Safari in Zanzibar
Zanzibar, the pearl of East Africa
Zanzibar, off the Swahili coast, is a beautiful island where Indian, Arabic, and African cultures blend in food, music, and language. It’s a unique destination on its own and pairs well with most safari trips.
Located along the Swahili coast, Zanzibar is a stunning island where Indian, Arabic, and African influences blend seamlessly in the music, cuisine, and language. This cultural fusion gives the island a unique charm that captivates every visitor. Zanzibar is a remarkable destination on its own, and it also pairs perfectly with a variety of safari adventures across East Africa.
When is the best time to go?
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Getting There
Zanzibar is a beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania, known for its white beaches, spice plantations and rich culture. The island is a popular destination for relaxation and water sports.
- Temperature
Zanzibar has a pleasant temperature all year round. The average temperature is around 25-31 degrees, which is perfect for relaxing on the beautiful beaches.
- Rainfall
Zanzibar has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons per year. Precipitation is most common in April, May and November, but rain occurs throughout the year, keeping the island green and lush.
Travel to Zanzibar
Explore the beauty of Zanzibar, where turquoise waters meet rich cultures and a blend of history and charm.
From relaxing beach escapes to exploring Stone Town’s winding alleys, every moment offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Top Zanzibar Travel Tips
Zanzibar is a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, made up of the main islands of Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar), Pemba, and several smaller surrounding islands.
Beyond its postcard-perfect beaches and swaying palm trees, Zanzibar offers a rich cultural experience rooted in Swahili traditions. The island’s history is filled with stories of sultans and princesses, spice trade and slave routes, war, and politics—all adding depth to your visit.
Whether you prefer large beachfront resorts or cozy guesthouses that bring you closer to local life, Zanzibar has it all. From bustling tourist hubs to quiet, secluded beaches, the island caters to every kind of traveler. A visit to the enchanting Stone Town is a must, and your days can be spent snorkeling, doing yoga, going on a spice tour, or simply unwinding on the beach.
Safari & Zanzibar – The Best of Both Worlds
Combine the thrill of a wild safari with the serenity of Zanzibar’s beaches for an unforgettable African adventure. After witnessing the Big Five on the savannah, head to Zanzibar to relax, recharge, and reflect. The island pairs perfectly with safari destinations in Tanzania and Kenya, offering a well-rounded journey that blends nature, wildlife, culture, and comfort.
Discover Stone Town
Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, was once a key trading hub where ships from across the world met to exchange precious goods like gold, textiles, timber, and Zanzibar’s world-famous spices. Some spices were once as valuable as gold.
Begin your stay with a guided tour of Stone Town’s narrow streets and alleys. The city’s architecture and atmosphere are shaped by African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. As you explore, you’ll see children playing football, hear the call to prayer, and witness the vibrant everyday life that makes Stone Town so magical.
Underwater Adventures – Snorkeling & Diving in Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs make it an exceptional destination for snorkeling and diving. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying it for the first time, the island offers a stunning underwater world full of marine life and vibrant colors. Dive into the Indian Ocean for an unforgettable underwater safari!
Areas in Zanzibar
Nungwi & Kendwa
The northern part of Zanzibar’s east coast offers an incredibly beautiful and relaxing beach area that offers a true paradise experience. The beach with its soft, white sand, palm trees and crystal clear water creates an idyllic atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and recreation. Just like large parts of Zanzibar with the exception of Nungwi and Kendwa, this part of the island is affected by large differences between high and low tides.
The area has hotels in all price ranges, both large resorts and cozy small boutique hotels.
Matemwe is a fantastic destination for those seeking a relaxing beach holiday in a beautiful and scenic setting. It is a great place to relax, recharge your batteries and enjoy the tropical beauty that Zanzibar has to offer.
Matemwe, Kiwengwa & Pongwe
Nungwi and Kendwa are beautiful beach areas on the northern part of Zanzibar. What makes this area extra special is the minimal tidal range, which is a rarity along the East African coast. You can enjoy the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches almost any time of day.
The beaches in these areas are spectacular, with their postcard-worthy scene of swaying palm trees shading the soft sand. There are also many beach bars and restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes and refreshing drinks.
This area is the most developed part of Zanzibar, and most hotels are of a high standard.
Paje & Jambiani
Paje and Jambiani are located on the east coast and offer a lovely mix of local traditions and foreigners who have settled in the village, giving the area its own unique charm and character.
This area is home to several of our lovely budget-friendly hotels.
Many of our excursions start in Jambiani, so there is plenty of fun to do here if you need a break from the sun and swimming. Like the rest of Zanzibar’s east coast, this part of the island is affected by large differences between high and low tides.
Jambiani and Paje offer a great balance between relaxation and adventure. Whether you want to enjoy beautiful beaches, explore local culture or participate in water sports, this village has something for everyone. It is a destination that allows you to experience the genuine charm and natural beauty of Zanzibar.
Michamvi
Michamvi is a peninsula with calm waters on one side and more wind on the other. The calm waters are perfect for exploring by SUP or kayak. Like most places in Zanzibar, there are also large tidal variations here. Put on your swimming shoes and explore the tidal pools and mangrove forest in the area.
The sunsets at Michamvi are incredible, with many visitors gathering to enjoy the spectacular view as the sun sets over the horizon.
Stone Town
Stone Town is the heart of Zanzibar and a fascinating destination that breathes history and culture. The history of Stone Town dates back to a bygone era when the Sultan of Zanzibar ruled over this area.
Here you will encounter a whirlwind of narrow streets and alleys with a distinctive architectural style that blends Arabic, Indian and Swahili architecture.
