Zanzibar Holidays and Hotels
Zanzibar Holidays and Hotels. The archipelago of Zanzibar is one of the most historically significant islands in the Indian Ocean. It is replete with ambiance, mystery, and beach experiences that are completely exquisite. In addition to a plethora of things to see, do, and discover, there are a multitude of accomodation alternatives available across the pricing spectrum. The little island nation of Zanzibar is a must-see at the end of any trip to Africa, but it is especially wonderful when added onto a Tanzanian safari.
It is the birthplace of the Swahili language, the location of Sultans’ Palaces, and is famous for its spice farms. Zanzibar is a spot that seems larger than life on the world map.
On the islands of Zanzibar, there are a number of beaches that are very stunning, and there are a lot of different options available for the perfect place to relax and watch the white dhow sails float across the astonishingly blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
There are a variety of options available for any traveler, whether they are looking for a vacation in Zanzibar, a honeymoon, or some post-safari leisure; whether they prefer the blissful quiet of a private island or the conveniences of a larger hotel; and regardless of the activities that they feel most comfortable participating in.
We have made every effort to provide as much information as possible about Zanzibar; however, the most effective method to become familiar with the islands is to give us a call and discuss your plans with us. Our team of professionals has been organizing vacations to Zanzibar for twenty years, and they are continuously returning to observe what has changed. Because of this, our first-hand expertise combined with an awareness of your expectations is by far the finest method to narrow down your alternatives from the many that are available to you.
ZANZIBAR | Areas of Interest
Zanzibar is located where?
It is quite convenient to bookend a safari of a lifetime in Zanzibar because of its location on the coast of Tanzania, which is also its convenient location. Because there is such a wide variety of accommodations and activities available in Zanzibar, even the most discerning of tourists will find something to their liking here. The large and wild Selous Game Reserve is only a forty-five minute flight away, which makes it quite simple to take a vacation in Tanzania that includes both beach and safari activities.
Zanzibar: How to Get There
From Dar es Salaam International Airport, which serves as the destination for aircraft coming from all over the world, Zanzibar can be reached in just twenty minutes aboard a short flight. Although it is not possible to fly directly to Dar es Salaam from London or the United States, numerous airlines, such as KLM and Emirates, offer two-stop flights that make the journey relatively simple (often taking passengers through Amsterdam and Dubai).
On Zanzibar, the most beautiful beaches
The beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa (North) are considered to be the greatest on the island. A paradise that is truly stunning and reminiscent of the Indian Ocean. turquoise waters that are not affected by tides and sands that are extremely white. At times, it may be rather busy.
Pongwe (East) – Pongwe is located in a little concave section of the coast line, which means that the beach is really beautiful. Additionally, when the tide isn’t totally in, the beach is free of seaweed and is extremely pretty. It is not the length and breadth of the beaches in the north, but rather a sliver of pure beachy gold. The north is busier than the south.
There are some of our favorite luxury boutique hotels located in Paje and Dongwe (East), despite the fact that the water is tidal. When it comes to accommodations, you will not be disappointed in this location. With the sea being further out and more tidal, getting your toes wet on the beach is a little more difficult than it is in the northern Nungwi districts. However, the beach is really stunning.
There are a few of our favorite amazing value lodging alternatives in Matemwe, which is located somewhat to the east of Nungwi. Matemwe is slightly tidal, but when the tide is in, there are a couple of our favorite great value accommodations.
Zanzibar’s Stone Town Town
Stone Town, the city of Zanzibar and a historic powerhouse of trade and culture, is typically the point of entry and exit for tourists as they travel to and from the island. The decaying palaces, bath houses, and mosques that are a testament of this luxurious and bustling time at the heart of the gold trade are all remnants of this ancient center, which served as the seat of the Sultans throughout history.
The commercial mindset of the town has shifted significantly in recent years, and it is one that relies on the expanding audience of tourists. The winding lanes are crowded with merchants offering a wide variety of goods, ranging from mass-produced pieces of art to ancient wooden doors, from tie-dye t-shirts to jewelry.
