Ultimate Guide for Booking Zanzibar Holidays
The Zanzibar holiday packages above are built for value, enjoyment, and years of on the ground experience in Zanzibar tourism. We know you want to make the most of your trip, which is why we work to make sure your holiday meets your expectations.
Why Go on a Zanzibar Tour
Zanzibar offers clean sea air and some of the best beaches in Zanzibar and East Africa, along with a rich culture and historic landmarks. The island is known for its spices, especially cloves, and a spice tour or spice farm visit is a popular addition to any Zanzibar trip. The best Zanzibar beach holiday experiences are found on Unguja Island, home to a wide range of water sports and some of the best resorts and accommodation on the Indian Ocean.
Beach Holidays in Zanzibar
Zanzibar has some of the best beaches on the African continent, with Unguja Island offering the top spots, though every island in the archipelago has its own appeal. Popular stops include the Blue Lagoon, known for calm, clear water, and boat trips out to see dolphins near Kizimkazi. Water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are all available along these beaches. If these activities interest you, book one of our affordable Zanzibar vacation packages below.
Why Book Our Zanzibar Holiday Packages
We organize all our Zanzibar tours from Dar es Salaam and keep our packages affordable, with luxury Zanzibar travel packages available for travelers who want a higher-end experience. With years of experience running Zanzibar tours and Tanzania Zanzibar safari combinations, we know which islands suit honeymoons and which are best for beach time. Most cultural heritage sites and top Zanzibar tourist attractions are in Stone Town, making it the top stop for travelers interested in history and culture. We also partner directly with resorts, giving our clients access to discounted rates on some of the best accommodation in Zanzibar.
Luxury or Affordable: Choosing Your Zanzibar Holiday
A luxury Zanzibar vacation gets you the best of both worlds: full beach days followed by comfortable, high-end accommodation. If your budget is tighter, we can help you get the most out of an affordable package, or suggest where a small upgrade makes the biggest difference. We can also help you find an all-inclusive Zanzibar holiday if you’d rather have meals, activities, and accommodation covered in one price.
Combining a Safari and Zanzibar
Pairing a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar is one of the most popular ways to see the country, combining wildlife on the mainland with beach time on the coast. Most travelers fly into Zanzibar after their safari, so it’s worth checking airfare to Zanzibar and flight schedules early when planning your dates. If your time is limited, a 2-day safari from Zanzibar is also possible for a shorter wildlife add-on before or after your beach stay. Ask us about a safari and Zanzibar package that fits your schedule.
Top Things to Do on Zanzibar Tours
Beyond the beach activities covered above, Zanzibar tours offer plenty more to explore, from Stone Town’s historic sites to spice farm visits and boat trips to nearby islands. Your time and budget are really the only limits.
Booking Your Zanzibar Tour
Once you’ve picked a package above, get in touch and we’ll put together a detailed day by day itinerary covering your activities, accommodation, and travel dates. Whether you want to visit Zanzibar on its own or add it to a longer Tanzania Zanzibar vacation, contact us now and let us show you what this island has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zanzibar Holidays
What is included in Zanzibar holiday packages?
Most Zanzibar holiday packages include accommodation, airport transfers, and daily breakfast, with some also covering meals, activities, and internal flights. Luxury packages tend to include more, such as spa treatments or private excursions. Check each package listing for full details, or ask us to build a custom itinerary.
How much does a Zanzibar vacation cost?
Zanzibar vacation cost depends on the season, how long you stay, and whether you choose an affordable or luxury package. Combining Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari also affects the total price, since flights and park fees add to the cost. Contact us for a quote based on your dates and travel style.
Can I combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?
Yes, a Tanzania safari and Zanzibar combination is one of our most popular options, pairing wildlife viewing on the mainland with beach time on the coast. Most itineraries run 10 to 15 days and end with a flight from the safari circuit to Zanzibar. Ask us about building a safari and Zanzibar package around your dates.
What is a 2-day safari from Zanzibar?
A 2-day safari from Zanzibar is a short add-on for travelers with limited time, usually covering a nearby national park with an overnight stay before flying back to the island. It’s a good option if you want a taste of Tanzania’s wildlife without extending your trip by a full week.
How much is airfare to Zanzibar?
