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Few names evoke such a romantic image as the main ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar.
Exotic spices fill the air in Zanzibar, a wonder of white sands and UNESCO World Heritage towns draped in sea-faring history. Off its famed shores, the fluttering sails of Arabian dhows skim across the surface of the Indian Ocean, which hides treasures beneath: elegant sea turtles and swarms of tropical fish. The boats are propelled by trade and monsoon winds that, for centuries, have brought explorers from all over the world to Zanzibar. Settlers from Arabia, Africa, Persia and India have made the island home, carving a living from fishing or farming the fertile soils, which are planted with fragrant cloves, vanilla and nutmeg.
Baskets piled high with these heady spices fill the shops in Stone Town, Zanzibar’s ancient capital, where mosques sound eerily-beautiful calls to prayer. Get lost in winding streets lined with merchant houses with carved teak doors, stumbling upon the sultan’s House of Wonders and a sobering former slave market. History pangs sated, it’s time to sink onto the soft sands of Zanzibar’s world-famous beaches and watch the buttery sun dissolve into the depths of the ocean. As evening falls, head to the Forodhani night market where stalls buckle under the weight of seafood kebabs and piles of samosas, while smiling vendors fry Zanzibar pizza and serve up freshly-squeezed sugarcane juice.
A beach break in Zanzibar is the perfect, relaxing end to an action-packed safari in Tanzania, so speak to our Africa experts about booking a stay on this coveted spice island.
Zanzibar Hotels
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Zanzibar
Matemwe Attitude
Drift into Matemwe Attitude, where slow days and sea views set the tone for your Zanzibar escape.
LUX* Marijani Zanzibar
LUX* Marijani Zanzibar is a boutique hotel, set in an unspoilt, intimate setting, combining Arab...
Breezes Beach Club & Spa
Family owned and managed, Breezes Beach Club & Spa is charming and romantic.
Baraza Resort & Spa
Set on an award-winning beach, Baraza Resort & Spa is one of Zanzibar’s premier boutique resorts.
Bawe Island
Zanzibar’s first Maldivian style island where pool-clad villas float above sparkling lagoons and...
The Residence Zanzibar
The Residence draws on Swahili and Omani influences to create a seductive retreat of stand-alone...
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
The Park Hyatt brings a touch of luxury to Stone Town without losing its Zanzibari charm.
Fundu Lagoon
Feel as if you’re the only person on the island at this bohemian retreat with romantic thatched-r...
Zuri Zanzibar
Authentically chic, this stylish resort promises a serene beach holiday with enchanting cultural...
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Authentic colonial splendour and a prime location to explore historic, UNESCO recognised Stone To...
Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa
A relaxed, modern resort laid across one of Zanzibar’s best white-gold beaches.
Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar
This intimate beach-chic retreat sits on a clifftop with glorious ocean views.
Holidays in Zanzibar
- Zanzibar
- 4 Star
Drift into Matemwe Attitude, where slow days and sea views set the tone for your Zanzibar escape.
From £1,390 p/p
- Zanzibar
- 4 Star
LUX* Marijani Zanzibar is a boutique hotel, set in an unspoilt, intimate setting, combining Arab architecture with a coastal Swahili vibe.
From £1,334 p/p
- Zanzibar
- 4.5 Star
Family owned and managed, Breezes Beach Club & Spa is charming and romantic.
From £1,496 p/p
- Zanzibar
- 5 Star
Set on an award-winning beach, Baraza Resort & Spa is one of Zanzibar’s premier boutique resorts.
From £3,174 p/p
- Zanzibar
- 5 Star
Zanzibar’s first Maldivian style island where pool-clad villas float above sparkling lagoons and world-class service is at your beck and call.
From £3,064 p/p
- Zanzibar
- 4.5 Star
The Residence draws on Swahili and Omani influences to create a seductive retreat of stand-alone pool villas.
From £2,099 p/p
- Zanzibar
- 5 Star
The Park Hyatt brings a touch of luxury to Stone Town without losing its Zanzibari charm.
