Zanzibar Island

Discover Zanzibar’s World-Class Beaches

Zanzibar is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Africa, each offering a unique atmosphere:

• Nungwi Beach – Located on the northern tip, famous for its powdery white sands, sunset bars, and swimming in all tides

• Kendwa Beach – Ideal for beach lovers who want a lively vibe with beach parties and resorts

• Paje & Jambiani (East Coast) – Popular among kite surfers and backpackers with laid-back villages and turquoise lagoons

• Matemwe & Kiwengwa – Quieter options perfect for honeymooners or diving enthusiasts

Zanzibar’s beaches are framed by coral reefs, gentle waves, and swaying palms — the perfect setting for swimming, snorkeling, diving, dhow sailing, or simply doing absolutely nothing at all.

Explore Stone Town – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar, is a living museum of Swahili culture and ancient trade. Wander through its narrow, winding alleyways, and you’ll pass ornate wooden doors, Arabian-style balconies, and old Indian merchant houses.

Don’t miss:

• House of Wonders – The first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator

• Freddie Mercury’s childhood home – A must-see for Queen fans

• Old Slave Market Museum – A powerful look into Zanzibar’s dark past as a slave trading port

• Forodhani Gardens Night Market – A feast of Zanzibari street food: grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice

Guided Stone Town tours reveal the fusion of Arab, Persian, Indian, and African influences that shaped this unique island culture.

Zanzibar Spice Tours – Taste the Island’s Legacy

Zanzibar isn’t called the Spice Island for nothing. Take a guided spice tour through lush plantations where you’ll see, smell, and taste:

• Cloves

• Cardamom

• Nutmeg

• Cinnamon

• Vanilla

• Black pepper

• Lemongrass

• Turmeric

These tours are interactive and fun — sniff spices straight from the bark, grind herbs with local guides, and sample tropical fruits you’ve never even heard of.

It’s not just tasty — it’s a cultural experience and a window into how Zanzibar once ruled the world spice trade.

Marine Life & Island Adventures

Zanzibar is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and abundant coral reefs that make it a top destination for:

• Snorkeling and scuba diving (Mnemba Atoll, Chumbe Island, and Kizimkazi reefs are top spots)

• Dolphin tours in Kizimkazi

• Traditional dhow cruises at sunset

• Kayaking, paddleboarding, and kite surfing

• Turtle conservation tours in Nungwi

• Sandbank picnics and private island trips

Whether you’re relaxing in a hammock or diving with colorful fish, the sea here is part of the experience.

How to Get to Zanzibar Island

• By Air: Daily domestic flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and Dar es Salaam

• By Ferry: 2-hour ride from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town

• International flights also land directly in Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) from Europe and the Middle East

How Long to Stay in Zanzibar?

We recommend 3 to 7 nights depending on your travel style:

• 3 nights: Post-safari relaxation

•  5 nights: Beach fun + cultural tours

• 7+ nights: Romantic getaway, honeymoon, or full island exploration

Where to Stay in Zanzibar?

Luxury:

• Zuri Zanzibar (Kendwa)

• The Residence (Kizimkazi)

• Baraza Resort & Spa (Bwejuu)

Mid-range:

• Next Paradise Boutique Resort (Pongwe)

• Amaan Bungalows (Nungwi)

• Tembo House Hotel (Stone Town)

Budget-friendly:

• New Teddy’s Place (Paje)

• Shoki Shoki Guesthouse (Stone Town)

Want to Add Zanzibar to Your Tanzania Safari?

Zanzibar makes the perfect ending to any safari — whether you’ve explored the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire, nothing beats washing off the dust in warm Indian Ocean waves. Ask us to include a Zanzibar beach extension in your safari package or contact us for custom Tanzania + Zanzibar itineraries.