Holidays to Zanzibar

Why travel to Zanzibar?

Combine your tour to Tanzania with Zanzibar – the ultimate beach holiday destination. Here awaits an exotic tropical island with powdery white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and dazzling azure waters, where you can unwind beneath the palms and soak up the laid-back island lifestyle.

While Zanzibar’s beaches are undoubtedly what attract most visitors, sunshine and sand are far from the only reasons to visit. The island boasts a fascinating history, lush natural surroundings, and rich wildlife, all coming together to create a truly adventurous escape.

Spectacular beaches

With outstanding beaches such as Kendwa, Kiwengwa, and Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar is a favourite for anyone seeking a relaxing beach holiday. Here, pristine white beaches stretch for miles, the sand is as soft as powder, and the crystal-clear sea gently laps against the shore, inviting you for a refreshing dip in the waves.

After stepping out of the azure waters, you can sink into a vibrant beach lounger and let the sun warm you—or relax in the shade beneath a palm tree with an ice-cold drink, all while taking in the sparkling views over the sea.

Enchanting wildlife and natural wonders

If you’re dreaming of experiencing the wild side of Zanzibar, the island’s only national park, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, located in the very heart of Zanzibar, is an absolute must-see.

Here you’ll have the chance to wander along scenic forest trails through dense mangrove forests, keeping an eye out for exotic wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the national park’s main attraction: the red colobus monkey, an endemic species unique to Zanzibar, as it gracefully leaps between the treetops.

But monkeys are by no means the only creatures waiting to be discovered in the national park—chameleons, antelopes, and colourful butterflies await as well.

Zanzibar’s remarkable flora and fauna is not just found on land. Beneath the waves, for example at Mnemba Island, you’ll find more than 600 different species of fish swimming amongst vibrant coral reefs.

Fascinating history and culture

Despite its modest size, Zanzibar boasts a rich cultural heritage and storied past.

You might, for example, take a stroll through the winding alleyways of the old trading city, Stone Town, where you can be captivated by stunning architecture or learn more about the island’s painful history as a hub of the slave trade. As evening draws in, you can also enjoy the sunset from one of the many charming rooftop terraces, each offering panoramic views across the ocean and the city’s vibrant streets below.

If you venture beyond the centre of Stone Town, you’ll have the opportunity to experience authentic daily life among the local people, where fishing and agriculture are at the heart of the community. You can also pay a visit to the aromatic spice plantations in the villages of Kizimbani and Kinchi, and gain an insight into why Zanzibar is known as the ‘Spice Island’.

Authentic culinary experiences

When you holiday in Zanzibar, you simply cannot help but be swept away by the incredible flavours on offer from the island’s vibrant food scene.

Zanzibar’s past as a centre of trade has turned the island into a melting pot of cultures, and this is wonderfully reflected in its cuisine. While firmly rooted in classic Swahili traditions, Zanzibar’s culinary heritage also bears the influence of the Middle East, India, Portugal, and Britain.

The waters surrounding Zanzibar are teeming with life, making the island a haven for seafood lovers, with everything from grilled fish to flavourful spiced shellfish dishes on offer. Sample these culinary delights in Stone Town, where the labyrinthine streets are lined with everything from charming restaurants to lively street food stalls.

Combine Zanzibar with a safari holiday in Tanzania or Kenya

Can’t decide between pure relaxation and adventure? With TourCompass, you can enjoy the best of both worlds by combining an unforgettable safari holiday with a relaxing beach holiday in one incredible tour.

For example, you could combine Tanzania and Zanzibar, spicing up your beach holiday with an exhilarating safari in famous national parks such as the Serengeti, Tarangire, or Nyerere. Alternatively, pair Zanzibar with Kenya, where national parks like Tsavo, Amboseli, and the Masai Mara await you. See all our safari and Zanzibar combinations.

Boasting spectacular wildlife and all the classic African safari animals, Tanzania and Kenya are among the world’s top safari destinations. Whether you choose to combine your beach holiday with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya, you’re guaranteed unforgettable experiences out on the savannah.

Most frequently asked questions about holidays to Zanzibar

There are often many questions that arise when planning a holiday to Zanzibar. Is it safe? When is the best time to visit? What can you do there?

That’s why we’ve put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about holidays to Zanzibar.

Where is Zanzibar located?

Zanzibar is situated in the Indian Ocean, just under 50 km off the eastern coast of Tanzania in East Africa.

Is Zanzibar a good destination for a beach holiday?

Absolutely! With its stunning sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and captivating Swahili atmosphere, Zanzibar is the ultimate destination for a beach holiday.

If you dream of pure relaxation in a tropical paradise, you won’t be disappointed when you visit Zanzibar.

Is it safe to travel to Zanzibar?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Zanzibar, especially if you exercise common sense and follow local advice.

At TourCompass, we do our utmost to ensure you feel at ease throughout your tour. If you need assistance or have any questions while you’re away, you can always contact our local partners or experienced travel specialists via our 24-hour emergency hotline.

Do you need a visa for Zanzibar?

Yes, most travellers will require a visa for Zanzibar, which is part of Tanzania.

You can find detailed information on passport and visa requirements on our practical information pages, where we’ve gathered all the relevant details about our destinations.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The best time to visit Zanzibar depends very much on what you want from your holiday.

It’s warm throughout the year, with average temperatures between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius, making Zanzibar an ideal destination for a beach holiday all year round.

You’ll find the best weather during the long dry season from June to October or the short dry season from January to February, when it’s hot and dry.

If you’re dreaming of fewer visitors, lower prices, and a lusher landscape, it’s worth travelling outside the dry seasons.

Read more about the best time to visit Zanzibar here.

What can you do in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar offers you a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

If you’re looking to truly relax, you can unwind with sunny days on the beach, a drink in hand. For the more adventurous, dive beneath the waves on a snorkelling trip, seek out wildlife in the island’s lush mangrove forests, or take a stroll through history in the enchanting old quarter of Stone Town.

In other words, when you travel to Zanzibar, there’s no end to the incredible experiences awaiting you!

How much does a holiday to Zanzibar cost?

The price of a holiday to Zanzibar depends on several factors, such as your preferred time of travel, choice of accommodation, and whether you’d like to add extra experiences to your tour.

Our holidays to Zanzibar are always combined with a safari holiday in either Tanzania or Kenya, and therefore, the price will also depend on the length of the safari part of your tour.

To receive a tailored price, simply request a quote for the specific tour you’re interested in.

Need more answers?

We understand there are often plenty of questions that come up when you’re planning a holiday to Zanzibar.

Our dedicated travel specialists are ready to guide you and help turn your next adventure into reality.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller