Discover Zanzibar Island
The coastal lines of Zanzibar can be seen from its pure white sandy beaches and the beautiful turquoise blue water that characterizes it. However, the experience is not the same if one takes the northern or eastern coastline of the island. The north coast comprises the non-tidal part of the island, which means deep waters in which one can swim throughout the day. In contrast, the east coast has an amazing receding tidal line that exposes huge sand bars and coral lagoons.
Nungwi and Kendwa Beaches (North Coast)
This part of Zanzibar Island is the most visited since it is not much affected by the tides of the island. It is considered as the busiest area, which makes the perfect destination for those tourists who want to enjoy the lively beaches. At Nungwi, visitors will come across lively beach hotels, which can cater to both backpackers and families. On the other hand, Kendwa has a quiet and elegant atmosphere with wide sandy beaches, which are known as Kendwa Rocks.
Matemwe Beach (Northeast)
For travelers looking to escape the crowd into the midst of nature, there is no better place than Matemwe, a lengthy sandy beach facing the famed Mnemba Atoll. In terms of underwater activities such as diving and snorkeling, the area surrounding this coast is the best in all of East Africa due to clear reef visibility, offering visitors an opportunity to stay at small boutique-style eco-lodges.
Paje and Jambiani (Southeast)
The southern part of the island is known for its adventurous spirit, making Zanzibar a world-class destination for kitesurfing due to steady winds blowing along the coast. Paje and Jambiani beaches boast spectacular views with huge tidal formations that expose seaweed gardens and picturesque rock pools. These beaches have a certain “bohemian” vibe, with a plethora of small boutique-style villas for travelers who enjoy water sports activities.
Zanzibar Island Hotels and Beach Resorts
The hotels on Zanzibar are extremely varied, going from the luxurious private villas of The Palms to the enormous all-inclusive resorts such as Breezes Beach Club, which provide carefree holidays. Boutique hotels are the hallmark of Zanzibar, offering personalized service against a backdrop of architectural grandeur. No matter what your accommodation, the Swahili influence, fragrant spice plantations, and historic Stone Town will make sure that the beach is not the only highlight of Zanzibar.
Lamu is an island town located on the northern coast of Kenya and forms part of the Lamu Archipelago. It is renowned for its well preserved Swahili architecture, narrow winding streets, and rich cultural heritage, which reflects centuries of trade and interaction between Arab, Persian, and African communities. Lamu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the area’s unique blend of history and coastal scenery makes it a significant cultural and tourism destination.
The climate in Lamu is tropical, with warm temperatures year round and two main rainy seasons. The dry periods are considered the best times for visiting, as they offer calmer seas, lower humidity, and easier access to both cultural sites and surrounding islands. The island’s beaches, such as Shela and Manda, feature white sands and clear waters, making them ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Traditional dhow sailing trips are a common activity, providing both transport and leisure along the coastline.
Beyond its beaches, Lamu is known for its historical and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore ancient mosques, local markets, and museums that showcase the Swahili way of life. The town has limited vehicle access, with donkeys and walking being the primary means of transport, which preserves its traditional charm. Lamu is accessible by air via Lamu Airport or by boat and ferry from the mainland, and it offers a range of accommodation from guesthouses and boutique hotels to luxury lodges.
How to get to Zanzibar Island
The most direct way of getting to Zanzibar is through an airplane flight at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), a trip that would take about 90 minutes to two hours from the Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson (WIL) in Nairobi. The major airlines in the region include Kenya Airways, Safarilink, and Precision Air, and flights are quite frequent.
It may also be possible to get there using the high-speed boat from Dar es Salaam, which would take about two hours. Although some tourists might decide to take a bus from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam and then board the boat, spending up to 16 hours traveling, it is important to note that the time saved is worth much more than the price difference. However, regardless of whether one opts for an airplane, a boat, or a bus, it is essential to ensure one has their passport and yellow fever vaccination certificate ready upon arrival.
In order to make your journey easier, you may want to arrange for a transport from the airport directly to the hotel since taxi lines at ZNZ tend to be rather chaotic during busy hours, alternatively if you book a safari holiday extending to Zanzibar Beach, we will take care of all you need on the ground.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar Island
The climate in Zanzibar is shaped by the monsoons of the Indian Ocean and presents two different periods when one can visit. The first is known as the Long Dry Season and lasts from June to October. It is recognized as the best period to travel to the island. During these months, Zanzibar experiences blue skies, low humidity, and moderate temperatures, which vary from 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F). Such weather is ideal for sunbathing and wandering in Stone Town.
However, if one prefers hotter weather, then the Short Dry Season in January and February would be another great option to consider. In this case, the temperature will be higher, but at the same time, the humidity is lower, while rain is not very common. The mentioned period is favorable for visiting the island, especially for those who seek warm weather. It is worth mentioning that this season coincides with the wildebeest calving period in the southern Serengeti.
Alternatively, the Long Rains start in March through May, with April recording the highest rainfall. During this period, the island is usually humid and experiences frequent and heavy tropical rains, which may take several hours. Despite the closure of some resorts for maintenance purposes, the Long Rains represent great value for money for cost-effective tourists willing to spend their holiday amid rains, greenery, and deserted beaches.
On the other hand, the Short Rains fall within the months of November through December, with intermittent rains in the afternoons, which hardly affect traveling plans. The daytime temperatures rarely go above 32°C (90°F), while nighttime temperatures are usually around 20°C (68°F). The festive season is ideal for holidaymakers who like to celebrate Christmas on the island, but it is essential to make early reservations since the island gets fully booked very fast.
