Zanzibar Holiday Packages

Zanzibar at a Glance

Zanzibar is the common name for the Zanzibar Archipelago — the main island of Unguja (usually called Zanzibar island) and the smaller Pemba Island to the north. Most visitors spend their time on Unguja, which has the greatest concentration of beaches, diving sites, accommodation and the historic capital of Stone Town. Pemba is significantly less visited and is the choice for serious divers and travellers who specifically want remoteness.

Zanzibar's character is shaped by its history as the centre of the Indian Ocean spice and slave trade — Arab, Persian, Indian and African cultures meeting in Stone Town's coral-stone architecture, carved teak doors, 23 mosques and the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the last open slave market in East Africa. That layered history makes Stone Town one of the most genuinely interesting small cities in the world, and ensures that a Zanzibar holiday is never just about lying on a beach.

The Best Beaches in Zanzibar by Interest

Nungwi and Kendwa — for all-day swimming and the social scene

Nungwi and Kendwa at the northern tip of the island offer the most practical beach experience: minimal tidal variation (the beach is swimmable all day, unlike the east coast's tide-dependent reef flat), the widest range of accommodation from budget to boutique, and the most social atmosphere on the island. Kendwa Rocks hosts the famous monthly full-moon beach party. Nungwi has the Mnarani Natural Aquarium — a natural tidal pool with rescued green and hawksbill turtles. Both beaches face west for sunset views over the Zanzibar Channel.

Paje and Jambiani — for kitesurfing and village authenticity

Paje is East Africa's kitesurfing capital — consistent Kusi trade winds (June to September) over a wide shallow lagoon make it one of the finest kite destinations in the Indian Ocean. Several licensed kite schools operate with certified instruction. The tidal lagoon (not all-day swimming) is a seagrass farm working environment — the most authentic east-coast beach community in Zanzibar. Jambiani, 8 km south, is quieter still, with the Kuza Cave freshwater pool and ancient Kuumbi Cave rock art nearby.

Matemwe — for Mnemba Island diving

Matemwe Beach on the northeast coast is the closest mainland point to Mnemba Island — just 3 km offshore. For divers planning multiple Mnemba trips, basing at Matemwe rather than Nungwi (20 km from Mnemba) saves significant boat time per day. The house reef at Matemwe is snorkellable directly from the beach at high tide.

Stone Town — for history and culture

One or two nights in Stone Town before moving to the beach is the standard recommendation. The UNESCO-listed medina is walkable in a day but rewards a full day and evening: the Darajani market in the morning, the Slave Museum and Anglican Cathedral mid-morning, the carved-door alley walk in the afternoon, and the Forodhani Night Market for fresh seafood, Zanzibar pizza and urojo soup in the evening. The sunset dhow cruise from the Stone Town waterfront is one of East Africa's finest experiences.

Zanzibar Diving and Marine Activities

Mnemba Island is Zanzibar's premier diving destination — over 200 coral species and 400 fish species in a fully protected marine conservation area. The Aquarium site is the finest beginner dive in East Africa (8 to 12m, extraordinary reef fish density, resident green turtle). North Mnemba has barracuda shoals, reef shark and occasional whale shark. Green turtle nest on Mnemba's beach from November to January — staying guests can witness hatchlings emerging from January to March.

Spinner dolphin are resident in the Kizimkazi channel in the south of the island — morning boat trips for snorkelling with the pods are the most reliably active wildlife encounter available in Zanzibar.

Prison Island (Changuu, 25 minutes by boat from Stone Town) has a colony of Aldabra giant tortoises aged over 150 years and a snorkelling reef. The Nakupenda sandbank picnic trip is one of Zanzibar's most memorable half-days — a tidal sand spit that appears from the ocean 10 minutes from Stone Town, with fresh seafood grilled on the sand by boat vendors.

Best Time for a Zanzibar Holiday

June to October (Kusi season) — the south-east trade wind keeps temperatures at a comfortable 24 to 27°C. The best window for walking in Stone Town and for kitesurfing at Paje. The sea is lively on the northern beaches but swimmable.

December to February (Kaskazi season) — warmest and calmest. The finest diving visibility of the year, the calmest Indian Ocean for dhow cruises and boat trips. Peak season; book accommodation and dive boats ahead.

March to May — the long rains. Significant rainfall and rough seas. Not recommended for marine activities. Cultural sites in Stone Town are accessible year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I spend in Zanzibar?

As a standalone beach holiday: 7 to 10 days gives enough time for Stone Town (1 to 2 nights), a northern beach (Nungwi or Kendwa, 3 to 4 nights) and an east coast beach or diving base (Matemwe or Paje, 3 nights). As a safari extension: 4 to 5 nights is the practical minimum for genuine beach recovery after a safari.

Can I combine Zanzibar with a mainland Tanzania safari?

Yes — this is the most popular Tanzania holiday format. A charter flight connects the Serengeti airstrip directly to Zanzibar in 45 to 60 minutes. See our Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages for combined itineraries.

Is Zanzibar safe?

Zanzibar is a safe destination for international visitors with standard travel precautions. Stone Town has petty theft in busy areas — keep valuables secure. The beach areas are calm and tourist-friendly. As a Muslim-majority island, respectful dress in Stone Town (covering shoulders and knees away from the beach) is appreciated and appropriate.

What is the best beach in Zanzibar?

It depends on your priorities. Nungwi for all-day swimming and the social scene. Paje for kitesurfing and village authenticity. Matemwe for Mnemba Island diving. Jambiani for complete quiet. Stone Town as the cultural base. Most visitors who stay more than 7 days move between two beach areas — there is no single answer, which is part of why Zanzibar works as a destination.