Zanzibar – Bespoke Tanzania Itineraries

Cast adrift just off the Tanzanian coast, the Zanzibar Archipelago is comprised of Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, and a handful of many other small islands.

A strategically located trading post, the islands are a cultural confluence of African, Asian, and European influences. Famous for white sand beaches, Swahili culture, and a spice trade history, Zanzibar is commonly included at the end of a Tanzania or Kenya safari for a relaxing end to an extraordinary journey.

A traditional dhow sailboat glides across calm teal water with a vivid orange sunset on the horizon.

A green sea turtle swims through clear blue water above coral reef off the coast of Zanzibar.

A woman in a colorful sarong walks barefoot through a lush green palm garden near the beach.

Why visit Zanzibar?

Zanzibar’s gentle coral beaches are calm with unpredictable tides, often allowing you to walk at low tide up to a quarter mile on the sand and sometimes all the way out to the reefs. The best beaches with less variations in the tide are on the west coast up to the northern tip of the island, while the best snorkeling and scuba diving is off the coast of Mnemba Island, located east of the northern tip of Zanzibar.

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Zanzibar’s gentle coral beaches are calm with unpredictable tides, often allowing you to walk at low tide up to a quarter mile on the sand and sometimes all the way out to the reefs. The best beaches with less variations in the tide are on the west coast up to the northern tip of the island, while the best snorkeling and scuba diving is off the coast of Mnemba Island, located east of the northern tip of Zanzibar.
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Naturally, Zanzibar offers a plethora of water-based activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, fishing, kayaking, and sailing. When you need a break from the beach, you can take an interesting (albeit, kitschy) spice tour or visit the colobus monkeys at the Jozani Forest.
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Zanzibar’s world-renowned beaches are complemented by its rich cultural history. Its oldest remaining building is a mosque at Kizimkazi that dates back to 1107 and is worth a visit, if you can tear yourself away from the beach. The capital city of Stone Town is a UNESCO world heritage site and is fascinating for its culture, Sultan’s Palace, and mosque.

The best time to visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar can be visited year-round but April, May, and November can bring heavy rains. Island life can also be pretty hot and humid, so we highly recommend a resort with air conditioning.

Best

Jan

Feb

Mar

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Dec

January - March

June - October

December - December

Good

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

January - December

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Other areas to explore

A visit to Zanzibar puts you within easy reach of many other beautiful and fascinating parts of Africa.

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Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is the heart and soul of Tanzania and the quintessential safari experience.

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Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most famous nature reserve. If you are dreaming about a safari, what you are seeing in your minds-eye is the Maasai Mara. It is classic savannah – grasslands where animals are plentiful and the vistas are spectacular.

Victoria Falls

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