Holidays to Zanzibar offer pristine white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, rich Swahili culture, world-class snorkeling, and unforgettable island experiences. Whether you want relaxation, spice tours, Stone Town history, dolphin tours at Mnemba, or romantic sunsets, Zanzibar is perfect year-round. Go Smart Zanzibar Tours helps you plan customized holidays with private transfers, curated excursions, and expert local guidance.
Planning holidays to Zanzibar is one of the best decisions you can make if you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures.
This tropical archipelago on Tanzania’s coast is a world-famous paradise—perfect for couples, families, honeymooners, and solo travelers.
From the ancient alleys of Stone Town, to the powdery beaches of Nungwi and Paje, to the serene underwater world around Mnemba Island, Zanzibar offers something magical for every traveler.
This guide covers everything you need to craft your perfect Zanzibar holiday—best time to visit, where to stay, top things to do, costs, weather, itineraries, travel tips, and more.
And if you want a stress-free, well-organized vacation, Go Smart Zanzibar Tours is here to customize your trip, arrange airport transfers, and provide trusted excursions with local experts.
Let’s start planning your dream holiday in Zanzibar!
Table of Contents
What Makes Holidays to Zanzibar So Special?
1. World-Class Beaches (North, East, and West Coasts Compared)
Zanzibar’s coastline is diverse—some beaches are great for swimming, others ideal for kitesurfing, and others are tidal.
North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa) – Best for swimming all day
- Minimal low tide
- Calm, clear water
- Famous for sunsets
- Lively nightlife
- Best for couples, groups, and families
East Coast (Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe) – Best for water sports + peace
- Stronger tides
- Perfect for kitesurfing (Dec–Feb & Jun–Sep)
- Matemwe is the gateway to Mnemba Island
- Perfect for honeymooners and long-stay beach lovers
West Coast (Stone Town)
- Not a “swimming” beach area
- Best for culture, food, history, sunsets
2. Exceptional Marine Life
Zanzibar offers one of East Africa’s richest underwater ecosystems. Around Mnemba Island, you can find:
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Sea turtles
- Hundreds of fish species
- Vibrant coral gardens
- Calm, shallow snorkel sites
Recommended marine activities: Mnemba Dolphin & Snorkeling Tour
3. Rich Cultural & Historical Heritage
Zanzibar’s culture is a blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and African influences.
Must-see historical spots:
- Stone Town Old Slave Market
- House of Wonders
- Hamamni Persian Baths
- Sultan’s Palace Museum
- The Old Fort
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town provides some of the most important historical insights into the Indian Ocean trade and Swahili civilization.
4. A Food Scene That Rivals Major Cities
From rooftop restaurants overlooking the ocean to local street stalls serving grilled octopus, Zanzibar’s food culture is unforgettable.
Must-try dishes:
- Zanzibar biryani
- Octopus coconut curry
- Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
- Fresh tropical fruits
- Spiced teas from local farms
- Sea-to-table seafood grills
For the best experience, do a Stone Town Local Food Tour.
5. Luxury Meets Affordability
Compared to Seychelles or the Maldives, Zanzibar offers better value:
- Luxury hotels from $180–$400/night
- Mid-range beachfront stays $60–$120
- Affordable boutique hotels $35–$60
Great for honeymoons, couples, families, and group travel.
Best Time for Holidays to Zanzibar
| Month | Weather | Recommended? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun–Oct | Dry, cool, sunny | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best overall |
| Nov | Short rains | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Quick showers |
| Dec–Feb | Hot, sunny | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Peak beach weather |
| Mar–May | Long rains | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget-friendly |
Top Things to Do on Holidays to Zanzibar
1. Mnemba Dolphin Tour (Responsible and Ethical)
One of the most famous activities in Zanzibar—but many operators chase dolphins aggressively.
Go Smart Zanzibar Tours follows responsible dolphin viewing practices.
Includes:
- Dolphin spotting (ethical distances)
- Snorkeling
- Marine photography
- Sandbank swimming (conditions permitting)
2. Prison Island + Nakupenda Sandbank
- See the 100+ year old Aldabra tortoises
- Walk the historical prison ruins
- Spend the afternoon on a soft-sand tropical sandbank
- Fresh seafood BBQ included
3. Stone Town Walking Tour
Deeply historical, guided by experts.
You’ll explore:
- The Slave Market
- The Sultans’ era buildings
- Local markets
- Hidden alleys
- Food, coffee, and spice shops
4. Jozani Forest & Red Colobus Monkeys
Perfect for nature lovers.
See rare primates, mangroves, and butterfly species.
5. Spice Farm Tour
Learn about Zanzibar’s spice economy and sample fresh:
- Vanilla
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Fruits
Great for families and foodies.
