Zanzibar

Destination

Zanzibar

Where to stay

Lodges in Zanzibar.

12 lodges

AndBeyond Mnemba Island

From US$2,150 pps ยท per night

AndBeyond Mnemba Island

Exclusive yet unpretentious, andBeyond Mnemba Island is an award-winning private beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, and is an ideal location for relaxation after an exhilarating safari experience in the Masai Mara.

TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar

From US$180 pps ยท per night

TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar

At TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar, your vision of a tropical paradise is brought to life. Nestled on an immaculate sandy beach and enveloped by an exotic palm-studded garden, this opulent 5-star hotel, reminiscent of an Arabian palace, is the epitome of luxury on Zanzibar. Curate an indulgent and serene beach escape, tailored perfectly to your desires, whether for a romantic getaway or a family retreat. Delight in a variety of exquisite dining experiences at our selection of gourmet restaurants and bars

The Manta Resort

From US$440 pps ยท per night

The Manta Resort

Manta Resort nestles in the far north area of the tropical Pemba Island and is approximately 72 nautical miles north of Zanzibar. Set on a pristine white beach only meters away from the warm crystal blue waters, you can enjoy walks on the beach or dive amongst unspoilt coral reefs that teem with marine life.

The Melia Zanzibar

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Zanzibar, the Melia Hotel offers a tropical paradise with its sandy white beaches, coral reefs, and crystal blue waters. Elevating the vacation experience, it provides personalized services curated to guests' needs. With an array of food and beverage outlets, guests can explore and indulge in culinary delights. Additionally, the hotel offers a well-being space inspired by African techniques and traditions, ensuring a holistic retreat for mind and body.

Zanzibar GOLD Resort

Zanzibar GOLD Resort

Gold Zanzibar Beach House and Spa invites you to experience a tropical paradise on the pristine, tideless white sands of Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar. With its stunning location and expansive pool, everyone can find a private spot to unwind. Refresh yourself with the selection of juices and drinks, perfect for our endless summer. The award-winning chefs offer an exceptional ร  la carte menu at our beach restaurant, where you can savor delicious meals while enjoying breathtaking views of Zanzibar's golden sunsets.

Baraza Resort and Spa

From US$555 pps ยท per night

Baraza Resort and Spa

Baraza Resort and Spa is a luxurious beachfront retreat located on the island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. This exquisite resort offers an opulent blend of Swahili, Arabic, and Indian design elements, providing guests with a lavish and culturally rich experience. With its stunning white-sand beaches, elegant accommodations, gourmet dining options, and a world-class spa, Baraza Resort and Spa is a haven for travellers seeking a tranquil and indulgent escape in a tropical paradise.

The Palms Zanzibar

From US$455 pps ยท per night

The Palms Zanzibar

The Palms Zanzibar offers an exclusive and intimate experience with just seven villas, making it the ideal destination for a romantic and personalized getaway. Nestled amidst this sanctuary, guests will discover a haven of tranquillity, where the senses come alive, and the very essence of Zanzibar can be savoured. This enchanting island, where the harmonious blend of Arab, African, and European influences has given rise to a unique way of life, a delectable culinary tradition, and a vibrant mosaic of architecture, heritage, folklore, and enchantment, remains unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

Breezes Beach Club and Spa

From US$141 pps ยท per night

Breezes Beach Club and Spa

Breezes Beach Club and Spa is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the beautiful island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. This exquisite retreat offers guests an idyllic tropical escape with its pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush gardens. With a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation, Breezes Beach Club and Spa provide a tranquil oasis for travellers looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Zanzibar while indulging in top-notch amenities and warm hospitality.

Nungwi Dreams

From US$160 pps ยท per night

Nungwi Dreams

Located on the northern tip of Nungwi, Zanzibar's highest-rated and most pristine beach, Nungwi Dreams is an ocean-facing hotel that seamlessly blends modern architecture with subtle Swahili influences. Nungwi Dreams provides a perfect base for exploring Zanzibar's many attractions while offering a unique barefoot luxury experience. Guests can choose from bed and breakfast, half board, full board, or all-inclusive options, enjoying a fully-serviced hotel with a restaurant.

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

From US$1,100 pps ยท per night

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

Nestled along the unspoiled shores of Zanzibar, this exclusive haven offers an unrivalled fusion of tranquillity. Indulge in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, and enjoy the soft, cloud-like white sands mirroring the sky.

The Residence Zanzibar

From US$485 pps ยท per night

The Residence Zanzibar

The Residence Zanzibar is a luxury beachfront resort and offers an exquisite and tranquil escape, with elegant villas, beautiful gardens, and a stunning beachfront setting.

Z Hotel Zanzibar

From US$138 pps ยท per night

Z Hotel Zanzibar

Nestled amidst its exquisite beachfront location and renowned for its exceptional service, the Z Hotel Zanzibar has carved a niche for itself as a top choice for travellers seeking a romantic and upscale getaway in paradise. Moreover, for budget-conscious travellers, the Z Hotel Zanzibar offers an alluring opportunity to experience the splendour of this coastal gem without breaking the bank. CLOSED: 1 st April 2026 to 31st May 2026

The basics

Why, when, and where.

