Zanzibar Archipelago, Including Stone Town

Discover The Unexpected

Zanzibar Archipelago, including Stone Town

Dive into Zanzibar’s white sands and the historical marvels of Stone Town. Your unforgettable African adventure begins here.

About Zanzibar

Welcome to Zanzibar, Tanzania’s island gem, known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and historical Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its warm equatorial climate makes it ideal for beach and water sports enthusiasts.

Explore the island’s heritage through spice tours, enjoy water activities like diving and snorkeling, or relax on a dhow cruise. With a variety of accommodations from luxury resorts to boutique hotels, Zanzibar promises an unforgettable tropical getaway.

Top Zanzibar Tours

8 Days Explore Zanzibar and Pemba Islands

5 Days Explore Zanzibar Luxury Beach Holiday

3-Day Zanzibar Stone Town Experience

7 Days Zanzibar Honeymoon Holiday

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4 Days Zanzibar Kendwa Beach Holidays and Stone Town Tour

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Best Beaches

Zanzibar offers visitors a fantastic selection of beach locations to choose from, each with its own character, scenery, and attractions. For the most part, they offer safe swimming conditions in warm, clear water, making them ideal for families with children.

About Zanzibar

Paje Beach

Epitomizing everything expected of a tropical beach – palm trees swaying over sandy beaches fringed by azure waters – Situated on Zanzibar’s east coast, Paje is best known as a base for the colorful kitesurfers that skim across the waves. It also offers excellent SCUBA diving in nearby reefs. There is ample beachside accommodation and several restaurants. Offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

Nungwi Beach

Rated among the top 25 beaches in the world, part of Nungwi’s appeal is the vibrant nightlife at various establishments along the shoreline. By day, it offers beach lovers good snorkeling, with SCUBA diving also available. Sitting as it does on Zanzibar’s northwest coast, the sunsets are spectacular, best enjoyed aboard a traditional sailing dhow with cocktails flowing. Offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

Kizimkazi Beach

Situated on Zanzibar’s south coast, this small fishing community of two villages is best known for its swim-with-dolphin experiences. Please be sure to use only official dolphin guides to ensure an ethical encounter that does not harm the animals. This is not the best swimming beach on the island but snorkeling is rewarding. On land, there are several cultural sites to visit, and a decent selection of accommodation to choose from.

Kendwa Beach

This is a great beach for those who love being in the water, whether swimming, snorkeling or diving. Kendwa is the site of incredible sunsets, for those who want to take the romance to the next level. And, as the sun dips below the horizon, the focus moves from sealife to nightlife, with laid back beach parties rounding off perfect tropical fantasies. The beachfront is well-developed with numerous resorts and restaurants to choose from. Offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

Matemwe Beach

This is Zanzibar’s longest beach and can be found on the island’s northeastern coast – with the renowned Mnemba Atoll a short distance offshore. Picture traditional fishing villages shaded by swaying palm trees. It is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Kitesurfing and sailing are also popular here. The beach is generally uncrowded, and you’ll find a handful of hotels and restaurants to choose from. Offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

Bwejuu Beach

Best known for romance and relaxation, this long beach lends itself to beach walks along the island’s southeast shore. Aside from the usual beach activities, visitors can take fascinating day trips to the nearby Jozani Forest, or venture over to Stone Town for a fix of authentic Zanzibari culture. Sunset dhow cruises are also popular, before retiring to a beachfront restaurant for a fresh seafood dinner. There is a variety of accommodation to choose from. Bwejuu offers safe swimming conditions for supervised children.

Top Destinations

Mafia Island

A hidden paradise near Zanzibar, lures visitors with its unspoiled beaches, diving opportunities, and Swahili culture. A true tropical escape.

Top Activities

Beach

A lounger, a cocktail, lapping waves, a tropical breeze, and fine white sand between your toes. Zanzibar’s beaches are clean, safe, and laid back.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Dip your head below the surface of the warm, crystal clear Indian Ocean and immerse yourself in a pristine otherworldly encounter with abundant marine life.

Cultural Tours

Zanzibar’s history is as colorful and diverse as the tropical landscape of its location. The story of Zanzibar - from past to present - is brought to life in a selection of tours.

Spice Tour

Join a sensory journey through fragrant spice plantations and immerse yourself in this rich aspect of Zanzibari history.

Best Time to Go

Best Time

June to October
(Dry Season)

High Season

June to October

Low Season

November to May

Best Weather

June to October

Worst Weather

March, April, May
(Peak of Wet season)

CLIMATE CHART

Explore FAQs

Get answers to common questions about traveling to Zanzibar for a hassle-free experience.

Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?

No, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania and therefore does not require a separate visa.

What vaccinations do I need for Zanzibar?

Yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended.

Which part of Zanzibar has the best beaches?

Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are some of the best beaches in Zanzibar.

What's the best way to get to Zanzibar?

Flying into Zanzibar International Airport or taking a ferry from Dar es Salaam are the most common ways to get to Zanzibar.

Should I take malaria tablets for Zanzibar?

Yes, malaria is present in Zanzibar, so taking malaria tablets is recommended.

Can I use my credit card in Zanzibar?

Credit cards are accepted in some places, but it’s recommended to carry cash as many places only accept cash payments.

What are the top tourist attractions in Zanzibar?

Stone Town, Jozani Forest, Prison Island, and the Spice Farms are some of the top tourist attractions in Zanzibar.

What souvenirs can I buy in Zanzibar?

Handmade crafts, spices, and traditional clothing are popular souvenirs to buy in Zanzibar.

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