Zanzibar is a beauty haven along the Indian Ocean lying about 24 km off from the scenic coast of Tanzania. Think of a destination to escape the world and think not beyond the Zanzibar archipelago.
The Zanzibar archipelago is composed of 2 extensive islands of Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and Pemba Island. Zanzibar is also referred to as the Spice Island thanks to its diverse spice plantations.
Beyond the spice plantations, the list of exciting things to enjoy on your visit to Zanzibar is just endless. These range from the coastal clear, turquoise-blue water and the shallow sandbars. Visit Stone Town, a designated World Heritage Site and also a historical city in Zanzibar, or spend quality time with your dear one in the finest coastal beaches.
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region and is part of Tanzania. Zanzibar city is its capital and is found on Unguja Island. Zanzibar features among the beautiful islands along the Indian Ocean and is set on the Swahili Coast just next to mainland Tanzania.
Best beaches in Zanzibar.
There are many places to visit for a beach trip, but none beats the Zanzibar beach vacation tours. Think of an idyllic tropical beach with white sand, scenic sunsets, turquoise water, coral reefs, and palm-fringed trees then think not beyond Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Island’s beaches are considerably Africa’s best. The Kendwa beach along Zanzibar was previously voted as the best beach in Africa and globally, it featured in the 4th position.
Kendwa beach.
Kendwa Beach is situated along the Northwest Coast, 56km off Stone Town. This spectacular beach in Zanzibar is accessible about an hour and 20 minutes’ drive. It is a preferred place to experience all-day swimming, sunset viewing, scuba diving, skydiving, snorkeling, and others.
Kendwa Beach comprises budget and luxury hotel options. Top budget hotel options include Sunset Kendwa, Sunseabar, and Kendwa Beach Resort. The luxury hotels along the Kendwa beach include Kilindi Zanzibar, Kendwa Rocks, and Zuri.
Nungwi beach
Located North Coast, 59 km off from the historic Stone Town, Nungwi Beach is most popular for its vibrant nightlife and luxury holidays. This beach is known not only for its finest hotels but also for classic restaurants and fully stocked bars.
On a beach holiday in Nungwi Beach, expect to embark on a dhow boat building activities around the local fisherman area – Indian Ocean’s trademark. This is an area that can enrich you with coastal cultures thanks to its myriad of cuisines, values, religions, and others.
Matemwe beach
Matemwe Beach is found on the Northeastern part of Zanzibar, approximately 40 km. It is most popular for its unmatched serene escapes and diving experiences. At Matemwe, expect to have the best of photography and explore the coral-fringed lagoon, etc. The unique experiences that await you on Zanzibar beach holiday vacation tours in Matemwe include snorkeling, diving, and others.
Bwejuu beach
Located along the Southeastern part of Zanzibar Island, the Bwejuu beach features a myriad of beautiful palm trees. From Stone Town, you take about 1 and a half hours drive to get to Bwejuu. It is the best spot for beach lovers who desire a peaceful place for relaxation.
Activities for you to engage around Bwejuu beach include a boat trip, guided walks in the Mangrove Forest, guided village walks, snorkeling, reef excursions, and diving.
In Jozani Forest, a guided walk allows you to explore some of the finest primates including the red colobus monkeys. The hotels around Bwejuu Beach include Breezes Beach Club, Baraza Resort & Spa, etc.
Kiwengwa beach
On the Northeastern coast of Zanzibar lies Kiwengwa Beach which is 40 km away from Stone Town. It is a family-friendly and tranquil beach escape spot. While in Kiwengwa, expect to enjoy snorkeling in the Mnemba corals, scuba diving, fishing kiteboarding, and others. The hotels around Kiwengwa Beach include Bluebay Beach Resort, Melia Zanzibar, Marijani Beach Resort, Sea Crest Hotel, Mambo Mazuri, and others.
Pongwe beach
Looking for a honeymoon beach destination? Pongwe Beach is without a doubt the best location to consider a must-visit. This beach is found in the Eastern part and from Stone Town, it is about 45km. Pongwe is most popular for its scenic sunrises and its tranquil atmosphere. There are many comfortable hotels to choose from for overnight stays around Pongwe Beach including Pongwe Beach Hotel, Toa Hotel and Spa, Amber Lodge, Queen of Sheba Beach Lodge, and White Paradise Zanzibar.
Paje beach
Situated Southeastern side of Zanzibar, about 50 km off from Stone Town, Paje Beach is an ideal beach holiday destination. It is most popular for its rewarding kitesurfing and diving experiences. Beach holidaymakers also have a myriad of hotels to choose from for overnight stays including Amani Boutique Hotel, Demani Lodge, Kisiwa, Zanzibar White Sand, and others.
Nakupenda beach
Nakupenda Beach is accessible by boat from Stone Town for about 15 minutes. It is an ideal location to visit for snorkeling. This beach derives its name from the Swahili word ‘Nakupenda’ which means “I Love You.”