Why

Zanzibar is an attractive tropical island that pairs perfectly with a safari experience in Tanzania. Zanzibar boasts some of Africa's finest swimming beaches, world-class scuba diving sites, luxurious beachfront resorts, the finest spices in the world and a wide range of water sports. Whether you wish to spend your days relaxing on a tropical beach, exploring the cultural attractions of Stone Town, or indulging in several adventure activities, this island affords you the gift of choice and an unforgettable getaway.

When

Zanzibar has a tropical climate year-round, with breezes from the Indian Ocean that help to maintain its warm temperatures.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry months of spring. Another popular time to visit this tropical island is from December to February, when itโ€™s hot and dry. The ocean temperatures are perfect for swimming, diving or snorkelling.

The best times to scuba dive off the coast of Zanzibar are in July to August and February to March. Diving off the north coast is particularly good from June to October and off the south coast between November and March.

Zanzibar Island has two wet seasons, the long rains and the short rains. The long rains in Zanzibar begin in March and pick up in April and May, slowing down by June, while the short rains fall in November and December. We donโ€™t recommend visiting Zanzibar during the rainy seasons.

Where

Stone Town

The heart and soul of the island and the oldest part of Zanzibar City, with a rich cultural heritage of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European elements. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has winding alleys and old Arabic-style buildings, and you can temporarily lose yourself in the townโ€™s magic. Soak up the local culture by sipping a cup of coffee from a local vendor or wandering through the streets, discovering unique little spots at every turn.

Palace Museum

Commonly known as the Sultanโ€™s Palace, the Palace Museum is perhaps the most historic building in Stone Town and is a must-see for any traveller. The Palace Museum is located in the waterfront, overlooking the ocean, and was built in the 19th century as a home for the Sultan and his family. After the 1964 revolution, the site was used as a Government building and was renamed the Peopleโ€™s Palace. Today, the palace serves as a museum showcasing relics from the past Sultan family.

House of Wonders

The House of Wonders rises in impressive tiers of slender steel pillars and balconies overlooking the waterfront. Its enormous carved doors are said to be the largest in East Africa, flanked by two bronze cannons with Portuguese inscriptions dating them to the 16th century. It boasts a highly interesting exhibition that offers a brilliant insight into Zanzibari and Swahili culture. The House of Wonders is the grandest and tallest building in all of Stone Town and is found in a prominent location in front of the Forodhani Gardens on the old townโ€™s seafront.

The Old Fort

The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort, is located on the seafront, right in front of the famous Forodhani Gardens. Originally built in the 17th century to defend the island from attacks from the Portuguese, the Old Fort is one of Stone Townโ€™s main sights. Visitors can admire the remains of the former fort and amble around the courtyard in the centre, where sellers have local produce for sale. An old amphitheatre still hosts events and functions in the fort.

Prison Island

A half-hour boat trip from Zanzibar, Prison Island provides a fascinating glimpse into the islandโ€™s slightly dark past โ€“ this land was once used as a place where slaves were detained and, when slavery was abolished, it functioned as a camp where people with deadly diseases were sent. Fortunately, that is all in the past, and today the island is a nature reserve for giant tortoises and a place to see the ruins of the former prison.

Jozani Forest

A vast, scenic landscape of green, Jozani is the last indigenous forest left on Zanzibar. Located inland from Chwaka Bay, the area often floods, which luckily nurtures a unique swamp forest of many amazing-looking trees and ferns. This forest is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world for the red Colobus monkey and is also a great place to encounter indigenous flora and fauna. The forest is best reached via bus, chartered taxi, or organised tour.

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi is a village on Zanzibarโ€™s Northwestern tip. The aquarium on the north coast of Nungwi, near the lighthouse, rears small turtles found on the beach until they are large enough, and then releases them to survive in the sea. The aquarium is a natural pond with seawater that seeps through the cliff at high tide. This is a great destination for those looking to soak up some sun and dip their toes in the sea, but donโ€™t need the luxury of a fancy hotel.

Spice Tour

Zanzibar is known for its spice trade, so what better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than learning about its wealthiest and most profitable industry? Travellers can choose from a variety of tours and explore the winding streets with expert tour guides who will inform you about the origins of the industry and teach you about the wide variety of spices that Zanzibar produces and trades in.

Imagery

Zanzibar, in pictures.

Recent travellers

Word from people who have just been to Zanzibar.

Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Zanzibar, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.

"Sara was recommended from friends that she helped plan a safari for in 2024. She extremely helpful and set up alternate itineraries for us with detailed day by day and cost estimates. She patiently talked us several pro/โ€ฆ"
US ยท with Sara Van Coillie
"Candis and Dolan were exceptional from the moment we made contact. Theyโ€™ve answered all of our questions, provided great suggestions, were responsive and efficient in all bookings for this trip (safari, day trips, transfโ€ฆ"
CA ยท with Candis Sequera
"Keith has been amazing with helping us book our trip! We booked it very last minute as we havenโ€™t had time and as this is our honeymoon we wanted it to be very special. Keith has checked in continuously to make sure weโ€™rโ€ฆ"
GB ยท with Keith Kudzai Chideme
"Zene was exceptional - very patient with us as we went through many questions and alternatives as first time travelers to Africa."
IT ยท with Zene Devine

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