Indian Ocean
Luxury Zanzibar Holidays
— The Destination —
The spice island off Tanzania's coast — white coral sand, dhow-sailed channels and the UNESCO-listed Stone Town. A natural safari finisher, where barefoot beachfront resorts meet cinnamon-clove plantations, turtle hatcheries and the Mnemba Atoll's crystalline snorkelling.
— When to go —
Best time to visit
June to October and December to February — dry season with clear skies, calm seas and the best diving conditions.
Climate & weather
Tropical and humid year-round (25–32°C). Two rainy seasons: the long rains (Mar–May) and short rains (Nov–Dec). The dry season brings cooling sea breezes.
— Places to visit —
Highlights of Zanzibar
Stone Town
UNESCO-listed labyrinth of spice markets, carved Arab doors and the Sultan's Palace.
Spice Plantations
cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla tastings on guided estate walks.
Mnemba Atoll
private-island reef with some of East Africa's best snorkelling and dolphin encounters.
Jozani Forest
the rare red colobus monkey and mangrove boardwalks.
Prison Island
giant Aldabra tortoises and colonial history a short dhow-ride from Stone Town.
Nungwi & Kendwa
powder-white beaches and traditional dhow-building villages on the north coast.
— Beyond Zanzibar —
Nearby attractions & onward journeys
Serengeti & Ngorongoro
classic Tanzanian safari, an hour's flight inland and the natural pairing.
Selous & Ruaha
Tanzania's wilder, less-visited southern parks.
Pemba Island
Zanzibar's quieter sister, famed for diving the Pemba Channel.
Mafia Island Marine Park
whale-shark encounters between October and March.
— Where to stay —