The city is a rich cultural mix, and you will discover markets selling exotic spices, traditional textiles, and unique artwork typical of the region. It is a great place to find souvenirs that will remind you of your visit to this historic corner of the world.
Stone Town is a conservative city. When moving around in public places, you should always wear clothing that covers your shoulders, knees and navel. Avoid consuming alcohol in places that are not licensed to serve alcohol. Special precautions should be taken during Ramadan.
Excursions in Zanzibar
Guided tour of Stone Town
Today’s excursion starts from your hotel in Stone Town at 09:00 in the morning. It will take approximately 3 hours to explore the narrow streets, architecture and history that the city has to offer. You will gain an insight into Swahili culture and stories of sultans, princesses, slave trade, war and politics.
Stone Town has an exciting and rich history and culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a thriving trading centre, the city is still a mix of traditional African, Arab, Indian and some European cultures. There are many impressions to take in as you walk through the narrow, winding streets; children playing football in the narrow alleys, calls to prayer, the sound of Hindu ritual bells, an intoxicating aroma of spices hanging in the air, beautifully dressed women in colourful clothes and men engrossed in mancala.
Spice safari
Here you will experience why Zanzibar is called the spice island! You will visit a spice plantation located approximately in the middle of the island. Our knowledgeable guides will take you into the plantation forest where you will smell and taste different spices and tropical fruits. The guides will also tell you how the people of Zanzibar use the different spices in everyday life, from medicine to seasoning.
See colobus monkeys in the Jozani Forest
Jozani is the largest forest and the only national park in Zanzibar. The dense forest is home to the rare red colobus monkey. You will also find many other types of monkeys, bush babies, tropical trees, reptiles, birds and butterflies.
The Colobusa monkeys of the Jozani Forest are an important part of the ecosystem of Zanzibar and are one of the main attractions of the national park. Seeing these beautiful monkeys in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience and gives you the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of this endangered species by supporting the entrance fee to the national park.
Tipping in Tanzania and Zanzibar
Tipping is a common and appreciated practice in Tanzania, including Zanzibar. While it is voluntary, it is also expected as a way to show gratitude for good service. We recommend tipping your safari guide on the final day, preferably at the airport. Most accommodations provide a communal tip box at reception where you can leave a tip for the staff. Suggested amounts are:
Safari guide: USD 10–15 per person per day
Hotel/Lodge staff: USD 1–5 per person per night
Safety & Security
In cities such as Arusha, Zanzibar Town, or Dar es Salaam, it’s important to stay alert and exercise general caution. Avoid walking alone after dark, and only use trusted taxi services—preferably booked through your hotel or travel operator.
While on safari, always inform a staff member or guard if you wish to leave your lodge or tented camp, as wild animals may be nearby.
Travel with a trusted tour operator ensures your itinerary is carefully planned with safety in mind, avoiding any regions deemed unsafe by global travel advisories.
Language
The official languages in Tanzania and Zanzibar are Swahili and English. Most people in the tourism industry speak English well.
Time Zone
Tanzania is in the East Africa Time Zone (GMT+3). It is:
1 hour ahead of Central European Summer Time (CEST)
2 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET)
Currency & Payments
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). While USD is widely accepted, paying in local currency is often more cost-effective. ATMs are available at airports like Kilimanjaro and Julius Nyerere, as well as in cities like Arusha and Stone Town.
Bring smaller denominations of USD (1–5 dollar notes), which are most practical. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, lodges, and camps, though network coverage may affect availability—always carry some cash just in case.
Electricity & Adapters
Many lodges and tented camps outside urban areas operate on generators or solar power and may only provide electricity for limited hours daily. Some may only allow charging of electronic devices at the reception area.
If your equipment requires regular charging, let your tour provider know in advance.
Tanzania and Zanzibar use Type G sockets (British model), with voltage between 220–240V.
Passport & Visa Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and have at least two blank pages for stamps.
Visas for Tanzania can be obtained:
On arrival at the airport for USD 50 (cash preferred)
Online through Tanzania’s official eVisa portal:
Check your passport beforehand to ensure it’s undamaged and meets all requirements.
Mandatory Travel Insurance (Zanzibar)
As of October 1, 2024, Zanzibar has introduced a mandatory travel insurance for all international travelers. It functions more like a tourist tax and does not replace your personal travel insurance.
Cost: USD 44 per person
Must be purchased before travel through the official portal: https://www.zanzibarinsur.com
Climate & Seasons
Tanzania and Zanzibar enjoy a tropical climate with two rainy seasons:
Long rains: April to May – frequent, heavy rain; lush landscapes and fewer tourists
Short rains: November – lighter showers, mainly in the afternoon or evening
Driest season: July to October – ideal for safaris and beach holidays
Hottest period: December to March – high temperatures, especially along the coast
Cool evenings: In highland areas and some parks, evenings can be chilly, especially from June to August
Zanzibar shares similar weather patterns, but it tends to be more humid with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F).
Infrastructure Tax in Zanzibar
All accommodations in Zanzibar must collect a government-mandated infrastructure tax. This tax is paid directly at the hotel during check-in.
Cost: USD 3–5 per person per night, depending on hotel category
Accommodations in Zanzibar
It has taken us years to find the absolute best accommodations in Zanzibar. Relax by the pool at a dreamy resort or have the bungalow experience of a lifetime on a private island out at sea. On our trips you wake up at your best, no matter what.
For those who want to know more
Zanzibar is a tropical paradise known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. From the historic streets of Stone Town to vibrant spice plantations and coral reefs teeming with marine life, Zanzibar offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. With its warm hospitality, diverse traditions, and breathtaking coastal beauty, Zanzibar is a top destination for beach lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Ready to start planning your own safari experience?
