zanzibar with Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and the Serengeti, plus direct international flights.
Things to do
Activities
- Stone Town walking tour
- Spice farm visit
- Snorkelling or diving at Mnemba Atoll
- Sunset dhow cruise
- Jozani forest walk
- Kitesurfing in Paje
Where to stay
Camps and lodges
We match each stay to your budget and the season, from classic tented camps to luxury lodges.
Boutique Stone Town hotels
Restored merchant houses for one or two nights of history and food.
Beach resorts & villas
From barefoot boutique lodges to private villas along the north and east coasts.
A day here
Wake up to the sounds of dhow sails snapping in the Indian Ocean breeze. Spend your days snorkeling vibrant reefs, wandering through the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, and dining on fresh seafood under the stars.
Our travel tips
- Choose your beach by tide: the east coast lagoons empty at low tide, while the north is good for swimming at most times.
- Zanzibar is largely Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages.
- One night in Stone Town plus three or four on the beach is a well-balanced end to a safari.
Itineraries
Safaris that visit Zanzibar
Each one is a starting point we tailor to your dates, pace and budget.
Safari + Beach8-Day Safari & Zanzibar Escape
A perfect combination of safari adventure and Indian Ocean relaxation.
8 Days / 7 Nights · View itinerary →
Ultimate Luxury12-Day Ultimate Tanzania Safari
The ultimate Tanzania journey combining wilderness and beach.
12 Days / 11 Nights · View itinerary →
Expedition Journey14-Day Grand Tanzania Expedition
The most complete Tanzania experience covering north, south, and coast.
14 Days / 13 Nights · View itinerary →The Photographic Journal
The Spirit of Zanzibar.
Questions
Zanzibar: frequently asked questions
Zanzibar questions
Combine with
Pairs well with Zanzibar
Plan your Zanzibar safari
Tell us your dates and interests. A safari designer replies within 24 hours with ideas and prices.