The Spice Islands - Zanzibar, Pemba & Mafia

Our Zanzibar Tours & Holidays

Our Zanzibar tours and holidays, takes you to the Spice Islands. Comprising of Zanzibar (Unguja), Pemba, Mafia, and several smaller surrounding islands— they a dream destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, offering something for every budget and level of privacy. The mere mention of these islands evokes visions of bustling spice markets, palm-lined white-sand beaches, and traditional dhows drifting on crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

And luckily, the reality doesn’t disappoint. Just a short hop from the Tanzanian mainland, Zanzibar sits at the crossroads of ancient trade routes linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, making it a rich cultural haven. On the largest island, Zanzibar (or Unguja), visitors can immerse themselves in spice tours, sample authentic local dishes, and explore the winding streets of the historic Stone Town. A  World Heritage Site, Stone Town thrives with vibrant markets and rich flavors, all set against a backdrop of unique coralline stone and mangrove timber architecture that tells the tale of its past as a Swahili trading hub. 

Of course, there are the world-class Zanzibar beaches, perfect for those seeking a relaxing, luxurious getaway. Zanzibar also offers secluded rocky coastlines, private jetties, and the lush mangrove forests of Jozani. Along with Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, and other smaller islands are home to some of East Africa’s most beautiful beaches and top-notch dive sites.

Recommended Zanzibar Tours & Holiday Packages

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Why Visit Zanzibar For A Holiday?

The name alone is likely to conjure up images of palm-fringed beaches, spice markets and traditional sailing dhows on a turquoise sea – and happily the reality doesn’t disappoint. Lying only a short distance off the Tanzania coast but at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Zanzibar has long been at the center of the Indian Ocean experience in East Africa and a Zanzibar holiday is a sensory experience par excellence. From spice tours and cobbled streets to the best luxury resorts in Zanzibar, here are some of the best reasons to go to Zanzibar:

  • Explore Historic Stone Town
  • Walk through the spice markets & sample local delicacies.
  • Relax on Powder-white Shores
  • Experience Some of the Finest Luxury Hotels & Resorts
  • Exclusive seclusion at Zanzibar’s top private islands & resorts
  • Dive into an Underwater Wonderland
  • Combine Zanzibar with a Tanzania Safari
  • See All the best things to do in Zanzibar
Things to do in Zanzibar

Planning your Vacation in Zanzibar

Are you keen on visiting Rwanda? Keep these tips in mind when planning your tour in Zanzibar:

  • When travelling during the peak season (June – October, Dec – Feb), you must confirm your hotels bookings many months in advance. 
  • Make sure you read through our Practical Information Guide before taking your trip to Zanzibar. Here, we try to cover all the essential information and practical tips for travel in Zanzibar.
  • If you like to read up on the fun things to do in Zanzibar before committing to a certain itinerary or tour, then check out our travel blog. Here you’ll find many destination guides about fun things to do and the best places to visit in Zanzibar.
Things to do in Zanzibar Tanzania

How about other Holiday destinations?

Mauritius

Mauritius is a versatile holiday paradise, perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, and everyone in between. Known for its stunning beaches and sapphire waters, the island also offers snorkeling, catamaran cruises, botanical gardens, and vibrant markets. With diverse cultures and unforgettable culinary experiences, Mauritius has something for every traveler.

Zanzibar holidays

Mombasa

Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal gem, is known as the “white and blue city” for its vibrant culture, history, and stunning landscapes. As the country’s oldest and second-largest city, it features beautiful beaches, top hotels, historical landmarks, bustling markets, and lush parks. Enjoy water sports, diving, fishing, or simply unwind in its tranquil spots.

Seychelles

Nestled by the tranquil blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles offers idyllic beaches framed by granite boulders and palm trees. Beyond its picture-perfect shores, the islands boast world-class hotels, luxurious resorts, and chic villas, making it the perfect destination to indulge in your tropical island dream with unparalleled luxury and beauty.

Zanzibar tours

FAQs About Zanzibar Tours

Typically, the best time to visit Zanzibar and book your tours is from July to March. For more details, please refer to our guide on the best time to visit Zanzibar.

