Zanzibar Beach Holiday

🏝️ Zanzibar Beach Holiday – Ultimate Guide

📍 Location

  • Zanzibar Archipelago (officially part of Tanzania)

  • Main island: Unguja (commonly referred to as “Zanzibar”)

  • Located ~40 km off the coast of mainland Tanzania in the Indian Ocean

🌟 Why Visit Zanzibar?

✅ White sand beaches & turquoise water
✅ Rich Swahili culture and Stone Town history
✅ World-class diving and snorkeling
✅ Luxurious yet affordable resorts and beach bungalows
✅ Easy to combine with mainland safaris (e.g., Serengeti, Ngorongoro)

🏖️ Best Beaches in Zanzibar

1. Nungwi (North Coast)

  • Most popular beach area

  • Great swimming all day (no big tides)

  • Lively vibe: bars, restaurants, beach parties

  • Many resorts and dive shops

Best for: Nightlife, swimming, diving, families, couples

2. Kendwa (Northwest Coast)

  • Quieter than Nungwi but still close by

  • Minimal tide effects — good for swimming

  • Monthly full moon beach parties

Best for: Relaxation + occasional party scene

3. Paje (Southeast Coast)

  • Famous for kitesurfing

  • Backpacker-friendly

  • Laid-back, youthful vibe

  • Strong tides (swimming better at high tide)

Best for: Kitesurfing, budget travelers, yoga lovers

4. Jambiani (Southeast Coast)

  • Quiet fishing village turned peaceful beach getaway

  • Fewer tourists, strong community feel

  • Great for exploring seaweed farms and tide pools

Best for: Couples, long stays, local experiences

5. Matemwe (Northeast Coast)

  • Quieter, upscale lodges and villas

  • Close to Mnemba Atoll – best snorkeling/diving

  • Tide-dependent swimming

Best for: Luxury, honeymoons, snorkeling trips

🐠 Top Activities

🐬 Water-Based

  • Snorkeling & diving (Mnemba Atoll is a top site)

  • Dhow sailing cruises

  • Kitesurfing (especially in Paje)

  • Swimming with dolphins (Kizimkazi — ethical options advised)

🏝️ Land-Based

  • Explore Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Visit Spice Farms (Zanzibar is the “Spice Island”)

  • Jozani Forest (see red colobus monkeys)

  • Prison Island (giant tortoises & snorkeling)

  • Sunset beach walks or cocktails on the sand

🏨 Where to Stay (Examples by Budget)

💎 Luxury ($300+ per night)

  • Zuri Zanzibar (Kendwa)

  • The Residence (Kizimkazi)

  • Matemwe Retreat

  • Park Hyatt Zanzibar (Stone Town)

💰 Mid-Range ($100–300)

  • Kisiwa on the Beach (Paje)

  • Kendwa Rocks

  • Villa Kiva (Matemwe)

  • Jambiani Villas

💸 Budget (<$100)

  • New Teddy’s on the Beach (Paje)

  • Jambo Brothers (Nungwi)

  • Drifters (Jambiani)

  • Lost & Found Hostel (Stone Town)

📆 Best Time to Visit

Season Months Notes
Dry Season June – October Sunny, breezy, perfect beach weather
Short Rains November – mid-Dec Occasional showers, still warm
Peak Season Dec – Feb Hot, festive, popular for holidays
Long Rains March – May Heavy rain, some lodges close

Best months: July – October for weather, January – March for diving

✈️ Getting There

  • Fly to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) from:

    • Dar es Salaam (~20 min)

    • Arusha, Kilimanjaro (KIA)

    • International cities: Doha, Dubai, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, etc.

Tip: After a mainland safari, it’s easy to fly directly from the Serengeti or Arusha to Zanzibar.

🛂 Entry Requirements

  • Visa: Required for most non-East African nationals (~$50)

  • Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from an endemic country

  • Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TSH), but USD widely accepted

🧳 What to Pack

  • Light clothing (respectful for Stone Town)

  • Swimsuits & flip-flops

  • Reef-safe sunscreen

  • Snorkeling gear (if preferred)

  • Insect repellent (especially in rainy season)

  • Waterproof bag for boat trips