Zanzibar
With even the name, "Zanzibar", bringing up images of mystical lagoons, mangrove swamps, sandy beaches, rustic farms, this little archipelago is gifted with a tropical climate, a sunny disposition and the palm trees to match. Often used as a relaxing getaway to wash the dust of a Tanzanian safari away, Zanzibar delivers culturally, scenically and is unbeaten in the simple task of providing private beaches, plenty of sun and bountiful R&R.
Zanzibar is made up of two large islands, Unguja (Zanzibar Island) and Pemba (disregarding smaller islands, of which there are several). It is considered a separate state to the mainland of Tanzania ("Tanganyika", the two constituent territories of the United Republic of Tanzania after it was formed in 1964), and is primarily occupied by farmers and fishers. Cloves are the major export, with Pemba producing the larger portion of the spice, and Zanzibar Town is the capital.
Most visitors find the old Stone Town a highlight of Zanzibar, a spectacular look into traditional Swahili life. The ruins and old buildings are both architecturally and culturally intriguing, and provide fantastic photographic opportunities. In a similar vein, the sea and coral reefs (diving, snorkelling and game fishing) are some of the best in this world, and are renowned by divers world-wide - chances are that if this is your interest, you already know about Zanzibar.
Typically tropical, Zanzibar is hot all year round and often very humid - its island nature means that it receives more rainfall and more wind than mainland Tanzania.
Access is relatively simple nowadays, with several airlines providing competition for the increasing numbers of tourists recognising Zanzibar's allure. Regular flights between Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport allow Zanzibar to be connected with the major safari routes. Boats are also run between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar - but be wary of hustlers and con artists...it's safer to allow us to organise the logistics and for you to just hop on the appropriate boat!
Our Recommended Tours
Zanzibar beach break - 8 days / 7 nights
The price shown is per person (adult) and includes return flights from Dar es Salaam. Child price from US$ 1396 for under 12s sharing a room. Accommodation is on a half board basis.
The Spice island of Zanzibar and the Tanzanian coastline offers a selection of beach getaways offering pure escapism often in deserted locations, a perfect end to a busy safari or Kilimanjaro-climb.
This is a fantastic affordable option using an intimate, owner run resort on the north east coast of Zanzibar, great for families and honeymooners alike.
Selous Safari & Zanzibar
$ 5100
Selous and Zanzibar safari - 8 nights / 9 days
The price is per person for all arrangements starting and ending in Dar es Salaam. This is a fantastic option for honeymooners combining two of our favourite properties in the Selous and Zanzibar, the ideal safari and beach break.
The trip combines a few nights at a luxury lodge in the Selous with a few nights relaxing on one of the most beautiful beaches on Zanzibar. Enjoy river cruising, game driving and walking safaris in the Selous, one of the continents biggest wildlife sanctuaries.
Our recommended Zanzibar resort is smart, slick and chic with an excellent watersports centre.
Other Options
We traditionally attach Zanzibar to the end of a safari trip in mainland Tanzania, or even Kenya - the Selous Game Reserve and Serengeti National Park are big attractions for wildlife seekers.
Those looking for remote, exclusive trips might want to have a look at Katavi or Mahale - the latter definitely appeals to the romantic with shrouded mountains, thick rainforests and deep, mysterious lakes.
Tanzania Safari Spots
Serengeti National Park | Ngorongoro Crater | Lake Manyara | Tarangire National Park | Selous Game Reserve | Ruaha National Park | Katavi National Park | Mt Kilimanjaro | Zanzibar | Pemba | Mafia Islands | Mahale Mountains | Dar & the Coast | Mikumi National Park | Udzungwa | Private Islands
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