What to do in Zanzibar?
Scuba diving
Zanzibar lies peacefully in the Southern Equator and is characterized by clear and calm waters. Along Zanzibar, there are multiple options for visitors to choose from for scuba diving including Mnemba Island atoll, and Paje Beach. Other exceptional dive sites in Zanzibar include Kizidi Reef, Wattabomi, Nankivell, and Hunga Reef, Mwana Wa Mwana at Tumbatu Island; Nungwi Reef, Kinasi Pass in Mafia Island, Stone Town area (especially at Nyange Reef), Leven bank, and Kichafi in Unguja Island.
Sail a dhow
Explore and experience Zanzibar on a dhow cruise. Spend at least 2-3 hours on a dhow cruise excursion, especially around Nungwi. If you opt for the afternoon session, expect the best sunset cruise. Nungwi village lies on Unguja Island’s Northern tip and the cost of a dhow cruise also includes some drinks.
A guided tour in Stone Town
Zanzibar beach holiday vacation tours are incomplete without a visit to the historic Stone Town. This picturesque and historic coastal city is Zanzibar’s City and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A lot awaits you on a Stone Town tour including exploring the slave market memorial, Christ church, old slave markets, and others.
Visit the Prison Island
A visit to Prison Island should be a must-do on your Zanzibar beach holiday itinerary. Also most popular as Changgu, Prison Island is a lovely area comprising a small island largely consisting of dense forests. It is accessible within a few minutes off from Stone Town.
What to see / attractions in Zanzibar
House of wonders
The House of Wonders (Palace of Wonders) is not only a landmark but also the biggest and tallest building in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It boasts of its unusual architecture, set facing the Forodhani Garden of the seafront on Mizingani road. House of Wonders is built between the Old Fort and the Palace Museum. It is listed among the 6 exceptional palaces that were constructed by Barghash bin Said, Zanzibar’s 2nd Sultan. It is situated on the site of the 17th-century palace of Zanzibari queen Fatuma.
The Museum of History and Culture of Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast are housed in the House of Wonders. It was named as the House of Wonders because it happened to be Zanzibar’s first building to have electricity. It also became East Africa’s first building to feature an elevator.
The Zala Park
The Zanzibar Land Animals (Zala) began as a project that was aimed at helping the poor and also to preserve wildlife. These include the endemic woodlands and mangrove vegetation. It is one of the unique attractions worth exploring on Zanzibar beach holiday vacation tours. Zala Park is known for its unique culture which you can experience on a guided walk or bike.
Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond
Visit Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond is home to diverse species of turtles in Zanzibar. It is the most popular preservation site for turtles.
Forodhani Night market
The Forodhani night market is an important entertainment hub in Zanzibar and is known for eateries and café in the riverfront space. The visit to this site allows you to explore and experience the different delicious cuisines.
Old Fort
The Old Fort is a popular historical site in Zanzibar and was constructed by Omani Arabs after the island was seized by the Portuguese. It is more of an entertainment hub than a historical monument.
Princess Salme Museum
Built mainly to depict the story of the Sultan’s daughter, the Princess Salme Museum is an important attraction in Zanzibar. It is the most accessible and comprises 2 rooms.
Mtoni palace
This is a ruined attraction in Zanzibar and is home to the Sultan’s lawful wife. It was distinctly designed with a charming contemporary look but currently, it features only the ruins that you should consider exploring on the Zanzibar holiday vacation tour.
Best vacation places in Zanzibar
Stone Town
Stone Town (Mji Mkongwe) is the oldest city in Zanzibar and is found along the Western coast of Unguja. This is the Zanzibar Archipelago’s major island. Stone Town, the former capital of Zanzibar sultanate; Indian Ocean slave trade and remains as the flourishing center of the spice trade. It is a historical city and recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique architecture.
While in Stone Town, expect to explore the House of Wonders, Old Fort, the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church, Palace Museum, Old Dispensary, the Forodhani Gardens, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest Reserve/Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to one of the biggest indigenous forest and is located on Zanzibar Island. Jozani Forest is set South of Chwaka Bay, the low-lying area, and is home to the unique Kirk’s red colobus monkeys. In addition to the red-colobus monkeys, Jozani-Chwaka also hosts bush babies, 50 butterfly species, Sykes’ monkeys, and 40 bird species. There are also Ader’s duikers, mongooses, civet cats, leopards, lemurs, pygmy antelopes, blue monkeys, and more.
Prison Island
The Prison Island (Changuu Island) is accessible 5.6 km Northwest of Stone Town. It is a tiny island in the Indian Ocean and you can combine Prison Island tours and Zanzibar beach holiday vacation tours. It dates back to 1892 when it was established. The Prison Island was originally built with plans to establish a prison. It acted as a prison for a short period in the 1860s.
