If you’re already planning an African safari, Zanzibar isn’t just some tacked-on addition – it’s the bit of the trip where it all comes to a grinding halt. No more 4am wake-ups for an early game drive; no more choking dust on the roads. After the Serengeti, Zanzibar is the place to unwind.
The thing is, not all the beaches on Zanzibar Island are created equal. Some are buzzing with people, while others are just as quiet as a ghost town. Choosing among the best beaches in Zanzibar is key to a relaxing experience—whether you want lively northern shores or peaceful southern stretches. And if you’re going to do this properly, you need to figure out where to go – which coast, which beach, when to go, and how to get there. It’s all about making sure you can spend your time doing what you came to do: relaxing.
How Zanzibar Slips Easily into a Safari Route
Most Serengeti safaris end back in the north of Tanzania, with flights chugging in from Dar es Salaam, or sometimes flying direct to Zanzibar Airport. Which makes Zanzibar the easiest of beach extensions from the mainland – compared to other East African islands, at least.
Zanzibar itself is actually an island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, floating in the Indian Ocean. Its main urban center, Zanzibar Town, is the island’s capital and home to the historic Stone Town. And with 3 to 5 nights, it makes for a great decompression phase after the non-stop action of your safari. Think barefoot days, warm water, and not having to set an alarm clock.
If you’re planning your next adventure, be sure to visit Zanzibar—it’s a must-see destination for anyone exploring Tanzania.
Traveling to Zanzibar: Getting There and Getting Around
Getting to Zanzibar Island is refreshingly straightforward, whether you’re coming straight from your African safari or hopping over from another part of East Africa. The island sits just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, and with its own international airport—Zanzibar Airport (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport)—you can be on the beach in no time. Most travelers fly in from Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, with flights taking less than half an hour. There are also direct connections from Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, and other regional hubs, making Zanzibar a breeze to reach from just about anywhere in the region.
If you’re feeling adventurous, ferries run regularly between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar Town, the island’s capital. The trip takes about two hours across the Indian Ocean, and while it’s a scenic way to arrive, it’s worth noting that the sea can get choppy—so pack your sea legs if you go this route.
Once you’ve landed on Zanzibar, getting around is part of the fun. For short hops, taxis are easy to find, and for a taste of local life, you can jump on a ‘Dalla-Dalla’—Zanzibar’s shared minibuses that zip between towns and villages. If you want to explore at your own pace, renting a car or hiring a private driver for the day is the way to go. This gives you the freedom to discover the East Coast beaches, stop off at small fishing villages, and find those idyllic beaches that don’t make it onto every tourist map.
The north coast, with its beautiful beach stretches and lively atmosphere, is easily accessible by car, and the east coast is perfect for a day of beach-hopping. Don’t miss Pongwe Beach for its powdery sand and tidal lagoons, or Nungwi Beach up north for its crystal clear water and vibrant scene. If you’re keen on diving or snorkeling, arrange a boat trip out to Mnemba Island or even further to Pemba Island—both are part of the Zanzibar Archipelago and offer some of the best coral reefs and dive sites in East Africa.
One thing to keep in mind as you plan your days: tidal variation. On the east coast, the difference between low tide and high tide is dramatic, with the sea sometimes retreating far from the shore before rushing back in. This makes for fascinating walks on the tidal flats, but if you’re after swimming, check the tide times—high tide is when the Indian Ocean is at its most inviting.
When it comes to where to stay, Zanzibar has you covered. There’s a huge range of beach lodges, from simple bungalows to luxury resorts, many set right on the sand with views of the turquoise water. Whether you’re after a great price or a splurge, you’ll find something to suit your style, and most places offer easy access to the sea, local restaurants, and guided tours.
Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but the dry season from December to March is especially popular for its sunny days and perfect beach weather. Whenever you visit, you’ll find a warm welcome from the local people, a rich blend of Swahili culture, and endless opportunities for relaxing, swimming, diving, and soaking up the beauty of the island.
East Coast Beaches: Where You Want to Plan Around the Tide
If peace, quiet, and a lovely view are what you’re after, the east coast beaches are your best bet. This side of the island looks out on the open ocean, and is known for its long stretches of pristine white sands, fewer crowds, and tiny, charming beach lodges.