At the beginning of the day, the call to prayer of the muezzins can be heard reverberating across the rooftops, and in the midst of this, animals such as cats, goats, dogs, roosters, and babies frequently make their presence known! This old town is still a lovely destination to spend a night or two, where you can get lost amid the beautiful and ancient buildings, eat fresh fish on the seafront, and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of a village that is really Swahili. A visit in Stone Town is always a marvelous assault on the senses, but if you value peace and quiet and a good night’s sleep, you can get away with just a couple of nights there! In recent years, Stone Town has been home to a number of excellent boutique hotels.
The islands that are located off of Zanzibar
In terms of tourism, Pemba Island is a destination that is completely off the beaten path. We are happy to propose a couple of the best hotels in the area because it is not only stunning but also culturally diverse and rich. There are some of the best diving opportunities in the world, and the coral reefs are in pristine condition.
If you are someone who enjoys being active, this is the place for you. The one drawback is that the beaches are significantly impacted by the tides; therefore, if you are searching for beaches with long, white sands, you would be better off visiting Zanzibar.
Mafia Island, much like Pemba, is a relatively new addition to the tourism industry. Nevertheless, it is home to a number of wonderful lodges. When it comes to whale shark diving, many people are drawn to Mafia since it is an experience that cannot be forgotten. Give yourself a week to spend in this location, and you will have a good opportunity to get a close look at these magnificent creatures. Visit our blog article to learn more about it.
At Zanzibar, there are private islands.
The lone lodge on this private island is called the Mnemba Island Lodge, and it is located on Mnemba Island. Those who are looking for a beach that is completely isolated from the rest of the tourists will find it to be the ideal place in the Indian Ocean. The Mnemba Beach Lodge is the best beach resort in Tanzania for a honeymoon. Numerous people consider this teeny-tiny island to be one of the most romantic places on the entire earth. It is everything you could possibly think of a secluded paradise that is blown by the wind.
Fanjove Private Island – While Mnemba is the best, Fanjove is the best option for people who do not want to spend more than $1,500 per person per night and want a private slice of pure beach nirvana. Fanjove is the best option available. This beach-shack-chic style is perfect for those individuals who are looking for luxury in its most natural form.
When you consider that Thanda Island charges approximately $25,000 per night, it is hard to believe. If, on the other hand, a large group were to occupy all nine of the hotel’s luxurious rooms, it would become a (though admittedly, only somewhat!) more inexpensive alternative for people who are looking for complete exclusivity in the Indian Ocean.
IN ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, the most prestigious hotels
Hotel options in Zanzibar | Where to Stay in Zanzibar Island
On the island of Zanzibar, there is a diverse selection of hotels that cater to a variety of interests and budgets. These are classified as Zanzibar Beach Hotels and Zanzibar Stone Town Hotels, according to our classification system. One could spend a significant amount of time searching through the internet in order to find the most suitable choices. There is a great deal! For your perusal, however, here are a few of our personal favorites that we have personally vetted.
Hotels in Zanzibar that are low-cost
The Pongwe Beach Hotel is an adorable establishment that is ideal for individuals who are looking for a touch of luxury without completely blowing their budget. The fact that this property features private plunge pools and is located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island means that you simply can’t go wrong here.
Pongwe is a terrific alternative for people who want their small piece of solitude and individualized treatment at an unbelievable price, while Sunshine Hotel is a fantastic option for those who want to be somewhat more intimate than Pongwe.
There is a wonderful vibe at Breezes, which is a place that welcomes families and is packed with entertaining activities. You could believe that it is not possible because it is a larger hotel, but it actually provides a surprising communal experience with a lot of different activities to choose from. It is crucial to note that this hotel is an excellent option for a family vacation, and it does not break the budget!
On Zanzibar, Hotels in the Mid-Range:
Those who are looking for a honeymoon that is both memorable and intimate will find that Palms is an excellent choice because it is romantic, private, and features the authentic Zanzibar flair. With individual beach huts, wonderful lodgings, outstanding service, and a pleasant beach at a price that is extremely affordable, what could possibly be not to enjoy about this place?
