ZANZIBAR

zanzibar

zanzibar

zanzibar

Idyllic islands in the sun

It's said that beaches are the valium of the travel world. They soothe, they relax, they make you realise that "real life" occasionally needs escaping. Zanzibar – off the coast of mainland Tanzania – is without doubt the number one beach location in East Africa. It is an archipelago of islands with tropical white-sand beaches, fringed by coral reefs, greened by lush, fertile plantations, and with an incredible history and a fascinating culture. The main island of Zanzibar and Mafia, Pemba and Mnemba islands, offer a rustic, unspoilt paradise, enabling you to experience an exotic and luxurious Indian Ocean island holiday without the crowds.



It's said that beaches are the valium of the travel world. They soothe, they relax, they make you realise that "real life" occasionally needs escaping. Zanzibar – off the coast of mainland Tanzania – is without doubt the number one beach location in East Africa. It is an archipelago of islands with tropical white-sand beaches, fringed by coral reefs, greened by lush, fertile plantations, and with an incredible history and a fascinating culture. The main island of Zanzibar and Mafia, Pemba and Mnemba islands offer a rustic, unspoilt paradise, enabling you to experience an exotic and luxurious Indian Ocean island holiday without the crowds.


DISCOVER PARADISE 

Zanzibar's coastline is dotted with luxurious beach resorts, where the focus is on immersing you in local culture and the incredible waters of the Indian Ocean. The crystal clear tropical waters surrounding the islands of Zanzibar are home to some of the world’s most diverse sea life and colorful coral reefs, making it a huge drawcard for fans of snorkelling and scuba diving.


With a colourful history dating back to the 11th century, Zanzibar found itself at the centre of a vibrant triangular trade route between mainland Africa, Arabia, Persia and India, thanks to favourable monsoon winds. This gave rise to fascinating cultural influences that shaped the Zanzibar of today, with the historic capital of Stone Town and its labyrinth of alleyways, charming city centre and ancient harbour now a World Heritage Site. 


Let's look at some of the highlights a visit to Zanzibar offers...

A CULTURAL MELTING POT

Zanzibar’s culture is a captivating blend of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences, shaped by centuries of trade and migration. Known as the "Spice Islands," Zanzibar’s history as a trading hub has left a lasting legacy, particularly in its architecture, music, and cuisine. Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, showcases this cultural fusion with its narrow streets, ornate doors, and vibrant marketplaces, all reflecting the island’s Swahili and Arab heritage.


Music is a defining feature of Zanzibari culture, with taarab being the most famous local genre. Taarab combines Swahili lyrics with the sounds of Arabic instruments, creating a distinctive style that reflects the island’s diverse past. Festivals, such as the annual Sauti za Busara music festival, celebrate this heritage, drawing performers and audiences from across the region and beyond.


Zanzibari cuisine is a testament to its multicultural roots, with spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon playing a key role in its dishes. Seafood is central to the island’s diet, with coconut-based curries and rice dishes like pilau and biryani being popular. The island’s food culture, much like its architecture and music, is a reflection of Zanzibar’s rich history as a crossroads of different cultures and peoples.


A CULTURAL MELTING POT

Zanzibar’s culture is a captivating blend of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences, shaped by centuries of trade and migration. Known as the "Spice Islands," Zanzibar’s history as a trading hub has left a lasting legacy, particularly in its architecture, music, and cuisine. Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, showcases this cultural fusion with its narrow streets, ornate doors, and vibrant marketplaces, all reflecting the island’s Swahili and Arab heritage.


Music is a defining feature of Zanzibari culture, with taarab being the most famous local genre. Taarab combines Swahili lyrics with the sounds of Arabic instruments, creating a distinctive style that reflects the island’s diverse past. Festivals, such as the annual Sauti za Busara music festival, celebrate this heritage, drawing performers and audiences from across the region and beyond.


Zanzibari cuisine is a testament to its multicultural roots, with spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon playing a key role in its dishes. Seafood is central to the island’s diet, with coconut-based curries and rice dishes like pilau and biryani being popular. The island’s food culture, much like its architecture and music, is a reflection of Zanzibar’s rich history as a crossroads of different cultures and peoples.


A CULTURAL MELTING POT

Zanzibar’s culture is a captivating blend of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences, shaped by centuries of trade and migration. Known as the "Spice Islands," Zanzibar’s history as a trading hub has left a lasting legacy, particularly in its architecture, music, and cuisine. Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar, showcases this cultural fusion with its narrow streets, ornate doors, and vibrant marketplaces, all reflecting the island’s Swahili and Arab heritage.


Music is a defining feature of Zanzibari culture, with taarab being the most famous local genre. Taarab combines Swahili lyrics with the sounds of Arabic instruments, creating a distinctive style that reflects the island’s diverse past. Festivals, such as the annual Sauti za Busara music festival, celebrate this heritage, drawing performers and audiences from across the region and beyond.


Zanzibari cuisine is a testament to its multicultural roots, with spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon playing a key role in its dishes. Seafood is central to the island’s diet, with coconut-based curries and rice dishes like pilau and biryani being popular. The island’s food culture, much like its architecture and music, is a reflection of Zanzibar’s rich history as a crossroads of different cultures and peoples.


