Why

Zanzibar is an attractive tropical island that pairs perfectly with a safari experience in Tanzania. Zanzibar boasts some of Africa's finest swimming beaches, world-class scuba diving sites, luxurious beachfront resorts, the finest spices in the world and a wide range of water sports. Whether you wish to spend your days relaxing on a tropical beach, exploring the cultural attractions of Stone Town, or indulging in several adventure activities, this island affords you the gift of choice and an unforgettable getaway.

When

Zanzibar has a tropical climate year-round, with breezes from the Indian Ocean that help to maintain its warm temperatures.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry months of spring. Another popular time to visit this tropical island is from December to February, when it’s hot and dry. The ocean temperatures are perfect for swimming, diving or snorkelling.

The best times to scuba dive off the coast of Zanzibar are in July to August and February to March. Diving off the north coast is particularly good from June to October and off the south coast between November and March.

Zanzibar Island has two wet seasons, the long rains and the short rains. The long rains in Zanzibar begin in March and pick up in April and May, slowing down by June, while the short rains fall in November and December. We don’t recommend visiting Zanzibar during the rainy seasons.

Where

Stone Town

The heart and soul of the island and the oldest part of Zanzibar City, with a rich cultural heritage of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has winding alleys and old Arabic-style buildings, and you can temporarily lose yourself in the town’s magic. Soak up the local culture by sipping a cup of coffee from a local vendor or wandering through the streets, discovering unique little spots at every turn.

Palace Museum

Commonly known as the Sultan’s Palace, the Palace Museum is perhaps the most historic building in Stone Town and is a must-see for any traveller. The Palace Museum is located in the waterfront, overlooking the ocean, and was built in the 19th century as a home for the Sultan and his family. After the 1964 revolution, the site was used as a Government building and was renamed the People’s Palace. Today, the palace serves as a museum showcasing relics from the past Sultan family.

House of Wonders

The House of Wonders rises in impressive tiers of slender steel pillars and balconies overlooking the waterfront. Its enormous carved doors are said to be the largest in East Africa, flanked by two bronze cannons with Portuguese inscriptions dating them to the 16th century. It boasts a highly interesting exhibition that offers a brilliant insight into Zanzibari and Swahili culture. The House of Wonders is the grandest and tallest building in all of Stone Town and is found in a prominent location in front of the Forodhani Gardens on the old town’s seafront.

The Old Fort

The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort, is located on the seafront, right in front of the famous Forodhani Gardens. Originally built in the 17th century to defend the island from attacks from the Portuguese, the Old Fort is one of Stone Town’s main sights. Visitors can admire the remains of the former fort and amble around the courtyard in the centre, where sellers have local produce for sale. An old amphitheatre still hosts events and functions in the fort.

Prison Island

A half-hour boat trip from Zanzibar, Prison Island provides a fascinating glimpse into the island’s slightly dark past – this land was once used as a place where slaves were detained and, when slavery was abolished, it functioned as a camp where people with deadly diseases were sent. Fortunately, that is all in the past, and today the island is a nature reserve for giant tortoises and a place to see the ruins of the former prison.

Jozani Forest

A vast, scenic landscape of green, Jozani is the last indigenous forest left on Zanzibar. Located inland from Chwaka Bay, the area often floods, which luckily nurtures a unique swamp forest of many amazing-looking trees and ferns. This forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world for the red Colobus monkey and is also a great place to encounter indigenous flora and fauna. The forest is best reached via bus, chartered taxi, or organised tour.

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi is a village on Zanzibar’s Northwestern tip. The aquarium on the north coast of Nungwi, near the lighthouse, rears small turtles found on the beach until they are large enough, and then releases them to survive in the sea. The aquarium is a natural pond with seawater that seeps through the cliff at high tide. This is a great destination for those looking to soak up some sun and dip their toes in the sea, but don’t need the luxury of a fancy hotel.

Spice Tour

Zanzibar is known for its spice trade, so what better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than learning about its wealthiest and most profitable industry? Travellers can choose from a variety of tours and explore the winding streets with expert tour guides who will inform you about the origins of the industry and teach you about the wide variety of spices that Zanzibar produces and trades in.