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Introduction to Zanzibar

Zanzibar Island offers a wide range of hotel styles and beautiful beaches on the north and east coasts. From the pristine beaches and quirky boutique hotels to the friendly locals and the hustle and bustle of Stone Town, the island oozes with charm. Most visitors enjoy lounging around in their beach hotel or exploring the depths of the Indian Ocean, but there is more to the island than just a pretty strip of beach. Zanzibar has history, a rich Swahili coastal culture and an indescribable atmosphere which attracts tourists year after year. 

Whilst the main attraction is Zanzibar Island itself, other islands in the archipelago are also well worth a visit for those with ample time.

Pemba Island offers a rare glimpse into untouched island life. The Indian Ocean activities are endless and the diving beautiful, however, the beaches are not as good as Zanzibar Island’s north and east coast. But for an off the beaten track authentic island experience, it is fabulous.

Similarly, Mafia Island is known for particularly scenic dives. It is most famous for being home to the biggest fish in the sea; the mighty whale shark. Travellers can snorkel with these unbelievable whales from Mafia Island, making it a sought after destination for underwater explorers. Like Pemba, the beaches are not amazing, so it is definitely not a place for those seeking sun, sand and relaxation, but for more adventurous travellers.

Perhaps the most spoiling beach experience the Indian Ocean has to offer can be found just off Zanzibar Island in the luxurious and exclusive Mnemba Private Island. With only one lodge on the whole island, guests can enjoy the best of the archipelago’s bright white beaches all to themselves. It is not a plush 5* hotel experience, but an elegant beach lodge for those who enjoy luxury at its most personalised and authentic.

Stone Town

Zanzibar’s quaint capital, Stone Town, is well worth a visit. Some travellers choose to stay a night or two in this chaotic yet charming hive of Swahili coastal activity. However, any longer, and it can become a little bit of a sensory overload. The bustle of Stone Town creates an indescribable atmosphere; bartering locals intermingle with curious tourists selling coconuts and Zanzibar trinkets whilst shops overflow with colourful memorabilia. Do not stay in Stone Town for a beach experience, but for a glimpse into Zanzibar’s Arabic infused island life.

History of Zanzibar

Next are Dongwe and Paje. Both are exceptional beach spots with a huge array of characterful intimate hotels. In fact, the best hotels on the island can be found here. Options span from luxurious private villas, to cheap and cheerful family hotels with a splash of luxury. The beaches can be tidal, but it would be a mistake to pass up these wonderful hotels.

Further south and around to the west, the beaches are not so inspiring. However, in the centre of the east coast sits Stone Town, which is a lovely bustling contrast to lazy seaside life for either a day visit, or a night or two.

All in all, the best beaches are in the north and the east. However, whilst a lovely seaside spot is important, selecting the right hotel could be even more so. There are a lot of options on Zanzibar it can feel overwhelming, but there are some exceptional hotels if you know where to look.

On Zanzibar Island itself, nowhere is more spoiling than the beautiful 12 Xanadu Private Villas, which cosy up against a white stretch of beach in amongst tropical trees. Each villa has a private pool (one even has two!), a spacious two floor villa and comes with your very own private butler. You can choose to dine on your Michelin standard meals in your villa or the main area. This is a honeymooner’s heaven. Prices start at around USD $800 per person per night.

Another luxury option which appeals to honeymooners and couples is Zawadi; a chic, pristine beach lodge on the east coast. It is not far from Xanadu, and offers a serene stay. From its white interiors and perfectly situated glass fronted rooms with a little plunge pool for added luxury, Zawadi is all about “zen”.

Of the bigger hotels on the island Zuri Zanzibar is undoubtedly the best. With 50+ rooms, guests can opt for all-inclusive beach house luxury, or the cheapest “garden bungalows” which begin from around USD$350 per person per night. Whichever you choose, Zuri’s unbelievable location on Zanzibar’s best beach is its main selling point with powdery white sands and glittering transparent waters. The lodge itself is fun, with fantastic food and a great atmosphere, not like a stuffy 5* hotel but rather a boutique hotel, just with more rooms.

