- Arusha - Tanzania
- Travel Tips
- Blog
- Safari offers
Overview
Are you planning a Zanzibar holiday? The Zanzibar Archipelago is an awesome world class beach destination!
Check out our itineraries for Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Island and read all you need to know about these tropical islands. You can easily combine a Zanzibar vacation with a safari on the mainland.
Zanzibar might be one of the best beach honeymoon destinations of the world… beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs, comfortable accommodations, and transparent blue sea, like in the movies. And did you know? Zanzibar is located only 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania. This means that you can quickly and easily fly to the Tanzanian mainland and go on an amazing wildlife safari, meet the Tanzanian population, discover their culture and see a lot of animals. This is your chance to meet the Big 5! Safari and beach holiday: is this your dream vacation?
Imagine a dream holiday to the tropical island Zanzibar. This bounty island is a paradise, offering the world’s most beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Miles and miles of white sandy beaches sprinkled with palm trees, surrounded by the clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Apart from laid-back beach life, Zanzibar also has a colorful culture and history. Stone Town is well worth a visit. This fascinating old city offers so many nice markets, restaurants and historical sightseeing’s.
Zanzibar Island is part of the Zanzibar archipelago, together with Pemba and Mafia and many smaller islands. These islands are also called the Spice Islands because of their rich history in the spice trade and many spice plantations. Great beach destinations to wash off the dust after your safari
Zanzibar offers the world’s most beautiful beaches. Soft white sandy beaches surrounded by colourful coral reefs and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar island has about 25 beaches, sprinkled with fishing villages. Should you stay north or rather choose the south or east coast of Zanzibar?
Zanzibar’s best beaches are on the north and east coast of the island, all with crystal white sand and colourful coral reefs. Nungwi and Kendwa are one of the most popular beaches since they do not have to deal with high and low tides. It has a chilled atmosphere with numbers of restaurants, bars and accommodation options. So if you seek real peace and privacy you should visit another part of the island (like the east or south). The north is home to villages like Uroa, Pongwe, Kiwengwa, Nungwi and Kendwa
At the east coast of the island you will find the most idyllic beaches. Along the eastern coastline runs a beautiful coral reef, a top world spot for snorkelling and diving. You can immerse yourself in the abundance of marine life, such as sea horses, turtles and many tropical fish. The beaches at this east coast are very tidal. During low tide you can take a walk on the beach and enjoy the ocean views. If you love wind- or kite surfing this is the right place for you. Matemwe beach is the longest and one of the most beautiful ones at this site of the island. Like in the north, there is a wealth of accommodation options.
This part of the island is known for its long stretch of soft sandy beaches. It is the best spot on the island for sailing or kite- and windsurfing, thanks to steady winds. Hop on a traditional wooden sailboat (dhow) and sail the ocean, or go swimming with dolphins at Kizimkazi (south). Here you will find little villages like Jambiani, Paje and Bwejuu. This small fishing village has a nice timeless atmosphere with friendly people. One of our favourite villages is Jambiani. Check out why we think Jambiani is the place to be in Zanzibar.
The south west coast is a bit more remote with fewer lodges and deserted beaches. The beaches in west and south of Zanzibar are less popular, although there are some beautiful beaches with gentle tides. If you visit the south, do not forget to go to Menia Bay Conservation Area. This is a spectacular underwater world for divers. The western coast is home to the fascinating old Stone Town, the cultural and historical centre of Zanzibar.
Excursions during your Zanzibar holiday
The tropical island of Zanzibar is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs. But Zanzibar does not only offer laid-back beach life and watersport activities but also a colorful culture and history. The opportunities are endless; there is a lot to do for everyone on Zanzibar. We selected for you the best Zanzibar excursions.
Visit a spice farm and learn how spices, herbs and fruits grow and used as medicine.
Thanks to its steady sideshore winds, Zanzibar is an ideal spot for wind- or kitesurfing, especially the beaches at Paje, Kiwengwa and Nungwi.
