Zanzibar beach holidays

Zanzibar is a cluster of islands off of Africa’s east coast; Zanzibar is home to beautiful white-sand beaches with sapphire waters, a rich history, and even hidden rainforests. It’s popular for honeymooners who want to combine wildlife a safari in mainland Tanzania or any of the East African destinations with a relaxing beach getaway.

Tanzania is unquestionably one of the very best destinations for an African Honeymoon holiday. It has it all for a safari and beach honeymoon – fantastic Indian Ocean havens a short flight away from amazing parks with plenty of big five and predator action.

Zanzibar is all about sand between the toes, drink in hand, and tan over the body. Tranquil Zanzibar spices up more the wilderness of Tanzania with its stunning beauty. The Zanzibar Archaeology combines more than 50 stunning islands lying on the Indian Ocean coast.

Zanzibar is a widely popular destination for travelers who may want to take a relax after the dusty and bumpy safari experience in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara or for those that have been climbing the Kilimanjaro furthermore for those that have been gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda as they take the easy and relaxing part of their holiday before returning to their home countries.

Zanzibar is home to some of the best beach destinations in the world. Tourism is the major hub of this renowned ‘Spice Island’ located off the coast of Tanzania. Spanning approximately 90 km long and 40 km wide, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago consisting of two major islands – Unguja and Pemba Island. The historic capital city of Zanzibar is Stone town a prominent city with an impressive cultural heritage and history dating back to the 19th century. Zanzibar reflects a mixture of diverse cultural influence from Arabian, Indian, Persian and European cultures, was named a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 2000.

Top things to do in Zanzibar

Explore Stone Town: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town, known for its historic architecture, narrow winding streets, and vibrant markets.

Visit Prison Island: Escape to tranquility and interact with giant tortoises on Prison Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and historical exhibits.

Experience Scuba Diving: Explore Zanzibar's vibrant underwater world through scuba diving, with opportunities to discover colorful coral reefs and fascinating shipwrecks.

Dine at the Rock Restaurant: Enjoy a unique dining experience at the Rock Restaurant in Michanvi Pingwe Beach, perched on a rock surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

Relax on Nungwi Beach: Unwind on the pristine white sands of Nungwi Beach, engaging in water activities and witnessing stunning sunsets.

Snorkel in Coral Reefs: Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life by snorkeling in Zanzibar's coral reefs, including popular sites like Mnemba Island and Nungwi.

Discover Pemba Island: Venture to the less-explored Pemba Island, known for lush landscapes, excellent diving spots, and traditional Swahili culture.

Reflect at the Slave Market: Gain historical awareness by visiting the Slave Market in Stone Town, a poignant reminder of Zanzibar's past.

Indulge in Zanzibari Cuisine: Savor diverse flavors at Zanzibar's best restaurants, offering a culinary journey from seafood to international dishes.

Explore Forodhani Gardens: Experience lively evenings at Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town, known for its food markets and cultural performances.

Visit the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre: Explore the vibrant world of butterflies and support conservation at the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre in the Jozani-Chwaka Bay Conservation Area.

Escape to Kwale Island: Find serenity on Kwale Island, featuring secluded beaches, turquoise waters, and a peaceful ambiance.

Sip Coffee at Zanzibar Coffee House: Enjoy locally grown coffee in a historic setting at the Zanzibar Coffee House in Stone Town.

Immerse in Swahili Culture at Mwani Zanzibar: Explore traditional Swahili craftsmanship, art, and music at Mwani Zanzibar in Stone Town.

Delight in African Cuisine: Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of African cuisine at the best African restaurants scattered across Zanzibar.

Where is Zanzibar located?

Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the eastern coast of Africa. It is situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 25 to 50 kilometers (15 to 30 miles) off the coast of mainland Tanzania. The archipelago consists of several islands, with the main ones being Unguja (often referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba. The capital and largest city of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja.

How can you get to Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination, and getting there typically involves air and/or sea travel. Here are the primary ways to get to Zanzibar: International Flights: Many travelers reach Zanzibar by flying into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on Unguja Island. There are direct international flights to Zanzibar from various destinations, including Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Doha, Dubai, and several European cities.

Domestic Flights: If you are already in Tanzania, you can take a domestic flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. The flight duration is relatively short, usually around 1 hour or less.

Ferries: There are ferry services operating between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The most common ferry operators include Azam Marine and Sea Express. It's important to check the schedule and book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times.

Cruise Ships: Some cruise lines include Zanzibar in their itineraries, providing an alternative way to reach the archipelago. Cruise ships may dock at the port in Zanzibar City.

Private Yachts: For those with access to private yachts, Zanzibar offers docking facilities. However, it's essential to be aware of local regulations and obtain the necessary permits.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The best time to visit Zanzibar largely depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowds. Generally, Zanzibar has a tropical climate, and it experiences two main seasons: the dry season (from June to October) and the wet season (from November to April). Here's a breakdown of the seasons:

How much does a Zanzibar adventure cost?

The cost of a Zanzibar adventure can vary widely depending on factors such as travel preferences, accommodation choices, activities, duration of stay, and overall travel style.

A budget traveler might aim for a daily budget of $100-$200, a mid-range traveler might budget $200-$400 per day, while a luxury traveler could spend $500 or more per day. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual expenses can vary based on individual choices and preferences.

What are the accommodation options in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar offers a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to various preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxury beach resort, a boutique hotel in Stone Town, or budget-friendly guesthouses, Zanzibar has something for everyone. Here are some common types of accommodation options in Zanzibar:

Luxury Resorts:Zanzibar is home to several high-end beach resorts that offer luxurious amenities, private villas, and stunning views of the ocean. Examples include andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge, The Residence Zanzibar, and Baraza Resort & Spa.

Boutique Hotels: Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar City, features charming boutique hotels with unique designs and historical ambiance. Some notable options include Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Emerson Spice, and Park Hyatt Zanzibar.

Beachfront Hotels: Many hotels and resorts are situated along the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. These accommodations provide easy access to the sand and sea. Popular beachfront options include Meliá Zanzibar, Essque Zalu Zanzibar, and Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa.

Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts: Zanzibar has a variety of guesthouses and bed & breakfast accommodations, particularly in Stone Town and other local communities. These options often offer a more intimate and budget-friendly experience.

Budget Hotels and Hostels: Budget-conscious travelers can find affordable hotels and hostels across Zanzibar. These accommodations are often clean and comfortable, catering to backpackers and those looking for cost-effective options.

Self-Catering Villas and Apartments: For those who prefer more independent living, there are self-catering villas and apartments available for rent. This option is suitable for families or travelers who want the flexibility of cooking their meals.

Eco-Lodges: that focus on sustainability and environmental conservation. These accommodations often blend with the natural surroundings and offer a more immersive experience in nature.

Dhow Accommodations: For a unique experience, some companies offer accommodations on traditional sailing vessels known as dhows. This allows guests to enjoy a stay on the water and experience Zanzibar from a different perspective.