Zanzibar
Tanzania's Spice Island — a UNESCO-listed historic Stone Town, pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean waters, and world-class snorkelling and diving.
A closer look at Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean, just 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania. Known as the "Spice Island", it offers an intoxicating blend of pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a rich, culturally diverse history. At its heart lies Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow, winding alleys, intricately carved wooden doors, and bustling spice markets reflecting centuries of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Beyond the cultural capital, Zanzibar's coastline is lined with idyllic resorts, offering world-class diving, snorkeling, and the ultimate post-safari relaxation.
Wildlife, scenery & local character
- Indian Ocean beaches
- Stone Town
- Spice farms
- Coastal villages
- Island sunsets
Things to experience
- Beach relaxation
- Swimming where conditions suit
- Guided Stone Town walks
- Spice-farm visits
- Dhow sailing
Getting there & getting around
Domestic flights connect Zanzibar with mainland safari routes. Plan the arrival transfer and hotel location together, because travelling between the airport, town and different coasts takes part of the day.
How long to stay
3–6 nights, adjusted to the amount of beach time and sightseeing you want.
Planning your visit
Plan beach time after the safari and choose the coast to match swimming, tides and preferred atmosphere.
Build your time here around the experiences you most want to enjoy. Allow for transfers, check the location of your accommodation and leave space for weather or wildlife to shape the day.
Connect the journey
Our local team can help you compare overnight stops, choose the right number of nights and connect this destination with the rest of your safari. Tell us your dates, travel style and interests for a specific recommendation.
Find your safari style →Safari ideas featuring Zanzibar
Safari from ZanzibarPrivate journey2 Days / 1 Night2 Day Safari from Zanzibar: Tarangire - Savanna Highlights
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
- Zanzibar
- Tarangire
- Zanzibar
A 2-day journey combining Tarangire National Park. Coordinate mainland flights with the Zanzibar stay so that safari time works with arrival and return schedules.
Wildlife SafarisPrivate journey10 Days10-Day Complete Tanzania — North, South & Zanzibar
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
Tanzania's ultimate journey. Complete Northern and Southern circuits followed by a dreamy two-night Zanzibar finale: Stone Town, spice farms, and pristine Indian Ocean beaches.
- Complete Tanzania journey
- Zanzibar beach finale
- All major parks
Safari From ZanzibarPrivate journey1 Day1-Day Ngorongoro Day Trip from Zanzibar
- Own vehicle & guide
- Mid-range or luxury
- Zanzibar
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Zanzibar
Don't let a beach holiday stop you from seeing the Big Five. Fly from Zanzibar at dawn, enjoy a full day inside the Ngorongoro Crater, return to your hotel by evening.
- Black rhino sighting
- Big Five in one day
- No road travel
A few things you might be wondering
When should I visit Zanzibar?
June to October (Cool & Dry) & December to February (Hot & Dry)
How can I include Zanzibar in my trip?
Plan beach time after the safari and choose the coast to match swimming, tides and preferred atmosphere.
Are all activities available year-round?
No. Weather, local conditions, age policies, permits and individual operators can affect availability. Optional walks, marine activities and special experiences must be checked and confirmed for your actual dates.
Can I change the route and accommodation?
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
What determines the final price?
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
When is the best time for a Tanzania safari?
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Is the safari private?
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
What should I budget for tips?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
How far in advance should I book?
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team