Zanzibar

Dry Season (June to October)

• This period is considered the best time to visit Zanzibar.
• Expect warm and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
• The skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach lounging.
• We visited during July and had great weather! A mix of sunshine and light clouds, with a little bit of rain one afternoon. The temperatures were perfect too!

Wet Season (November to May)

• This season is characterized by the “short rains” from November to December and the “long rains” from March to May.
• Humidity is higher, and temperatures can reach around 30°C (86°F).
• If you’re looking to save some money on your trip, visit in November or December during the wet season. Rain showers are common, but they are usually short-lived, and the landscape becomes lush and green.

Here are several places and activities you can do in this beautiful Island;

Guided Walking Tour at Stone Town Heritage

An intriguing blend of African, Arab, and European cultures and lifestyles, with narrow streets, old stone buildings, and bustling lively markets.

Located in Unguja Island, Zanzibar, this is one of East Africa’s oldest towns built on the long tradition of trade and exchange between the African interior and the lands of Arabia and Asia. It still remains a vibrant centre to this day and its artistic architecture includes a fusion of varied elements and influences from Arabia, Persia, India, Europe and other places.  Zanzibar played an important role in the slave trade, particularly during the 18th century when slaves were vastly needed for labour for plantation development in the Indian Ocean Islands.  Join our guided walking tour with a knowledgeable guide who will take you for a time travel adventure where the past comes to life.

 Some of the perfects to see in this town include;

• The Old Fort of Zanzibar/the Arab Fort /Ngome Kongwe
• House of Wonders /Beit-el-Ajaib
• The People’s Palace Museum
• Freddie Mercury Museum
• Darajani Bazaar
• Darajani Fish Market
• Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral
• St Joseph’s Cathedral
• Forodhani Gardens & Cape Town Fish Market

Take a Boat Trip to Nakupenda Sandbank

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Zanzibar like never before!

The sandbank is accessible only during low tide, forming a breathtakingly beautiful oasis in the middle of the sea.

Enjoy miles and miles of soft white sand, turquoise blue waters, and untouched raw beauty that is truly awestrucking. Explore the surrounding artistic coral reefs, and the shallow waters around the sandbank offering an excellent opportunity for swimming, snorkelling or catching a yacht boat of your choice and soaking in those memorable experiences!

 The coral reefs are also a home to a variety of marine life, including the colourful tropical fish, octopuses, starfish, and other sea creatures that will hijack your attention.

Its mouthwatering seafood cuisine, consisting of freshly caught fish, lobsters, and prawns are top delicacies.

Enjoy the serenity of the ocean under the lazily swaying palm trees while sipping on refreshing drinks, take a stroll on the beach or simply relax and bask in the sun while enjoying the gentle sea breeze.

Visit the Best Beaches in Zanzibar

Zanzibar offers a diverse range of beaches, each with its own unique charm, ensuring there’s a perfect spot for every taste.

Some of the best beaches on Unguja Island for swimming, strolling, wading and lazing are:

• Bwejuu – a palm-lined beach that’s one of the island’s quietest.
• Kendwa – a wide beach that’s not affected by the tides and has epic sunsets.
• Nungwi – the best beach for night life.
• Kizimkazi – the coastline is raised and drops down to form lovely coves.
• Jambiani – a beautiful, quiet, palm-lined beach.
• Michamvi-Pingwe – a remote sequence of picturesque coves.
• Matemwe – the longest beach in Zanzibar and it has traditional fishing villages where the land meets the sand.
• Pongwe – a beautiful beach that’s an arc and offers maybe the best swimming conditions because the nearby reef keeps the water really calm and safe.

Snorkel and Dive the Coral Reefs

Zanzibar’s coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life. Snorkelling and diving are some of the popular activities. Zanzibar has relatively warm water temperatures perfect for diving throughout most of the year. Whether you’re an eco-conscious snorkeler, an avid underwater photographer, or just a beginner, Zanzibar promises unforgettable experiences in its unique underwater experiences.

Some of the best spots to explore the underwater world include;

• Chumbe Island Coral Park
• Bawe Island
• Mnemba Atoll 
• Mnemba Island
• Tumbatu
• Leven Bank or Big Wall

A ‘Spicy’ Spice Tour

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spices. Zanzibar is nicknamed ‘the Spice Island’, and there was once a time when it was the largest producer of cloves in the world.

Spices are the colourful gems that adorn our culinary adventures, adding depth, aroma, and flavour to dishes from around the world. Explore their origins, flavours, culinary uses, potential health benefits

the different spices and how they are grown (cultivation methods) and harvested; an aromatic journey that offers a deeper understanding of Zanzibar’s cultural and historical significance. From cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger to an array of other spices

Spot the Zanzibar Red Colobus in Jozani Forest

Jozani forest is the only place in the world where you can find the rare and endangered red colobus monkey on the Islands of Ungunja and Pemba. Known for their unique appearance and playful nature, these primates thrive in the lush, protected environment of the forest, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s diverse wildlife. Take a guided walk and enjoy an up-close experience of these adorable gems as well as other wildlife such as Sykes’ monkeys, bush babies, and varied species of birds like the lilac-breasted rollers, purple-banded sunbirds, blue-cheeked bee-eaters, African pygmy kingfishers and golden-tailed woodpeckers.

