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Cultural safaris in Tanzania, Kenya & Zanzibar, by local guides
A traditional dhow sailing at sunset off Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Spice farms, Swahili history and the calmest turquoise water in East Africa.

Why Zanzibar

Zanzibar is the perfect ending to a Tanzanian safari. Beyond the beaches, we take you into Stone Town’s alleys with a local historian, onto a family spice farm, and out on a dhow with fishermen from Nungwi.

At a glance

Best for
Beach, Swahili culture, history
Ideal length
3 to 6 nights
Fly into
Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Combine with
Any Tanzania safari

Where to Go in Zanzibar

A narrow Stone Town alley lined with carved Zanzibari doors

Stone Town

A UNESCO old town of carved doors, markets and rooftop sunsets.

Craftsmen building a wooden dhow on the beach at Nungwi, Zanzibar

Nungwi & Kendwa

The north coast: swimmable tides and dhow builders.

A Zanzibar red colobus monkey in Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest

Home of the endemic red colobus monkey.

Women tending seaweed farms in the turquoise shallows at Jambiani, Zanzibar

Paje & Jambiani

Seaweed farmers, kitesurfing and quiet villages.

Not sure which areas suit you?

Tell us your dates and interests. We’ll send a free, tailor-made Zanzibar route within 24 hours.

Hands holding freshly picked cloves on a Zanzibar spice farm
Cultural Experiences

The people of Zanzibar

  1. Walk Stone Town with a local historian
  2. Harvest cloves and vanilla on a spice farm
  3. Sail a traditional dhow at sunset
  4. Visit the Jambiani seaweed cooperative

When to Go

  • Best
  • Good
  • Green season

Jan: Peak conditions. Dry weather, excellent wildlife and every cultural visit available. Book early.

Check Jan Availability

Zanzibar FAQs

Straight answers from our Arusha team. Can’t find yours? Ask us directly.

A short scheduled flight from Arusha, the Serengeti or Kilimanjaro lands in Zanzibar in about 1 to 2 hours. We arrange all transfers.

Three to six nights is ideal: one or two in Stone Town for history and food, then the rest on the coast.

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so light clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated in town and villages. Swimwear is fine at the beach and your hotel.

The north (Nungwi and Kendwa) has the smallest tides and swimmable water all day. The east coast has dramatic tides, perfect for kitesurfing and walks.

Very. Calm beaches, spice farm tours, turtle sanctuaries and Jozani Forest keep children engaged.