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Beach Extension

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical island off Tanzania's coast, known for its white-sand beaches, clear water and Swahili heritage. It is a favourite beach stay after a safari.

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow alleys, carved doors, markets and historic buildings that reflect centuries of Arab, Persian, Indian and European trade. Spice tours visit plantations of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, and dhow trips and snorkelling excursions explore Mnemba Atoll and Prison Island.

Beach areas such as Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, Paje and Jambiani on the east coast, and Matemwe offer a range of resorts from lively hotels to quiet boutique stays. Zanzibar is reached by flight from Arusha, Dar es Salaam and the Serengeti.

Highlights

  • White sand beaches and turquoise water
  • Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Spice plantation tours
  • Dhow cruises and snorkelling around Mnemba Atoll
  • Direct flights from the Serengeti and Arusha

Best time to visit

June to October and December to February are the driest and sunniest. The long rains from March to May bring heavy showers, and the short rains arrive around November.

Safaris featuring Zanzibar

We do not have a published safari for Zanzibar yet. Tell us your plans and we will build one.

More places to explore

  • Great Migration

    Serengeti

    Endless plains, year-round big cat sightings and the Great Migration in Tanzania's most famous national park.

  • World Heritage Site

    Ngorongoro Crater

    The world's largest intact volcanic caldera, a natural amphitheatre packed with wildlife.

  • Baobabs & Elephants

    Tarangire

    Giant baobab trees, big elephant herds and the Tarangire River draw wildlife in the dry season.

  • Tanzania

    Lake Manyara

    A compact park of groundwater forest, an alkaline lake and Rift Valley escarpment, known for its birdlife and tree-climbing lions.

  • Big Five

    Masai Mara

    Kenya's most celebrated wildlife reserve, famous for the Great Migration, resident big cats and open golden plains.

  • Elephants & Kilimanjaro

    Amboseli

    Large elephant herds roam open plains and swamps beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.