zanzibar holiday, activities and accommodations
Zanzibar is a historic Indian Ocean destination famous for its Swahili heritage, spice plantations, and stunning beaches. Perfectly suited for post-safari relaxation or honeymoons, the archipelago offers diverse accommodations ranging from secluded private islands to amenity-rich hotels.
Whether you seek cultural intrigue in Stone Town or serenity by the turquoise waters, the island caters to every traveler. For the best experience, consult experts with decades of firsthand knowledge to navigate the many options and tailor a trip that meets your specific expectations.
ZANZIBAR
Zanzibar is conveniently located on the shores of Tanzania and exceptionally well placed to book a safari of a lifetime. With so much on offer here accommodation and activity wise, Zanzibar has something for even the most selective of travellers. From Arusha is about 1 hour flight away which makes a Tanzania beach and safari holiday, extremely easy.
The best beaches on Zanzibar
- Nungwi and Kendwa (North) – The best beaches on the island. Really beautiful and classic Indian Ocean paradise. Non-tidal turquoise waters and really powdery white sands. Can sometimes be busy.
- Pongwe (East) – Pongwe sits in a little concave bit of coast line which means the beach is glorious and when the tide isn’t completely in, it is seaweed free and very pretty. Not the long sweeping beaches of the north, but a pocket of pure beachy gold. Less busy than the north.
- Paje and Dongwe (East) – Although tidal, here sit some of our favourite luxury boutique hotels. You would not be let down here in terms of accommodation. The beach is beautiful, but getting your toes wet is a bit harder than in the northern Nungwi regions as the sea is further out and very tidal.
- Matemwe (North-East) – Slightly to the east of Nungwi, Matemwe is slightly tidal but when the tide is in there are a few of our favourite fantastic value accommodation options.
STONE TOWN
Visitors to Zanzibar tend to arrive and leave via Stone Town, the island capital and a historic hub of commerce and culture. This ancient centre was the seat of the Sultans, whose crumbling palaces, bath houses and mosques are a legacy of this opulent and vibrant time at the heart of the gold trade.
The town has a very different commercial attitude today, and one that thrives on the growing tourist market. The labyrinthine streets are lined with traders selling everything from mass-produced art works to ancient wooden doors, from tie dye t-shirts to jewels.
The muezzins’ call to prayer echoes across the rooftops at the break of day, while cats, goats, dogs, roosters and babies often make themselves heard in between! This old town remains a wonderful place to spend a night or two, getting lost among the elegant, ancient buildings, eating fresh fish on the sea front and breathing in the sights, sounds and smells of a truly Swahili centre.
A stay in Stone Town is always a wondrous assault on the senses, but a couple of nights are enough if you value peace and quiet and a good nights sleep! Nowadays there are some great Boutique hotels in Stone Town
The islands of Zanzibar
Pemba Island– is truly off the beaten tourist track. It is beautiful, culturally rich and with a few top notch hotels which we love to recommend. It has some of the best diving in the world in pristine coral reefs and for those who love to be active, this is your place. The only downside is that the beaches are very tidal – so if you are looking for long white sands, you are better off on Zanzibar.
Private islands off Zanzibar
Mnemba Island – This private island has only one lodge, Mnemba Island Lodge. It is the ultimate Indian Ocean beach destination for those who want complete seclusion away from the crowds. Mnemba is the ultimate Tanzania honeymoon beach lodge. This tiny island is everything you can imagine of a remote windswept paradise and often voted one of the most romantic destinations on the planet.
Fanjove private Island– Yes, Mnemba is the ultimate, but for those who do not wish to fork out over $1,500 per person per night and want a private slice of pure beach heaven, you cannot get better than Fanjove. Beach-shack-chic but ideal for those who crave luxury in its purest natural form.
Thanda Island– At around $25,000 a night, it has got to be unbelievable. But take a large group and occupy it’s 9 luxury rooms and it becomes a (admittedly, only slightly!) more affordable option for those who want complete Indian Ocean exclusivity.
Why go on a Family Holiday to Zanzibar?
With so many fantastic hotels, kids clubs galore and activity central, Zanzibar is a top choice for young families and older teens. Combined with a safari in North Tanzania, and you have a family holiday of a lifetime.
Why go on a Honeymoon in Zanzibar?
The name of the island alone evokes the exotic, mysterious and romantic. We get lots of requests for honeymoons involving Zanzibar and for good reason – very few other parts of the world can lay claim to such beautiful beaches with such a vast array of accommodation all within a couple of hours of world-class safari areas.