Zanzibar Holiday

Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, East Africa

Zanzibar is an archipelago that’s filled with intrigue – and beaches.

It’s a popular spot for holidays because there’s such a wealth of things to see and do.

If you choose a Tanzania safari, Zanzibar is a must-see stop on your journey. Who doesn’t want to lounge on the beach after a week of action-packed safari adventure?

The beaches on the island of Zanzibar are fabulous, and they afford you the ideal place to sit and watch sailboats glide along the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This can be an extremely luxurious holiday or you can manage a more affordable Zanzibar holiday. There are options for everyone. Just be sure to let us know what you’re looking for.

You’ll find the island of Zanzibar on the shores of Tanzania, making it the ideal spot to begin or end a safari. And if you’re itching for more wildlife, you can hop on a fight to the Selous Game Reserve, which is only 45 minutes away.

Things to Do On a Zanzibar Holiday

If you aren’t one to want to sit on the beach all day, no worries. There are many activities for you on the island of Zanzibar. This includes snorkeling, diving, spice tours, prison island tours to see the Aldabra giant tortoises), touring stone town and touring Jozani Forest. In Jozani forest, you may catch a glimpse of the endangered red colobus monkey among many other species. You can also engage in dolphin tours or sunset cruises.

Whatever you do, one thing is for certain: You will not be bored on Zanzibar island.

Zanzibar Beaches

North — Nungwi & Kendwa are the beaches of the north, and these are considered the best beaches on the entire island. When you think of classic paradise, this is it. Serene turquoise waters meet powdery white sand beaches in pure perfection. The only drawback is that these popular beaches can get crowded, especially in peak season.

Northeast – Matemwe is a slightly tidal beach, but it’s perfection when the tide is in. The northeast is also speckled with high-value accommodations.

East – There are three beaches in east Zanzibar, but only one isn’t tidal. Pongwe is a non-tidal beach that sits in a bit of concave coastline and it’s always high tide. It’s a smaller beach than you’ll find in the north, but it’s less likely to be as crowded. Paje and Dongwe are two other beaches in the east, and these are tidal beaches. Still, they are in an area that’s close to some fabulous boutique hotels, so it can be an ideal place to stay, depending on your needs.

Stone Town Zanzibar

You may arrive in Stone Town for your Zanzibar location. This is the island’s capital and it offers a stark contrast to the serene beaches. Stone Town is a historic hub of culture and commerce.

This town was the seat of the Sultans, and you’ll still see evidence of their legacy here.

But today, there’s a very different vibe in Stone Town. This commercial hub thrives on tourist activity. And this is obvious from the streets lined with vendors selling various trinkets and works of art.

Although it’s commercial, Stone Town is worth a stay for the history and culture of the Swahili town itself. You’ll be met with vibrant colors, ancient buildings and fresh foods and spices.

If you’re staying the night in Stone Town, consider one of the freshly renovated boutique hotels.

When to Visit

July through October is peak season for Zanzibar island. And it’s no coincidence that this is also a great time for a nearby safari. December through February are also good times to go and may be a better value. You may experience short periods of rain in November, March and June, but otherwise, these are not bad times to visit Zanzibar.

You won’t want to visit in April or May because this is the wet season. You can expect heavy rains.

Zanzibar Safety

Zanzibar is considered a safe place to travel. But this doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Whenever you’re out and about, practice common sense and watch your belongings. And before you plan your trip, check with your government’s foreign travel advice to ensure it’s still safe to travel here. Things can always change.

Customize Your Journey 

Avoid the crowded commercial photographic safaris and join Golden Sky Safaris for a one-of-a-kind experience through Zanzibar Island.

  • Duration – Choose a quick tryst or a long safari depending on how much time you have to dedicate. For most, these are major excursions with much to see and do, so we recommend at least 7 days.
  • Comfort. Some people love camping style and “roughing it” outdoors while others are looking for a more luxurious vacation. We have various accommodation options for every safari, so tell us about your personal style, and we’ll help you build the perfect trip.
  • Activity level. Our safaris can range from leisurely car rides (with exciting wildlife spotting among breathtaking terrain) to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. And we cover everything in-between. The sky is the limit. Just let us know more about your dream safari.
  • Budget. All safaris are customizable to suit various budgets, so we can accommodate guests from the entry level all the way to fully personalized luxury safaris.

Next Steps

Request Brochure

Schedule Consultation

Request Booking

Luxury Guided Tours

Golden Sky Safaris

Explore the planet’s greatest wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, with your Curated Custom Photography Safari by Golden Ski Safaris.

Where would you like to go?

With Golden Sky Safari, each safari is customized to your needs, expectations and budget. Whether you prefer the 5-star tented remote experience or want to be in the bigger lodges on a less budget, we will customize your safari to perfection.