Absolute WildernessTravel & Tours
White sand beach and turquoise Indian Ocean waters in Zanzibar
The Spice Island

Zanzibar

White-sand beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean waters, and a UNESCO-listed Stone Town — the perfect extension to any Tanzania safari.

470 km
Coastline
1,000+ years
Stone Town Age
50+
Dive Sites
26–29°C
Water Temp
About Zanzibar

Where the Indian Ocean Meets Tanzania

Zanzibar is a world apart — an archipelago of coral islands off the coast of Tanzania, where the Indian Ocean laps against white-sand beaches fringed by turquoise water. The main island, Unguja, is home to the UNESCO-listed Stone Town: a labyrinth of carved wooden doors, coral architecture, and centuries of Swahili, Arab, and Portuguese history.

The island's spice heritage — cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla — earned it the name 'Spice Island'. Spice farm tours offer a sensory journey through Zanzibar's agricultural history, while the waters around the island are among the Indian Ocean's finest for diving, snorkelling, and sailing on traditional dhows.

Zanzibar is the perfect complement to a Tanzania safari — the contrast between the raw wilderness of the Serengeti and the languid beauty of Zanzibar's beaches is one of travel's great juxtapositions. Most visitors spend 3–5 nights on the island after their safari.

Stone Town Zanzibar historic architecture
· UNESCO World Heritage Site ·
Stone Town designated 2000 — one of East Africa's finest historic towns
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. The long dry season (June–October) is the most popular time to visit, but the island is beautiful year-round.

Jan
Short dry
Feb
Peak dry
Mar
Long rains
Apr
Long rains
May
Long rains
Jun
Long dry
Jul
Peak season
Aug
Peak season
Sep
Excellent
Oct
Good
Nov
Short rains
Dec
Short dry
Long Dry Season (Jun–Oct)
Best beach & diving conditions

The most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Clear skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling. Coincides with the peak safari season — ideal for a combined safari and beach trip.

Short Dry Season (Dec–Feb)
Warm, sunny & less crowded

The second dry season offers excellent conditions with fewer visitors than June–October. Water temperatures are at their warmest and the northeast trade winds make for perfect sailing conditions.

Shoulder Season (Nov, Mar–May)
Lower rates & lush landscapes

The wet seasons bring lower rates and fewer tourists. The long rains (March–May) can be heavy, but showers are often brief. The island is lush and green and the diving remains good.

Experiences

What to Do in Zanzibar

Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences beyond the beach — from diving with whale sharks to exploring the historic streets of Stone Town and sailing on traditional dhows at sunset.

Diving & Snorkelling
Stone Town Walking Tours
Spice Farm Tours
Dhow Sailing
Whale Shark Swimming
Dolphin Watching
Jozani Forest (Red Colobus)
Kite Surfing
Deep Sea Fishing
Sunset Cruises
Cooking Classes
Prison Island
Zanzibar pristine beachZanzibar turquoise watersSafari and Zanzibar combinationZanzibar archipelago
Common Questions

Zanzibar FAQ

Zanzibar is easily reached by short flight from Dar es Salaam (20 minutes) or Arusha (1 hour). Multiple airlines operate…

· zanzibar · frequently asked
Plan your safari

Zanzibar is easily reached by short flight from Dar es Salaam (20 minutes) or Arusha (1 hour). Multiple airlines operate daily scheduled flights. A high-speed ferry from Dar es Salaam takes approximately 2 hours and is a popular option for those who prefer the sea crossing.

We recommend 3–5 nights for a satisfying Zanzibar experience. This allows time to explore Stone Town, visit a spice farm, spend days on the beach, and do at least one diving or snorkelling excursion. Longer stays allow you to explore the island's different beaches and regions.

Zanzibar's beaches vary by season due to tidal patterns. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are the most popular — they have calm water year-round and a lively atmosphere. Paje on the east coast is the kite-surfing hub. The southeast coast (Bwejuu, Jambiani) is quieter and more traditional.

Zanzibar is generally safe for tourists. Stone Town requires the usual urban precautions — be aware of your belongings in crowded areas. The beach resorts are very safe. We recommend dressing modestly when visiting Stone Town out of respect for the predominantly Muslim culture.

Absolutely — this is the classic Tanzania combination. Most visitors spend 5–10 days on safari in the north or south, then fly to Zanzibar for 3–5 nights of beach relaxation. The contrast between the raw wilderness of the Serengeti and the beauty of Zanzibar's beaches is extraordinary.

Stone Town's highlights include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Slave Market memorial, the Darajani Market, and the narrow streets of the old quarter with their famous carved wooden doors. A guided walking tour is the best way to understand the town's layered history.

Combine With

Pair Zanzibar With

Ready to Go?

Plan Your Zanzibar Extension

We'll seamlessly connect your safari with a Zanzibar beach stay — flights, transfers, accommodation, and activities all arranged. Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest.