Zanzibar
“The Spice Island — Indian Ocean Paradise with a Swahili Soul”
Zanzibar — the Spice Island — lies 35 km off the Tanzanian coast in the Indian Ocean, a world unto itself defined by the scent of cloves, the call to prayer from ancient mosques, and the green shimmer of the Indian Ocean. Stone Town, the island's historic capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a labyrinth of carved wooden doors, narrow coral-stone alleyways, Persian baths, and vibrant markets where spices, silks, and street food collide in a sensory feast. The island's beaches are among the finest in the world — Nungwi and Kendwa in the north offer powder sand and year-round swimming; Jambiani and Paje on the east coast are known for kitesurfing; and the remote southern beaches remain almost untouched. Coral reefs fringing the island support extraordinary marine biodiversity: sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and rainbow reef fish. A Zanzibar extension perfectly completes any Tanzania mainland safari.
Highlights
Wildlife You May Encounter
Climate & Weather
Tropical. Warm and humid year-round (26–32°C). Long rains Apr–May; short rains Nov. Best periods Jun–Oct and Dec–Feb. Ocean temperature 25–28°C year-round. Avoid Mar–May for beach holidays.
