Zanzibar Holidays
White sand, warm turquoise water and the spice-scented lanes of Stone Town. Island days planned around you, after your safari or climb.
The Spice Island
Island days, at your own pace.
Zanzibar is the perfect way to slow down after the excitement of a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb. Just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, the island is known for powder-white beaches, coral reefs and the historic heart of Stone Town, where Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences meet.
Dastel Tour and Safaris plans your island time around how you like to travel: barefoot days at a beach hotel, a romantic honeymoon, a family resort with calm water, or days filled with snorkelling, sailing and culture. Flights, transfers, stays and excursions are all arranged for you.
- UNESCO
- Stone Town, a World Heritage Site since 2000
- 1.5 hrs
- About an hour and a half by air from Arusha
- All year
- Warm Indian Ocean water in every season
Zanzibar journeys
Ready-made island holidays
10-Day Best Honeymoon Luxury Safari + Zanzibar Beach
Romantic safari lodges followed by the Indian Ocean: a ten-day luxury honeymoon with Tarangire, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti and Zanzibar.
3-Day / 2 Nights Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Stone Town character and a taste of Zanzibar beaches: a short, adaptable island escape with one night in Stone Town and one on the north coast.
4-Day Zanzibar Stone Town & Beach Discovery
Heritage streets, spices and Indian Ocean beaches: a concise four-day introduction to Zanzibar for first-time visitors.
5-Day Zanzibar Culture, Nature & Beaches
Stone Town, Jozani forest and the east coast: five days of cultural heritage, conservation-focused nature and beach time on Zanzibar.
6-Day Zanzibar Island Explorer
Heritage, island flavours and coastal downtime: two nights in Stone Town followed by three nights by the ocean on Zanzibar's north coast.
7-Day Zanzibar Family Beach Holiday
A gentle island holiday with family-friendly pacing: six nights at one beach resort, with heritage and nature at your own pace.
8-Day Zanzibar Boutique Coast Escape
A premium island experience with time to slow down: a Stone Town introduction followed by a longer stay at a premium beachfront resort.
8-Day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Highlights
Northern wildlife encounters and a beach finale: Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater followed by four nights on Zanzibar.
12-Day Grand Safari & Zanzibar Experience
A fuller safari journey followed by the Indian Ocean: Tarangire, three Serengeti nights and the Ngorongoro Crater, then five nights on Zanzibar.
7-Day Family Safari and Zanzibar
Combine northern wildlife viewing with a short family beach holiday.
8-Day Air Safari: Serengeti to Zanzibar
Combine a focused wildlife stay and beach break by domestic flights.
8-Day Family, Culture and Zanzibar Design
Blend nature, cultural experiences and island relaxation to suit a mixed-age group.
9-Day Adventure, Nature and Beach Builder
Combine foothill walks, safari game drives and a Zanzibar finale.
8-Day Romantic Serengeti and Zanzibar
A balanced couples’ safari followed by time on northern Zanzibar beaches.
9-Day Safari, Spice and Sand
From classic game drives to heritage Stone Town and Zanzibar beaches.
12-Day Signature Tanzania Honeymoon
A longer safari-and-sea journey allowing space to unwind.
Where to stay
Every coast has its own character.
Tides, beaches and atmosphere change from one side of the island to the other. We match your stay to the holiday you have in mind, or combine two coasts in one trip.
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North coast
Nungwi & Kendwa
Swimming at most tides, famous sunsets and a lively choice of beach restaurants.
Sunsets & swimming -
North-east coast
Matemwa & Kiwengwa
Long, quiet beaches facing Mnemba Atoll, ideal for snorkelling, diving and peaceful resort stays.
Reefs & relaxation -
South-east coast
Paje, Jambiani & Bwejuu
Wide tidal lagoons, seaweed farms and a laid-back village feel. Paje is a favourite for kitesurfing.
Lagoons & kitesurf -
The old town
Stone Town
Boutique heritage hotels for a night or two of culture, the Forodhani food market and rooftop sunsets.
Culture & food -
Beyond Zanzibar
Mafia & Pemba
Quieter islands for travellers who want more: seasonal whale sharks around Mafia and superb diving off Pemba.
Remote & wild
When to go
Warm all year, best when it is dry.
Zanzibar is warm in every month. The dry seasons from June to October and from December to February are the most popular, while the long rains, usually from late March to May, bring quieter beaches and lower rates.
- Jan Hot & dry
- Feb Hot & dry
- Mar Hot, rains begin
- Apr Long rains
- May Long rains
- Jun Dry & breezy
- Jul Dry & breezy
- Aug Dry & breezy
- Sep Dry & sunny
- Oct Dry & sunny
- Nov Short rains
- Dec Hot & dry
- Best time
- Good, with some showers
- Rainy season
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June to October
Cooler, breezy and dry. The perfect finish to a Great Migration safari in the northern Serengeti.
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December to February
The hottest months, with calm seas that are ideal for diving, snorkelling and long beach days.
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March to May
The green season brings quieter beaches and lower rates. Some resorts close during April and May.
Safari & beach
Start in the wild, finish on the beach.
The classic Tanzania journey: game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, then a short flight to Zanzibar to rest. We arrange every connection so the move from bush to beach is effortless.
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Choose your safari
Pick one of our safaris or tell us your dream route through the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
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Fly to the coast
Short scheduled flights link Arusha, Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti airstrips with Zanzibar.
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Unwind on the island
We meet you at Zanzibar airport and take you to your hotel for as many beach days as you like.
Before you go
Good to know for Zanzibar.
A few practical details make island time even easier. Our team shares everything you need in your pre-departure information.
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Getting there
Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), or take the fast ferry from Dar es Salaam in about two hours.
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Zanzibar travel insurance
International visitors currently need Zanzibar's own inbound travel insurance, separate from your personal policy.
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Dress and culture
Zanzibar is largely Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages; swimwear is for the beach and pool.
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Ramadan
During Ramadan some restaurants close by day, and visitors are asked to avoid eating and drinking in public.
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Plastic-free island
Tanzania's ban on plastic carrier bags applies in Zanzibar too, so please leave them at home.
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Money
US dollars and Tanzanian shillings are widely used. Bring recent, clean dollar notes for tips and markets.