The Zuri hotel is an intriguing new addition to our Zanzibar hotel family; it appears to have everything that one could want. The hotel is located on the most stunning beach on the island, and it features 54 rooms that are very well-appointed. It provides you with genuine luxury at an unbelievable cost. Was it said that the beach is just incredible?
It is the most incredible thing on the island, and it is by far the best.
Matemwe is a beach property owned and operated by Asilia, which is a small lodge that is both well-managed and an excellent choice for families with Matemwe Retreats. As the name suggests, it provides you with a pleasant and secluded getaway, but it also provides you with all of the benefits of Zanzibar’s amazing activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Zanzibar is home to a number of luxurious hotels.
Xanadu – Just wow! In addition to being situated on a wonderful beach, these luxurious homes come equipped with their very own private pools. What could possibly be more perfect than this? Yes, it is possible, because the chef has previously been awarded a Michelin star. Choosing Zanzibar for your honeymoon is the best option.
Similar in concept to Xanadu, Kilindi is located only five minutes away from some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Sleek and fashionable is the Zawadi. Zawadi is the epitome of luxury. Not only is the cuisine delicious, but the rooms are immaculate, and the views from your room are absolutely picture-perfect.
Baraza is a beach resort that emulates the Zanzibar flair. Because it features a wonderful spa that is perfect for couples and a club for children, it is an excellent option for families as well as honeymooners. The hotel is larger, but it has everything you could possibly require for a luxury stay on the island you are visiting.
White Sands is an ideal destination for families who are looking for a little bit of luxury and their own space. It is situated on the south-eastern coast of the United States. Having four people, as well as having your own pool and living room area, is equivalent to having the entire villa to yourself.
Why Spend Your Vacation with Your Family in Zanzibar?
As a result of its abundance of wonderful hotels, plethora of children’s clubs, and activity center, Zanzibar is an excellent destination for younger families and older teenagers. When combined with a safari in Southern Tanzania, this vacation package is sure to be the trip of a lifetime for your family.
Why Should You Go on Your Honeymoon to Zanzibar?
The very name of the island conjures up images of something unfathomable, enigmatic, and magical. The number of requests that we receive for honeymoons that involve Zanzibar is quite high, and there is a good reason for this: very few other regions of the globe can lay claim to having such stunning beaches and such a wide variety of accommodations, all of which are located within a few of hours of world-class safari areas.
Vacation Packages to Zanzibar Hotels
Zanzibar is home to a large number of hotels. A few of them are spectacular, but others are not nearly as spectacular. We have been to each and every one of the Zanzibar hotels that we recommend, and as a result, we will be able to find you something that is not only affordable but also fits your own personal preferences in terms of style.
In point of fact, we only truly employ ten percent of the huge array of lodging alternatives that Zanzibar has to offer, which ensures that you avoid the garbage and get to the good stuff. The process of combining a safari is also much simpler when you deal with us. We have been operating in Tanzania for more than twenty years, and we have made frequent trips to the top safari lodges and wildlife areas, so we are quite knowledgeable about the subject matter.
From Dar to Zanzibar: Vacations in Zanzibar & Going on Safari
Following a trip that takes twenty minutes to arrive in Dar es Salaam, you will only need to hop over a short flight that lasts forty minutes before you arrive at the stunning and waters-filled Selous Game Reserve. After traveling for an additional half an hour to the west, you will arrive in the wild and wonderful Ruaha National Park, which is the favorite of the staff! If you give yourself a little more than an hour in the air, however, you can bounce from a famous Serengeti safari directly into the paradise of the Indian Ocean. This is quite the mix. Northern Tanzania is also quite easy to get to, but flights are a little bit more expensive.
The ZANZIBAR | Questions That Are Frequently Asked
What activities are available on the island of Zanzibar?
When it comes to snorkeling, the north and east coasts of Zanzibar are home to some of the best reefs in the world, filled with vibrant marine life. The island of Pemba is very beneficial for those who are really enthusiastic.
Scuba diving – Scuba diving excursions can be planned from any of the hotels that we are happy to recommend. To reiterate, Pemba Island is home to some of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Between the months of October and March, Mafia Island is home to an abundance of massive whale sharks, making it an exceptional location for scuba diving.
