Coastal · Tanzania · Indian Ocean
Zanzibar
35 km
Off the Tanzania coast
27°C
Average water temperature
Year-round
Beach season
UNESCO
Stone Town

35 km
Off the Tanzanian coast
Where the Indian Ocean begins
The Zanzibar Archipelago sits 35km off the Tanzanian coast in the Indian Ocean - a collection of coral islands famous for their white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and Stone Town's labyrinthine UNESCO-listed old city. The flight from the Serengeti or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar takes about an hour.
Most of our itineraries that include Zanzibar are structured as 'safari + beach' - typically 5–10 days on the mainland followed by 3–5 days on the island. It works particularly well for honeymooners and couples. We work with a small selection of trusted beach properties ranging from boutique guesthouses to private villas.
Choose your adventure
We're a Tanzanian family operation crafting deeply personal adventures that go beyond the guidebooks.
- Duration: 13 days, 12 nights
- Begins: Arusha
- Operates: Jun-Oct, Jan-Mar
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 12 days, 11 nights
- Begins: Arusha
- Operates: Jun-Oct, Jan-Mar
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
- Begins: Arusha
- Operates: Jun-Oct, Jan-Mar
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 14 days, 13 nights
- Begins: Arusha
- Operates: Jun-Oct, Jan-Mar
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 3 to 5 days
- Begins: Zanzibar
- Operates: Year-round
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 11 days, 10 nights
- Begins: Arusha
- Operates: Year-round
- Difficulty: Easy
The Zanzibar archipelago
Stone Town
Stone Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arab merchants, Omani sultans, Portuguese explorers, and Swahili culture - 800 years of layered history in narrow alleyways.
North Coast
Nungwi & Kendwa
The northern tip of Zanzibar - calm water year-round, no tidal drops, white sand, and the best beach bars on the island.
Southeast Coast
Paje & Jambiani
The famous kite-surfing coast. Long shallow flats at low tide, palm-fringed beach, quieter and less developed than the north.
The Reef
Mnemba Atoll
A private island surrounded by a marine conservation area. Sea turtles, dolphins, whale sharks, and some of the best snorkelling in East Africa.
Spice Island
Spice Tours
Zanzibar once supplied most of the world's cloves. Walking spice farm tours - nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon - remain one of the island's best half-day activities.
Zanzibar Questions, Answered.
Everything you need to know about Zanzibar safari planning
Are there any dress code requirements in Zanzibar?
Yes, and this is important. Zanzibar is a Muslim island - around 99% of the local population follows Islam. Outside of beach resorts and hotel grounds, modest dress is required, not just politely requested. That means covering shoulders and knees when walking in Stone Town, visiting markets, or passing through local villages. Swimwear and beach clothes should stay at the beach. Our team briefs every guest on local customs before arrival, and we always recommend packing a light scarf or sarong for versatility.
What should I know about shopping and payments in Zanzibar?
Stone Town is wonderful for shopping - spices, textiles, carved wood, and silver jewellery. A few things to keep in mind: prices at hotel and lodge gift shops are usually fixed, but bargaining is normal at local markets. If paying by card, always check the currency shown on the charge slip before you sign - card payment fraud has happened before. It is also illegal to purchase or carry any wildlife trophies - bones, animal skins, plants, or similar items - without official documentation. Tanzanian customs authorities are strict, and items can be confiscated even if purchased in another country.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is warm year-round. The driest and calmest periods are June–October and December–February. We avoid the long rains (April–May) and short rains (November) for beach holidays - though these can work well for budget travellers.
How do I get to Zanzibar from the safari?
By air, from Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam. The flight takes 45–60 minutes. We organise all transfers and connections as part of your itinerary.
Can I do both a safari and Zanzibar in one trip?
Absolutely - and it's our most popular combination. We recommend a minimum of 3 nights in Zanzibar after a safari. Most guests find 4–5 days ideal.
Where should I stay in Zanzibar?
It depends on what you want. Stone Town for culture and history, Nungwi for swimming year-round, Paje for kite-surfing and a quieter vibe. We'll match the beach property to your travel style.
Is Zanzibar safe for solo women?
Yes. Zanzibar is generally safe and welcoming. As in any destination, modest dress is appreciated outside the beach resorts, especially in Stone Town, which is a largely Muslim area. Our team always briefs guests on local cultural sensitivities before arrival.
Plan Your Zanzibar Journey
Whether you want pure beach, a cultural deep-dive into Stone Town, or the perfect ending to your Tanzania safari - we know the island well and will find the property that fits.
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