Tanzania's Spice Island
White sand, turquoise water, and centuries of Swahili history — the perfect finale to any Tanzania safari.
Introduction to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off Tanzania's coast, best known for the white sand and turquoise water of its east-coast beaches and the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, a maze of narrow streets shaped by centuries of Swahili, Omani, and Persian trade. Spice plantation tours, historic dhow harbours, and a laid-back island pace make it the classic finale to a mainland safari — reachable by a short flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro, or by ferry from Dar es Salaam.
Finding Zanzibar
Zanzibar sits around 25km off Tanzania's coast in the Indian Ocean, and is easiest reached by a short flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, or a roughly two-hour ferry from Dar es Salaam.
Zanzibar Beach Packages
Whether you want a quiet week on the east coast or a few days combining Stone Town with the beach, we build Zanzibar packages to fit seamlessly onto the end of a mainland safari.
Why Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar delivers everything a safari doesn't — postcard beaches, a UNESCO-listed old town, and a slower island pace that makes it the classic way to end a Tanzania trip.
White sand and turquoise water line Zanzibar's east and north coasts, among the most photographed beaches in East Africa.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by centuries of Swahili, Omani, and Persian trade, with narrow streets, carved doors, and bustling markets.
Clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon plantations once made Zanzibar a global spice trading hub — a history still very much alive on a plantation tour.
Beyond the Beach
Zanzibar isn't known for big game, but Jozani Forest protects the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on Earth, while dolphin tours run from several coastal villages.
Jozani Forest protects the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, a species found nowhere else on Earth.
Boat tours from villages such as Kizimkazi offer the chance to see pods of dolphins in the waters off the southern coast.
Timing Your Visit
Zanzibar's tropical climate has clear high and low seasons — dry, sunny stretches for the beach, and a quieter, cheaper rainy season for those who don't mind the odd shower.
Zanzibar's Best All-Round Weather
Lower humidity, reliable sunshine, and comfortable temperatures make this the most popular stretch of the year for beach time, snorkelling, and exploring Stone Town.
Peak Season Around the Holidays
Hotter and more humid than the mid-year dry season, this period is still reliably dry and coincides with a lively festive atmosphere around Christmas and New Year.
Quiet, Cheap, and Wet
Zanzibar's heaviest rains fall between March and May — many hotels drop their rates significantly, rewarding travellers willing to work around the odd downpour.
Brief Showers, Good Value
Short, often afternoon-only showers make November a reasonable value option, with the island still very much open for business.
The Zanzibar Experience
A great Zanzibar trip mixes time on the sand with a spice plantation tour and a walk through Stone Town's centuries-old streets.
Guided walks through working plantations to see, smell, and taste the spices that made Zanzibar famous.
Explore centuries-old architecture, markets, and historic sites on foot with a knowledgeable local guide.
Coral reefs around Mnemba Atoll and beyond offer some of the best snorkelling and diving on the East African coast.
Getting to Zanzibar
Most travellers fly in — a short hop from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Dar es Salaam — though a scenic ferry from Dar es Salaam is also a popular option.
A short flight of around 20 minutes connects Zanzibar to Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Dar es Salaam.
A roughly two-hour ferry from Dar es Salaam is a popular, scenic alternative to flying.
What Our Clients Say
Where to Stay
From boutique guesthouses in Stone Town to beachfront resorts on the east coast, Zanzibar offers one of the widest ranges of accommodation styles anywhere in Tanzania.
Practical Advice
A few local customs and practical notes will help your island stay go smoothly.
Dress modestly in Stone Town and villages out of respect for local customs.
Book east-coast beaches for the most reliable swimming — tides affect some west-coast beaches more heavily.
Try the street food at Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town.
Book spice tours in advance during peak season.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the surrounding coral reefs.
Be aware of Ramadan customs if travelling during that period, particularly around eating and drinking in public.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday FAQs
What travellers most often ask us before visiting Zanzibar.
Start Planning Your Journey
Ready for beach time after your safari? Tell us your dates and we'll build the perfect Zanzibar finale.
Use our quick trip planner to tell us your dates, group size, and budget — we'll take it from there.
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