Narrow street with carved doors in Stone Town
Explore Stone Town
Lose yourself in the historic alleys, markets and rooftops of this UNESCO World Heritage gem.
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Zanzibar white-sand beach with a traditional dhow on turquoise water — 2400×1400
The Spice Island · Indian Ocean
Zanzibar
Powder-white sand, warm turquoise water and the spice-scented lanes of historic Stone Town. After all the dust and excitement of the plains, we can't think of a lovelier way to end your Tanzania trip than out here, with your toes in the warm Indian Ocean.
IThe Spice Island
Where Safari Meets the Sea
Lying just off the coast of mainland Tanzania in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the Zanzibar archipelago is one of the world’s great beach destinations — and the perfect finale to a safari. Its main island, Unguja, is ringed by some of the finest beaches on Earth: mile upon mile of soft white sand, fringed by palms and lapped by shallow, luminous turquoise water.
But Zanzibar is far more than a beach. For centuries it stood at the crossroads of trade between Africa, Arabia and India, and that rich, layered history gives the island a culture, cuisine and atmosphere found nowhere else. At its heart lies Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of winding alleys, carved doors and bustling bazaars. The island earned its nickname — the Spice Island — from the clove, nutmeg and cinnamon plantations that still perfume its interior.
Whether you want to do nothing but unwind on a sun-lounger, dive coral reefs teeming with life, wander a living museum of a town, or all three, Zanzibar delivers — and it is only a short flight from the safari parks, making it effortless to combine.
The island’s warm, welcoming culture is as memorable as its scenery. Zanzibar is overwhelmingly Swahili and predominantly Muslim, and its rhythms — the call to prayer drifting over the rooftops, the unhurried pace, the sheer friendliness of its people — are part of what makes it so special. A few simple courtesies, such as dressing modestly away from the beach and resorts, are warmly appreciated and open the door to genuine encounters.
Palm-fringed white beach with turquoise water and a dhow — 1000×750
The Beaches
Sand, Sea & Pure Relaxation
Zanzibar’s beaches are the stuff of dreams. In the north, Nungwi and Kendwa offer swimmable water at all tides, lively sunset bars and superb diving. Along the tranquil east coast, Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu stretch for miles, beloved by kitesurfers and anyone seeking peace, where the tide draws far out to reveal shimmering sandbars and seaweed gardens.
Whatever your style — a lively beach with watersports, a secluded barefoot-luxury retreat, or a family-friendly resort with a reef offshore — there is a perfect stretch of Zanzibar sand for you. This is the place to slow right down after safari: to swim, snorkel, sail on a traditional dhow and watch the most glorious sunsets over the ocean.
Stone Town
A Living Crossroads of Cultures
At the island’s heart lies Stone Town, one of the most atmospheric places in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To wander its labyrinth of narrow, shaded alleys is to step back in time — past crumbling coral-stone mansions, intricately carved wooden doors, bustling bazaars, mosques and the old Arab fort, all humming with life.
This is a place to get happily lost: to browse spice and craft markets, sip coffee in a shaded courtyard, visit the poignant former slave market, watch the sun sink over the harbour from a rooftop, and feast on grilled seafood at the evening food market in the Forodhani Gardens. Its blend of African, Arab, Indian and European influences makes Stone Town utterly unique.
Narrow alley with carved doors in historic Stone Town — 1000×750
IIBeyond the Beach
Things to Do on the Island
Zanzibar rewards the curious as richly as the sun-seeker. A few of the island’s highlights:
- Spice tour. Wander a working plantation to see, smell and taste the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla that made the island famous — a feast for the senses.
- Diving & snorkelling. The reefs around Zanzibar and nearby Mnemba Atoll teem with colourful fish, turtles and dolphins — some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean.
- Jozani Forest. Seek out the rare and endearing red colobus monkey, found nowhere else on Earth, in this protected patch of forest.
- Dhow cruises & sandbanks. Sail a traditional dhow to a deserted sandbank for snorkelling and a sunset few ever forget.
