Zanzibar holidays are where sensory pleasures and mystical romance collide. Lying off the coast of Tanzania, the Spice Island has three distinct influences: Africa, the Middle East and Asia have each found a home here in Zanzibar’s melting pot culture.
Luxury-seekers, adventurers and itinerant travellers have long been seduced by Zanzibar’s charms. The island’s beaches offer a castaway escape for well-heeled nomads and romantics alike, whose perfect day is bookended by a beachside cocktail or sunset dhow cruise. Action-addicts on a Zanzibar holiday will want to dive Mnemba Reef, catch the breeze kitesurfing, or claim the perfect catch deep-sea fishing. Foodies will savour Zanzibar’s local markets and spice farms, while history junkies will get their fix wandering the cobbled streets of Stone Town.
Easily-accessible but fittingly far-flung, a Zanzibar holiday from South Africa will leave you with memories of lazy beach days, vivid explorations of the island’s undersea treasures, and the lingering flavours of a fascinating blended culture.
Search our all inclusive holiday packages and Zanzibar deals to plan your getaway. Keep an eye on our Zanzibar Specials page for amazing holiday deals to Zanzibar!
For a similar island getaway experience browse our Seychelles holiday packages, Maldives holiday packages and Mauritius holiday packages.
Only a 4-hour flight from Johannesburg, Zanzibar holidays from South Africa give travellers a quick and convenient island escape
Zanzibar’s weather is best between June and October, and between December and February
Avoid booking a holiday in Zanzibar between March and May, as this is when the island experiences heavy rains
Zanzibar holidays offer beautiful beaches, warm swimming seas, unbeatable diving, interesting history and an exotic culture
Couples and honeymooners will fall in love with Zanzibar’s mystical romance
Families with teenagers and groups of friends on holiday in Zanzibar will discover the island is packed with fun for everyone
Stone Town - Discover Stone Town’s history and culture on a walking tour.
Spice Gardens - Explore the Spice Island’s namesake at a traditional spice plantation.
Jozani Forest - View the endangered red colobus monkey up close at Jozani Forest.
Mnemba Reef - Dive Mnemba Reef for great sightings of turtles and dolphins.
Kitesurfing - Shallow seas and high winds make Paje Beach perfect for kitesurfing.
Scuba Diving - Dive over 25 different sites sporting diverse reefs and marine life.
Sunset Dhow Cruise - Be swept away by Zanzibar’s romance on a sunset dhow cruise.
Fishing - Claim the perfect catch when you go deep-sea fishing in Zanzibar.
Book an all inclusive Zanzibar holiday package that includes your meals and drinks, as your options are limited outside hotels and resorts.
Holiday in Zanzibar on the north coast of the island for moderate tides; if you stay on the east coast, you have access to the island’s most idyllic beaches, but the tides here may mean a walk to swim or snorkel.
Spend at least 1 or 2 nights in Stone Town soaking up its unique heritage and taking in the views from a rooftop bar at sunset.
Pack a pair of comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a walking tour of Stone Town.
Before you go on holiday in Zanzibar, check with your travel clinic about vaccinations and Malarial medication.
Mosquitoes are annoying: travel with bug spray and beat the buzzing beasts by closing windows at night, covering up after dark and sleeping beneath mosquito nets.
Pack sunscreen and a hat for sunny days and a light jersey for cooler nights.
If you plan on snorkeling you might prefer to take your own mask and snorkel rather than use the one provided by your resort.
Tipping in Zanzibar is customary but discretionary: take dollars in small denominations to tip guides, waiters, porters and housecleaning staff.
For a less crowded holiday in Zanzibar, Nungwi in the north is private and its beaches are less affected by the tidal range.
