Stone Town
Walk the old lanes, visit the markets, the seafront and historic buildings, and enjoy Swahili food and rooftop views at sunset.
Swahili Coast & Islands
Zanzibar
White-sand beaches, turquoise water and the historic lanes of Stone Town, the perfect finish to a safari or a getaway of its own.
Zanzibar blends Indian Ocean beaches, Swahili culture, spice farms and a UNESCO-listed old town on one easy-to-reach island.
Indian Ocean · Tanzania
Discover Zanzibar
An Island of Beaches, History and Spice
Zanzibar, officially Unguja, lies off the coast of mainland Tanzania in the warm Indian Ocean. For centuries it was a meeting point of African, Arab, Persian and Indian traders, and that mix still shapes its food, architecture and daily life.
Stone Town, the old quarter, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow lanes, carved doors and coral-stone houses. Beyond it, the coast offers very different beach areas, from calm swimming bays to wide tidal flats.
Many travellers fly in after a northern or southern safari. Others come for a beach holiday, a honeymoon or a short cultural escape. Each works well, and we can shape the island stay around your pace.
UNESCOStone Town heritage site
Year-roundBeach destination
SpicesFarm tours
Short flightsFrom Arusha and Dar
Highlights
What Makes Zanzibar Special
Each part of the island has its own character, so where you stay shapes the trip.
Nungwi and Kendwa
On the north coast, with beaches known for swimming at most tides and lively sunsets.
Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi
On the east coast, with wide tidal flats, kite-surfing, quiet villages and the famous restaurant on the rock at Michamvi.
Island Life
Sea, Reef and Forest
The reefs around Zanzibar offer snorkelling and diving, and boat trips to places such as Mnemba Atoll are popular. Dolphin and turtle encounters depend on conditions and are never guaranteed.
Inland, Jozani Forest is home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, and the island's spice farms show how cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg are grown.
Snorkelling
Diving
Dhow Sailing
Dolphin Trips
Red Colobus Monkeys
Spice Farms
Turtle Sanctuary
Sunset Cruises
Things to Do
Experience Zanzibar
Mix beach time with a few memorable experiences.
Stone Town Walk
A guided walk through the old town, markets and historic sites.
Spice Tour
Visit a spice farm to see, smell and taste what grows on the island.
Prison Island
A short boat trip to see giant tortoises and swim in clear water.
Mnemba and Safari Blue
Day trips by boat for snorkelling, sandbanks and a seafood lunch.
Jozani Forest
Walk among mahogany trees and look for red colobus monkeys.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Sail along the coast on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun goes down.
When to Visit
The Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
Your ideal travel period depends on the experiences and landscapes you want to enjoy.
The Dry Season
Generally the most comfortable months, with lower humidity, sunny days and calm seas, which also fit well after a safari.
Warmer and Greener
Hotter and more humid, with short showers in November and December and longer rains in the spring. Many days remain sunny, and the island is quieter.
Plan Your Visit
Getting to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is reached by scheduled flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and other airports, or by ferry from Dar es Salaam.
Choose the coast that fits your style: north for swimming and sunsets, east for tides and village life, Stone Town for culture.
- Flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam.
- Beach conditions change with the tides, especially on the east coast.
- Dress modestly in Stone Town and away from the beach.
- Check current entry rules and availability before travel.
Journeys with Avalia
Journeys That Include Zanzibar
Beach stays, honeymoons and safari-and-beach combinations from our itinerary collection.
5 days
Zanzibar Beach Escape — Tailor-Made
A flexible Zanzibar beach itinerary designed around relaxation and island experiences.
View journey → 3 days3-Day Romantic Isle Hideaway — Stone Town & Beach Sunset
A romantic combination of Stone Town heritage, beach time and a private sunset dhow experience.
View journey → 4 days4-Day Honeymoon Romance — Michamvi Sunsets & The Rock
A romantic Zanzibar escape featuring beach sunsets, couples' treatments, a Spice Tour and dinner at The Rock.
View journey → 5 days5-Day Secrets of Zanzibar Romantic Excursion
A five-day romantic island experience combining beach time, Mnemba, Jozani and Stone Town.
View journey → 6 days6-Day Northern Safari to Zanzibar Beach
Three days of northern Tanzania wildlife followed by Zanzibar's beaches and island experiences.
View journey → 7 days7-Day Tanzania Highlights & Zanzibar Escape
Four days of Tanzania safari followed by three days on Zanzibar.
View journey →Swahili Coast & Islands
Let Us Plan Your Zanzibar Journey
Tell us your dates, group size and what you hope to experience, and we will shape a journey around it.
Plan Your Zanzibar Journey