Zanzibar
The Spice Island. Turquoise water, Stone Town's labyrinth, and the archetypal African beach.
The Zanzibar at a Glance
The scale and character of this destination, briefly.
An Zanzibar Primer
Everything worth knowing before you visit.
Zanzibar is the largest of the three main archipelago islands (the others being Pemba and Mafia).
It's the natural finish to any Tanzania mainland trip — a 90-minute flight from Arusha drops you at an Indian Ocean that looks exactly like the brochures. Stone Town's UNESCO-listed historic core is the cultural heart; the north and east coasts are the beach destinations.
What You'll See
The species you can realistically expect in Zanzibar — with honest context on season and where.
Inside Zanzibar
The distinct areas and experiences within Zanzibar.
The north coast (Nungwi, Kendwa)
Active, social, reliable water year-round (no tidal issues). Kite surfing, diving, bars. Good for first-time Zanzibar.
The east coast (Matemwe, Pongwe, Kiwengwa, Jambiani, Paje)
Calmer, more traditional, dramatic low-tide exposures. The east coast is where the boutique honeymoon properties cluster.
The south (Michamvi, Pemba-side)
The quietest. Pemba is visible from some south-coast properties. For travellers who want remote above all.
Accommodations in Zanzibar
From mid-range classics to ultra-luxury tented camps. Swipe to compare.
Premium
$520 / night
Twelve bungalows directly on the Matemwe beach, facing Mnemba Atoll. Simple, elegant, the definition of barefoot luxury.
Ultra-luxury
$1,450 / night
Palatial villas on a kilometre-long private beach. Private pool per villa, butler service, tennis, spa, multiple restaurants.
Ultra-luxury
$1,900 / night
Fifteen white pavilions above the Kendwa shoreline. Plunge pool per suite. Quiet, architectural, adults-only.
Mid-range
$210 / night
Historic seafront hotel in Stone Town's UNESCO core. Perfect first or last night — walk to Forodhani, spice market, Old Fort.
Private Island
$2,600 / night
Tiny private island off the northeast coast. Twelve bandas, no TVs, no clocks. World-class diving, dolphin encounters.
From the Field
A visual sample of what Zanzibar offers.
What You'll Do
The experiences we build into every Zanzibar itinerary.
Boat trip to the protected coral reef. Reef sharks, turtles, hundreds of tropical species. The best snorkelling in East Africa.
Half-day · $120ppHalf-day guided walk through UNESCO-listed Stone Town. Carved doors, Old Fort, slave-market memorial, Forodhani at sunset.
Half-day · $55pp
The reason Zanzibar is called the Spice Island. Full-day tour of a working spice plantation with a local lunch.
Full day · $65ppTraditional Zanzibari dhow, sail out at sunset, drinks and snacks on board. Classic way to end a day.
2 hours · $45ppWhen to Visit Zanzibar
Jun–Oct (dry), Dec–Feb (warm, dry). Avoid Apr–May long rains.
Practical Details
The key info for fitting this destination into your trip.
Safaris That Include Zanzibar
Our signature trips that feature Zanzibar on the itinerary.
Bush & Beach
Five days on safari, four on the Indian Ocean. The quintessential Tanzania combination.
Stone Town
A UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European architectural layers.
Where Love Meets the Wild
Private bush dinners, hot-air balloons, and a Zanzibar finish. Designed for two.