Zanzibar Holidays

The name alone – Zanzibar – screams exoticism. A far cry from the safari-trodden savannahs of mainland Tanzania, these postcard-perfect islands are a tropical idyll perfect for resting those weary legs after time seeking the ‘Big Five’. But the character of the archipelago is far beefier than the strips of golden sands most go for and it’s a fine holiday destination in its own right.

Zanzibar’s past as a trading outpost for spice merchants transporting goods from Africa to Arabia has left a fusion of cultures behind, earning it the moniker ‘Spice Island’. On the main island of Unguja, Omani-style buildings pepper the labyrinthine alleyways of UNESCO-listed Stone Town, and the clove plantations which streak its lush interior are a legacy of its trading history.

Offshore, a selection of kaleidoscopic reefs and atolls make Zanzibar Holidays a prime diving spot, with turtles, dolphins and whale sharks all frequenting the waters here. If you do just want to get away from it all, an array of beach-chic properties will add a rich splash of luxury to your holiday. Unguja’s little sister, Pemba, is a forested utopia that few cross the water for, but those who do will find an island jewel that matches the visions the very name Zanzibar emanates.

Zanzibar is an archipelago where you can really get away from it all, with its charming history and secluded tropical beaches. When it comes to where to stay in Zanzibar, there's something for everyone. If you like castaway cool with driftwood vibes, then you've come to the right place. But if you'd prefer all-out luxury beachfront resorts, then you can also find that in Zanzibar.

As a general rule, Zanzibar follows the climate of mainland Tanzania, but with a few subtle differences.

The main rainy season lasts from March-May, where tropical downpours are not uncommon during the afternoon, so we’d advise avoiding visiting Zanzibar during this period.
Following the rainy season, the long dry season runs from June right through to October. You’ll get clear skies, plenty of sun and little rain – if any – making it an ideal time for snorkelling, diving and visiting Zanzibar as a whole. It’s a great time to twin a holiday to Zanzibar with a trip to mainland Tanzania, as the long dry season is when the wildebeest start making their way north to the Masai Mara in Kenya.

During November and December the downpours return – the ‘short rains’. While they’re lighter than what you’d experience during the rainy season, they’re not as reliable.
January and February represents another dry window and as it’s often quieter than the main dry season, it’s a great time to travel. Twin it with mainland Tanzania and you’ll witness the wildebeest calving season, too.