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Tanzania · Islands
Zanzibar
Spice farms, Stone Town alleys and white Indian Ocean beaches, the perfect finish to a Tanzania safari.
Location
Indian Ocean, Tanzania
Stone Town
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Four to seven nights
The island
The Spice Island
Zanzibar is an archipelago about 35 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Its main island, Unguja, is home to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of coral-stone houses, carved doors, markets and mosques shaped by Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences.
Beyond the town, spice farms grow cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, Jozani Forest protects the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, and the coast is lined with white beaches. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north have calm water at all tides, while the east coast is known for its wide lagoons and kitesurfing.
Zanzibar is the classic way to end a safari in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, and can also follow a Kenya trip via Diani Beach or Nairobi.
Places your guide will show you
Stone TownNungwiKendwaPajeJozani ForestMnemba Atoll
Spice Island
Cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon farms
Marine life
Life around the island
Coral reefs and warm water surround Zanzibar. Sightings vary with the season and conditions.
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01
Dolphins
Often seen on boat trips off the south and north coasts.
02
Sea turtles
Feed around the reefs and nest on quieter beaches.
03
Coral reefs
Mnemba Atoll offers some of Zanzibar’s best snorkelling.
04
Reef fish
Divers find colourful shoals on the outer reefs.
05
Starfish
Rest in the shallow lagoons at low tide.
Experiences
Things to do in Zanzibar
Mix culture, food and beach time on Tanzania’s favourite island.
Stone Town walk
Explore alleys, markets and historic buildings with a local guide.
Spice farm tour
Smell and taste the spices that made Zanzibar famous.
Northern beaches
Swim at Nungwi and Kendwa, where the tide stays high.
Dhow sunset cruise
Sail along the coast on a traditional dhow.
Snorkelling at Mnemba
Clear water and reefs off the north-east coast.
Forodhani food market
Evening street food on the Stone Town waterfront.
When to visit
The best time for Zanzibar
Zanzibar is warm all year. The dry months fit perfectly after a mid-year safari.
Jan – Feb
Hot and dry
Warm seas and sunshine, ideal for beach time.
Mar – May
Long rains
Heavy showers and humidity. Some hotels close.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Cool and dry
Comfortable temperatures and clear water. The peak season.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Brief showers, then busy festive weeks.
Getting there
Reaching Zanzibar
By air
Flights from Arusha or the Serengeti take about an hour, and direct flights connect with Nairobi.
By ferry
Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take around two hours.
After a safari
Fly straight from the parks to the beach for a relaxing finish.
Where to stay
Boutique hotels and beach resorts
01
Stone Town
Restored historic hotels within walking distance of the sights.
02
North coast
Beach resorts at Nungwi and Kendwa with calm swimming.
03
East coast
Relaxed lodges on the lagoons of Paje and Michamvi.
Some activities, such as Jozani Forest and marine park trips, charge entry fees. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Safaris with a Zanzibar finish
Tanzania safaris that can end with beach time on Zanzibar. Ask us to add island nights to any trip.
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- 11 Days 10 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 14 Days 13 Nights
Good to know
Zanzibar FAQs
Where is Zanzibar?
In the Indian Ocean about 35 km off mainland Tanzania. Unguja is the main island.
How do I get to Zanzibar after a safari?
Fly from Arusha or the Serengeti airstrips in about an hour, or take a ferry from Dar es Salaam.
How many days do you need in Zanzibar?
Four to seven nights gives time for Stone Town and a relaxed beach stay.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October and December to February, the drier seasons.
What is Stone Town?
The historic heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its architecture and markets.
Which beach area is best?
Nungwi and Kendwa for swimming at all tides, the east coast for quieter lagoons and kitesurfing.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Zanzibar and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Plan your Zanzibar escape
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Zanzibar itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