Now, take Pongwe Beach as a great example. The tide is what makes this place special. When the tide’s out, the water pulls right back from the shore, showing off tidal flats, coral beds, and sometimes even sea urchins. But when the tide’s in, the lagoon fills up with crystal-clear water, perfect for a dip in the ocean.
If you’re the sort of person who likes your chill-out time, rather than dancing the night away, this side of the island is the one for you.
Northern Beaches: Where the Action’s At
If you’re the type of person who wants a bit more going on after the Serengeti, the north coast and northern beaches are for you. Nungwi Beach, for instance, is all about calm water, sunset views, and a load of choice when it comes to hotels and restaurants.
Yes, it’s a bit busier than the east coast. But there are still quieter bits if you’re willing to stay just outside the village. And if you want beach access, boat trips, and especially snorkelling and diving, then this is your place.
Offshore Islands: For Those Who Really Want to Get Away
If you’re willing to go all the way to Tanzania, you should know about Zanzibar’s lesser-visited islands.
- Mnemba Island, out on the north-east, is surrounded by protected coral reefs and some amazing dive sites
- Pemba Island is all green and quiet and far less developed than the main island
- Mafia Island, the largest island in the Mafia Archipelago, is all about marine conservation, serious scuba diving, and those humpback whales that migrate through
These places are for people who want nature, but don’t want a load of other tourists getting in the way.
Don’t Bop Off to Stone Town Without It
Most Zanzibar itineraries do include at least one night in Stone Town, the historic centre of Zanzibar Town and a UNESCO-listed world heritage site. Stone Town is a key hub for tourism in Zanzibar, attracting visitors with its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant markets. And that’s a good thing, because it’s the place to get your head around this place – from the spice trade to the influence of the Swahili Coast.
But a half-day in Stone Town is usually enough, before you head back to the coast. And if you’ve got some time to kill, Jozani Forest is a great place to stop off – especially if you like walking and wildlife.
What You’ll Really Do on Zanzibar
Zanzibar isn’t about ticking boxes off a list; it’s about slowing right down. A Zanzibar beach is the centerpiece of the island experience, offering pristine sands and turquoise waters that attract visitors from around the world. Most people spend their days:
- Swimming in the ocean
- Walking along a beautiful beach
- Taking a boat out to snorkel or dive
- Enjoying some seafood in a tiny coastal restaurant
- Visiting a fishing village to see life as it really is
Everything in Zanzibar is on island time. That’s the point.
Pre-Trip Tips
- Zanzibar is pretty easy on the wallet, and you can get away with paying for loads of things in US dollars
- Compared to other beach destinations, Zanzibar is a real bargain – a great value for the money
- As far as beach weather goes, the conditions are pretty good all year round, except that the tides can make swimming a bit tricky on the east coast
- If you’re planning a safari, Zanzibar is a perfect 3-5 night add-on afterwards, but I wouldn’t recommend going there first – you’ll get the most out of the place if you do it in the middle of your trip
You’re going to get a real warm welcome from the friendly locals, get a taste of the vibrant local culture, and see for yourself why Zanzibar always makes the list of the most beautiful places in the region.
Why Zanzibar is the Perfect Follow-Up to the Serengeti
A safari is an absolute adrenaline rush – but it’s also incredibly intense, with early mornings, long drives, and non-stop stimulation. Zanzibar is the perfect antidote – consider a Kenya safari and Zanzibar beach holiday for a total change of pace. After tramping around the Serengeti, finding yourself on the beach with no plans except the tide is a real treat.
From the thrill of spotting big game in the Serengeti to relaxing in the cool, calm water of Zanzibar’s beaches – and from hot dusty roads to the sea air that hits you the moment you step off the plane – the combination of these two places is one of Tanzania’s greatest assets. Zanzibar’s diverse coastline features everything from powdery white sands and coral reefs to mangroves and rocky outcrops, shaping the island’s natural beauty and appeal. Whether you go for the lively northern beaches, the peaceful east coast shores, the secluded and tidal south coast with its unique local attractions, or some of the islands just offshore, Zanzibar really is the icing on the cake.
Ready to Plan Your Beach and Safari holiday?
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- 7-Day Great Serengeti Migration Safari: https://discover.goshenisafaris.com/7-days-the-great-serengeti-migration-safari-en/
Your next unforgettable safari begins here.