The Mangrove of Jozani Chwaka Bay

Jozani Chwaka Bay- a home to a huge mangrove area; a unique coastal ecosystem with special trees and marine life. Enjoy guided walks along wooden paths to see this environment up close without disturbing it. It’s a peaceful and educational experience that helps you understand the importance of these Zanzibar mangroves.

Explore Uzi Island

The island is part of Menai Bay Conservation Area, which protects gorgeous mangrove forests, fresh-water forests, sea-grass beds, coral reefs and all the wildlife supported by these intertwined ecosystems.

Enjoy the Island’s rural charm as you interact with local fishing communities, the golden pristine beaches, lush landscape featuring mangroves, banana, mango plantations, and gigantic, towering baobab trees.

As part of a conservation area, the island boasts of rich biodiversity, including seaweeds, corals, and other plant species.

Zanzibar Butterfly Centre and Zala Park

The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff who provide insights into butterfly behaviour, habitat, and the importance of butterfly conservation. Learn about the centre’s efforts in breeding and releasing butterflies back into their natural environment.

A home to over 50 species of butterflies, including the rare and endangered Zanzibar swallowtail. The centre also has a butterfly garden, where you can see them up close and learn about all stages of their life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult.

Dhow Ride

What about a morning pickup from your hotel in Zanzibar and a scenic drive to the Fumba Peninsula- you’ll board a private traditional dhow boat and set sail for Menai Bay 

You’ll have the chance to admire the breathtaking coastline and spot dolphins playing in the waves (if you’re lucky) while on the ride. Your trip will be timed properly, so that your cruise ends  just after sunset so that you can enjoy the spectacle of the magical coastal skies .

Dolphin Watching

Enjoy a memorable experience and with a possibility to swim or snorkelling with thew dolphins (touching is not allowed) The warm coastal waters for the Dolphins. Enjoy the magic of the dolphin species including the Humpback and the Bottlenose in their natural habitat. take place in the early morning, when the chances of encountering dolphins are higher. Boat captains, often local fishermen, navigate the waters, using their knowledge and experience to locate the dolphins’ frequent feeding and resting areas.

Discover the Zanzibar Caves

Tazari caves– this is the largest limestone caves in Zanzibar. They were formed millions of years ago by water slowly dissolving the rock, creating stunning formations like stalactites and stalagmites. You will see these formations rising and hanging like frozen waterfalls. The lively ambiance of the Swahili Cave and the Maalum Caves

Skydiving

Whether you’re an experienced thrill-seeker or a first-time jumper, our expert instructors specialize in tandem skydives, guiding you through a seamless and safe jump with just 30 minutes of training. You’ll start your experience with a brief introduction to the gear and safety protocols before boarding the plane for a scenic 15-minute flight to an altitude of about 12,000 feet.

As you go up, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the sparkling Indian Ocean, pristine beaches, and lush tropical landscapes that make Zanzibar a true paradise. You were meant to fly!

Cultural Tour to Nungwi Village

Interact with the local community and get to learn their culture, history and their intriguing way of life.

Romantic Sunset Dhow Cruise

Chase sunset while sailing on a traditional dhow boat with sensational views of the coastline and the magical skies This is a highly popular activity in Zanzibar for the wonderful display of colours in the sky reflecting on the water. Take a stroll along the beaches, enjoy watching the locals gather to play sports like football and volleyball.

Zanzibar Food Tour

Experience the local Zanzibar foods by indulging in traditional Swahili dishes like the Zanzibar pizza, seafood curries, and samosas in street-side cafes. To get to those hidden gems, best to taste the local Zanzibar dishes, consider a tour with a local guide.

The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar

A unique ocean restaurant perched on the shores of Michamvi Pingwe Beach.

The Rock was originally a fisherman post and is located in the middle of the sea.

 It is decorated with a simple but sheer elegance inspired by the local style.

The restaurant specializes in seafood and the dining tables all face an unforgettable view of the sea and the coast.

A panoramic terrace is also available to welcome the guests for a drink or to enjoy a romantic evening under the African sky.

The Seaweed Centre in Paje

A renowned hub dedicated to promoting sustainable seaweed farming and empowering local communities. It serves as a vital platform for research, education, and community development, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of seaweed farmers and preserving the marine ecosystem. This activity allows you to interact with local farmers and understand their traditional farming techniques. Your visit to this place supports the Seaweed centre contributing to the livelihoods of the Mwani Zanzibar women, who have been farming seaweed for generations.

The Prison Island

Enjoy a short boat ride from Zanzibar City to Prison Island (or Changuu Island). It was never actually used as a prison, even though a prison building was constructed on it in the late 1800s. Today the island is known for its Aldabra giant tortoises

Interacting with Wild Animals at Cheetah’s Rock

A special reserve on Unguja Island that rescues wild animals, including cheetahs, lions, hyenas, zebras, lemurs, bushbabies, otters and tortoises. It also looks after some animals sent for conservation purposes and some end up being released back into the wild while those who cannot be safely released spend their lives in this beautiful home which is safe for them. Visitors are allowed to closely interact with these animals however you are not allowed to feed or touch them!

Kayaking

One of our favourite things to do in Zanzibar.  Embark on an aquatic journey that combines the thrill of kayaking with the enchanting underwater world of the Indian Ocean, gliding atop the crystal-clear waters, peering through the transparent hull of our kayak to witness vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish species.

Game Drive to Selous National Park

Begin your adventure with an early morning flight from Zanzibar to an airstrip near Selous A home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, black rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and much more. Enjoy a day game drive and immerse yourself in nature’s surroundings.