In Zanzibar’s sole national park, the Jozani Forest Tour is where you can find the critically endangered red colobus monkeys as well as a wide variety of other tree hoppers, such as bush babies.
Known as the “spice island,” Zanzibar is the destination of the Spice Tour. For individuals who have an interest in trees, spices (for reasons that are self-evident), and the origins of everything. Acquire knowledge about the origins of all the numerous spices that can be found in Zanzibar.
Despite the fact that it is called “Prison Island Tour,” this island has never been inhabited by any inmates. It was formerly a remote region where people who were afflicted with the yellow fever pandemic lived, but now it is the home of the Aldabra giant tortoises, which are the most popular tourist attraction available on the island. From Stone Town, a boat excursion that takes only thirty minutes.
Stone Town Tour – Learn about Zanzibar’s rich history and culture while taking a tour of the charming Stone Town, which is characterized by its cobblestone streets.
For those who simply want to rest, this is the ideal location.
The climate of Zanzibar, Africa
Rainfall is brief during the month of November. It is not recommended if you are looking for constant sunshine, but it is an excellent value.
This is a fantastic time to go: December through February.
The weather in March is a little unpredictable, but it is an excellent time to book a hotel room because the rates are lower.
During the months of April and May, making travel plans is not recommended. Heavy showers are anticipated.
June: The weather can be unpredictable, but it is an excellent time to take advantage of discounted rates.
This is the best time to visit Zanzibar, from July to October. Excellent weather and fantastic safaris in the surrounding area (Selous and Ruaha).
Recent years in Zanzibar’s tourism industry
There is room for both budget travelers and those looking for a luxurious beach getaway in Zanzibar, which is seeing rapid growth as a tourist destination. As a consequence of this, there is a wide selection of wonderful boutique hotels from which to pick. Please give us a call so that we may provide you with some recommendations. We have thoroughly investigated all of them and have a list of our favorites.
How secure is Zanzibar?
Yes, that is the solution in general! But, just as in any other place, things are constantly subject to change. To obtain the most recent information and recommendations, kindly see the Government’s Foreign Travel Advice.
If you would like some further background information, have a look at our guide to Zanzibar, which was prepared by one of our directors, Annabel. While we are working hard to make our website as comprehensive as possible, if you would want some additional information, you can read it. It is possible that some of the information may be slightly out of date because the most recent version was released in 2005; but, in general, it is as comprehensive as they come.
Zanzibar, Tanzania – Additional Reading to Consider
Please visit our site on where to stay in Zanzibar for the most recent blogs on the most recent developments on Zanzibar, or take a look at the blog on Zanzibar honeymoons for more recent writings. If you are looking for a few different things to do during your vacation in Zanzibar, then you should also check out our blog post about the finest beach bars in Zanzibar. It will provide you with some helpful advice on how to fully enjoy your time there. Written by our experts, you can rest assured that you will receive the most up-to-date and knowledgeable recommendations for your trip to Zanzibar.
In the news: the place where Freddie Mercury spent his boyhood, Zanzibar
In light of the recent release of Bohemian Rhapsody, it is impossible to avoid mentioning Zanzibar without Freddie Mercury, or vice versa, because the movie completely ignored his childhood in Stone Town! If you are interested in learning more about Mercury’s youth in Zanzibar, you can read the piece that we have written on our blog. Kitty, who is a member of our staff, has a personal blog on which she posts anecdotes from her travels as well as the locations in Africa that she considers to be her favorites.
Talk to Qualified Individuals
The best thing to do if you want to learn more about Zanzibar is to give us a call so that we can have an objective conversation with you. Although we make every effort to ensure that our website is as comprehensive and informative as possible, there is nothing quite as helpful as having a conversation with one of our Zanzibar specialists and benefiting from the amount of first-hand information that they have gained from visiting and returning to the island many times over the course of twenty years.
We have also been professionals in Tanzania safaris for more than twenty years now, and this is the perfect complement to a vacation in Zanzibar. If you are interested in learning more about the vast universe of safari possibilities, please check out our safari page or simply give us a call.