Read:
6. Safari Blue Full Day Tour
- Sandbank relaxation
- Lagoon swimming
- Dhow sailing
- Seafood buffet
- Snorkeling
How Much Do Holidays to Zanzibar Cost?
Accommodation (per night):
- Budget: $30–$60
- Mid-range: $70–$140
- Luxury: $200–$600
Excursions:
- Stone Town Tour: $25–$35
- Prison Island + Nakupenda: $40–$55
- Mnemba Dolphin Tour: $30–$45
- Safari Blue: $45–$60
Daily Food Budget:
- Budget: $10–$20
- Mid-range: $20–$40
- Luxury: $50–$100
See; Complete Zanzibar currency and budget guide
Suggested 7-Day Zanzibar Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Stone Town Sunset
Private airport pickup → check in → Forodhani night market.
Day 2: Stone Town Walking Tour
Food tasting + Coffee + Museums.
Day 3: Prison Island + Nakupenda
Beach + Snorkeling + BBQ lunch.
Day 4: Transfer to Nungwi
Beach time + Sunset cruise.
Day 5: Mnemba Dolphin + Snorkeling
Half-day marine adventure.
Day 6: Spice Tour + Jozani Forest
Culture + nature + photography.
Day 7: Relaxation + Departure
Shopping + return transfer
Want this customized? Contact Us Now for a tailored itinerary.
Is Zanzibar a good place for a holiday?
Yes — Zanzibar is one of the best holiday destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Travelers choose Zanzibar for its world-class beaches, rich Swahili culture, historical Stone Town, spice farms, marine life, and warm weather year-round. Whether you want a romantic honeymoon, a family beach trip, or an adventure-packed holiday, Zanzibar offers something for every traveler. It also provides excellent value for money compared to destinations like Seychelles or Maldives.
What is the best month to go on holiday to Zanzibar?
The best months for holidays to Zanzibar are:
June to October – Cool, dry, perfect beach weather
December to February – Hot, sunny, clear waters for snorkeling
Shoulder months:
November – Short rains but still a great travel period
March and May – Long rains; ideal for budget travelers
If your priority is marine visibility and calm waters, choose July–September or December–February.
How many days is enough for a holiday to Zanzibar?
A good Zanzibar holiday requires:
4–5 days → Quick beach escape
7 days → Ideal for combining beach + tours + Stone Town
10–12 days → Full experience with relaxation, culture, nature, and marine adventures
Most travelers book 7-day holidays to Zanzibar, allowing time for Mnemba Island, Prison Island, Stone Town, Jozani Forest, and relaxing at beaches like Nungwi or Paje.
Is Zanzibar safe for tourists?
Yes, Zanzibar is safe for tourists, with crime levels lower than many international beach destinations.
Safety guidelines:
Use registered guides (Go Smart Zanzibar Tours is fully licensed)
Avoid walking alone on isolated beaches at night
Keep belongings secure in busy areas like Stone Town
Use reputable taxis or hotel-arranged transfers
The island’s hospitality industry is well-regulated, and major holiday zones like Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are tourist-friendly.
What tours are a must-do during a holiday to Zanzibar?
Top recommended tours (expert list):
Mnemba Dolphin + Snorkeling Tour
Prison Island + Nakupenda Sandbank
Stone Town Walking Tour
Jozani Forest & Red Colobus Monkeys
Safari Blue Full-Day Tour
Spice Farm Tour
Paje/Kendwa Sunset Cruise
Booking through a licensed operator ensures safety, fair pricing, and quality experience.
Are holidays to Zanzibar family-friendly?
Absolutely. Zanzibar is excellent for families due to:
Calm beaches in Nungwi & Kendwa
Family-friendly resorts
Shallow snorkeling areas
Safe guided tours
Easy transport
Popular family activities include kayaking, snorkeling, spice farm visits, and sunset cruises.
Conclusion
Choosing holidays to Zanzibar means stepping into a world of white-sand beaches, ancient culture, warm hospitality, and unforgettable adventures.
Whether you’re exploring Stone Town’s winding alleys, swimming with dolphins near Mnemba Island, relaxing on the shores of Nungwi, or tasting spices in a lush farm, Zanzibar delivers an experience that is both relaxing and deeply enriching.
This guide has given you expert-level insights based on local knowledge, real traveler experiences, and years of organizing Zanzibar tours. B
ut no matter how much you plan, nothing beats having a trusted local operator by your side. Go Smart Zanzibar Tours is here to help you create a personalized, seamless holiday—complete with private transfers, expertly guided tours, hotel recommendations, and 24/7 support.
Your dream Zanzibar holiday is just one message away.
Ready to start planning? Contact today!
Contact Us