Zanzibar Island Vacation

Zanzibar Island Vacation

Zanzibar Island is ranked among the best beach destinations in the world, with beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs, world-class accommodations, and a transparent blue sea that is too beautiful to be true. Zanzibar Island is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, together with Pemba and Mafia and many smaller islands. Because of their rich history in the spice trade and many spice plantations, these islands are also called the Spice Islands.

Zanzibar is located only 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania; this means it is easy to fly to the Tanzanian mainland and go on an amazing wildlife safari in Tanzania’s national parks, meet the local people and discover their culture, and see lots of animals. This is your chance to meet Tanzania’s Big 5.

Zanzibar is a paradise, offering the world’s most beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Miles and miles of white sandy beaches sprinkled with palm trees, surrounded by the clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Apart from laid-back beach life, Zanzibar also has a colorful culture and history. The Stone Town—the capital of Zanzibar—is also worth visiting; this fascinating old town offers so many nice markets, restaurants, and historical sights.

The Beautiful Zanzibar Beaches

Zanzibar Island offers the world’s most beautiful beaches. Soft white sandy beaches surrounded by colorful coral reefs and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The island has about 25 beaches, dotted with fishing villages.

North

Zanzibar’s North and East Coasts have the best beaches, all with crystal white sand and colorful coral reefs. Nungwi and Kendwa are two of the most popular beaches since they do not have to deal with high and low tides. It has a chilled atmosphere with a number of restaurants, bars, and several accommodation options.

If you are seeking real peace and privacy, visit a different region of the island, like the East or South. The North is home to villages like Uroa, Pongwe, Kiwengwa, Nungwi, and Kendwa.

East

The East Coast of Zanzibar has the most idyllic beaches. Along the eastern coastline runs a beautiful coral reef, a top world spot for snorkeling and diving. You can immerse yourself in the abundance of marine life, such as sea horses, turtles, and many tropical fish. The beaches on this east coast are very tidal.

During low tide you can take a walk on the beach and enjoy the ocean views. If you love wind or kite surfing, the Eastern Coast is perfect for you. Matemwe Beach is the longest and one of the most beautiful in this region of the island. Just like the North, there is a wealth of accommodation options.

Southwest

The southwest coast is a bit more remote with fewer lodges and deserted beaches. The beaches in the west and south of Zanzibar are less popular, although there are some beautiful beaches with gentle tides. If you visit the South Coast of Zanzibar, please remember to visit the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a spectacular underwater world for divers.

The western coast of Zanzibar is home to the fascinating old Stone Town, the cultural and historical center of Zanzibar.

Activities to Do During Your Zanzibar Island Vacation

The tropical island of Zanzibar is world-known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs. But Zanzibar does not only offer laid-back beach life and water sport activities but also a colorful culture and history. The opportunities here are endless, and there is a lot to do during a Zanzibar vacation.

• Spice Tour – Visit a spice farm and learn how spices, herbs, and fruits are grown and used as medicine.
• Kite surfing—The steady side shore winds of Zanzibar have made the island an ideal spot for wind or kitesurfing, especially the beaches at Paje, Kiwengwa, and Nungwi.
• Prison Island—Visit the deserted island that was once used as a place where slaves were detained. Nowadays Prison Island is a place to relax at the lovely white beach. The island is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or sunbathing; also, you can see the old prison ruins and about a hundred giant land tortoises.
• Mountain bike tour—
• Safari Blue—Enjoy the natural beauty of Zanzibar on a traditional wooden sailboat (dhow). Visit 3 beautiful islands where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy a delicious barbecue. Mnemba Atoll is another popular site for snorkeling in Zanzibar.
• Walking Tour in Stone Town—
• Jozani Forest—if you are interested in nature, head to Jozani Forest for a walk through the last indigenous forest and mangroves on Zanzibar. The huge palms in the forest are impressive, and you will see lots of monkeys, like the rare red colobus monkeys.
• Restaurant The Rock—This beautiful restaurant is perched on a rock in the ocean. It is a wonderful place to eat and enjoy the views.
• Chumbe Island—This uninhabited small coral island is a true snorkeling paradise. It is the first private marine park in the world and has only 7 beautiful eco-friendly bungalows, surrounded by pristine nature.

  

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

The dry season, from June to October and from December to February, is the most popular time to go for a Zanzibar vacation. However, Zanzibar Island is a great destination all year round. Even during the wet season (mid-March, April, May, and November), it is beautiful since the rain showers do not last much longer than 30 minutes and the temperatures still remain around 28°C. February is the coldest. Given its tropical climate, it is always a good time to visit Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Accommodation

Zanzibar Island offers a wealth of lodges, hotels, and resorts. It has everything ranging from basic accommodation to ultra-luxury. Our tour consultants know most of the accommodation in Zanzibar, so you can always contact us for advice.