From £1,933 p/p
- Zanzibar
- 4 Star
Feel as if you’re the only person on the island at this bohemian retreat with romantic thatched-roof suites and ocean views.
- Zanzibar
- 5 Star
Authentically chic, this stylish resort promises a serene beach holiday with enchanting cultural activities.
From £2,330 p/p
- Zanzibar
- 4 Star
This charming beachfront resort is a favourite with Kuoni guests.
From £1,612 p/pYou may also like
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Half Day Spice Tour (from Stone Town, Beaches S/SE & N/NE)
Learn how Zanzibar’s world-famous spices are produced at a local farm. Learn how these precious spices are produced, from seed to harvest and then exported all over the world. The farm is also home to tropical fruit trees such as coconut, mango and papaya, some of which your guide will pick for you to sample.
On this half-day tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to one of the island’s top plantations, which has been growing various spices for generations.
Throughout the tour, your guide will point out everything from black pepper, vanilla and ginger to turmeric, cardamom and cinnamon. One of the most famous spices you'll see are cloves, which locals often sun-dry and then squeeze to extract their oil for use in medicated soaps.
Jozani Forest Tour (from Stone Town, Beaches S/SE & N/NE)
Visit the Jozani Forest to spot rare wildlife in a protected natural reserve. Covering over 6,200 acres, it’s a haven of trees and plants known for their medicinal qualities, as well as wildlife including monkeys, bush pigs, tree hyraxes, dik diks and over 40 species of birds.
This three-hour tour starts with a transfer to the forest, which is a protected natural reserve and part of Zanzibar’s only national park, Jozani-Chawaka.
You’ll take a guided walk along the forest trails, stopping to look at the local flora and wildlife. Jozani Forest is filled with various species of trees, including eucalyptus, baobab, mahogany and teak and is a sanctuary for red colobus monkeys. Previously endangered, there are now about 2,500 in the reserve and their numbers are slowly increasing. The monkeys are very relaxed and used to visitors, so you can get incredible photos of them playing in the treetops and feeding on fruit.
Next, you’ll head over the other side of the park to see the mangroves, which are formed by salt water flooding in from the ocean. There’s a wooden boardwalk here which you can wander along for a glimpse into this lush ecosystem. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Zanzibar.
Stone Town Tour (from Stone Town, Beaches S/SE & N/NE)
Discover UNESCO-listed Stone Town on this half-day trip, from its decorative Arabic doors to daily market life and Freddie Mercury’s former home.
The guided walking tour starts in Stone Town’s slave market, which lies next to the Anglican church and has a moving memorial sculpture. Here, you’ll learn about the sobering legacy of the slave trade in Zanzibar. You’ll get the chance to explore Darajani Market too, which is a hive of activity for locals. Wander around stalls filled with colourful produce and spices, taste some fresh sugar cane juice and spot the town’s famous carved doors.
Next, you’ll move on to visit the former home of famous Queen singer, Freddie Mercury, the Old Fort and House of Wonder, which was built by some of the island’s first British settlers. After learning about these key landmarks, you'll have time to go shopping for wooden carvings, spices or Tanzanite jewellery. The tour ends with a visit the Forodhani food market. This is the most popular place for locals and tourists to gather in the evening on Zanzibar, as it’s full of Swahili food stalls selling all kinds of seafood, pilau dishes and Indian cuisine. If your tour is in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a golden sunset from this busy market.
Best time to visit Zanzibar
Zanzibar does tropical in its own way: warm seas, palm-lined beaches, centuries-old Swahili towns, and a scent of cloves in the air. The weather is warm year-round, but like mainland Tanzania, it dances to the rhythm of two rainy seasons. The long rains fall from March to May, the short ones in November, and in between is plenty of sunshine, sea breezes, and good excuses to do very little.
