Zanzibar Holidays, Beyond the
Beach.
From Stone Town and spice farms to white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and sunset dhow cruises, discover a tailor-made Zanzibar holiday shaped around your pace, interests and preferred style of stay.
- ★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 Rating
- 462+ Guest Review
- Est. 2010
PRIVATE & SMALL-GROUP TOURS
CAREFULLY SELECTED LODGES & CAMPS
FLYING DOCTORS EMERGENCY COVER INCLUDED
TATO CERTIFIED
PERSONAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY
TANZANIA KENYA UGANDA RWANDA ZANZIBAR KILIMANJARO
EVERY SAFARI BEGINS WITH A CONVERSATION
462+ VERIFIED TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS
TAILOR MADE EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS
TRUSTED SAFARI SPECIALIST SINCE 2010
PRIVATE & SMALL-GROUP TOURS
CAREFULLY SELECTED LODGES & CAMPS
FLYING DOCTORS EMERGENCY COVER INCLUDED
TATO CERTIFIED
PERSONAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY
TANZANIA KENYA UGANDA RWANDA ZANZIBAR KILIMANJARO
EVERY SAFARI BEGINS WITH A CONVERSATION
462+ VERIFIED TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS
TAILOR MADE EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS
TRUSTED SAFARI SPECIALIST SINCE 2010
Explore thoughtfully designed Zanzibar holidays, from Stone Town and spice-island culture to relaxed beach stays, romantic escapes and family-friendly island experiences.
Looking for something more personal? Let us create a Zanzibar holiday around your preferred beach, hotel style and island experiences.
Essential facts to help you plan your Zanzibar holiday.
Zanzibar blends white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters and UNESCO-listed Stone Town with distinct coastal areas, rich Swahili culture and stays suited to couples, families and independent travellers.

Best For
Beaches & Culture

Best Time
Year-around Safaris

Ideal Length
5–7 Days

Pairs Perfectly
Tanzania & Kenya
WHITE-SAND BEACHES · STONE TOWN · SWAHILI CULTURE · IDEAL 5–7 DAYS · PAIRS WITH TANZANIA & KENYA
Compare Zanzibar’s most popular areas and find the beach, atmosphere and style of stay that suits your holiday
Choose the north coast for easy swimming, brilliant sunsets, lively dining and a wide selection of beachfront resorts.
Stay among historic streets, rooftop restaurants and Swahili architecture, close to Zanzibar’s cultural highlights and airport.
Choose the southeast coast for long beaches, kitesurfing, relaxed cafés and a stronger connection with island life.
Escape to a quieter coast with boutique resorts, peaceful beaches and excellent access to Mnemba Atoll snorkelling.
Compare Zanzibar’s most popular areas by tides, atmosphere, recommended stay and signature experiences to find the setting that best suits your island holiday.
|
Nungwi & Kendwa |
Stone Town |
Paje & Jambiani |
Matemwe Coast |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best For |
Swimming & sunsets |
Culture & history |
Beach life & kitesurfing |
Peace & snorkelling |
|
Tidal Effect |
Less noticeable |
Not a beach-led stay |
Strong tidal changes |
Noticeable tides |
|
Atmosphere |
Lively to relaxed |
Historic and energetic |
Social and laid-back |
Quiet and refined |
|
Ideal Stay |
4–7 nights |
1–2 nights |
4–7 nights |
4–7 nights |
|
Ideal For |
Couples, families and first visits |
Culture and food lovers |
Active and independent travellers |
Honeymoons and quiet escapes |
|
Highlights |
Swimming, sunsets and diving |
Historic streets and rooftop dining |
Kitesurfing, cafés and village life |
Mnemba Atoll and peaceful beaches |
Every safari begins with a conversation. We listen first, then design your journey around your interests, travel style, accommodation preferences and pace. No fixed templates — only yours.
From Tanzania and Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda, our specialists draw on first-hand local knowledge to recommend the right destinations, experiences and seasons for a safari designed around how you want to travel.
Every lodge and tented camp we recommend is chosen for its location, hospitality and guest experience — ensuring each stay complements your safari rather than simply accommodating it.
Your journey is backed by comprehensive insurance through ICEA Lion / Lloyd’s of London, 24/7 on-the-ground support and dedicated safari specialists before, during and after your journey.
Guest Experiences
Quick answers for planning your Zanzibar holiday.
The driest periods are June to October and January to February, offering warm temperatures and excellent beach conditions. April and May usually receive the heaviest rainfall, while November brings shorter tropical showers.
Allow five to seven days for beaches, Stone Town and selected island experiences. Seven nights gives you time to combine two areas, such as Stone Town with Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje or Matemwe.
Choose Nungwi or Kendwa for swimming and sunsets, Paje or Jambiani for a relaxed east-coast atmosphere, Matemwe for tranquillity and snorkelling, or Stone Town for history, culture and food.
Yes. Tides are more noticeable along the east coast, where the sea can retreat significantly at low tide. Nungwi and Kendwa are less affected and generally offer easier swimming throughout the day.
Yes. Foreign visitors must purchase Zanzibar’s mandatory inbound travel insurance before arrival, even if they already hold separate international cover. Visa requirements depend on nationality. Away from resorts and beaches, visitors should also dress modestly and respect local customs.
Yes. Zanzibar combines easily with Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire, or with a Kenya safari in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. Regional flights make it possible to arrange the safari and island stay as one connected journey.
Your Safari
Tell us what you’re dreaming of and one of our East Africa safari specialists will respond within 24 hours with a personalised starting point for your journey — with no obligation.
No commitment required · Response within 24 hours
Every SafariHQ journey is built entirely around you — your interests, your pace and your preferred style of accommodation. There are no fixed departures, only carefully crafted experiences.