Zanzibar Holiday: Beaches, Safari & Swahili Culture, Tailor-Made for You
White sand, warm turquoise water, spice farms and centuries of Swahili history — Zanzibar is the perfect finish to a Tanzania safari, or a dream escape all on its own. We design every Zanzibar holiday around you.
Where the safari ends
Safari Dust Meets Ocean Breeze
Zanzibar sits just off Tanzania’s coast — a short flight from Arusha, Kilimanjaro or the Serengeti. That makes it the easiest, most rewarding way to end a Tanzania safari: swap dusty game-drive tracks for a beach lodge, a dhow sunset cruise and a plate of fresh grilled octopus.
Prefer a beach-only trip? Zanzibar stands entirely on its own — a full week of Stone Town history, spice farms, snorkeling and island-hopping needs no safari at all.
Sample itineraries
Zanzibar Holiday & Safari + Zanzibar Packages
A starting point for your trip — every itinerary below is fully customisable in length, pace and accommodation.
6 Days Zanzibar Beach & Stone Town
- Guided Stone Town heritage walk
- Spice farm tour & tasting
- 3 nights north-coast beach lodge
10 Days Zanzibar Honeymoon Escape
- Boutique beachfront villa
- Private sunset dhow cruise
- Mnemba Atoll snorkeling trip
11 Days Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar
- Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
- 5 nights unwind on Zanzibar's beaches
- Private 4x4 vehicle & guide
8 Days Family Zanzibar Beach Holiday
- Family-friendly resort, kids club option
- Safe swimming lagoon & watersports
- Jozani Forest monkey walk
12-Day Honeymoon Safari & Zanzibar
- Timed for wildebeest river crossings
- Northern & Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 9 nights beach recovery on Zanzibar
6 Days Pemba or Mafia Island Escape
- World-class diving & whale sharks
- Mangrove kayaking & clove plantations
- Few crowds, small eco-lodges
The Spice Islands
What Is a Zanzibar Vacation, Really?
Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, made up of the main island Unguja (what most people mean by “Zanzibar”), plus Pemba and Mafia Island and a scatter of smaller islets. For centuries this was the heart of the East African spice trade, and today cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla still grow on plantations across the island.
Split your days between two very different worlds: the labyrinth streets, carved doors and rooftop restaurants of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the barefoot, palm-fringed beach villages that ring the coastline.
25+ beaches, four very different coasts
Zanzibar Beaches: North, East, Southeast or Southwest?
Zanzibar’s coastline changes character as you move around the island. Here’s how to choose where to stay.
North — Nungwi & Kendwa
No tidal swings, so the water stays swimmable all day. The liveliest part of the island, with the widest choice of restaurants and sunset spots.
East — Matemwe & Kiwengwa
A long coral reef runs just offshore — excellent for snorkeling, diving and kitesurfing. Beaches are tidal, so plan swims around the tide table.
Southeast — Paje, Jambiani & Bwejuu
Wide, soft sand and steady wind make this Zanzibar’s kitesurfing capital. Sleepy fishing villages keep the pace laid-back and authentic.
Southwest — Stone Town & Kizimkazi
Fewer beach resorts but the cultural heart of the island. Swim with dolphins at Kizimkazi, dive Menai Bay, and stay close to Stone Town.
Beyond the beach
Best Things to Do on a Zanzibar Holiday
Zanzibar is far more than sun loungers. These are the excursions our travelers rate most highly.
Stone Town walking tour
Wander the old Sultan's Palace, House of Wonders and the old slave market with a local guide.
Spice farm tour
Taste cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and pepper straight from the plant.
Safari Blue dhow cruise
Sail a traditional dhow to sandbanks and reefs for snorkeling and a fresh seafood barbecue.
Mnemba Atoll snorkeling
One of East Africa's best reefs — turtles, rays and vivid coral in shallow, clear water.
Jozani Forest
Walk Zanzibar's last indigenous forest and spot the rare, endemic red colobus monkey.
Prison Island (Changuu)
A short boat ride to giant Aldabra tortoises, calm snorkeling water and old prison ruins.
Kite & windsurfing
Steady side-shore winds make Paje and Kiwengwa two of Africa's top kitesurfing destinations.
Swim with dolphins, Kizimkazi
Early-morning boat trips to spot resident pods of humpback and bottlenose dolphins.
Chumbe Island Coral Park
The world's first private marine park — a pristine reef with a handful of eco-bungalows.
Planning your dates
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a year-round destination thanks to its tropical climate, but two dry windows — June to October and December to February — are the most popular for reliable sunshine.
The “green season” (March–May, and November) brings short afternoon showers that rarely last more than half an hour, and lodge rates drop considerably.
| Months | Season | Avg. temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun – Oct | Dry | 24–27°C | Cooler, breezy — best for kitesurfing |
| Dec – Feb | Dry | 28–30°C | Hot & sunny, busy Christmas/New Year |
| Mar – May | Green season | 27–29°C | Short rain showers, lowest prices |
| Nov | Short rains | 28°C | Brief showers, good value, quiet beaches |
Good to know
Zanzibar Travel Requirements & FAQs
Traveler reviews
What Guests Say About Their Zanzibar Holiday
We can say with full conviction: The trip with Ubuntu Safaris was one of the most beautiful and impressive experiences of our lives. From the very first contact until the trip home, everything was perfectly organized and thought out down to the smallest…….
This was hands down one of the most incredible trips of my life ✨ Eliwa is an exceptional guide. Knowledgeable, passionate, and deeply respectful of the animals. Thanks to him, I saw cheetahs, lions, leopards, and their cubs, my absolute favorites 🧡🦁…..
We particularly enjoyed our experience with Unbuntu Safari. We booked 3 days of safari (Tanranguire, Manyara and Ngongonro) followed by a day of hiking at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Everything was perfectly organized and had nothing to do…….
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Let's Build Your Zanzibar Holiday
Tell us your travel dates and style — beach-only, safari combo, honeymoon or family trip — and we’ll send a free, tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.