The beach half of your Tanzania trip
Pristine white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. Relax under swaying palm trees, then explore historic Stone Town and its spice markets — an easy add-on before or after your safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
Where to stay on the island
Zanzibar is not one beach. The north swims at every tide and has the liveliest sunsets; the east is quieter, cheaper and has enormous tides that pull the water out twice a day. Most travellers spend one night in Stone Town at the start or end and the rest on one coast.
Flights from Arusha take about 90 minutes and connect directly from a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb, so a beach week rarely costs you a travel day.
Things to do
Stone Town heritage walk
Half a day on foot through the old city with a local guide: the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the former slave market and the spice bazaar.
Half day · Year-round
Spice farm tour
A working farm outside the city where cloves, nutmeg, vanilla and cardamom grow, usually finished with a Swahili lunch.
Half day · Year-round
Mnemba atoll snorkelling
Boat trip to the reef off Matemwe, the clearest water on the island and the best chance of turtles.
Half day · Jun–Mar
Jozani Forest
The only place to see the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, plus a mangrove boardwalk.
3 hours · Year-round
Dhow sunset cruise
A traditional sailing dhow out of Stone Town or Nungwi as the sun goes down, with drinks on board.
2 hours · Year-round
Safari Blue
A full day of sandbanks, snorkelling stops and a seafood barbecue in the Menai Bay conservation area.
Full day · Jun–Mar
Practical notes
- Flights from Arusha take about 90 minutes; we book them alongside your safari so transfers connect.
- The east coast has dramatic tides — check swimming times before you commit to a hotel there.
- Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim; cover shoulders and knees away from the beach and in Stone Town.
- Ramadan changes opening hours and the feel of Stone Town; we will tell you if your dates fall in it.
- A $5 per person infrastructure tax is payable on arrival, and most hotels now collect it directly.
- Alcohol is served in hotels and tourist restaurants but not widely elsewhere on the island.
Zanzibar itineraries
7 Days Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Stone Town · Nungwi · Paje
Indulge in a tropical beach holiday on Zanzibar, where pristine white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters.
STARTS FROM
$1,650
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10 Days Safari & Zanzibar Honeymoon
Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Zanzibar
Celebrate your honeymoon with romantic beachside retreats, luxurious lodges and unforgettable adventures.
STARTS FROM
$3,950
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