Zanzibar
Tanzania
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago in the Indian Ocean, its main island of Unguja lying roughly 25 kilometres off the Tanzanian mainland. Centuries as a hub of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European trade left it with a layered culture found nowhere else on the East African coast, most visible in the coral-stone alleys of Stone Town.
Stone Town’s carved wooden doors, the Old Fort and the House of Wonders earned it UNESCO World Heritage status, while the island’s 19th-century plantations, still growing cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla, gave Zanzibar its long-standing name as the Spice Island. Beyond the town, white sand beaches and coral reefs ring the coast, with dhow sailboats a constant presence offshore.
What to Expect
Most travelers combine Zanzibar with a northern-circuit safari, flying in from the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire for a beach-and-culture close to their trip rather than visiting the island on its own.
Activities & Wildlife
From white sand beaches and coral reefs to historic Stone Town and a colony of giant tortoises, Zanzibar pairs easily with a northern-circuit safari.
- Beaches
- Stone Town & Spice Tours
- Snorkeling & Diving
- Prison Island Tortoises
Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje are ringed by soft white sand and shallow turquoise water, with dhow sailing, kitesurfing and simply relaxing on the beach among the island’s most popular pastimes.
Getting to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is served by Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), with short direct flights from Arusha, the Serengeti and Dar es Salaam, making it a simple final leg after a northern-circuit safari. Travelers coming from Dar es Salaam can also cross by high-speed ferry, though flying remains the faster and more common option for those short on time.
When to Go to Zanzibar
Best Time to Go
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Zanzibar
Accommodation
Baraza Resort & Spa
Bwejuu, Zanzibar
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Accommodation
Aya Beach Resort
Kizimkazi, Zanzibar
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Plan a trip to Zanzibar
Browse our Tanzania safari itineraries or contact us to build a custom trip.
More of Tanzania to explore
- Serengeti National ParkEndless plains and the wildebeest migration.
- Ngorongoro CraterA volcanic crater packed with wildlife.
- Tarangire National ParkBaobabs and large dry-season elephant herds.