If you like some exercise and adventure go on a biking tour to explore the island. It offers you a nice insight in the daily way of life and beautiful nature.
The old Stone Town is the historical center of Zanzibar and an amazing mix of Food lovers and culture enthusiasts can visit interesting cultural places like Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, the Slave Market and Darajani or Forodhani food markets. You can ever dinner at Freddie Mercury’s former house, who was born in Zanzibar.
Visit the deserted island that was once used as a place where slaves were detained. Nowadays Prison Island is a place to relax at the lovely white beach. It is ideal for snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing. You can also see the old prison ruins and about hundred giant land tortoises.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Zanzibar on a traditional wooden sailboat (dhow). Visit 3 beautiful island where you can swim, snorkel and enjoy an delicious barbecue. Another popular snorkeling trip is to Mnemba Atoll, one of the most beautiful snorkel spots in Zanzibar.
Go on a walk through the last indigenous forest and mangroves on Zanzibar. The huge palms in this forest are impressive and you will see lots of monkeys like the rare Red Colobus Monkeys.
This restaurant is built on a rock in the ocean. Awesome place to eat and enjoy the views.
This uninhabited small coral island is a true snorkeling paradise. It is the first private marine park in the world and has only 7 beautiful eco-friendly bungalows, surround by pristine nature.
Best time to visit Zanzibar
The most popular time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season, from June to October and from December to February. However, Zanzibar Island is a great beach destination all-year round. Even during the wet season (mid-March, April, May, November) it is beautiful, since the rain showers don’t last much longer than 30 minutes and the temperatures still remain around 28 C. February is the hottest month in Zanzibar (average 28 C), while July (average 24 C) is the coldest. Given its tropical climate, it’s always a good time to visit Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Hotels
Zanzibar offers a wealth of lodges, hotels and resorts. It has everything ranging from basic accommodation to ultra-luxury. Tanzania Specialist knows most of the accommodation Zanzibar so you can always contact us for advice. We prefer the personal atmosphere of the small bed & breakfast lodges on the island.
The staff is so friendly and will do everything you make sure you have a great time. Another benefit of bed & breakfasts is that you can explore other restaurants and bars during the day and evening. There are so many great places to eat and have a drink, with beautiful views over the ocean and a great ambiance.
Jambiani
Zanzibar’s cultural diversity, beautiful nature and friendly people make this tropical island the perfect get away. Our favorite place to stay in Zanzibar is Jambiani. If you love beautiful beaches, exciting activities, nice restaurants with delicious food and authenticity, Jambiani is the place to be.
Zanzibar’s cultural diversity, beautiful nature and friendly people make this tropical island the perfect get away. Our favorite place to stay in Zanzibar is Jambiani. If you love beautiful beaches, exciting activities, nice restaurants with delicious food and authenticity, Jambiani is the place to be.
Fishing village
Jambiani is an old fishing village on the southeast coast of Zanzibar. It is still really authentic with only a few small lodges and guesthouses. Jambiani has a laid back vibe with friendly local people who mix with tourists. Their main source of income is fishing and seaweed farming. This is a great place to get an good insight into the local way of life and everything is in walking distance.
There are several good restaurants on the beach where you can eat delicious seafood, but also other dishes. After dinner you can walk on the beach, back to your lodge. Jambiani is a cozy and very safe place.
Jambiani beach
Jambiani has a beautiful 7 km long beach with swaying palms. In contrary to some beaches in the north, this beach has powdery white sand and hardly any rocks or sea-urchins. The barrier reef lies a few kilometres out, with a beautiful crystal turquoise lagoon in between. The broad lagoon of swallow water is perfect for wading, snorkeling and diving and offers an excellent view of the marine. Thanks to its steady sideshore winds, Jambiani is also an ideal spot for wind- or kitesurfing. A high tide it’s nice to swim in the Indian Ocean and at low tide you can enjoy a nice beach walk.
