Why Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous island 35km off Tanzania's coast — and one of the Indian Ocean's finest beach destinations. It combines genuinely stunning beaches, warm water, excellent snorkelling and diving, and the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town with its Arab, Persian, Indian and African architectural heritage.
For safari travellers, Zanzibar is the perfect extension. After days of early starts, dusty roads and game drives, a few nights on Zanzibar's beaches decompresses the trip perfectly. The combination is genuinely one of the best travel pairings in the world.
Zanzibar's Main Beach Areas
| Area | Best For | Vibe | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nungwi | Swimming year-round, nightlife | Lively, social | North tip, less tidal |
| Kendwa | Full moon parties, sunset | Relaxed to lively | Adjacent to Nungwi |
| Paje | Kitesurfing, backpacker scene | Young, casual | East coast, tidal |
| Matemwe | Quiet, upscale, snorkelling | Peaceful, romantic | Northeast coast |
| Jambiani | Budget, local feel | Quiet, authentic | Southeast coast |
Stone Town
Stone Town is Zanzibar's historic capital and the cultural heart of the island. Its labyrinthine alleyways, carved wooden doors, Arab fort and Freddie Mercury birthplace (yes — the Queen frontman was born here) make it compulsory for any Zanzibar visitor. Budget at least one full day, ideally two.
Getting to Zanzibar
- Domestic flight from Dar es Salaam: 20–25 minutes, $80–$150
- Domestic flight from Kilimanjaro (JRO): 45–60 minutes, $100–$200
- Ferry from Dar es Salaam: 2 hours, $35–$80. Budget option.
When to Visit
Best: June–October and December–February. Dry, sunny, calm seas. Avoid: March–May (long rains — heavy rain, rough seas, some closures). November: short rains but brief and manageable.
Minimum 3 nights. 4–5 nights is ideal — enough for Stone Town, your chosen beach, and day trips (spice tour, snorkelling, Jozani Forest for red colobus monkeys). More than 7 nights and most travellers run out of structured things to do, which is perfect if that is what you want.
Yes. The coral reefs around Zanzibar are excellent for snorkelling and diving. Mnemba Atoll (northeast) is considered one of the best dive sites in East Africa. Visibility and marine life are outstanding June–October. Dive schools are available at most beach areas.