Hawksbill,Sea,Turtle,Swimming,In,Indian,Ocean,In,Seychelles

Be inspired

Zanzibar Travel Guide

Tailor-made holidays with a focus on hand picked boutique hotels and luxury hideaways

Let's plan your perfect trip

“Pole pole” - embrace island life on the finest beaches in the world!

Zanzibar is an island paradise of over 50 islands, with fine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. Perfect for beach lovers and adventurers alike, Zanzibar offers world-class diving, snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and the thrill of cruising on a traditional dhow. Beyond the beaches, immerse yourself in history by wandering Stone Town’s maze of alleyways, marvel at the 17th-century Arab Fort, and visit spice plantations where you can smell and taste cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Spot the rare Red Colobus Monkey in Jozani Forest, and let Zanzibar’s beauty and relaxed pace of life enchant you.

A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Zanzibar holiday today.

One Drive James Consultant Profile Image
"I like to get into the depth of a country and then some! I believe that a perfect holiday is designed by people with passion, who truly know their destinations."
James O’Farrell, Director

Zanzibar map

Butiama Beach Lodge

A relaxing barefoot beach retreat on the untouched west coast of Mafia Island!

Read more

Pole Pole Bungalows

A laid-back eco beach lodge set within a stunning marine national park!

Read more

Sharazad Boutique Hotel

A charming beachfront haven offering relaxation and exceptional Zanzibari hospitality.

Read more

Pongwe Beach Hotel

A relaxing coastal retreat offering barefoot luxury and a true taste of Zanzibar!

Read more

The Pongwe resort was a little bit of paradise. The family chalet with 2 bedrooms and stunning views over the bays with morning coffee was excellent. The food was first-class hotel standard and the staff were so friendly, I have never seen so many people smile so genuinely. It was so relaxing and we totally loved it.

The Dunn Family, Zanzibar

Zanzibar was beautiful and relaxing – we absolutely loved Unguja Lodge, everything was so relaxed, real barefoot luxury. The owners are a great couple, their family was there for the holidays too. Only one other couple there, so great service and solitude. We travel a lot, and have seen many countries and places but Zanzibar and Unguja Lodge are the first place we truly would return for a second visit.

Tracey Newman, Zanzibar

Unguja Beach lodge was just heaven. 12 steps from our own golden beach. Dinner every night was outstanding as were all the staff throughout our stay.

Laura Potts, Zanzibar

We had a wonderful time away, beautiful setting and such great staff. Especially Pongwe – again staff, food, location fantastic!

Emily Baker, Tanzania & Zanzibar
Read more reviews on Trustpilot
tatenda-mapigoti-pRR1MRQZRUc-unsplash

Talk to us about your perfect trip to Zanzibar

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Zanzibar holiday today.

Let's plan your perfect trip

Weather in Zanzibar

Zanzibar, an idyllic island off the coast of Tanzania, enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. The island’s weather is influenced by the Indian Ocean, offering year-round warmth, perfect for beach holidays, diving, and exploring its rich culture. Understanding Zanzibar’s weather patterns will help you make the most of your tropical getaway.

The Green Season (March–May & November–December): Warm and Rainy
During the green season, Zanzibar experiences the long rains (March–May) and short rains (November–December), with temperatures averaging between 25–30°C (77–86°F). This is when the island becomes lush and vibrant, with occasional heavy downpours, mostly in the afternoon or evening. While the rains can make some outdoor activities trickier, the reduced number of tourists and the lush scenery make this a peaceful time to visit. It’s also a great period for birdwatching, and the ocean is still warm enough for diving and snorkelling.

The Dry Season (June–October): Ideal for Sun and Sea
The dry season is the most popular time to visit Zanzibar, with clear skies, plenty of sunshine, and pleasant temperatures ranging from 22–28°C (72–82°F). This is perfect beach weather, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The dry season offers calm seas, making it great for diving, snorkelling, and exploring the coral reefs. It’s also the best time for cultural experiences, exploring Stone Town, and enjoying the island’s vibrant atmosphere. This period is also when the island sees more visitors, so booking in advance is recommended.

wildebeest

Get In Touch With A Zanzibar Expert Today

Let's plan your perfect trip
christine-donaldson-I7KBqnjN9xM-unsplash

The Sundowner way

about-us-woman

It's about you

We create exceptional holidays, unique to you, managed in a way that makes everything easy for you, with the aim of surpassing your expectations every step of the way.

about-us-man

Real travel experts

Our travel expertise ensures authentic experiences, fantastic boutique hotels and outstanding guides that help create unforgettable holiday moments.

Peace of mind

  • Unbeatable prices
  • Our price promise
  • A focus on owner-run properties
  • Ideas & advice from true specialists
  • Wonderful guides to steer the way
  • 24-hour emergency support
  • Financial protection from ATOL
  • Superb sundowner ideas!