An archipelago 40 kilometres off the Tanzanian coast with white sand beaches, a UNESCO listed old town and a spice trade history that shaped the whole Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar earned its wealth from cloves and, less comfortably, from the slave trade, and both histories are visible in Stone Town, where Omani, Indian, Persian and European architecture press together in alleys too narrow for cars. Beyond the town the island is beach country. The north coast at Nungwi and Kendwa has the smallest tidal range and is the best choice for swimming; the east coast has wider beaches and better kite surfing but the sea retreats hundreds of metres at low tide. Jozani Forest protects the endemic Zanzibar red colobus, and Mnemba atoll off the north east offers the best snorkelling and diving in the archipelago.
June to October and December to February. Long rains fall in April and May.
The full island. Two nights in the Stone Town UNESCO quarter for the history and the food, then three on the north coast for…
Three nights on the beach with a spice farm tour and time for one marine excursion. The standard Zanzibar break for travellers…
The complete Tanzania holiday. Nine days on the northern circuit including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, then a flight to…
Four safari nights and four on the Indian Ocean. Private vehicle throughout, romantic turndowns, a private bush dinner under…
