ZANZIBAR

 a real tropical paradise

Holidays in Zanzibar 

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise like no other. A place with a fascinating history, incredible nature, enchanting sunset and magnificent beaches. If you are looking for a peaceful yet active escape, Zanzibar is the perfect place for your holiday!

The Spice Island
Zanzibar has a past as a trading outpost for spice merchants transporting goods from Africa to Arabia. Today Zanzibar is well known as the Spice Island due to the farming and processing of aromatic spices like cloves, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemongrass and black pepper.

A Natural Paradise
Offshore, a selection of kaleidoscopic reefs and atolls make Zanzibar a prime diving spot, with turtles, dolphins and whale sharks all frequenting the waters here.

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Located in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja, which is the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar, and Pemba.

The position of Zanzibar, which is washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, made this archipelago a favorable base for traders voyaging between Africa, Arabia, and India. These three cultures shaped Zanzibar’s history, traditions, food and language.

Name

The name Zanzibar comes from the Arabic Zanjibār and Persian Zang-bār. It combines the words Zang (“Black“) + bār (“coast, land, country“). So, in essence, Zanzibar means “land of the Blacks”.

Capital

The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic center, Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site.

Language

Official languages are Kiswahili, English and Arabic.

Local Time

Local time in Zanzibar is GMT + 3 during the winter season and GMT + 2 during the summer season.

Religion

The main religion is Islam, and almost 95% of the inhabitants are Muslim.

The best time to visit Zanzibar

If you are considering taking a vacation to Zanzibar it is important to think about the climatic conditions. Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago, enjoys a tropical climate, with pleasant temperatures all year round. This tropical island is therefore good to visit at most times of the year, thanks to its regular sunshine and balmy weather. The real difference is made by the rain or rather the rainy season.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season from June to October.

The main rainy season lasts from March-May, where tropical downpours are not uncommon during the afternoon. During November and December the downpours return – the ‘short rains’. While they’re lighter than what you’d experience during the rainy season, they’re not as reliable.

January and February represent another dry window and as it’s often quieter than the main dry season, it’s a great time to travel.

Zanzibar Holidays: what to do

In Zanzibar you have many options to choose from. For an exotic African Island experience with a special twist: you can’t go wrong choosing to have your holiday in Zanzibar. Tours of Zanzibar combine laid-back beach accommodation with plenty of activities and superb locations to offer a culturally-rich but super-relaxed vacation.

Selous Safari 2 games and Hot springs - 3 Days

Zanzibar

3 days Safari in the Selous Game Reserve: the Africa's largest national park. Includes 2 full-day game drives and Hot springs visit. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 

Adventure, Couples, Family, Nature, Sport Lovers

Selous Game Reserve Safari - 5 Days 4 Nights

Zanzibar

Enjoy 5 days Tour in the Selous Game Reserve: the Africa's largest national park. Includes all excursions, 3 full-day game drives and hot springs visit. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Adventure, Couples, Family, Nature, Sport Lovers

Jozani Forest and Prison Island - Full day

Zanzibar

A great full day tour. Visit Jozani Forest National Park, habitat for a wide variety of mammals, birds and butterflies. Then take a boat trip tyo Prison Islan, see the beautiful peacocks and the giant tortoises and take time to swim and snorkeling.

Adventure, Cultural, Family, Nature, Sea Lovers, Sport Lovers

Selous Safari 1 game and excursions - 3 Days

Zanzibar

3 days Safari in the Selous Game Reserve: the Africa's largest national park. Includes all excursions and 1 full-day game drive. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 

Adventure, Couples, Family, Nature, Sport Lovers

Stone Town - Half day

Zanzibar

Come and join our experienced guide for a half day visit of old Stone Town: a UNESCO World Heritage and cultural center of Zanzibar.

Couples, Cultural, Family

Selous Game Reserve Safari - 2,5 Days 1 Night

Zanzibar

2 and a half days Safari in the Selous Game Reserve: the Africa's largest national park. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as you explore this remarkable habitat and spot its incredible wildlife diversity! 

