Zanzibar is the classic way to close an East Africa safari - warm Indian Ocean water, sugar-white beaches and a UNESCO listed Stone Town layered with Swahili, Arab, Persian and European history. It works equally well as a standalone beach holiday or a four or five night add-on after the parks.
Zanzibar, technically a semi-autonomous archipelago off Tanzania's coast, has spent a thousand years as a trading crossroads between Africa, Arabia and India - a history still visible in Stone Town's carved doors, narrow alleys and spice markets.
Outside the town, the island's east coast holds the postcard beaches - Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje among them - with resorts ranging from simple beach bandas to high-end villas, all a short flight from the Tanzanian mainland's safari circuit.
Each stretch of coast has a different character - pick based on whether you want nightlife, calm water or total quiet.
Narrow alleys, carved doors and centuries of Swahili trading history.
The island's liveliest beaches, with sunset bars and calm swimming.
A kite-surfing hub on the quieter east coast, with tidal lagoons.
Guided walks through clove, vanilla and nutmeg plantations inland.
Days built around the island's calm, warm water beaches.
Guided walks through Stone Town's markets, alleys and history.
A traditional wooden sailing boat trip along the coast at sunset.
Guided walks through clove, vanilla and nutmeg plantations.
A starting point only - every itinerary below can be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget.
Zanzibar is warm year round. June to October and December to February are driest; April and May bring heavier rain and lower resort rates.
There are direct flights from Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, making it an easy add-on to a mainland safari.
Yes, many resorts have calm, shallow swimming areas and kids' clubs, particularly around Kendwa and Nungwi.
Four to five nights is typical - enough time for Stone Town plus a genuine stretch of beach relaxation.
Yes, it's a popular, well-established tourist destination; usual travel precautions apply as anywhere.
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