Travelisto destinations

Zanzibar holidays

White-sand beaches, dhows at sunset and the spice-scented alleys of Stone Town — the perfect finale to an East African safari.

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Overview

Welcome to Zanzibar

Zanzibar is the Indian Ocean island that turns a safari into a perfect holiday. After the dust and early starts of the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara, a short flight brings you to soft white sand, warm turquoise water and a slower pace of life, where the day’s big decision is which side of the island to watch the sunset from. It is part of Tanzania but has its own character, shaped by centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian and Portuguese trade.

Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, coral-stone merchants’ houses and rooftop cafés, with the Forodhani night food market on the waterfront. Beyond it, spice farms grow cloves, cinnamon and vanilla, the Jozani Forest is home to the rare red colobus monkey, and dhows sail out to sandbanks, snorkelling reefs and the island of Mnemba.

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Each coast has its own feel. The north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, has the best swimming at all tides and the liveliest sunsets. The north-east is quieter and home to many of the smartest resorts. The south-east, around Paje and Jambiani, has wide beaches, big tides and some of the best kitesurfing in Africa. Best for: safari-and-beach holidays, honeymoons, families, divers and kitesurfers. See our guide to safari and beach holidays for ideas.

From the team

Why we love Zanzibar

Rossella — Travel Designer · Luxury & Destination Specialist

For most people Zanzibar is the reward at the end of a safari. Pick your coast carefully: the north for swimming, the south-east for kitesurfing and space. And give Stone Town at least one night.

Rossella Rossella, Luxury & Destination Specialist Meet our Travel Designers

Find your trip

Holiday types in Zanzibar

Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.

City breaks

Zanzibar's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.

Stone Town

Stone Town

The UNESCO-listed old town: carved doors, spice markets, the House of Wonders and the Forodhani night food market.

Cruises

Zanzibar is an occasional call on Indian Ocean and East Africa cruises, but most visitors arrive by air, often straight from a safari.

Current offers

Zanzibar holiday offers

Our latest package deals, updated every week. Prices are per person and can change; your specialist will confirm the price and details before you book.

Local tourist or city taxes, where they apply, are paid in resort. When international flights are included, ATOL Protection is included.

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Practical info

Knowing before you go

When to go
Jan
32°
Feb
32°
Mar
32°
Apr
30°
May
29°
Jun
29°
Jul
28°
Aug
28°
Sep
29°
Oct
30°
Nov
31°
Dec
32°

June to October is the best time, dry and sunny with cooler evenings, and it pairs perfectly with the peak safari season. December to February is hot and mostly dry. The long rains fall from about late March to May, and there are short rains in November.

Flights & how to get there

There are no direct flights from the UK. Most travellers fly via the Gulf, Istanbul or Nairobi, in around 12 to 15 hours, or arrive on a short flight from Arusha, the Serengeti or Dar es Salaam at the end of a safari. Most resorts are 45 to 75 minutes from the airport.

Visa & passport

UK visitors need a visa for Tanzania, which includes Zanzibar, usually obtained online before travel. Zanzibar also requires all visitors to buy its own compulsory inbound travel insurance before arrival, in addition to your own policy. Check the UK FCDO travel advice for Tanzania for the latest rules.

Currency & money

The Tanzanian shilling (TZS); US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and for excursions. Cards work in larger hotels; carry cash for markets and smaller restaurants.

Language & tipping

Swahili and English.

Health & safety

There is a malaria risk on Zanzibar, so talk to your GP or a travel clinic about six weeks before you travel. A yellow fever certificate may be required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever, including after a safari in some neighbouring countries. Drink bottled water, use insect repellent and buy comprehensive travel insurance.

FAQs

Zanzibar — your questions

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

June to October, which is dry and sunny and fits perfectly after a safari. December to February is also good, if hotter. Avoid the long rains from late March to May.

Which side of Zanzibar is best?

The north, around Nungwi and Kendwa, for swimming at all tides and sunsets. The north-east for quieter, upmarket resorts. The south-east, around Paje, for wide beaches and kitesurfing, though the tide goes out a long way.

Can I combine Zanzibar with a safari?

Yes, it is the classic combination. Fly from the Serengeti or Arusha straight to Zanzibar, or join a small-group safari that ends on the island.

Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?

Yes, UK visitors need a Tanzanian visa, usually applied for online. Zanzibar also requires its own compulsory inbound travel insurance, bought before you arrive.

Is Stone Town worth visiting?

Yes. Stay at least one night to explore the alleys, markets and rooftop cafés, and eat at the Forodhani night market on the waterfront.

Make this trip yours

Plan your Zanzibar holiday with a Travel Designer

Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.

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