 

Budget Zanzibar tours cost approximately $1000 – $1,500 for a 7-day trip, mid-range Zanzibar packages costs around $1500 – $2,500 for a 7-day trip), and luxury holidays cost around $2,000 – $5,000 for a 7-day trip).

 

The number of days you should spend in Zanzibar depends on your interests and planned activities:

  • 3–4 days: Ideal if you want to relax on the beach and enjoy water activities.
  • 4–6 days: Perfect for those who want to unwind on the beach and explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • 5–9 days: Great for those who want to relax on the beach, discover Stone Town, and enjoy water activities such as snorkeling or scuba diving.
  • 10 days: Best for those who want to experience everything at a relaxed pace.

The best area to stay in Zanzibar depends on your preferences. But generally, the northern coast near Nungwi and Kendwa is perfect for a traditional beach holiday, offering stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Stone Town, on the other hand, is ideal for a cultural experience, with its historic architecture and lively local atmosphere. If you’re looking for a combination of both, the northeast coast features luxury resorts with convenient access to Stone Town.

Based on our travelers’ experiences, the best tours in Zanzibar include Mnemba Dolphins and Snorkeling, the Safari Blue trip, Spice Farm Tours, Jozani Forest, and a full-day Mnemba snorkeling tour. For ocean enthusiasts, we highly recommend the 1-night camping kayaking adventure on the island.

For families, the best tours in Zanzibar include the Stone Town walking tour, Prison Island, Nakupenda Sand Bank, the private Safari Blue trip, and Jozani Forest.
 

For couples, we recommend these tours as the best options: 

  • Private Safari Blue
  • Sunset Dhow Cruise
  • Traditional Cooking Class
  • Blue Lagoon.

The best group tours in Zanzibar include;

  • Safari Blue Trip
  • Boat Trip to Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank
  • Sunset Dhow Cruise.

The best private tours in Zanzibar are;

  • Mnemba Dolphins & Snorkeling
  • Full Day Safari Blue Trip
  • Horse Riding
  • Quad Biking

Yes, Zanzibar has a vibrant nightlife scene with many options, including bars, clubs, and beach parties:

Stone Town: The nightlife hub of Zanzibar, with narrow alleys filled with bars and nightclubs. You can also find live entertainment at cafes and restaurants, and sometimes impromptu street dancing.

Nungwi Beach: Known for its beach parties that can last until dawn. The sand becomes a dance floor, with local and international DJs playing a variety of music.

Kendwa: A more exclusive nightlife experience, with luxury resorts and beach clubs offering gourmet food and exotic cocktails.

Paje beach: Some say Paje is the best place on the island for nightlife, with beach parties.

Garage Club: A fully air-conditioned and soundproofed disco with a mix of house, hip-hop, reggae, and African and European pop.

 

Ugandans, Kenyans, and Rwandans do not require visas to visit Zanzibar. However, travelers from Europe, Canada, Australia, and the USA must obtain tourist visas. Since Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, the visa and entry requirements are the same for both locations. 

While it’s possible to get a visa on arrival in Tanzania, it’s recommended to apply for an e-visa in advance. The cost for a single-entry tourist visa is US$ 50, and US citizens are charged US$ 100 for a 12-month multiple-entry visa.

Zanzibar can be expensive or cheap depending on how you travel and what you want to do. Resorts and day trips can be costly, but you can save money by choosing cheaper hotels and dining at affordable restaurants. Here are some tips for saving money while traveling in Zanzibar:

  • Plan for daily expenses
  • Visit during low season
  • Eat local cuisine

Yes, many people in Zanzibar speak English, especially in tourist areas:

Official languages: English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Zanzibar.

Spoken in tourist areas: English is spoken in Zanzibar Town and most tourist areas.

Spoken by locals: Many locals speak English fluently.

Other languages spoken: Many local residents also speak Arabic, Italian, and French.

Here are some tips for communicating in Zanzibar:

  • Learn some Swahili: Even a few words of Swahili can be useful for asking directions, greeting people, and starting conversations.
  • Appreciate attempts to speak Swahili: Most islanders will appreciate even poor attempts to speak Swahili.
  • Use Swahili in tourist areas: Using a few Swahili words can add to the enjoyment of your visit, even in tourist areas.