- The Rock & local flavours. Dine at the iconic restaurant perched on a rock in the sea, and savour Zanzibar’s wonderful Swahili cuisine.
We can arrange as much or as little as you like — a full programme of culture and adventure, or simply a lounger, a book and the sound of the waves.
IIIThings to Do
Ways to Experience Zanzibar
From culture and adventure to pure relaxation, Zanzibar offers something for everyone.
Spices laid out on a Zanzibar plantation tour
Spice Tour
See, smell and taste the cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon that gave the Spice Island its name.
Enquire →
Diver exploring a colourful coral reef
Diving & Snorkelling
Discover vibrant reefs and marine life around Mnemba Atoll — among the finest in the Indian Ocean.
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Traditional dhow sailing at sunset
Dhow Sunset Cruise
Sail a traditional wooden dhow to a sandbank and watch an unforgettable ocean sunset.
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Traditional dhow silhouetted against a fiery Zanzibar sunset — 2400×1400
Island Sunsets
Where the Ocean Meets the Sky
There is no better way to end a day — or a whole trip — than watching the sun melt into the Indian Ocean from a Zanzibar beach, the sky ablaze, a dhow drifting past in silhouette, and the warm water still lapping at your feet. It is the perfect, peaceful counterpoint to the drama of safari, and the memory you will carry home.
Start PlanningWhere to Stay
From Barefoot Luxury to Beach Retreats
Zanzibar offers accommodation for every taste and budget, from intimate boutique hotels in the heart of Stone Town to beachfront resorts, private villas and some of the most romantic barefoot-luxury retreats in the Indian Ocean. The north (Nungwi, Kendwa) suits those wanting swimmable water and a lively scene; the east coast offers tranquil, endless beaches; and smaller private islands promise total seclusion.
Zanzibar is a wonderful choice for honeymooners, families and anyone in need of pure relaxation after safari. We know the island’s coasts and properties well, and match you to the perfect stretch of sand and style of stay — then handle the flights and transfers so the transition from bush to beach is seamless.
Reaching Zanzibar could not be easier: it is a short, scenic flight from the safari parks, and we arrange the flights and transfers so the move from bush to beach is completely seamless. Whether you finish your safari here for a few days of pure relaxation or make the island a trip in its own right, we tailor every detail to exactly the escape you have in mind.
Barefoot-luxury beach villa on the Zanzibar coast — 1000×750
IVGallery
Zanzibar in Pictures
Aerial view of a white sandbar in turquoise sea
Carved wooden door in Stone Town
Red colobus monkey in Jozani Forest
Snorkeller over a coral reef
Spices in a market basket
Dhow on turquoise water at golden hour
“After the Serengeti, Zanzibar was pure bliss — white sand, warm sea, and the magic of Stone Town at dusk. The perfect end to a perfect trip.”
Hannah & Mark T., United KingdomVGood to Know
Zanzibar FAQ
Zanzibar is warmly Swahili and predominantly Muslim, with a rich blend of African, Arab and Indian influences. Its friendly people and relaxed pace are a highlight; dressing modestly away from the beach and resorts is appreciated.
Zanzibar is a short, scenic flight from the mainland — typically well under an hour from the northern-circuit hubs. We arrange all internal flights and transfers so the move from bush to beach is completely seamless.
Zanzibar is glorious for most of the year, at its best from June to October and December to February, when it is warm, dry and sunny. It is best to avoid the peak of the long rains in April and May.
Three to five nights is ideal to properly unwind after safari — enough to relax on the beach and explore Stone Town, a spice tour or the reefs. Honeymooners often stay a little longer.
Wonderfully so. Zanzibar is one of our most popular honeymoon and family destinations, with romantic retreats, family-friendly resorts and a huge range of activities. We tailor your stay to exactly what you want.
Begin the Journey
Ready to Unwind in Zanzibar?
Tell us what you're dreaming of and we'll add the perfect island finale to your safari — from barefoot beach days to the spice-scented lanes of Stone Town.