Holidays to Zanzibar
Holidays to Zanzibar are ideal for a glorious beach break rivalling the Caribbean. With white-sand beaches, coconut palms and clear turquoise waters, this archipelago off the coast of Tanzania doesn’t disappoint. Besides its postcard-worthy shorelines, Zanzibar offers more than lazy beach days. Explore its rich culture and historic Stone Town, and spot rare red colobus monkeys in the indigenous Jozani Forest.
Zanzibar holiday highlights
Zanzibar
Beach life
If your dream holiday to Zanzibar involves plenty of beach hopping, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a diverse range of sandy beaches and bays. For laid-back beach bars and live music, head to Nungwi Beach on the northernmost point of the island. At nearby Kendwa, sink into soft white sands and snorkel in clear waters rich with marine life. On Zanzibar’s east coast, Paje’s ripping waves are perfect for kitesurfers.
Wildlife spotting
Follow winding forest trails and spot elusive wildlife hiding in the mangroves at the protected Jozani Forest. You can easily spend half a day exploring Zanzibar’s only national park, home to bush babies, butterflies and birds. Keep watch for the red colobus monkeys found only in this lush UNESCO Biosphere. These rare primates, with their vibrant red coats and cheeky antics, are a highlight of any Zanzibar holiday.
Spicy history
Known as the spice islands, the Zanzibar Archipelago was once a major hub in the global spice trade and the world's leading producer of cloves. Today, that trade has slowed, but you can still go on guided spice tours, exploring aromatic plantations and learning about the cultivation and processing of cloves, vanilla and nutmeg. Many of the tours also include lunch and a visit to local villages and homes.
Zanzibar: Know before you go
Language
Swahili, English
Currency
Tanzanian shilling (TSh)
Time zone
UTC+3 (EAT)
High season
June – August
Low season
April – May
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Find the best time to go to Zanzibar
Weather in Zanzibar
January – February: Zanzibar’s short dry season is known for being hot and humid. February is typically the hottest month, with daytime temperatures averaging around 32°C.
March – May: The long rainy season brings afternoon downpours, hot weather and high humidity. Despite the inconsistent weather, it’s a great time to visit for fewer crowds.
June – October: Look forward to clear, sunny days and warm temperatures. This is the perfect time for beach days and outdoor excursions.
November – December: Enjoy sunny mornings followed by brief afternoon showers during this ‘short rains’ period. It’s still a good time for beach days, but be aware that some outdoor activities, like snorkelling and diving, may be affected by the weather.
Events in Zanzibar
Sauti za Busara Music Festival (February): Set around the Old Fort in Stone Town, this music festival showcases artists from across the continent. See a wide range of musical genres and styles, from traditional Taarab to pop and hip-hop.
Seafood Festival (June): Soak up the sun at Kendwa Beach while you sample Swahili seafood dishes like garlic prawns and spicy lobster at this annual celebration of local flavours. Cooking classes from celebrated chefs and live music help round out the fun.
Mwaka Kogwa (July to August): Ring in the Persian New Year with traditions like bonfire lighting and the breaking of clay pots. Swahili food, Taarab music, dancing and drumming keep the party going.
The best neighbourhoods in Zanzibar
Things to do in Zanzibar
Zanzibar
Family friendly things to do
If you’re travelling with kids, we’ve got some top picks for things to do with family in Zanzibar. Take a boat ride to isolated Prison Island to see giant Aldabra tortoises. If your children need to let off steam, several family-friendly water parks and playgrounds with slides, play equipment and pools are available. Watch the kids on the swings at the leafy Jamhuri Gardens in Zanzibar while you unwind in the seating area.
Shopping
For the best shopping in Zanzibar, head to local markets and artisan shops to browse curios, handmade crafts and home-grown produce. Stone Town has the best souvenir shops for locally made ‘kangas’ (cloth used as a garment), jewellery and wooden carvings. Busy Darajani Bazaar is the place for fresh seafood and spices, while Forodhani Gardens Night Market is the best spot to sample local street food and sip sugarcane juice.
Take in the culture
The best museums in Zanzibar are found in Stone Town. Visit the coral-stone Palace Museum, housed in the sultan's former residence. For African art, head to the Forster Gallery, which displays distinguished artists' talent and up-and-coming creatives’ work. Music lovers will appreciate the Freddie Mercury Museum, paying excellent homage to Queen's frontman.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Zanzibar is legendary, with parties starting as the sun dips below the horizon. Nungwi, on the northern tip, has a lively scene packed with beach bars. Popular Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel hosts its famous Full Moon Party on the shoreline, while Stone Town is the place for modern clubs blasting Afro-European pop. Night owls should head to Dharma Lounge in Stone Town for late-night cocktails and reggae.
Places to eat
With spicy ‘pilau’, grilled octopus skewers and tangy ‘urojo’ soup, Zanzibar's diverse food scene is a fusion of flavours and influences from East Africa, Arabia, India and more. Find many of the best restaurants in Stone Town, which has plenty of rooftop restaurants for romantic sunset dining. Try Swahili dishes at Emerson Spice Hotel and feast on fresh seafood at The Rock, one of the most scenic restaurants in Zanzibar.
Free things to do
There are lots of free things to do in Zanzibar to keep costs down. Visit the Old Fort in Stone Town and wander through its timeworn courtyards and ramparts. Check out local markets filled with fragrant food and spices and Forodhani Gardens for a sunset stroll. The Dhow Countries Music Academy often hosts free exhibitions and performances showcasing local talent.
Plan your holiday to Zanzibar
FAQs about Zanzibar holidays
With temperatures reaching a high of 33ºC (91ºF), March is the hottest month in Zanzibar.
Swahili and English are the languages you'll encounter most often during your city break in Zanzibar.
August brings the coolest conditions for a Zanzibar holiday. Go during this time and you'll experience lows of 21ºC (70ºF).
A three- to five-day holiday in Zanzibar should be enough time to experience the main highlights, including the historical sights of Stone Town and snorkelling the shallow reefs of Mafia Island Marine Park. However, a week is ideal for exploring at a leisurely pace and visiting the northern beach hubs of Nungwi and Kendwa. Find holiday deals to Zanzibar so your trip is affordable.
Zanzibar is generally considered safe for holidaymakers as its main source of income is tourism, so the government takes visitor safety very seriously. However, like any destination, be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist hubs, so keep valuables secure and be vigilant, especially in crowded places.
When you set off, how you get there, and where you stay will influence how much you pay for your city break in Zanzibar. If you want to cut costs, keep your eyes peeled for discounts or last-minute deals on Zanzibar flights and hotels. Travelling on weekdays and flying with budget airlines can also help you save.
The Tanzanian shilling (TSh) is what you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions during your trip to Zanzibar.
The best time to visit Zanzibar for a holiday is during the dry season, which spans from June to October. This period offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Another good time is from December to February, during the short dry season. Avoid the rainy season from March to May, with heavy downpours and high humidity. Balance the weather against off-season prices for cheap holidays to Zanzibar.
With around 35 cm of rainfall, April is the wettest month. If you're going on your Zanzibar holiday then, you'll want to plan a few indoor activities. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, check out an art gallery, or indulge in a shopping spree.
You could spend weeks ticking off all the things to do in Zanzibar. From Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Society (ZSTHS) to Khalifa Tours and Safaris Zanzibar and more, this city has everything you need for a great trip.
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Plan your holiday to Zanzibar
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