Zanzibar — Spice Island Paradise

Discover the Coast

Zanzibar's Best Beaches

Each of Zanzibar's beaches has its own personality. From lively Nungwi in the north to the quiet seclusion of Matemwe we'll match you to your perfect stretch of sand.

North Coast

Nungwi

Zanzibar's most famous beach. Powdery white sand, a natural lagoon perfect for swimming at low tide, and a vibrant social scene. Home to the famous turtle sanctuary.

Best for: Socialising Swimming: Excellent

North Coast

Kendwa

Just south of Nungwi and more relaxed, Kendwa has the deepest beach on the island. Swim at any time of day rare in Zanzibar. Full moon parties are legendary.

Full Moon Parties All-tide Swimming

East Coast

Paje

The kitesurf capital of East Africa. Consistent trade winds, a vast lagoon, and a laid-back backpacker village. Incredible snorkelling at low tide when the ocean floor is exposed.

Kitesurf: World-class Snorkelling: Great

NE Coast

Matemwe

One of Zanzibar's most unspoilt stretches. Coral rag cliffs, boutique eco-lodges, and proximity to Mnemba Atoll — the best dive site in East Africa. For those seeking genuine solitude.

Eco-lodges Mnemba Atoll Dives

SE Coast

Jambiani

Traditional fishing village, seaweed farms, and turquoise shallows at low tide. The most authentic Zanzibar village experience, with a growing selection of excellent boutique stays.

Cultural Immersion Authentic Village

South

Kizimkazi

Quiet southern tip famous for dolphin-swimming excursions. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are seen daily in the bay. Stay in secluded eco-resorts away from the tourist trail.

Dolphin Swimming Secluded

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stone Town
A City of a Thousand Stories

Stone Town is one of the world's great living history museums. Arab trading houses with intricately carved wooden doors, coral-stone mosques, a 19th-century Portuguese fort, spice bazaars, and labyrinthine alleys that lead to unexpected courtyards this is where Africa, Arabia, and India collide.

Freddie Mercury was born here. The last Sultan of Zanzibar held court here. Slave trade abolitionists fought their hardest battles here. Every building has a story our Stone Town specialists know them all.

The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)

17th-century Portuguese fort turned cultural centre. Evening dhow concerts in the courtyard.

Freddie Mercury Museum

Birthplace of the legendary Queen frontman. Personal memorabilia, photos, and the story of his Zanzibar childhood.

Forodhani Gardens Night Market

Waterfront food market with fresh seafood grilled to order. Zanzibar pizza is unmissable. Best visited at sunset.

Add Stone Town to My Trip

Below the Surface

Diving & Water Activities

Explore Zanzibar Waters

Dive Into The Indian Ocean

Snorkeling

Crystal Clear Reefs

Dhow Cruises

Sunset Ocean Escape

Top Dive Sites

Mnemba Atoll

East Africa's finest dive site. Hawksbill turtles, octopus, barracuda schools, and vibrant coral gardens. Up to 20m visibility.

All Levels

Leven Bank

Deep wall dive 30km offshore. Whale sharks May–September, hammerhead sharks, dolphins and huge schools of pelagic fish.

Advanced

Pemba Island

Dramatic drop-offs, untouched coral, and abundant marine life. A 3-hour ferry but worth every minute.

Advanced

Pange Reef (Nungwi)

Perfect for beginners. Shallow reef teeming with colourful fish, moray eels, and rays.

Beginner

Water Activities We Offer

Scuba Diving

PADI courses from beginners to Divemaster with certified instructors.

Snorkelling

Guided reef snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll and Nungwi reef.

Dhow Cruises

Sunset dhow sailings with seafood BBQ and Swahili music.

Kitesurf

Paje is world-renowned for kitesurfing lessons and rentals.

Dolphin Swim

Kizimkazi morning trips to swim with wild spinner dolphins.

Spice Tours

Visit working spice farms and experience Zanzibar flavors.

The Complete Tanzania Experience

Safari + Zanzibar Packages

Our most popular combination: a week of thrilling wildlife safari in the north, then 4–6 nights of pure relaxation on Zanzibar's beaches. Seamlessly arranged, transfers included.

Most Popular

Classic Safari & Beach

6-day Northern Circuit safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) + 4 nights Zanzibar Nungwi. The perfect balance of wildlife and relaxation.

10 Days Serengeti Ngorongoro Nungwi

Wildlife + Luxury Beach

Great Migration & Zanzibar Luxury

8 days pursuing the Great Migration in the Serengeti + 5 nights at a boutique resort in Matemwe near Mnemba Atoll. Pure luxury throughout.

13 Days Migration Matemwe Diving

Romantic Getaway

Honeymoon Safari & Beach

Private safari for two in Ngorongoro + private villa in Kendwa. Includes champagne sundowner in the crater, couples' spa treatment, and sunset dhow dinner.

11 Days Private Tour Ngorongoro Kendwa Villa

Summit to Shore

Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar

7-day Machame Kilimanjaro summit followed by 5 nights recovery and celebration in Nungwi. The ultimate Tanzanian adventure challenge, achievement, and paradise reward.

12 Days Kilimanjaro Nungwi Recovery Spa

Family Experience

Family Safari & Zanzibar

Kid-friendly game drives in Tarangire and Manyara (famous for tree-climbing lions) + 4 nights at a family-friendly Nungwi resort with turtle sanctuary visit.

10 Days Family-friendly Tarangire Turtle Sanctuary

Off the Beaten Path

Stone Town & Pemba Explorer

3 nights immersive Stone Town exploration + 4 nights Pemba Island Zanzibar's wilder, less-visited sister island. Advanced diving, lush forests, virgin beaches.

8 Days Stone Town Pemba Island Diving

When to Visit

Zanzibar's Climate Calendar

Month	Weather	Sea Conditions	Best For	Rating
Jan–Feb	Hot, dry, sunny	Calm, clear visibility	Diving, snorkelling, beach	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mar–May	Long rains (April worst)	Rough in April	Budget travel (low season)	⭐⭐☆☆☆
Jun–Oct	Dry, cooler SE trade winds	Choppy east coast, calm west	Whale sharks, kitesurf	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Nov	Short rains (milder)	Variable	Green & lush, fewer crowds	⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Dec	Warm, partly cloudy	Calm, clear	Christmas & New Year beach	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Our top recommendation: pair a Northern Tanzania safari (Jul–Oct) with a Zanzibar beach extension — both in peak season simultaneously.

DESTINATIONS

SAFARI STYLES

MOUNTAIN TREKKING

PLAN YOUR TRIP

RESOURCES

Zanzibar
The Spice Island

Zanzibar's Best Beaches

Stone Town
A City of a Thousand Stories