Zanzibar Planning Guide – Everything You Need to Plan Your Dream Island Holiday

Zanzibar is one of Africa’s most enchanting beach destinations — famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rich Swahili culture, and world-class resorts. Whether you’re visiting after a Tanzania safari or planning a stand-alone beach holiday, this Zanzibar Planning Guide will help you prepare the perfect trip.

📌 Why Visit Zanzibar?

• Crystal-clear Indian Ocean beaches

• Luxury beachfront resorts & private villas

• Historical Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Water activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin tours

• Romantic sunsets — perfect for honeymoons

• Delicious Swahili food & spices

• Easily combined with Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & other Tanzania safaris

📅 Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

⭐ Best Overall: June – October

Perfect weather, low humidity, blue skies, and calm seas.

💙 Also Great: December – February

Warm & sunny — ideal for beach relaxation and diving.

🌧️ Avoid: April – May

This is the long-rain season.

📍 Top Places to Visit in Zanzibar

1. Stone Town

• Spice markets

• Old architecture

• Seafood restaurants

• Prison Island boat tour

2. Nungwi (North Coast)

• Best beaches

• Nightlife

• Sunset dhow cruises

• Turtle conservation center

3. Kendwa

• Calm water (no strong tides)

• Great for swimming

• Amazing sunset beaches

4. Paje (East Coast)

• Kite surfing capital

• Young, vibrant beach scene

• White-powder beaches

5. Jambiani

• Quiet, peaceful village

• Perfect for couples or slow travel

6. Mnemba Island

• Exclusive luxury island

• Best snorkeling in Zanzibar

⛵ Top Activities & Things to Do

• Snorkeling at Mnemba Island

• Spice Farm Tour

• Safari Blue Full-Day Tour

• Dolphin Tour in Kizimkazi

• Prison Island + Tortoise Sanctuary

• Sandbank Picnics

• Dhow Sunset Cruise

• Diving at Tumbatu & Mnemba reefs

• Quad bike village tour

🏨 Where to Stay in Zanzibar

Luxury Resorts

• Zuri Zanzibar

• The Residence Zanzibar

• Melia Zanzibar

• Baraza Resort & Spa

Mid-range Stays

• Zanzibar Queen Hotel

• Kendwa Rocks

• Tembo Hotel

Budget Options

• New Teddy’s on the Beach (Paje)

• Nungwi Dreams

• Lost & Found Hostel (Stone Town)

💵 Zanzibar Costs & Budget

Accommodation

• Budget: $25 – $60 per night

• Mid-range: $70 – $180

• Luxury: $250 – $1,000+

Meals

• Local restaurants: $5 – $12

• Beach hotels: $15 – $30 per meal

Activities

• Safari Blue: $45 – $70

• Mnemba snorkeling: $35 – $50

• Spice tour: $10 – $20

• Dolphin tour: $20 – $30

🚖 Transport in Zanzibar

• Airport → Hotel transfers

• Taxis

• Dala-Dalas (local minibuses)

• Car rentals

• Motorbikes & scooters

• Guided tours

Musabi Serengeti Safaris can organize safe & comfortable transfers anywhere in Zanzibar.

🎒 What to Pack for Zanzibar

• Light beach clothes

• Sun hat + sunscreen

• Swimwear

• Flip-flops + sandals

• Snorkeling gear (optional)

• Light shawl for Stone Town

• Waterproof phone bag

• Power bank

• Insect repellent

⚠️ Travel Tips

• Respect local culture (Zanzibar is Muslim)

• Dress modestly in Stone Town & villages

• Always confirm taxi prices before boarding

• Avoid unlicensed beach vendors

• Drink bottled water

• Keep your belongings safe at the beach

❤️ Combine Zanzibar With a Safari

Zanzibar is the perfect ending to your Tanzania safari.
Popular safari + beach combinations:

• Serengeti + Zanzibar (7–10 Days)

• Ngorongoro + Tarangire + Zanzibar

• 5-Day Safari + 4-Day Zanzibar Honeymoon

• 10-Day Wildlife Safari + Luxury Zanzibar

Musabi Serengeti Safaris can plan both safaris + Zanzibar beach holidays for you.