Where the safari
finally exhales.
Stone Town spice markets, dhow sails at sunset, and barefoot lodges on the white-sand east coast. The reward at the end of the bush, and many travellers’ favourite week.
Four coasts. One blue.
Nungwi & Kendwa
Calm, tide-independent swimming and the loudest sunsets on the island. Best for honeymooners and post-safari unwinding.
Paje & Jambiani
Long lagoon, the kite-surfing capital of East Africa, and a fishing-village rhythm. Lower-key luxury, barefoot and quiet.
Stone Town
A UNESCO labyrinth of carved doors, spice markets and Swahili history. Two nights here changes how you read the rest of the island.
Michamvi & Dongwe
The peninsula where you can watch the sun both rise and set over water. Where most of the island’s villa-style properties sit.
The coast, month by month.
Two rainy seasons, both short. Even in April the mornings are usually clear — the rain arrives in the afternoon and leaves in an hour.
Reliable, and less so.
Odds over a five-night stay on the east or north coast. Dolphin trips at Kizimkazi are common but we do not book the swim-with operators.
Hand-picked hotels.
Zuri Zanzibar
Xanadu Villas
Emerson on Hurumzi
Mnemba Island
Park Hyatt Stone Town
Upendo Beach
Three things we tell everyone.
The east coast has real tides
At low tide the lagoon walks out for half a kilometre. Beautiful, but if you want to swim on demand, stay north.
Two nights in Stone Town
One is not enough to walk it properly, and the spice tour eats half a day.
Ramadan changes the island
Many restaurants close during daylight and the mood is quieter. Worth knowing rather than avoiding.
Ready-made itineraries.
Ready to plan Zanzibar?
Tell us your dates and we will send a costed itinerary within one working day.
