Why Add Zanzibar to Your Safari Trip?
Zanzibar is the perfect complement to a Tanzania safari — white-sand beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean waters, UNESCO World Heritage architecture, and a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultures. After days of early-morning game drives and bumpy safari roads, sinking your toes into warm sand and hearing nothing but gentle waves is pure bliss.
Getting to Zanzibar
- From Arusha/Kilimanjaro: 1-hour direct flight. Multiple daily departures.
- From Dar es Salaam: 20-minute flight or 2-hour ferry (we recommend flying — the ferries can be rough and crowded).
- From the Serengeti: Connecting flights via Arusha or Dar. Can be done in a single travel day.
Where to Stay
North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa)
The most popular beaches for swimming at any tide (the east coast has dramatic tidal swings). Lively atmosphere with beach bars, restaurants, and watersports. Best for: social travelers, couples, nightlife.
East Coast (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe)
Stunning turquoise shallows with dramatic tidal changes. Paje is the kite-surfing capital of East Africa. Quieter and more authentic than the north. Best for: kite surfers, photographers, travelers seeking tranquility.
Stone Town
The UNESCO World Heritage old town. Winding alleys, ornate carved doors, rooftop restaurants, and fascinating museums. Best for: culture lovers, history enthusiasts, food adventurers. Stay 1–2 nights here even if your main base is a beach resort.
Top Things to Do
- Stone Town walking tour: Explore the labyrinthine old town — House of Wonders, Palace Museum, Forodhani Gardens night food market, spice bazaars, and the haunting history of the slave trade at the Anglican Cathedral.
- Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll: World-class coral reef with sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish. Half-day boat trip from the north or east coast.
- Spice tour: Visit working plantations growing cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and black pepper. Taste fresh spices and tropical fruits. Zanzibar's history as the "Spice Island" comes alive.
- Sunset dhow cruise: Sail on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Often includes seafood dinner on board.
- Jozani Forest: Home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey — found nowhere else on Earth. A 45-minute walk through mangrove and coral-rag forest.
- Prison Island: A short boat ride from Stone Town. Giant Aldabra tortoises (some over 100 years old) and good snorkeling.
- Scuba diving: Zanzibar has excellent dive sites for all levels. Whale sharks pass through October–March.
Best Time to Visit
- June–October: Dry, warm, perfect beach weather. Peak season.
- December–March: Hot and humid but sunny. Good for diving (whale shark season). Holiday season prices.
- November: Short rains — occasional showers but mostly sunny. Good value.
- April–May: Heavy rain. Not recommended for beach holidays.
Practical Tips
- Dress modestly in Stone Town. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees when walking in town (beach resorts are fine for swimwear).
- Negotiate prices. Taxis, tours, and market purchases expect bargaining. Agree on prices before committing.
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling, but USD widely accepted at hotels and tour operators. ATMs available in Stone Town.
- Malaria: Present on Zanzibar. Continue taking prophylactics and use insect repellent, especially at dusk.
Plan Your Safari + Zanzibar Trip
We design seamless safari-to-Zanzibar itineraries with coordinated flights, airport transfers, and handpicked beach accommodation. Request your custom quote and tell us how many beach days you'd like — we'll handle every detail.