MAGICAL MARINE LIFE

MAGICAL MARINE LIFE

MAGICAL MARINE LIFE

HISTORY ON TAP

Zanzibar is steeped in history - you only have to take a tour of ancient Stone Town to discover the role it played in opening East Africa to the outside world so many centuries ago. You can also learn more about the history of Zanzibar and the part it played in the ancient spice trade on a dedicated food and spice tour that takes in the flavours of this fascinating destination. This tour is often combined with a visit to Jozani Forest, where you can go for a relaxing walk and perhaps see the elusive red colobus monkey in its natural habitat.


Another exciting excursion to try while in Zanzibar is a day trip to Prison Island where you can see giant tortoises. While there you can enjoy snorkelling and swimming in the clear blue waters that surround it.

THE IDEAL WAY TO END A SAFARI

Conveniently situated off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a great place to round off a traditional Big Five safari and complements a wilderness experience perfectly, with soft white sand beaches and the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean creating an erstwhile paradise. 


If you’re up for a marine adventure you can enjoy swimming with dolphins, snorkelling or diving on pristine coral reefs. Or go deep-sea fishing, perhaps. Watersports fans have the opportunity to canoe, paddle board, kiteboard and parasail and other water-based activities. Or just take a romantic sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.


Relaxation is made easy thanks to wonderful warm sunshine, superlative spa facilities at most of the major resorts and the opportunity to just lay back and while away the hours on a postcard-perfect beach. 


THE IDEAL WAY TO END A SAFARI

Conveniently situated off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a great place to round off a traditional Big Five safari and complements a wilderness experience perfectly, with soft white sand beaches and the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean creating an erstwhile paradise. 


If you’re up for a marine adventure you can enjoy swimming with dolphins, snorkelling or diving on pristine coral reefs. Or go deep-sea fishing, perhaps. Watersports fans have the opportunity to canoe, paddle board, kiteboard and parasail and other water-based activities. Or just take a romantic sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.


Relaxation is made easy thanks to wonderful warm sunshine, superlative spa facilities at most of the major resorts and the opportunity to just lay back and while away the hours on a postcard-perfect beach. 


THE IDEAL WAY TO END A SAFARI

Conveniently situated off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a great place to round off a traditional Big Five safari and complements a wilderness experience perfectly, with soft white sand beaches and the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean creating an erstwhile paradise. 


If you’re up for a marine adventure you can enjoy swimming with dolphins, snorkelling or diving on pristine coral reefs. Or go deep-sea fishing, perhaps. Watersports fans have the opportunity to canoe, paddle board, kiteboard and parasail and other water-based activities. Or just take a romantic sunset cruise on a traditional dhow.


Relaxation is made easy thanks to wonderful warm sunshine, superlative spa facilities at most of the major resorts and the opportunity to just lay back and while away the hours on a postcard-perfect beach. 


SAFARI INFO

Combining Zanzibar with a safari on mainland Tanzania is effortlessly easy thanks to regular connecting flights and easy access from most of the country's major wildlife safari destinations. It offers the perfect bush and beach combination and meets the needs of those who want to just relax on a beach or be active with a diversity of things to see and do.

Climate

Zanzibar enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round and experiences two main seasons: a hot, dry period from June to October, and a humid, rainy season from November to May. The rainy season is further divided into the long rains, or "Masika," which occur from March to May, and the short rains, or "Vuli," from November to December.


Humidity levels in Zanzibar are high throughout the year, contributing to a lush, verdant landscape. Despite the frequent rainfall during the wet seasons, the island’s climate supports a rich biodiversity, including extensive mangrove forests and coral reefs. This warm, humid environment is ideal for tropical flora and fauna, making Zanzibar a vibrant destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tropical escape.

SAFARI INFO

Combining Zanzibar with a safari on mainland Tanzania is effortlessly easy thanks to regular connecting flights and easy access from most of the country's major wildlife safari destinations. It offers the perfect bush and beach combination and meets the needs of those who want to just relax on a beach or be active with a diversity of things to see and do.

Climate

Zanzibar enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round and experiences two main seasons: a hot, dry period from June to October, and a humid, rainy season from November to May. The rainy season is further divided into the long rains, or "Masika," which occur from March to May, and the short rains, or "Vuli," from November to December.


Humidity levels in Zanzibar are high throughout the year, contributing to a lush, verdant landscape. Despite the frequent rainfall during the wet seasons, the island’s climate supports a rich biodiversity, including extensive mangrove forests and coral reefs. This warm, humid environment is ideal for tropical flora and fauna, making Zanzibar a vibrant destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tropical escape.

SAFARI INFO

Combining Zanzibar with a safari on mainland Tanzania is effortlessly easy thanks to regular connecting flights and easy access from most of the country's major wildlife safari destinations. It offers the perfect bush and beach combination and meets the needs of those who want to just relax on a beach or be active with a diversity of things to see and do.

Climate

Zanzibar enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round and experiences two main seasons: a hot, dry period from June to October, and a humid, rainy season from November to May. The rainy season is further divided into the long rains, or "Masika," which occur from March to May, and the short rains, or "Vuli," from November to December.


Humidity levels in Zanzibar are high throughout the year, contributing to a lush, verdant landscape. Despite the frequent rainfall during the wet seasons, the island’s climate supports a rich biodiversity, including extensive mangrove forests and coral reefs. This warm, humid environment is ideal for tropical flora and fauna, making Zanzibar a vibrant destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tropical escape.

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