Zanzibar
Zanzibar
Zanzibar • Image 2
Zanzibar • Image 3
Zanzibar • Image 4Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Tanzania
Hot and humid all year, with daytime highs around 30 degrees Celsius
Year-round travel
Zanzibar red colobus monkeys
7 key species listed
4 to 7 Nights
Tailored itinerary
June to October is the driest and coolest period and the easiest for beach days
High & Green seasons
About Zanzibar & Destination Guide
Zanzibar is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of mainland Tanzania. The main island, Unguja, is usually just called Zanzibar, and it is where we work. Pemba, the second island, is a quieter add-on. Zanzibar suits couples, families and groups who want warm sea, white sand and some history in the same week, and it works as the beach end of a safari trip.
A normal day starts with breakfast near the sea, then a morning outing: a boat trip to see dolphins or snorkel, a walk through the old streets of Stone Town, or a visit to a spice farm. The afternoon is for the beach. Evenings are for grilled seafood, sunset cruises and music.
The coast you choose changes the holiday. The north (Nungwi and Kendwa) has water you can swim in at any tide. The east (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe, Michamvi) has tides that pull the sea far out at low water, which is good for kite surfing and walking the flats but not for a swim at every hour. The long rains fall from March to May, and some months bring seaweed to parts of the east coast.
We run airport transfers, day tours and beach trips from Zanzibar airport, and we combine the island with Tanzania safaris. Pick your beach area below, then check the transfer and the tours that start there.
Places to Explore in Zanzibar
Explore individual beaches, towns, and sectors within Zanzibar:
Kendwa is the beach just south of Nungwi, known for soft white sand, clear water and strong sunsets.
Matemwe is a quiet beach on the north-east coast and a good base for boat trips to Mnemba.
Nungwi is at the northern tip of Zanzibar and is one of the island's most popular beaches.
Paje is on the south-east coast and is Zanzibar's kite surfing beach.
Pemba is Zanzibar's second main island, north of Unguja. It suits divers and travellers who want a quieter island with green hills and clove...
Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting Here, Transport & Climate
Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), or take the fast ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town. Pre-book a transfer so your driver waits at arrivals. See the airport transfer page for your beach and the arrival guide.
Private air-conditioned road transfers and scheduled ferry services connect all coastal resorts, towns, and beaches with full luggage assistance.
exploreZanzibar Interactive Map & Terrain
Explore the geographic coordinates, boundaries, local airstrips, and surrounding wilderness circuits of Zanzibar.
Weather, Climate & Seasonal Advice
June to October is the driest and coolest period and the easiest for beach days. December to February is hot with warm sea. March to May is the wettest. Dolphin trips run all year; go early in the morning.
Hot and humid all year, with daytime highs around 30 degrees Celsius. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November. June to October is cooler and drier. Nights are warm, so you rarely need more than a light layer.
Highlights & Wildlife in Zanzibar
petsKey Wildlife & Marine Species
Signature Highlights
Stone Town: UNESCO World Heritage Site with carved doors and markets
Nungwi and Kendwa: north coast beaches that stay swimmable at all tides
Paje: the kite surfing beach on the east coast
Jozani Forest: home of the Zanzibar red colobus monkey
Mnemba Atoll: snorkelling, diving and dolphin trips
Prison Island: giant tortoises a short boat ride from Stone Town
Forodhani Gardens: the evening street food market
Spice farms: cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg growing on the island
Activities & Things to Do in Zanzibar
Deep Sea Fishing
You go out early with local fishermen and a crew, past the reef into deeper water, and fish with traditional and modern methods. You are back at the beach by lunchtime, and many guests ask the crew to prepare part of the catch. Catches are never guaranteed, and the sea can be rough. This trip suits guests who are comfortable on a small boat for several hours.
Snorkelling Adventure
A boat takes you to several reef spots where a guide helps you into the water with a mask and fins. You float over coral and reef fish, with time in between to rest on the boat. Choose this trip if you want more than one snorkelling stop. If you want the best known reef, look at Mnemba, and for turtles look at Nungwi.
Sea Kayak Adventure
You paddle with a guide through mangrove channels and along the coast, with stops for snorkelling. The pace is easy, and you can rest on the water when you like. You need to be comfortable in the sea and able to paddle for an hour or more. Tides change the route, so the guide decides where you go.
Jet Ski Safari
You ride a jet ski in a line behind a guide along the coast, with scenic stops and a swim. A safety briefing comes first, and you wear a life vest the whole time. Jet skis are fast and need care. Only the guide chooses the route, and age and licence rules apply.
Parasailing Adventure
A boat tows you in a parasail high above the sea for views of the coast. You can fly alone or as a tandem pair. A crew member fits the harness and explains the launch and landing. The flight itself is short, and the trip depends on wind and sea conditions. Weight and age limits apply.
Local Village Experience
You visit a village with a local guide and spend time with a family, take part in simple cooking and walk through the lanes, fields and the shore. You see how people farm, fish and cook, and you eat together. Ask before taking photos of people, and dress modestly. Choose this tour if you want real daily life and not a show [VERIFY: which village and family we work with].
Featured Safaris & Tours in Zanzibar
Explore our custom travel itineraries for Zanzibar
Request Custom ItineraryFrequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
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June to October is the driest and coolest period and the easiest for beach days. December to February is hot with warm sea. March to May is the wettest. Dolphin trips run all year; go early in the morning.
How do I get to Zanzibar?
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Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), or take the fast ferry from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town. Pre-book a transfer so your driver waits at arrivals. See the airport transfer page for your beach and the arrival guide.
What is the weather like in Zanzibar?
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Hot and humid all year, with daytime highs around 30 degrees Celsius. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November. June to October is cooler and drier. Nights are warm, so you rarely need more than a light layer.
What can I see and do in Zanzibar?
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• Stone Town: UNESCO World Heritage Site with carved doors and markets • Nungwi and Kendwa: north coast beaches that stay swimmable at all tides • Paje: the kite surfing beach on the east coast • Jozani Forest: home of the Zanzibar red colobus monkey • Mnemba Atoll: snorkelling, diving and dolphin trips • Prison Island: giant tortoises a short boat ride from Stone Town • Forodhani Gardens: the evening street food market • Spice farms: cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg growing on the island
What should I pack for Zanzibar?
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Light, breathable cotton clothing, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable sandals. A light layer helps for breezy evenings. In Stone Town and in villages, clothes that cover shoulders and knees are polite.