Zanzibar
Zanzibar pairs white-sand beaches and warm turquoise water with the spice farms and Swahili history of UNESCO-listed Stone Town.
What makes it different.
Zanzibar is the natural finish to a Tanzanian safari, an Indian Ocean archipelago of white-sand beaches, coral reefs and deep Swahili history. Its old quarter, UNESCO-listed Stone Town, sits beside fragrant spice farms, while the north and east coasts offer some of the finest beaches and snorkelling in East Africa.
UNESCO-listed Stone Town, with its old fort, markets and Swahili architecture.
Spice farm tours through clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla plantations.
White-sand beaches at Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Matemwe.
Snorkelling and diving at Mnemba Atoll, with turtles and dolphins.
Jozani Forest, home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
Sunset dhow cruises and fresh Swahili seafood.
When to go.
Dry Season
June to October and December to February are the best months, with warm, dry days, calm seas and clear water for snorkelling and diving. June to October lines up neatly with peak safari season, so it is the easiest add-on after a mainland trip.
Green Season
March to May is the long rains, the wettest and quietest time, with heavy downpours and rougher seas. November brings short rains but stays pleasant and less crowded.
In pictures.
Getting there.
By Air
Short flights connect Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam in about 20 minutes, and run from Arusha, the Serengeti and Nyerere, making it an easy add-on to any safari.
By Boat / Ferry
Fast ferries cross from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town in around 1.5 to 2 hours, several times a day.
Good to know.
It is the classic combination. A short flight links the parks to the islands, so many travellers finish a Tanzanian safari with a few days of beach and culture in Zanzibar.
Explore Stone Town's Swahili old quarter, tour a spice farm, snorkel at Mnemba Atoll, visit Jozani Forest for red colobus monkeys, or take a sunset dhow cruise.
June to October and December to February, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm. Avoid the long rains of March to May.
By a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam, by longer flights from the safari parks, or by fast ferry from Dar in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Most visitors need a visa, and Zanzibar requires travellers to hold mandatory local travel insurance. We will confirm the current requirements with you when you book.
End your safari by the sea white sand, warm water, and the scent of spice.
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