Zanzibar Weather
Jan - Feb, Jun - Sep
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Zanzibar Weather by Month
January in Zanzibar
January brings warm days and clear skies, making it one of the best times to stretch out on a beach. It’s hot but not oppressive, around 31°C most days, and the sea is so warm it feels like stepping into a bath. Good visibility and calm water make it ideal for snorkelling or sailing, and the island feels lively without being packed.
February in Zanzibar
Hot, sunny, and full of energy. Feburary is the warmest month of the year, often topping 33°C, and you’ll notice the humidity. The breeze off the water helps, and if you're near the coast, it’s all very manageable. Stone Town buzzes in the mornings, then slows right down after lunch. Bring your sunglasses and your laziest mood. It’s a great time for diving, paddleboarding or long, slow lunches with your feet in the sand.
March in Zanzibar
Things start bright and summery, but by mid-month, clouds roll in and the long rains begin to make an appearance. It’s still warm, the sea stays inviting, and mornings are often dry. But by afternoon, you might find yourself caught in a sudden tropical downpour. Great for reading under a palm tree or stretching out spa time. It’s quieter now, too, so if you like space and don’t mind an unexpected downpour here and there, it can be a relaxing time to visit.
April in Zanzibar
The rain settles in now. Heavy showers are common, especially in the afternoons and evenings, and the island feels steamy and green. Many small hotels take a break, but bigger ones stay open, and you’ll often have the beach to yourself. If you're the kind of traveller who enjoys warm rain, dramatic skies and slow mornings, it has its charm. Just don’t expect to sunbathe every day.
May in Zanzibar
Still part of the wet season, but by the end of the month, the sun starts to break through more regularly. The air feels fresh, the greenery is lush, and the pace of life is very relaxed. Beaches begin to dry out, boats head back into the water, and everything starts to feel like it’s stretching and waking up. If you want a calm, low-key trip and don’t mind dodging a few showers, May is a gentle and beautiful time to be in Zanzibar.
June in Zanzibar
Here comes the dry season. The humidity drops, the skies turn reliably blue, and the days hover around 29°C with a breeze that makes everything feel easier. It’s a brilliant time to visit, especially if you’re after that ideal mix of sunshine and comfort. Stone Town is great for wandering in the mornings, and the afternoons are made for hammocks and sea swims.
July in Zanzibar
July is pretty much perfect, weather-wise. Warm but not roasting, dry without being dusty, and just the right amount of liveliness. It’s an excellent month for snorkelling, as the water is clear and the sea is calm. Evenings are breezy and ideal for al fresco dinners. Bring a light layer for the evening and settle in.
August in Zanzibar
Another crowd-pleaser. The weather’s settled, the sea is warm. Temperatures stay in the high 20s, and the beaches are buzzing, especially with families on holiday. If you’re watching kite surfers do some tricks, Paje is where the action is. For everyone else, it’s a good time to snorkel, wander, and linger over cold drinks with a sea view.
September in Zanzibar
Sunny, quiet, and all-round lovely. The summer crowds thin out, but the good weather sticks around. It’s warm enough for lazy beach days, cool enough for walks through Stone Town, and the sea is just as welcoming. If you’re looking for that sweet spot between seasons, this might be it.
October in Zanzibar
Still dry, still warm, but with a bit more humidity creeping in. Rain isn’t guaranteed, but you might get a quick afternoon shower here and there. The island feels laid-back and spacious. Diving is particularly good now, especially along the south coast.
November in Zanzibar
The short rains arrive, usually in the form of quick, dramatic showers that pass almost as quickly as they came. It’s warm, it’s green, and things feel a bit more local again. Fewer visitors mean more space, and the beaches are still beautiful. The sea can be a little choppier after rain, but it’s an excellent time for a slower kind of trip.
December in Zanzibar
The rains usually ease off early in the month, and things shift quickly back to dry, sunny days. Temperatures creep back into the low 30s, and the island starts gearing up for the festive season. Christmas and New Year get busy, but the vibe is fun, the sunsets are dramatic, and the sea is warm enough to stay in until your fingers wrinkle.
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Call us on 0800 294 9706
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