Choosing Zanzibar for your Holiday
The Zanzibar archipelago is one of the most historic Indian Ocean islands, awash with atmosphere, intrigue, and idyllic beach experiences. There are masses of accommodation options across the price spectrum, and plenty to see, do and discover. As the birthplace of the Swahili, site of Sultans’ Palaces and renowned for its spice plantations, the little island republic of Zanzibar features larger-than-life on the world map and is a must-see at the end of any African trip, but is especially great when added onto a Tanzanian safari.
There are some fabulous beaches on the islands of Zanzibar, and many choices for an ideal spot to sit back and watch the white dhow sails cruising the startling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Whether it is for a Zanzibar holiday, honeymoon or some post-safari relaxation; whether you prefer the blissful privacy of a private island or the amenities of a larger hotel; and whatever your preferred activities, there are good options for every traveller.
We have made our information on Zanzibar as comprehensive as possible, but the best way to get to grips with the islands is to give us a call and chat through your plans. Although the information is all here, our team of experts have been organising holidays to Zanzibar for 20 years and are constantly returning to see what’s changed, so our first-hand knowledge coupled with an understanding of your expectations is by far the best way to narrow down your options!
ZANZIBAR | THE AREAS
Where is Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is conveniently located on the shores of Tanzania and exceptionally well placed to bookend 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. The vast and wild Selous Game Reserve is a mere 45 minute flight away which makes a Tanzania beach and safari holiday, extremely easy.
Getting to Zanzibar
Zanzibar is only a short 20 minute flight from Dar es Salaam international which is the landing point for flights from all over the world. You cannot directly fly to Dar es Salaam from London or the US, but many airlines (KLM, Emirates) have two stop flights which make the travel fairly easy (usually via Amsterdam and Dubai).
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.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.ages.Luxury hotels in Zanzibar
Xanadu – Wow. Luxury villas with private pools all set within luscious gardens and on a great beach. Could it get any better than this? Oh yes, yes it can, because the chef is ex Michelin star. The ultimate Zanzibar honeymoon choice.
Kilindi – Similar ideas to Xanadu and set just 5 minutes from the best beaches on the island.
Zawadi- Sleek and stylish. Zawadi is real luxury. The food is excellent, the rooms pristine and the views from your room completely idyllic.
Baraza – A true Zanzibar style beach resort. A fantastic romantic spa and a kids club makes it a fabulous choice for both honeymoons and families alike. A bigger hotel, but with everything you could need for a luxurious stay on the island.
White Sands – Located on the south east coast, White Sands is perfect for families who want a bit of luxury and their own space. You get a whole villa to yourself if you have 4 people and your own pool and living room area.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 Southern Tanzania, and you have a family holiday of a lifetime.
Why go on a Zanzibar Honeymoon?
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.
Zanzibar Package Holidays
Zanzibar has a lot of hotels.. Some of them are fabulous, and some not so fabulous. We have visited every single hotel we like to recommend on Zanzibar so will be sure to find you something unforgettable which suits both your budget and preferred style. In fact, we only really use 10% of Zanzibar’s vast array of accommodation options – ensuring you skip the rubbish and get to the gold. Combining a safari is also never simpler than with us – we have been working in Tanzania for over 20 years with regular revisits to the best safari lodges and wildlife spots, so we really do know our stuff.
Dar to Zanzibar – Safari and Zanzibar Holidays
After your 20 minute flight to Dar es Salaam, you only have to hop over a short 40 minute flight and you are in the beautiful and watery Selous Game Reserve. Add another half an hour west, and get to the wild and fabulous Ruaha National Park (the office’s favourite!). Northern Tanzania is pretty easy too, though flights are rather more expensive – give yourself just over an hour in the air though and you can hop from a famous Serengeti safari right into Indian Ocean paradise… Quite the combination!