Restaurants in Jambiani
Discover the many nice restaurants in Jambiani. Most of them you can find at the lodges if you walk along the beach. Enjoy the fresh caught seafood, pizza, meat- or vegetable dishes and so much more delicious meals. If you love seafood go to Casa Del Mar to order Lobster and Sea tasteful local lobster. It’s absolutely delightful. Other good restaurants we recommend are Nur Beach, Blue Reef and The Loop. The Blue Reef has a wood-fired pizza oven and serves the best pizza in Zanzibar and also great cocktails.
Since there are so many good restaurants in Jambiani, we advise you to book only bed- and breakfast at your lodge and not full board.
Lodges in Jambiani (all beachfront)
We selected our favorite lodges in Jambiani for you. They all serve delicious food a la carte.
A nice lodge, located at the beachfront in Jambiani. The rooms are clean with comfortable beds. The lodge is pretty basic and has no pool, but the price per person/per night is only $40 (bed & breakfast). Blue Reef consists of 2 parts that are just 200 metres apart. Blue Reef 1 has a nice bar and restaurant (daily happy hour 5-7pm) and 2 family rooms with ocean view. All rooms at Blue Reef 2 have sea view and their own veranda. This part is a bit quieter and has a lovely Italian restaurant.
This new lodge offers a bit more luxury and has a modern ‘beach-style’ design including a beautiful swimming pool. Every house has its own veranda with hammock and sea view. The price per person, per night is about $50-60,-
This lodge has an authentic Zanzibar design with thatched-roof houses. The level of luxury and price is similar to The Loop. Although the rooms are a bit smaller (but large enough for 2 people), the veranda with seat is a bit more spacious. Enjoy the gorgeous infinity pool and great sea views.
If you go to Jambiani as a family, this is a nice place. The rooms are bigger than the other lodges we mentioned above. Casa del Mar is totally renovated and looks really nice and includes a swimming pool.
Activities In Jambiani
The tropical island of Zanzibar is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and coral reefs. But Zanzibar does not only offer laid-back beach life and watersport activities but also a colorful culture and history. The opportunities are endless; there is a lot to do for everyone on Zanzibar. We selected for you the best Zanzibar excursions.
If you like some exercise and adventure go on a biking tour to explore the village and surroundings. It offers you a nice insight in the daily way of life and beautiful nature. There are also beach bikes available, if you prefer a tour on the beach.
We can arrange a half or full day big game fishing. The Indian Ocean is famous for excellent game fishing and has a huge variety of fish, such as Tuna, Marlin and Sailfish, Barracuda and Dorado. Sail out to the deep waters to catch some spectacular big fish that can easily weight up to 60 kg
The beautiful coral reef hosts some of Africa’s finest corals. There are several diving spots and the variety of marine life impressive, such as sea horse, octopus, stingray, frog fish, porcupine, Napoleon fish and turtles. We work together with diving school Nakupenda, located at The Loop.
Due to its steady sideshore winds Jambiani is an ideal spot for wind- or kitesurfing. The beaches are quite and the waters are shallow with little sea- urchins
Go for a sail on the beautiful Indian Ocean and spend some time at the coral reefs snorkeling. You can see starfish, sea urchins, octopuses and many more.
Low tide is the perfect time to go for a beautiful beach walk and enjoy the fantastic view of the clear ocean. Visit local village
Discover local life by visiting a local school, tailor or boat builder. You can also see how locals make soap or cream out of seaweed or all the products they create out of coconuts.
Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon
Start the day by driving to Dongwe (15 min), where the Blue Lagoon is located. This is one of the best snorkeling spots in Zanzibar due to its beautiful coral and tropical fish. The visibility is good and the depth range, between 1-4 metres, is perfect for snorkeling.
Treat yourself, after snorkeling, to nice food and drinks at The Rock. This restaurant is built on a rock in the ocean. An awesome place to enjoy the views. End the day at Kae Funk in Michamvi where you can experience the most beautiful sunset in Zanzibar.
Our Company provide a seamless and effortless booking process for a variety of travel options in Tanzania and Kenya.
Userful Link
Online Payment
Follow Us
© Serengeti Holidays Tanzania. All Rights Reserved.