Adventure, Couples, Family, Nature, Sport Lovers

Zanzibar Hotels and Resorts

Zanzibar offers a wide range of accommodations.
Browse our highly curated collection of Zanzibar hotels to see what’s right for your holiday.

Maharaja Boutique Hotel

Zanzibar

A luxurious adults-only 5-star retreat located on the pristine shores of Zanzibar’s Uroa village, offering exclusive accommodations, world-class dining, and personalized service amidst the beauty of a tropical botanical garden and a private beach.

free wifi, restaurant, swimming pool, private beach, bar, parking, pet allowed

Marea Boutique Hotel

Zanzibar

Located on the pristine Jambiani beach in Zanzibar, Marea Boutique Hotel offers an intimate and serene escape for discerning travelers.

free wifi, restaurant, swimming pool, private beach, spa, bar

Paje White House

Zanzibar

Welcome to Paje White House, your perfect retreat in the vibrant village of Paje, just a short stroll from Zanzibar's stunning east coast beach.

free wifi, restaurant, swimming pool, spa, bar, parking

Aquamarina Hotel & Apartments

Zanzibar

Experience the relaxed charm of Zanzibar at Aquamarina Hotel & Apartments, where simplicity and comfort meet on the picturesque Jambiani Beach.

free wifi, restaurant, swimming pool, private beach, spa, bar, parking

RoRi Private Luxury Villas

Zanzibar

Beach front villas offering a sophisticated blend of comfort and tranquility. With a focus on privacy and luxury, these villas cater to discerning guests seeking a serene getaway.

free wifi, swimming pool, private beach, parking

Zanzibar Travel Tips

Zanzibar is a wonderful place, a true paradise. With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Zanzibar offers travelers an unforgettable experience. If you are planning to travel to Zanzibar it could be useful to get some more information to plan your trip in safety and fully enjoy your well-deserved vacation.

Visa

Visa is required to visit Zanzibar.  A single three-month entry tourist visa for your Zanzibar holiday can be requested from Tanzanian embassies and high commissions. Visitors flying directly to Zanzibar are able to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport, where the price is USD 50.

Vaccines and Medicines

No vaccinations are required to travel to Zanzibar. If your trip involves a stopover of more than 12 hours in a country with risk of YF (Yellow Fever), such as Ethiopia and Kenya, then you will need to be vaccinated against yellow fever.
If your trip includes safaris, then antimalarial prophylaxis is advisable.
Mosquitoes are the main cause of infections in both Zanzibar and Tanzania, but they are also easily neutralized with a good repellent. Take a basic medical kit for treating insect bites, sun-stroke/dehydration and diarrhea.

How to pay

The local currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). US dollar are also widely accepted as payment throughout the island. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger establishments.

Electricity in Zanzibar

Electricity is 230 V. Usually English-style sockets are used, with the possibility of borrowing convertors at your hotel reception, although it may be better to bring your own.

Local Time

Local time is GMT + 3 during the winter season and GMT + 2 during the summer season.

Flying to Zanzibar

Zanzibar International Airport is located in the historic Stone Town, the only airport on the island is served by flights from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Once you have arrived, take a taxi to your accommodation or enjoy the services of your hotel’s shuttle bus.

Drinking water

The tap water in Zanzibar is not safe to drink, so it is strongly recommended to stick to bottled water, which is widely available across the island. This includes avoiding ice in your drinks and eating salads which may have been washed in the tap water.

How to dress

Light and loose clothes are recommended, better if from natural fabrics. The best shoes are flip-flops or sandals, however a firm pair of walking shoes is recommended for trips to the forest. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the tropical sun.
Zanzibar is a conservative, predominantly Muslim society. Travelers are advised to dress and behave with respect to local customs and sensibilities. Women, in particular, should dress with shoulders and knees covered. Bikinis and minis are fine at hotels and resorts, but Zanzibaris appreciate modest dressing in the villages and towns. Likewise, men should not go shirtless and should dress conservatively. Nudity on the beach is not acceptable.

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