Zanzibar

THE ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO

• Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of several islands. When talking about Zanzibar, people usually refer to the main and largest island, Unguja, where most residents and tourists stay.
• The international airport is located near the capital Stone Town.
• While Stone Town is renowned for its historical landmarks, most vacationers opt for the island's coastal regions for their beach vacation.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO ZANZIBAR

• Zanzibar is a popular travel destination all year round. The dry season from June to October in particular offers ideal conditions.
• If you prefer a less busy travel time, other months can also be a good choice.
• The fasting month of Ramadan could be an important factor when choosing when to travel. Zanzibar is almost exclusively Muslim and public life is restricted during Ramadan, which also affects tourism (e.g. nightlife).

ACTIVITIES IN ZANZIBAR

• In addition to the beautiful beaches, enjoy the colorful coral reefs and various water sports activities.
• Explore spice plantations, hidden caves and the Jozani Forest.
• As you stroll through the narrow streets of Stone Town, you can admire museums, churches and historical sites.

You can also find detailed information about activities and excursions in Zanzibar with our Zanzibar packages. If you have any questions, we will be happy to help you.

HOTELS IN ZANZIBAR

• Zanzibar boasts numerous fantastic hotels and beach resorts.
• When deciding where to spend your beach vacation in Zanzibar, you can consider the following:

• Tides: Zanzibar has strong tides. Within a 24-hour period, there are two occurrences of both low and high tides, with slight daily variations. The water recedes during low tide, making swimming in the ocean impossible.
• The Zanzibar East Coast has particularly strong tidal movements, leading many hotels to feature pools and particularly beautiful architecture and interiors at comparatively cheaper prices. Also, the extensive beach becomes espescially fascinating during low tide.

• In the Northwest of Zanzibar, high and low tides also exist but are less pronounced and have a lesser impact on the swimming opportunities. Hotels in Nungwi and Kendwa, often praised for having the island's best beaches, can be a bit pricier due to their prime location. For travelers on a smaller budget, it might be worth considering a hotel there that is not directly on the beach, but just a short walk away.

• Sunsets: Naturally, ocean sunsets can only be seen on the west coast and on the small west-facing stretch of coast of Michamvi. Early birds staying on the east coast on the other hand will be treated to stunning views of the sunrise.
• Activites: Zanzibar's relatively modest size allows you to do all possible activites and tours from any part of the island, provided you are willing to drive around the island a bit.

Zanzibar Activities

• In general, Zanzibar’s South is known for its seclusion and tranquility, while the East Coast is the only place that offers surfing and kite surfing opportunties. The North of Zanzibar is popular among all types of travelers due to its diverse range of activities and relaxation options.
• If you have the flexibility and enjoy exploring different places, you might want to consider selecting hotels in various locations to make the most of your experience. The travel time from the northernmost point to the southernmost point is less than 2 hours.