The best time to visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar is best to visit for a holiday vacation tour, especially during the peak dry season/months of the year. On your travel calendar, the dry months to mark before traveling to Zanzibar should be from June, July, August, September, and October. This is the best time for visitors with plans to visit Zanzibar for scuba diving or any water recreational experiences.
Climate/weather in Zanzibar
Zanzibar records both the wet and dry seasons each year. On average, the temperatures vary depending on the month and February is considered as the hottest month. In February, most parts of Zanzibar get an average temperature record of 28 degrees Celsius. July is the coldest month with a temperature record of 24 degrees Celsius. The wettest month is April and the average rainfall record is 401mm. If you enjoy swimming, then the ideal month to visit Zanzibar is around March when temperatures rise up to 30 degrees Celsius.
Money and currency used in Zanzibar
The official currency in Zanzibar is the Tanzania shilling (TZS). But note that most lodges and even tour operators charge in US Dollars. Payment using credit cards is also acceptable by some companies/lodges but be ready for an extra fee that may apply.
People & culture of Zanzibar
Zanzibar is by far a tropical paradise and a vacation here allows you to fall in love with its people and unique culture. It is most popular not only for its charming beaches but also varied culture and warm welcoming people.
Zanzibar is composed of an ethnic mixture of varied backgrounds from Arab, Persian, and African. Over 90% of the people living in Zanzibar are Muslim and the rest comprises Hindus, Christina, and other varied smaller religions.
Way back, most people from different cultural backgrounds would flock to Zanzibar for various reasons. The Portuguese for instance visited and controlled the Indian Ocean, then they were replaced by the British. Today, Zanzibar’s Stone Town is home to unique architecture.
The Zanzibari people are generally joyful, happy people and ready to assist and make visitors feel at home. Embark on the guided walk through the streets of Stone Town during the market day, and expect to encounter a whirlpool of colors and flavors. The different smells of the spices and fruits are all over.
Language spoken in Zanzibar
The principal language that is spoken in Zanzibar and Pemba is Swahili while Kiunguja is the classical dialect. Arabic is also spoken as other languages.
Best Beach Accommodation in Zanzibar.
Hotels in Stone Town.
Mizingani Seafront Hotel:
Mizingani Seafront Hotel is strategically set in an area where guests can enjoy one of Zanzibar’s most breathtaking views. This comfortable hotel is accessible within a 2-minute walk from the Ferry Terminal/20 20-minute drive from the Zanzibar International Airport.
Mizingani Seafront Hotel boasts of its unique architecture, aesthetically decorated corridors, extensive swimming pool with a 360-degree panoramic view, air-conditioned rooms, and a lot more. Other facilities that make up this hotel include free parking, family rooms, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk and beachfront, etc.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Looking for a place that guarantees you a true romantic experience? Then look no further than the Zanzibar Serena Hotel. Situated right on the sea-front of the historical Stone Town, Zanzibar Serena Hotel isn’t popular to offer 5-star accommodation but also provides an exceptional view of the Indian Ocean.
This 5-star accommodation property features an outdoor pool, sun loungers, 2 restaurants, and over 51 rooms and suites that reflect the grace, beauty, and heritage of Stone Town City. All Zanzibar Serena Hotel’s rooms are standard and also comprise a stunning Presidential Suite.
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Set strategically in a prime location with the most spectacular ocean views, the Park Hyatt Zanzibar is the place to experience tranquility and luxury. This hotel is located in Zanzibar City, 43 km off from Jozani Chwaka National Park and about 11 km from Masingini Forest. If you are in Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, drive for 8 km to Park Hyatt Zanzibar.
Park Hyatt Zanzibar is suitably set in an area where you indulge in coastal experiences including diving, snorkeling, golf games, and more. Popular facilities in Park Hyatt Zanzibar include a beachfront, restaurant, family rooms, spa and wellness Centre, outdoor swimming pool, bar, and others.
WEST COAST HOTELS NEAR STONE TOWN.
Madinat Al Bahr Business and Spa Hotel
Madinat AI Bahr Business & Spa Hotel is found right in Zanzibar City, 6 km off from Peace Memorial Museum. It is a 5-star hotel facility and it is ideal for business and leisure travelers in Zanzibar.
Madinat AI Bahr Business and Spa Hotel is a well-pointed hotel with an outdoor pool, specialty restaurant, spa, and fitness centre. It is a place where one can experience unmatched hospitality.
The room type consists of apartments (single rooms, 2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms), standard rooms, executive rooms, super executive, sultan suite, and premium rooms.
Access to this 5-star accommodation is easy. From Stone Town, it is 5 km and off from Abeid Karume Airport about 3.5 km.
Hotel Verde Azam luxury hotel.