At the barefoot luxury end of the scale sits Pongwe Beach Hotel, a fabulous characterful boutique lodge in a fantastic location on the east coast. With no superfluous luxury but quirky rooms and a fun atmosphere, at prices starting from USD$180 per person per night, Pongwe is a steal.

As its name suggests, Prison Island was formerly a jail. Just off the coast of Zanzibar, it is now home to giant tortoises which scuttle along its shores. A short boat ride from Stone Town allows travellers to explore this tiny island on a day trip. It is not essential viewing, but an interesting excursion for those who have ample time.

Fishing is an enjoyable day out for honeymooners and families alike. The joy of your line revealing a colourful fish from underneath is always exciting. Mostly on Zanzibar, it is catch and release. However, the process is hugely gratifying for most guests. It is not a place for extremely keen fishermen or women, but one for travellers looking for a bit of fun. For fishing fanatics, Mnemba Island offers a more sophisticate set up.

For those who prefer adrenaline-filled days, Zanzibar offers fantastic parasailing. There is nothing like a bird’s eye view of the vibrant shoreline. Or, for those who would rather their feet to be firmly on the water, waterskiing is also a fabulous option for a Zanzibar activity.

Many travellers simply enjoy relaxing by their pool, reading a book whilst soaking in the East African rays in between taking a dip. Every good hotel on Zanzibar is equipped with a fantastic spa, and they are usually pretty busy, as massages on Zanzibar are particularly good.

All in all, although there are many activities to be enjoyed on Zanzibar, most guests simply go to relax after a busy week on safari. If travellers have their sights set mainly on Zanzibar, it could be a good idea to hop over to the Selous Game Reserve – just a 30 minute flight away – for a few nights on safari. It would be a shame to travel all the way to Tanzania without heading into the bush.

Zanzibar is not really a place for eating out at restaurants. Most meals are eaten within beach hotels; the menus change daily and are always delicious. However, “The Rock”, a restaurant perched on a tiny island just off Zanzibar’s east coast, has curious guests booking dinner year after year. It is wholly “instagrammable” and offers dining with a twist; on a rock, in the middle of the sea.

In Stone Town, there are some marvellous food experiences to be had. Wandering through the sea front stalls and drinking coconut milk straight from the fruit is a very Zanzibar activity. For less casual consumption, a fantastic dinner plan is to head over to Emmerson’s Roof Top Cafe. At dinner time its atmosphere is fantastic. Set on the rooftop of a rustic hotel is this enchanting restaurant, draped in Persian rugs, vibrant cushions and little tables. The food here is extremely good, but it is more the spirit of Zanzibar which oozes from this little hidden rooftop gem that makes it such a special dining experience.

If you are combining a trip to Zanzibar with a safari, the same seasons apply. On safari, when the parks are dry the animals congregate and are easier to spot, and when it rains they disperse. However, many people find some great deals in shoulder season months such as June and October, where the wildlife and weather is on the whole excellent, but lodge rates are slashed. When to go therefore depends entirely on your budget and priorities for your trip.

If you are seeking exclusivity, then opt for the private island Mnemba experience, or Xanadu Private Villas. These are the ultimate luxurious stays Zanzibar archipelago has to offer. However, beach hotels on Zanzibar island tend to be quite self contained, so luxury can be found everywhere. It all just depends on budget as to how much exclusivity you can have.

Make sure you mention on booking whether this is a special trip; maybe a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon and your beach stay will be peppered with little luxuries. Just like on safari, Zanzibar’s beach hotels know the importance of personalisation and excellent attention to detail. You may even get allocated the best room in the hotel with an added luxury like an outdoor shower, or extra space, especially if you are on a honeymoon.

Weather in Zanzibar

Visiting Zanzibar soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Zanzibar.

ZANZIBAR WEATHER