Why Zanzibar After Safari?
A Tanzania safari followed by a beach stay on Zanzibar is the classic East African combination, and for good reason. After the dust and early starts of the bush, Zanzibar offers something completely different: the scent of cloves drifting through Stone Town's narrow alleys, dhows sailing past at sunset and soft white sand on some of the Indian Ocean's most beautiful beaches. Flights from Arusha take around an hour and a half, and there are also flights from the Serengeti airstrips, so the transfer from bush to beach is easy.
The Best Beaches on Zanzibar
Nungwi — The Lively North
Nungwi, on the northern tip of the island, is one of Zanzibar's best-known beaches. Its big advantage is that the tide goes out much less here than on the east coast, so you can swim at most times of day. Sunsets are spectacular, and the village has a lively atmosphere with beachfront restaurants, fresh seafood and a long tradition of dhow building that you can see up close.
Kendwa — Relaxed and Swimmable
Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa shares the same swimmable water but is quieter and more relaxed. A good choice of hotels lines this stretch of beach, and outside the occasional party nights the atmosphere is peaceful.
Paje — The Kitesurfing Capital
On the south-east coast, Paje is one of Africa's best-known kitesurfing spots. The shallow lagoon offers ideal flat-water conditions for beginners, while the reef further out challenges experienced riders. Even if you don't kite, Paje's wide white beach, relaxed cafés and the nearby Jozani Forest, home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, make it a great base.
Matemwe — Quiet and Beautiful
The north-east coast around Matemwe is home to some of Zanzibar's most exclusive lodges, with long, quiet beaches backed by palm groves. Offshore, the Mnemba Atoll is one of the island's best snorkelling and diving areas, where turtles, dolphins and colourful coral gardens are often seen. At low tide, sandbanks stretch far out into the lagoon.
Stone Town — Culture and History
The beaches around Stone Town are not for swimming, but the cultural experience is unique. The old town, with its carved wooden doors, markets and historic buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An evening at the Forodhani Gardens food market, where locals grill seafood and serve Zanzibar pizza and fresh sugarcane juice, is a must.
Where to Stay
Zanzibar has accommodation for every budget, from simple guesthouses to some of East Africa's finest beach resorts. Luxury options include The Residence Zanzibar near Kizimkazi, andBeyond Mnemba Island on its own private island, Zuri Zanzibar at Kendwa and Baraza Resort at Bwejuu. There are also many good mid-range hotels and characterful boutique properties in Stone Town and along the coast. We will recommend the right hotel for your budget, the time of year and the kind of beach you prefer.
Things to Do Beyond the Beach
Stone Town walking tour: two to three hours exploring the maze of alleys, the Old Fort, the Anglican Cathedral and the memorial at the site of the former slave market. Spice tour: visit a spice farm to see and taste cloves, vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon and lemongrass. Jozani Forest: a guided walk to see the rare Zanzibar red colobus in its forest home, with a boardwalk through the mangroves. Mnemba Atoll snorkelling: a half-day boat trip to clear water, turtles and tropical fish. Prison Island: a short boat ride to see giant Aldabra tortoises and learn about the island's history. Sunset dhow cruise: sail on a traditional wooden boat as the sun goes down over the Indian Ocean.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar
The best months are June to October and December to February, when the weather is warm and mostly dry. These fit well with Tanzania's main safari seasons, making them ideal for combined trips. Visibility for diving and snorkelling is generally best from about October to March. The long rains of April and May bring humidity and heavy showers, but fewer visitors and lower prices.
How to Combine Safari and Zanzibar
We recommend three to five nights on Zanzibar after your safari. A typical combination is five nights in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, followed by a flight to Zanzibar for four nights of beach, culture and ocean. Flights operate from Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport and the Serengeti airstrips. We arrange all internal flights, transfers and accommodation so that you move smoothly from bush to beach.