Set right outside the ancient Stone Town about a 15-minute drive from Zanzibar airport, Hotel Verde Azam Luxury Hotel is an ideal place to stay in Zanzibar. It attracts different categories of visitors on family holidays, adventure/business trips, and special events.
Hotel Verde Azam Luxury Hotel is an award-winning hotel property with popular amenities such as a pool, free high-speed internet, a beach, and a fitness center with a gym. Other amenities include children’s television networks, beautiful gardens, and more.
WEST COAST BEACH HOTELS.
Royal Cliff Hotel
The Royal Cliff Zanzibar is another most comfortable hotel facilities in Zanzibar. It is a 4-star hotel with 19 rooms (executive double ocean front, superior deluxe ocean front, superior twin room garden view, King room sea view, and King room garden view) and a mini fridge bar. In addition, there is a roll-away bed, a walk-in shower, a separate toilet, free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a swimming pool. Other key features include on-site dining, 24-hour services, free Wi-Fi, spa and relaxation facilities, a private beach, and more.
Fumba Beach Lodge
Set in the Southwestern of Zanzibar Island, Fumba Beach Lodge is accessible within half an hour’s drive from Karume airport in Stone Town. It is the perfect gateway to Zanzibar’s paradise with breathtaking views of the beach and ocean all guaranteed for you. The rooms in Fumba Beach Lodge consist of Deluxe rooms, Luxury suites, and Baobab suites. There is also a classic restaurant, mini-fridges, room safes, mosquito nets, luggage storage, laundry service, and hair dryers.
Seacliff Resort & Spa.
Come experience the unmatched tranquility, peace, and beauty at Seacliff Resort & Spa. This hotel property features lush scented gardens, sparkling infinity pools, offers a variety of cuisines, and more. Available rooms include superior, garden, and deluxe rooms.
SOUTH & SOUTH EAST COAST BEACH HOTELS
Jambiani Villas
Located on the South and Southeast coast in Zanzibar, Jambiani Villas are most popular for their stunning white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It was built combining the local African culture and the highest quality of hospitality. Book your stay at Jambiani Villas to experience the ultimate peace and beauty of Zanzibar. Available rooms include 1-bed apartment, 2-bed villa, and 3-bed villa.
Albatross Ocean View
Located in one of the breathtaking coastal areas in Zanzibar, Albatross Ocean View is a perfect place to stay that guarantees you a remarkable treat to ocean views and also beach access. This is comprised of 18 comfortable rooms including family, honeymoon suite, guest room, and economy double bedroom.
Zanzibar White Sands Luxury Villa & Spa
Planning to visit Paje Beach for Zanzibar beach holiday vacation tours? Zanzibar White Sands Luxury Villa and Spa should be a must-book place for your overnight stay around Paje Beach. This features spacious, modern, and comfortable rooms. It has 11 villas strategically set comprising of family two-bedroom villas, beachfront luxury three-bedroom villas, garden luxury five-bedroom villas, garden villas with hot tubs, garden villas with pool, beachfront one-bedroom villas, and a lot more features.
Konokono Beach Resort.
Set suitably overviewing the charming Chwaka Bay, Konokono Beach Resort is a comfortable place to stay. This is ideal for guests who plan to visit the Southeast coast of Zanzibar, especially the Michamwvi Peninsula. This is comprised of 21 luxurious villas (sea view villas, beach pavilion, garden view villas, family villas, and 2-bedroom sea view villa) and other amenities such as pool, free parking, and free high-speed internet.
NORTH COAST BEACH HOTELS
Amaan Beach Bungalows
Amaan Beach Bungalows is a perfect place to stay if you are in Nungwi Beach for your Zanzibar holiday tour. This consists of an outdoor pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, free parking, spa and wellness center, a fully stocked bar and beachfront.
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is a 5-star beach resort available for guests on Zanzibar beach holiday vacation tours in the Nungwi beach area. It is on a white sandy beach with a beautiful coral reef. This five-star accommodation has 4 outdoor pools with all its rooms fitted with large beds and mosquito nets, a balcony, and private bathrooms.
Other amenities include 2 restaurants, free Wi-Fi, a beachfront, a spa and wellness center, a fitness center, a bar, and more. The Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort is 60 km from Abeid Amani Airport and Stone Town, an hour’s drive.
Riu Palace Zanzibar
Spectacularly set on Nungwi Beach, Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar boasts of its beautiful white sand beach and crystalline waters. It boasts of its luxurious accommodation, and private terraces where you can enjoy the clear view of the Indian Ocean.
Due to its strategic location on Nungwi Beach and the Indian Ocean, it is possible to engage in scuba diving.
Conclusively, Zanzibar beach holiday vacation tours guarantee you plenty of things to explore and experience. Book a Zanzibar beach holiday with us and escape the bustle of the city, connect with your dear ones and so much more.