The Long Rains that occur in April and May in Zanzibar provide visitors with the option of experiencing both extremes of weather, as the period brings both the wettest and warmest weather on record, coupled with lower prices and less congestion. Being the height of the rainy season, April is the wettest month, bringing rains most of the day and increasing humidity levels. This can make normal activities involving the sea such as beaching impossible due to poor visibility caused by murky water levels.
For those who enjoy privacy or discounts, this time of year presents a unique experience of living like the locals. The prices for hotels are the cheapest recorded, providing a rare chance of luxurious stay in the country, free from the hustle of other vacationers who flock in large numbers during summer months. The scenery in this period is particularly beautiful, providing great photo opportunities if the traveler has proper gear to cope with the wet weather.
Visitors should prepare to face certain logistical challenges due to the seasons. A number of smaller hotels and resorts tend to shut down during these times to carry out renovations, so it is wise to book accommodation well in advance. Moreover, the puddles formed due to the rainfall result in an increase in mosquito populations, making it important to stick to malaria prevention procedures. If you can enjoy slow-paced days and appreciate the rainforest weather, then the off-season provides you with the opportunity.
Visiting Zanzibar during the shoulder season of January until early March and November proves to be a perfect compromise between value for money and a tropical climate. The beginning of the year is associated with the short and severe dry season when there are soaring temperatures up to 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) coupled with high levels of humidity.
On the other hand, the month of November witnesses “short rains.” It entails occasional rains occurring in the afternoons that are heavy yet very short-lived. They give way to sunny spells resulting in a flourishing and blooming of the island. Visiting the island at this time is financially the most profitable due to the fact that it precedes the holiday peak in December.
Regardless of whether it is the hot February weather or rainy November period that appeals to you, these seasons do not involve the heavy crowds that would be seen during the dry season in June and July. Tourists visiting the region in the early spring can look forward to enjoying their stay when mangoes are ripe and cloves have been harvested. Those visiting in the late year will appreciate having an opportunity to experience the most intimate environment.
June to October is considered to be the most typical peak season, being known as the cool dry season. Being very humid and sunny, these months provide the most comfortable weather conditions to combine a vacation on the coast and a safari inland. In addition, the ocean water during this time period is extremely clear, thus offering great visibility for divers visiting Mnemba Atoll. Nevertheless, the popularity of this period leads to increased prices and very energetic vibes in all the main centers of the islands.
Being a very hot and sunny time, December is considered to be the beginning of the short dry season. Despite that the temperature sometimes may go up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), this is one of the most cheerful and bustling times because of the festival season. Although not as busy as the summer peak, the Christmas and New Year period is considered to be quite busy. On the other hand, if you want to spend time alone and save money, March–May “long rains” and November “short rains” may fit better.
The selection of an appropriate spot is key in ensuring that the climate aligns perfectly. As far as swimming is concerned, the best options are the northern spots of Nungwi and Kendwa because of the low tidal effect there. On the other hand, the southeast side of the coast, especially Paje and Jambiani, is the place to go for kite surfing and coffee lounges once the seasonal winds start blowing. For some peace and quiet, Matemwe is ideal for reef enthusiasts.
Activities to Do in Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is a destination which combines many centuries of cultural background with exceptional marine conservation and relaxing holidays in the tropics. The cultural background of the place is related to its role in international trade as a center for spices for many centuries, a tradition that still influences the design of houses, food, and local markets. Be it adventurous kitesurfing or exploring a long history of Zanzibar, there is something for everyone here.
Culture and History of Stone Town
Stone Town is one of the key places for tourists visiting Zanzibar; this part of the island has been awarded a status of UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its labyrinth-like alleys and intricately decorated doors. The best way to explore Stone Town is taking a guided walking tour during which you will learn more about Old Fort, the Palace of the Sultan, and history of slave trade at the former slave market. You will have enough time to explore the nightlife in Forodhani Gardens where you will try “Zanzibar pizza” and local seafood and visit the Darajani Market.
Marine & Wildlife Tours
Outside the village, the Mnemba Atoll is a must for any visitor to the area who wishes to go snorkeling and scuba-diving, enjoying excellent visibility conditions among abundant coral reef structures. Inland, one can visit the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to have a close encounter with the rare species of Red Colobus monkeys. One can easily travel by boat from the beach to the nearby island of Prison Island (Changuu), where some of the giant Aldabra tortoises exceed 150 years of age.
Coastal Beach Activities and Dinning Options
Different coastal areas in Zanzibar will give you a unique opportunity to enjoy what nature has to offer. The northern and the east cost are perfect for various coastal activities including relaxing on beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa. This location can offer a pleasant day on the shore of the Indian Ocean with the visit to the Mnarani Natural Aquarium and observation of sea turtles. The Rock Restaurant situated on the eastern coast of Zanzibar offers dining at its best.
Safari and Zanzibar Beach Combination
In case you decide to combine the beach holiday with mainland safaris, then a duration of about 5 to 7 days will be enough to explore all the important sites. However, if you choose Zanzibar as your destination, a period of about 10 to 14 days will offer more opportunities for exploring such destinations as Nakupenda Sandbank, spice plantations, and coastal communities where the locals practice seaweed farming.
Best Places to Stay in Zanzibar Island
Discover places to stay when visiting this destination for easy accommodation planning. Enjoy hand-picked accommodations across all our African destinations. We work closely with these safari and beach properties in Africa to ensure our guests get the perfect service and experiences.
Other African Destinations to Explore
Explore other safari and beach destinations in Africa. Below, our safari experts have shared some of the most similar destinations that you can add or opt to visit as a single place on your next adventure.
Recommended African Safaris
Are you looking for the perfect African Safari? Don’t look further, we have the best customised, curated, and tailored safari itineraries related to this safari activity for you to book. If you would like to custom-make it further, our experts are available to help you make your dream African safari come to pass in a perfect way.
