The Zanzibar archipelago is a historic Indian Ocean destination, known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning beaches. It offers a range of accommodations and activities, making it a perfect addition to a Tanzanian safari or a standalone holiday. Renowned as the birthplace of the Swahili culture and famous for its spice plantations, Zanzibar features beautiful white-sand beaches where visitors can relax and enjoy the picturesque views of traditional dhows sailing in the turquoise waters. Whether you’re looking for a private island getaway or a larger hotel experience, there’s something for every type of traveler.
There are some fabulous beaches on the islands of Zanzibar, and many choices for an ideal spot to sit back and watch the white dhow sails cruising the startling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Whether it is for a Zanzibar holiday, honeymoon or some post-safari relaxation; whether you prefer the blissful privacy of a private island or the amenities of a larger hotel; and whatever your preferred activities, there are good options for every traveller.
Where is Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is conveniently located on the shores of Tanzania and is exceptionally well placed to book a safari of a lifetime. With so much on offer here accommodation and activity-wise, Zanzibar has something for even the most selective of travelers. The vast and wild Selous Game Reserve is a mere 45 minute flight away which makes a Tanzania beach and safari holiday, extremely easy.
Getting to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is only a short 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam International which is the landing point for flights from all over the world. You cannot directly fly to Dar es Salaam from London or the US, but many airlines (KLM, Emirates) have two-stop flights which make the travel fairly easy (usually via Amsterdam and Dubai).
The best beaches in Zanzibar
Nungwi and Kendwa (North) – The best beaches on the island. Really beautiful and classic Indian Ocean paradise. Non-tidal turquoise waters and really powdery white sands. Can sometimes be busy.
Pongwe (East) – Pongwe sits in a little concave bit of coast line which means the beach is glorious and when the tide isn’t completely in, it is seaweed-free and very pretty. Not the long sweeping beaches of the north, but a pocket of pure beachy gold. Less busy than the north.
Paje and Dongwe (East) – Although tidal, here sit some of our favorite luxury boutique hotels. You would not be let down here in terms of accommodation. The beach is beautiful, but getting your toes wet is a bit harder than in the northern Nungwi regions as the sea is further out and very tidal.
Matemwe (Northeast) – Slightly to the east of Nungwi, Matemwe is slightly tidal but when the tide is in there are a few of our favourite fantastic value accommodation options.
Stone Town Zanzibar
Visitors to Zanzibar tend to arrive and leave via Stone Town, the island capital and a historic hub of commerce and culture. This ancient centre was the seat of the Sultans, whose crumbling palaces, bath houses and mosques are a legacy of this opulent and vibrant time at the heart of the gold trade.
The town has a very different commercial attitude today, and one that thrives on the growing tourist market. The labyrinthine streets are lined with traders selling everything from mass-produced art works to ancient wooden doors, from tie dye t-shirts to jewels. The muezzins’ call to prayer echoes across the rooftops at the break of day, while cats, goats, dogs, roosters and babies often make themselves heard in between! This old town remains a wonderful place to spend a night or two, getting lost among the elegant, ancient buildings, eating fresh fish on the sea front and breathing in the sights, sounds and smells of a truly Swahili centre. A stay in Stone Town is always a wondrous assault on the senses, but a couple of nights are enough if you value peace and quiet and a good night’s sleep! Nowadays there are some great Boutique hotels in Stone Town.
The islands of Zanzibar
Pemba Island – Pemba is truly off the beaten tourist track. It is beautiful, culturally rich, and with a few top notch hotels which we love to recommend. It has some of the best diving in the world in pristine coral reefs and for those who love to be active, this is your place. The only downside is that the beaches are very tidal – so if you are looking for long white sands, you are better off in Zanzibar.
Mafia Island – Like Pemba, Mafia is relatively new to the tourism industry. However, it is home to some great lodges. Many are drawn to Mafia for the whale shark diving – an experience not to be forgotten. Give yourself 5 days here and you have a fantastic chance of seeing these majestic creatures up close.
Private islands off Zanzibar
Mnemba Island – This private island has only one lodge, Mnemba Island Lodge. It is the ultimate Indian Ocean beach destination for those who want complete seclusion away from the crowds. Mnemba is the ultimate Tanzania honeymoon beach lodge. This tiny island is everything you can imagine of a remote windswept paradise and is often voted one of the most romantic destinations on the planet.
Fanjove Private Island – Yes, Mnemba is the ultimate, but for those who do not wish to fork out over $1,500 per person per night and want a private slice of pure beach heaven, you cannot get better than Fanjove. Beach-shack-chic but ideal for those who crave luxury in its purest natural form.
Thanda Island – At around $25,000 a night, it has got to be unbelievable. But take a large group and occupy its 9 luxury rooms and it becomes a (admittedly, only slightly!) more affordable option for those who want complete Indian Ocean exclusivity.
Why go on a Zanzibar Honeymoon?
The name of the island alone evokes the exotic, mysterious and romantic. We get lots of requests for honeymoons involving Zanzibar and for good reason – very few other parts of the world can lay claim to such beautiful beaches with such a vast array of accommodations all within a couple of hours of world-class safari areas.
Zanzibar Package Holidays
Zanzibar has a lot of hotels.. Some of them are fabulous, and some not so fabulous. We have visited every single hotel we like to recommend on Zanzibar so will be sure to find you something unforgettable which suits both your budget and preferred style. In fact, we only really use 10% of Zanzibar’s vast array of accommodation options – ensuring you skip the rubbish and get to the gold.
Dar to Zanzibar – Safari and Zanzibar Holidays
After your 20 minute flight to Dar es Salaam, you only have to hop over a short 40 minute flight and you are in the beautiful and watery Selous Game Reserve. Add another half an hour west, and get to the wild and fabulous Ruaha National Park (the office’s favourite!). Northern Tanzania is pretty easy too, though flights are rather more expensive – give yourself just over an hour in the air though and you can hop from a famous Serengeti safari right into Indian Ocean paradise… Quite the combination!