The airfare to Zanzibar varies depending on your departure city and whether you’re flying in directly or connecting through Dar es Salaam or another Tanzanian city after a mainland safari. Book flights early during peak season, since prices rise as seats fill up. Ask us for current routing options when planning your trip.
What are the best beaches in Zanzibar?
The best beaches in Zanzibar are mostly found on Unguja Island, known for calm, clear water and white sand. Popular spots include the Blue Lagoon and the beaches near Kizimkazi, home to the island’s dolphin tours. Each area has a slightly different feel, from quiet and secluded to lively with water sports.
What is the Blue Lagoon in Zanzibar?
The Blue Lagoon is a calm, shallow stretch of water known for its clear turquoise color, popular for swimming and relaxing rather than water sports. It’s one of the more peaceful beach spots on Unguja Island, away from the busier tourist areas.
Can I go on a dolphin tour in Zanzibar?
Yes, dolphin tours run from Kizimkazi on the southern coast of Unguja Island, where boats take visitors out to see pods of dolphins in the wild. Morning trips tend to have the best chances of sightings. Ask us to add this on to your Zanzibar itinerary.
What is a spice tour in Zanzibar?
A spice tour takes you through a working spice farm to see and smell cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other crops that gave Zanzibar its nickname as the Spice Island. Most tours include a short walk, a guide explaining each plant, and a chance to buy spices to take home.
What are the top tourist attractions in Zanzibar?
Top Zanzibar tourist attractions include Stone Town’s historic buildings and markets, spice farms, the beaches of Unguja Island, and boat trips for dolphin watching or snorkeling. Many itineraries combine a day in Stone Town with several days at the beach.
What is the best resort in Zanzibar?
The best resort in Zanzibar for you depends on your budget and what you want from your stay, whether that’s a quiet honeymoon setting, a family-friendly beach, or easy access to water sports. Tell us your priorities and we’ll recommend the accommodation that fits, from affordable beachfront lodges to luxury resorts.
Is there an all-inclusive option for a Zanzibar holiday?
Yes, an all-inclusive Zanzibar holiday bundles accommodation, meals, and often some activities into one price, which makes budgeting easier. This option works well if you want a relaxed beach stay without arranging separate meals or excursions each day.
What is Stone Town and is it worth visiting?
Stone Town is Zanzibar’s historic old town, known for its narrow streets, carved wooden doors, and mix of Arab, Indian, and African influences. It’s worth at least a half day on any Zanzibar trip, since most of the island’s cultural heritage sites are found here.
What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
The dry season, from June to October, offers the most reliable weather for a Zanzibar beach holiday. December to February is also popular and warmer, though it can get busier. Avoid the long rains from March to May if you want to guarantee sunshine for your trip.
Do I need a visa to visit Zanzibar?
Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania, which covers Zanzibar as part of the country. Visas are typically available on arrival or in advance as an e-visa, depending on your nationality. Check current requirements with the Tanzanian Embassy before you travel.
How do I get from Tanzania’s mainland safari parks to Zanzibar?
Short flights connect Tanzania’s main safari circuit, including Arusha and the Serengeti, to Zanzibar, usually with a connection through Dar es Salaam. This is the standard way to complete a Tanzania Zanzibar safari itinerary without long overland travel.
What water sports can I do in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar’s beaches offer water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, with Unguja Island having the widest range of operators. Conditions vary by beach, so ask us which spot suits the activities you’re most interested in.
Is Zanzibar good for a honeymoon?
Yes, Zanzibar is a popular honeymoon destination, with certain islands and resorts set up specifically for quiet, private beach stays. We can point you toward the settings best suited for honeymoons versus those better for lively beach activities.
How many days do I need for a Zanzibar trip?
A standalone Zanzibar beach holiday works well at 4 to 7 days, giving you time for Stone Town, a spice tour, and several beach days. If you’re combining it with a Tanzania safari, plan for 10 to 15 days total to cover both comfortably.
How do I book a Zanzibar holiday package?
Browse our Zanzibar tour packages above and request a price for the option that fits your dates and budget. If you’d rather build a custom trip, including a safari and Zanzibar combination, contact us and we’ll put together a detailed itinerary based on your interests.