Zanzibar
White-sand beaches, turquoise water and the historic streets of Stone Town: the perfect end to a safari.
- Location
- Indian Ocean, off mainland Tanzania
- Best time
- Jun–Oct & Dec–Feb
- Known for
- Beaches & Stone Town
- From Arusha
- About 1.5 hours by air
Discover Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the ultimate place to relax after a safari. Just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, the island of Unguja, commonly called Zanzibar, combines powder-white beaches and warm turquoise water with a rich Swahili culture shaped by centuries of trade between Africa, Arabia, India and Europe. Its historic capital, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beaches for Every Style
Each coast has its own character. The north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, has beaches where you can swim at most states of the tide and spectacular sunsets. The east coast, from Matemwe to Paje, is known for its wide lagoons, dramatic tides and kitesurfing, while the south-east offers quieter, secluded stretches of sand. We match the beach and hotel to the way you like to travel, from barefoot boutique hideaways to luxury resorts.
Stone Town, Spices and the Sea
Wander the narrow alleys of Stone Town, with their carved wooden doors, bustling markets and historic buildings, and visit a spice farm to learn why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. At sea, snorkel or dive around Mnemba Atoll, sail on a traditional dhow at sunset, and in the Jozani Forest meet the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
Getting There
Zanzibar is about an hour and a half by air from Arusha and the Serengeti, which makes it easy to fly straight from your safari to the beach. It can also be reached by ferry from Dar es Salaam.
Why Go
Highlights of Zanzibar
- White-sand beachesFrom lively Nungwi to the quiet lagoons of the east coast.
- Stone TownA UNESCO World Heritage Site of winding alleys, markets and carved doors.
- Spice toursDiscover cloves, nutmeg and vanilla on the island known as the Spice Island.
- Mnemba AtollSnorkelling and diving among coral reefs, turtles and dolphins.
- Jozani ForestHome to the rare, endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
- Sunset dhow cruisesSail on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun sets over the ocean.
Signature Journeys
Zanzibar Safaris
Good to Know
Zanzibar FAQs
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar? +
The best time is during the dry seasons, from June to October and from December to February. The long rains from April to May bring heavier showers, although many travellers still enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.
How many nights should I spend in Zanzibar after a safari? +
We recommend four to seven nights. It is enough time to relax on the beach, explore Stone Town and enjoy a snorkelling or dhow trip.
How do I get from the Serengeti to Zanzibar? +
Scheduled flights connect Arusha and the Serengeti airstrips to Zanzibar, taking about one and a half hours from Arusha. We arrange all flights and transfers for you.
Which part of Zanzibar has the best beaches? +
The north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, is best for swimming at all tides and sunsets. The east coast is quieter, with wide tidal lagoons, while Paje is ideal for kitesurfing.
Keep Exploring
More Tanzania Destinations
Plan Your Zanzibar Safari
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